Module 1 - Sustainability mapping and gapping: finding what matters to your business
Module aim
This module will guide SMEs participants through an exercise of ‘mapping and gapping’ sustainability issues, to identify the most relevant and valuable issues for their business. Participants will leave knowing where to start on the sustainability journey and what issues to start focusing on.
Module content
Part one: Mapping
- What does sustainability mean to your business?
- Where are you now on the sustainability journey?
Part two: Gapping
- What are your most top three prominent sustainability issues for your business (i.e. energy use, waste, engagement, community impact)?
- What are the biggest costs, barriers, and risks?
Learning outcomes
A one-page “Sustainability map and gaps plan”, indicating the top three sustainability issues and one action to start tackling each identified gaps.
Learning highlights
- Three hours in-person training at the Centre for Training for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) and the University of Surrey.
- One hour online ‘accountability and implementation’ follow-up session, 30 days after the module.
- Permanent access to the learning materials.
- Ongoing support through the CIFAL Surrey exclusive SMEs sustainability peer-to-peer learning group.
- UNITAR certificate for professional development, upon successful completion of the module.
- Access to a calendar of events held by CIFAL Surrey and the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey.
Key information
- Module date: Friday 24 April 2026 from 9am to 12:30pm
- Location: Thomas Telford Building, Institute for Sustainability, Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey
- Price:
- For the single module £599 (VAT exempt) – book via CIFAL Surrey online store
- Register for the whole programme (5 modules) and receive one module free: £2,396 (VAT exempt) (instead of £2,995) - if interested in this option please get in touch to apply at: cifal@surrey.ac.uk
- Concession tickets: we have two concession tickets available for local micro and small enterprises. Please get in touch to apply at: cifal@surrey.ac.uk
- Group discounts: we offer discounted packages for groups of 3 employees and above. Please get in touch to apply at: cifal@surrey.ac.uk.
- Book your place: book online.
Sustainability for SMEs
Sustainability for SMEs is about staying competitive, adaptable, and future-ready. This hands-on training series is built for busy small and medium enterprises that want to become resilient, engage stakeholders, and tell their sustainability story with confidence.