Course description

The Certified User Training covers the internationally recognised Hydropower Sustainability Standard and its application to improve the sustainability performance of hydropower projects in Asia-Pacific. 

Participants will get a comprehensive understanding of the international good and best practices and learn the skills to make informed choices when planning, constructing or operating hydropower projects.

The course will be delivered virtually over 2.5 days. At the end of the course, the participants will need to complete an exam to be accredited as Certified Users of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.



Registration details

This Certified User Training course will take place virtually on 20-22 November 2023 from 9 to 5 pm Bangkok time.

The standard rate for the training course is £950 + VAT per participant. Registration is only confirmed upon payment. 

Members of the IHA and the HS Council as well as participants of the World Hydropower Congress 2023 are eligible for a 10% discount. Group discounts are available for groups above 5.

Course outcomes

  • Increased sustainability knowledge

    Participants will have a thorough understanding of the history, structure, content and value of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard

  • Heightened confidence in hydropower decision-making

    Understand international good and best practices to make informed choices when planning, constructing or operating hydropower projects

  • Improved ability to assess project performance

    Have the skills and competencies to support and manage sustainability assessments of hydropower projects

Course curriculum

    1. Meet your trainers

    2. Course outline, objectives and structure

    1. Hydropower benefits and statistics

    2. Principles of sustainable hydropower

    3. Introduction to the Hydropower Sustainability Standard

    4. Application of the HS Standard

    5. Business value and unlocking funding opportunities

    6. Structure and reporting templates

    7. Performance requirements

    8. Sustainability issues for projects in Asia-Pacific

    1. Assessment process

    2. Roles and responsibilities

    3. Assessment phases and activities

    4. View, Review, Interview

    5. Interview skills

    6. Scoring process and finding gaps

    7. Assessing project performance for HS Certification

    1. Developing an action plan

    2. Course review

    3. Exam

    4. Reflection and feedback

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this course right for me?

    This course offers a dynamic and thorough look into hydropower sustainability. You will learn how to apply an internationally recognised framework to elevate hydropower development in the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Am I right for this course?

    Yes! We encourage applications from professionals with all levels of knowledge and experience.

  • Will I receive a certificate?

    Yes. Participants who successfully complete the exam will receive an official certificate and will be accredited as Certified Users of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

  • What happens if I fail the exam?

    Not to worry, if you fail your first attempt at the exam, you will be able to resit the exam at a later date.

  • How much does this course cost?

    The cost of this training is £950 + VAT per participant. Members of the IHA and the HS Council as well as participants of the World Hydropower Congress 2023 are eligible for a 10% discount. UK based participants: please contact [email protected] to arrange payment.

  • What is the difference between a Certified User and an Accredited Assessor Training?

    Certified User training enables you to undertake unofficial assessments within your organisation. You can also prepare an organisation for an official assessment to be conducted by an independent Accredited Assessor, as well as lead on assessment follow up activities. Accredited Assessor training enables you to provide commercial services using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, most notably conducting official assessments for external organisations. The decision on which course is right for you will often depend on the organisation you work for and your career path. If you need to discuss which course is best for you please contact our training team.