CQUniversity Launches Free Online Course To Help Local Businesses Decarbonise

CQUniversity Australia has officially launched its new micro-credential course, "Decarbonisation and Gas Emissions Scopes."  This free, online course aims to equip local small and medium businesses with the essential skills and knowledge needed to tackle the challenges of decarbonisation.

The course is designed to empower small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, managers, and employees with the foundational knowledge required to begin their decarbonisation journey.  It offers timely, practical support for businesses looking to future-proof operations amidst increasing climate pressures and evolving industries.

Developed with funding from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and delivered through the Chair of Automation and Future Work Skills in collaboration with Greater Whitsunday Alliance, the course provides a practical first step for businesses to understand how to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Professor Rob Brown, BMA Chair in Automation and Future Work Skills at CQUniversity, stated the course is "free, short, and designed specifically for busy professionals—particularly those in regional industries."  He added that CQUniversity is delighted to be involved in an educational project that links the mutual interests of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance, BMA, and the region on this important topic.

Participants will explore different scopes of greenhouse gas emissions, climate impacts, and real-world decarbonisation, from daily business decisions to long-term strategy.  The course takes approximately two hours to complete and includes a digital badge and Certificate of Completion.

Sonia Winter, BMA General Manager, Planning Technical & Environment, expressed enthusiasm for their participation in the new micro-credential course, stating, "We are delighted to participate [in] the development of this important decarbonisation course which will assist and encourage SME businesses to start their decarbonisation journey."

The launch of this course signifies a broader shift in the Greater Whitsunday region, where decarbonisation is increasingly viewed as a unique opportunity rather than solely a challenge.

Ms. Kylie Porter, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Whitsunday Alliance, emphasized that decarbonisation is not just about reducing emissions but also about "securing the future viability of our traditional sectors and creating opportunities in emerging industries."  She added that "every action we take today can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow for our region,"  and that "whether you're in agribusiness, tourism, resources or tech—your role in the low-carbon economy of the future matters."

Ms. Porter noted that the course is about "demystifying those first steps," requiring willingness to start rather than expertise.

This micro-credential course is part of GW3's Decarbonisation Accelerated program, which has been working with local businesses and stakeholders in the decarbonisation space for the past two years. This course complements Decarbonisation Accelerated by offering accessible, self-paced education for individuals across all industries. Ms. Porter concluded, "We want our region to be recognised globally for our leadership in lower greenhouse gas emissions growth. The businesses that take this step today will be the success stories of tomorrow."

The "Decarbonisation and Gas Emissions Scopes" micro-credential course will be discussed in detail at the Resource Industry Network's June Industry Briefing Breakfast on June 13.

Key Course Information:

Title: Decarbonisation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Scopes
Mode: Online, self-paced
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Cost: Free
Target Audience: SME owners, managers, and employees (across all industries)
Enrol Now: CQUniversity Course Page

This micro-credential is part of CQUniversity's expanding library of short courses focused on future skills, innovation, and sustainable development, supporting regional goals and addressing national and global climate commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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