Accredited Assessor Training to take place in Lisbon this December
The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) will host an in-person Accredited Assessor Training in Lisbon, Portugal, from 1–5 December 2025, offering professionals the opportunity to become qualified to assess projects against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).
Participants at HSA's previous Accredited Assessor Training in Lisbon
The five-day course is designed for experienced hydropower and sustainability professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of the HSS and gain the skills required to carry out official project assessments. It is also open to hydropower developers wishing to build internal teams of Assessors to conduct self-assessments and align their projects with the requirements of the HSS before undergoing an official assessment.
Through a structured programme combining expert instruction, group discussion, practical exercises and a final exam, participants will learn how to evaluate hydropower projects across key environmental, social, technical and governance topics.
You can find out more about the training or apply by submitting the application form and your CV to training@hs-alliance.org.
📍 Location: Lisbon, Portugal
📅 Dates: 1–5 December 2025
💶 Cost: €3,950 + VAT per participant (excluding accommodation and personal expenses)
Lisbon, Portugal
What does the training cover?
Participants will develop the competencies needed to prepare, execute and deliver official sustainability assessments, applying the methodologies and scoring framework of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
The course also meets the requirements for becoming a Provisionally Accredited Assessor – a key milestone toward full accreditation. Successful participants will receive a professional certificate and licence, and be eligible to join HSA’s global network of assessors.
“Accredited Assessors play a vital role in ensuring the credibility and consistency of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard,” said Amina Kadyrzhanova, Senior Sustainability Specialist at HSA. “This training equips professionals with the tools, knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality assessments that help projects demonstrate their sustainability performance with integrity.”
Official assessments using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard are conducted exclusively by Accredited Assessors to maintain quality and rigour. These assessors bring significant experience in hydropower and sustainability issues, and are trained to deliver consistent and robust evaluations.
Insights from past trainings
A past participant reflected on their experience: “Becoming a Provisionally Accredited Assessor for the Hydropower Sustainability Standard is a meaningful milestone in my journey and a continued commitment to bridging health, safety, environment, and sustainability in Africa and beyond,” said Mohamed Amine Zahr, Group HSSE Manager at the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen).
“The training was both enriching and practical, offering deep insight into real-world ESG challenges and assessment methodologies. It was a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to strengthen my ability to support sustainable infrastructure development.”
You can also see a short video from behind the scenes at an Accredited Assessors training in Kafue, Zambia, in July 2025.
