Program Overview

Detailed view of the underside of a lizard foot

With over 96% of all manufactured goods touched by the chemistry enterprise, there is an urgent need for professionals who can lead the chemicals sector to one that simultaneously maximizes product function while addressing climate change and sustainability concerns. The challenges posed by many commercial chemicals to society, the climate and the environment have become increasingly clear in recent years as have the solutions to those challenges.

The Certificate Program in Green Chemistry for Climate and Sustainability is committed to teaching Green Chemistry and Green Engineering applications to address global and local challenges related to both the Global South as well as industrialized nations, and will include fundamental knowledge of the drivers, barriers and opportunities to implement safer chemicals and processes. As the global community pursues the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, companies will be looking for guidance from professionals trained in sustainable practices.

This program is designed for public, private and nonprofit professionals and advanced students who share an interest in creating a more sustainable chemical enterprise. The program does not require an extensive background in chemistry. 

Key Learning Goals

  • beads of water on a tropical leaf
    Gain a deeper understanding of the applicability and power of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering principles to global and local challenges in both the Global South and industrialized nations as the chemical enterprise transitions in response to climate and sustainability needs. 
  • Evaluate and integrate the knowledge and tools available to defossilize and reduce hazard within the chemical enterprise using the intersection between science and technology in combination with the societal, economic, policy, cultural, moral and ethical ecosystem. 
  • Learn about the innovative power of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering to create sustainable solutions.
  • Leverage opportunities and learn how to overcome barriers to creating sustainable businesses by examining business and environmental regulatory drivers.
  • Learners will expand a world-wide professional network and develop the skills to become leaders in the chemical enterprise as it responds to climate and sustainability challenges.

Who Should Apply

chemistry sample holder in the lab

Public, private, and nonprofit professionals, and advanced students from both the Global South and industrialized nations who share an interest in creating a more sustainable chemical enterprise. This program does not require an extensive background in chemistry.

Current and next-generation practitioners from around the globe eager to learn from the world’s foremost experts in Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, as well as related fields and alongside a worldwide network of online learners. 

Leaders who want to champion de-fossilization and the minimization of undesired biological and environmental impacts of the chemical enterprise as it transitions in response to climate and sustainability challenges. 

 

Information Sessions

15 Jan

Register for January 15 Info Session and Q&A

  • 8:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Eastern Standard Time
13 Feb

Register for February 13 Info Session and Q&A

  • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Eastern Standard Time
01 Apr

Register for April 1 Info Session and Q&A

  • 8:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Eastern Daylight Time
30 Apr

Register for April 30 Info Session and Q&A

  • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Eastern Daylight Time

Program Outline


Program Length

Mid-August, 2025 through Mid-May, 2026

Time Commitment and Workload

This fully online program is designed to be flexible with your work schedules and commitments. You should expect to spend 5-7 hours per week on the different types of course materials. While most of the material will be provided asynchronously, there will be a scheduled weekly 1.25-hour synchronous session with all online learners.

Cost

The tuition for the entire program is $7,500. Financial support through scholarships is available on a competitive basis.


Paul Anastas

Paul Anastas

Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment;
Yale School of the Environment
Julie Zimmerman

Julie Zimmerman

Vice Provost for Planetary Solutions: Yale University.
Professor: Yale School of the Environment; Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Margaret Kerr

Margaret Kerr

Visiting Professor and Director of Education, Center for Green Chemistry and Engineering
Yale School of the Environment