About this course

This online training course has been designed to provide an encompassing introduction of the SKArating scheme whether one is a client and wishes to know how SKArating can drive and support sustainability efforts; project team members who wish to understand how to work with this scheme; or professionals looking to take the next step on the SKArating Professional Pathways.

This online learning course is essential learning for all Architects, Interior Designers, Contractors, M&E Engineers, Project Managers, Portfolio/Asett Managers, Estimators/Quantity Surveyors and Environmental Consultants and supply chain specialists who wish to fully engage with sustainability drives and feel confident working with environmental assessment methodologies.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Build a base of your Sustainability knowledge and what it means to aim and deliver a sustainable fit-out project and space.
  • Understand the appropriate projects to use SKArating on.
  • Understand the SKArating philosophy, assessment methodology and general governance of the scheme.
  • Learn the key characteristics of the scheme, how to achieve a specific rating, what tools and documents are available to refer to and how to read them.
  • Understand how to apply the SKArating process to a one-off interior fit-out project, across a property portfolio/estate and on a rollout of branded stores.
  • Understand how to assess issues with evidence examples, as compliant or not.
  • Explore working with the project team and accessing details of an assessment via the online platform.
  • Find out about SKArating Pilot assessments for sector schemes not currently live or for international project locations that add to options for clients.


There is on-going testing of your knowledge throughout the lessons which forms part of the learning process. At the end of the training course there is an opportunity to sit an exam and obtain the course certificate. 

This course is the 1st step on the SKArating Professional Pathways. Delegates that wish to follow the SKArating Professional Pathways to become either an Assessor or a Competent Professional are required to sit this course and pass the final exam before taking next steps. The online exam is open book, multiple choice and forms part of the learning process. It is time restricted and must be passed within two months, but it can be taken as many times as you wish within this window. Following this time period, extensions can be purchased at extra cost per month of extension.

Course price includes VAT.

Benefits of this course include:

  • Knowledge of core facts on SKArating

    Feel confident working with the scheme and understanding others talking about it on a project. - Know when it is the right tool for the job and enable right decision-making.

  • Understand SKArating in implementation and delivery

    Gain knowledge to plan ahead required good practice processes needed in the procurement, design and delivery activities. Ensure the correct and needed timescales and resources are enabled from the start and opportunities are maximised.

  • In practice, what to expect?

    Insightful explanations from real-life experience and implementation are shared, enabling you to integrate immediately in project designs and delivery processes.

Course curriculum

    1. A message from the instructor

    2. How to use this course area

    3. Recommended Reading

    4. Before we begin...Help us understand who is taking this course.

    5. Introduction, Course Content and Pathways

    6. Before we begin...Sharpen your objectives for taking this course.

    7. Foundation Handbook v8

    8. SKA Foundation - Course Presentation

    1. Part 1 Lesson 1 - Sustainable Development & Sustainability

    2. Part 1 Lesson 2 - Circularity

    3. Part 1 Lesson 3 - Sustainable fit-out and benchmarking

    4. Part 1 - Quiz

    1. Part 2 Lesson 1 - Introducing SKArating

    2. Part 2 Lesson 2 - Governance and vision

    3. Part 2 Lesson 3 - Selecting the right scheme

    4. Part 2 Lesson 4 - SKArating Principles and Characteristics

    5. Part 2 - Quiz

    1. Part 3 Lesson 1 - Assessment Methodology

    2. Part 3 Lesson 2 - Good Practice Measures - introduction

    3. Part 3 Lesson 3 - Good Practice Measures - creation

    4. Part 3 Lesson 4 - Scoping - introduction

    5. Part 3 Lesson 5 - Ranking

    6. Part 3 Lesson 6 Scheme scoring & ratings

    7. Part 3 - Quiz

    1. Part 4 Lesson 1 Working with the project team

    2. Part 4 - Quiz

    1. Part 5 Lesson 1 Using the on-line tool

    2. Part 5 - Quiz

About this course

  • £950.00
  • 35 lessons
  • 4.5 hours of video content

Instructor

Design & Sustainability Director Elina Grigoriou FRSA HonRICS

Elina is a London-based interior designer, sustainability specialist and wellbeing expert helping clients become the best they can be and get the most from their people and places. A powerhouse of inspiration and innovation, Elina has been leading and shaping the commercial interior design sector for the past two decades – creating spaces that unlock social and environmental value, make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives and enhance clients’ financial bottom line. Working at the heart of the latest industry developments, Elina regularly partners with national and global institutions to raise awareness of designing for sustainability and wellbeing and to drive best practise within the built environment. She was instrumental in developing and establishing the SKA rating system, is Chair of the SKA rating board and Technical Advisor to the scheme. In recognition of her commitment to promoting sustainability within the property sector, she was awarded Honorary Membership to the RICS in 2017. Elina has contributed to numerous industry guides and in 2019, her book Wellbeing in Interiors was published by RIBA which has had a visible impact in shaping practise and inspiring others. She was voted one of the Top 50 Rising Stars of Sustainability by Building magazine and is regularly invited to offer expert opinion and speak at public events.