About the SEA Credential

The Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) is a professional credential that recognizes foundational knowledge of sustainability principles, systems thinking, and organizational sustainability practices.

The SEA credential is issued and administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and is intended for individuals seeking to build a structured understanding of sustainability concepts and their application across industries and professional roles.

This page describes a preparation program designed to support candidates planning to sit for the SEA examination.

The course does not issue the SEA credential. Candidates earn the credential by meeting GBCI’s eligibility requirements and successfully passing the official SEA exam.

The Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) exam assesses understanding of sustainability concepts, systems thinking, and how sustainability principles are applied within organizational and professional contexts.

This exam preparation program is designed to help learners:

Develop a clear and structured understanding of sustainability fundamentals
Translate sustainability frameworks into practical, real-world application
Strengthen conceptual thinking required for professional sustainability exams
Approach the SEA exam with confidence and clarity

The program is particularly suited for:

Students and recent graduates entering sustainability-related roles
Early-career sustainability professionals
Professionals supporting sustainability initiatives across functions such as operations, finance, procurement, HR, and asset management

The focus of this course is conceptual mastery and practical insight, not memorization.

At the Built Environment Institute (BEI), sustainability is not taught as theory alone, but as a career-defining capability. This program reflects BEI’s mission to equip professionals with the knowledge, mindset, and practical skills needed to stay relevant, competitive, and impactful in a rapidly changing world. It is designed for learners who want to advance their careers while contributing meaningfully to sustainability outcomes—proving that it is possible to do well professionally while doing good for society and the environment.

Through this course, learners develop the confidence to engage with sustainability concepts, support sustainability initiatives within their organizations, and build a purposeful career that remains relevant over time. You will learn how to do well by doing good—and how to build a career in sustainability while helping shape a more resilient and responsible future.

Course Instructor

Jawad AlTamimi is a sustainability and built environment professional with experience across sustainability strategy, green building practices, and professional education. His work focuses on translating sustainability concepts into practical, real-world application, helping professionals from diverse backgrounds build relevant skills and long-term career value in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

As part of the Built Environment Institute (BEI), Jawad contributes to the development of structured learning programs that support career growth while promoting responsible and sustainable practices. His approach to education reflects BEI’s philosophy of doing well by doing good—advancing professional capability while creating positive impact for organizations, communities, and the environment.

Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA)

8 Hours of Interactive training
study toolkit
Exam Simulator
Free Preview of course content
Instructor Support

The SEA credential covers core sustainability concepts to include demonstrated familiarity
with the core issues, trends, concepts, and frameworks of sustainability. It’s designed for
those interested in sustainability concepts and seeking to better understand sustainability
strategies and initiatives that they support in their organization, including:

Students, recent graduates, or early career professionals.
Aspiring and active sustainability professionals
Professionals seeking to implement and support sustainability initiatives in organizations and roles of all industries, including mid-career professionals who might not directly support sustainability as part of their job, such as staff across a wide range of roles like HR, purchasing, finance, operations, etc.

You will learn how to do well by doing good!
Learn how to build your career in sustainability and help save the world on your way up!

Learn the foundational concepts and strategies needed to pursue sustainability in an organization or business.
Provide credibility for employers of your established skillset through a third-party verification.
Advance career opportunities by standing out in a quickly-expanding and competitive field.
Demonstrate competency to lead sustainability initiatives at organizations and communities of any kind with prospective employers and your professional network.
Gain access to a growing community of credential holders.

Jawad is a highly accomplished Built-Environment professional with over 12 years of experience leading and mentoring teams to build and execute effective business strategies. He has managed a diverse portfolio of over 450 buildings, covering more than 3.4 KM2 of retail, shopping mall, residential, and commercial spaces, bringing efficiency and enhancing performance.

His primary focus is on integrating technology to achieve sustainability in facilities management, and he has implemented innovative solutions such as AI and IoT to offset 60,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions - the equivalent of planting one million tree seedlings for 10 years or driving 13,000 cars for a year.

As a mechanical engineer with expertise in facility management, community management, asset management, retail delivery, business strategy, sustainability, and energy management, Jawad holds several esteemed industry certifications, including CFM and FMP from IFMA, CEM from AEE, VMA from SAVE International, and M100 from CAI. He is also a member of professional organizations such as IFMA, AEE, CAIME, and the International Built-Environment Institute. Join his course to earn your CFM credential, and learn more about creating a sustainable Built-Environment through innovation.