A professional certificate for a low-carbon future

Filed Under: EARTH News
Date: June 30th, 2021

International collaboration and quality education are two vital steps along the pathway to achieving a successful global transition to clean energy – and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Semana Presencial at the Guacimo Campus

Since 2010, EARTH University in Costa Rica has partnered with Renewables Academy AG (RENAC) in Germany to train teachers, students, and professionals in topics related to alternative energies. In 2015, that relationship – powered by the crucial support of KFW DEG and develoPPP.de – yielded the Especialización en Energías Renovables, a distance-learning certificate course for professionals eager to implement renewable-energy technologies throughout Latin America.

In 2019, Colombian process engineer Valeria Bravo heard about the program and decided to enroll – not only for her personal interest in the topics of solar thermals and photovoltaics, but also for how the new knowledge and skills would benefit her employer and, by extension, her country. Bravo works for Azimut Energía, a Medellín-based company that maximizes energy efficiency for client businesses.

Valeria working with her classmates

To Bravo, the course was a uniquely enriching experience. It reinforced and deepened the knowledge she already had, corrected misconceptions, and expanded her thinking. She collaborated with expert professors and classmates from different countries, contexts, and disciplines. She had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica to be part of the Semana Presencial, a week-long field experience at our Guácimo Campus, just before the onset of the pandemic.

“I think people should take advantage of this learning opportunity,” Bravo says. “It was affordably priced, high-quality in terms of content and teaching methods, and multiculturally invaluable, for the chance to learn alongside professionals from countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica.”

The coursework was designed to be highly flexible, so students may work at their preferred pace to complete the modules through self-study materials, virtual classroom time, and videoconferences. Still, a steady commitment of around 15 hours per week is necessary to take full advantage.

The Class of 2020

“I consider this certificate program to be especially important because the world urgently needs to migrate to other sources of energy production as well as reduce energy inefficiencies,” Bravo adds. “We must all recognize the planet’s needs, be conscious of our overconsumption, and act accordingly.”

To learn more about the Especialización en Energías Renovables, click here.