Professional Capacity Development Program ESF 14 week - 2025

A comprehensive training was arranged focusing on enhancing participants' understanding of the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the World Bank's regulatory frameworks for assessing and managing environmental and social (ES) risks and impacts in development projects. The training covered the key aspects of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and its ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). Participants were introduced to various tools and measures involved in the Environmental and Social Assessment processes relevant to current and future Bank-supported projects. Additionally, the training emphasized the systematic development of ESIA report writing skills, incorporating relevant case studies to illustrate each ESS, along with contextual background, compliance measures, and lessons learned.

Hands on Preparation of ESIA covering 10 ESS, Relevant National Laws, and ECR'23

A five-day training program was organized to build participants' capacity in understanding and applying the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) in development projects. The training began with an introduction to the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) and the fundamentals of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Subsequent sessions covered the policy and legal framework in Bangladesh, risk screening methodologies, and approaches to assessing and mitigating ES risks. Participants also explored compliance requirements and the preparation of environmental and social management plans. The final day focused on gender considerations, environmental modeling, and a group presentation on ESIA. A dedicated session on ESIA reporting equipped participants with practical skills for crafting comprehensive, context-driven reports aligned with Bank requirements.

Deep-dive Training on ESS6

This two-day training combined lectures, case studies, interactive sessions, and group discussions. The course provided an in-depth overview of Environmental and Social Standard 6 (ESS6) and its integration into the project cycle. Key topics included critical habitat assessment, issue screening under ESS6, and an overview of regulatory requirements. The sessions also emphasized adaptive management approaches and implementation support strategies.

Application of Advanced Tools for ESIA Preparation and Reporting: GIS, Drones and AI

This training focused on the application of geospatial technologies in environmental and social impact assessments. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of GIS, including hands-on demonstrations. The course covered the use of photogrammetry and LiDAR for environmental management, application of Google Earth for identifying Valued Environmental Components (VECs), and techniques in air and noise modeling. Additionally, participants explored how artificial intelligence can support ESIA reporting. The training was reinforced through relevant case studies.

Familiarization Workshop on Environmental and Social (ESF) Framework

A workshop on the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) was held in the World Bank office focusing on ERD and Planning Commission officials. The event highlighted the importance of integrating ESF into project design, aligning with ECR 2023, budgeting for safeguards, and addressing gaps in social protection and land acquisition. Key recommendations included engaging specialized consultants, creating dedicated ES units in ERD and PC, and strengthening compliance to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

Specific Pollution Management Technologies to be implemented in the ESMP for the Construction Sector

The three-day training provided a comprehensive overview of directives on resource efficiency, covering energy, water, and raw material optimization, as well as pollution prevention and management strategies for air emissions, solid and hazardous waste, and pesticides. Participants explored techniques for wastewater treatment (ETP), plastic and e-waste management, and sustainable use of renewable materials. The sessions also addressed chemicals and hazardous materials handling, GHG accounting, and the preparation of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) tailored to pollution control in construction activities.

Addressing Health and Safety Impacts on Development Projects

This workshop aligned institutional priorities and strengthened governance frameworks by integrating occupational and community health and safety into development planning. Through strategic dialogue, peer learning, and case-based discussions, the program facilitated actionable solutions for mainstreaming OHS practices across infrastructure and construction projects. The sessions underscored the importance of effective health and safety management in promoting sustainable project outcomes and protecting both workers and surrounding communities.

Deep Dive Training on Gender and SEA/SH

The two-day "Deep Dive Training on Gender and SEA-SH" enhanced participants' conceptual understanding and practical capacity on gender equality and SEA-SH issues within the framework of World Bank supported projects. Anchored in the principles and requirements of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and its application in Investment Project Financing (IPF) operations, the training strengthened participants' ability to integrate gender and SEA-SH considerations effectively throughout the project cycle.

Orientation course on various topics such as Bid Doc Preparation Meeting ESF Criteria, C-ESMP, OHS, LMP, GRM, Code of Conduct

Designed to strengthen technical capacity, this training aimed to equip professionals with the knowledge required to manage environmental and social challenges in development projects. Participants were trained on the preparation of bid documents that align with ESF requirements, the development and implementation of Contractors' Environmental and Social Management Plans (C-ESMP), and the integration of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures. Other key areas included the Labor Management Plan (LMP), Codes of Conduct, and effective Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) practices.

Hands on Training on Contractors' Environment and Social Management Plan

This training provided participants with a foundational understanding of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and key implementation documents. The sessions covered preparation of bid documents meeting ESF standards, development of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Contractor's ESMPs, and Labor Management Plans. The course focused on practical approaches to integrating ESF requirements into project documentation and implementation processes.

Labor Management Plan and Occupational Health and Safety Issues

A Training of Trainers (TOT) program was conducted to prepare trainers to train Sub-Assistant Engineers, contractors/contractor representatives, and site managers at respective project sites. A comprehensive training manual was developed to equip participants with the skills to act as trainers at the field level. The training was conducted in three batches, Batch 1: November 26 - 28, 2023, Batch 2: December 9-11, 2023, Batch 3: January 23-25, 2024, comprising a total of 75 participants.

Professional Capacity Development Program on Managing Environmental and Social Risks in World Bank-Funded Projects

This three-month-long training course (February 10 - May 18, 2024), aimed to build technical and institutional capacity for managing environmental and social (ES) risks focusing on the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and its ten standards (ESSs). The program included 14 weekly sessions of 3 hours each, blending theoretical insights with case studies to enhance participants' skills in ES risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and document preparation. The training program was attended by 41 participants.

Orientation course on ESF, ESSs and various documents

The training program designed for senior-level officials, including Project Directors, Deputy Project Directors, officials from various ministries, and public representatives provided the participants with the ability to effectively oversee ES documents prepared by their teams, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements. This two-day-long training course (April 29 -30, 2024) was attended by 8 participants.

Basic Environmental and Social Framework Course

A target specific, short term training to prepare ES documents (i.e ESIA, ESMP, ESCP etc.) directly applicable to the World Bank-financed real-life projects in Bangladesh. The training equipped participants with practical skills to navigate regulatory frameworks and ensure responsible project implementation. The training was attened by 30 participants from May 2-6, 2024.

Occupational Health and Safety with a Focus on Building Construction, Road Construction and Power Sector

The training provided comprehensive insights into key aspects of workplace safety and compliance. It covered topics such as OHS concepts, legal frameworks, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices, fire prevention, and site management. Participants learned safe work methods for excavation, material handling, heavy machine movement, pile foundation, formwork, and scaffolding, with an emphasis on fall prevention. 27 participants attended the training.

Geo-Enabling Initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS)

The training focused on building capacity in digital data collection and analysis to enhance the monitoring and supervision of projects. Participants were trained to effectively use tools such as ODK Collect and KoBoToolbox for designing, deploying, and analyzing surveys and monitoring frameworks. The training was conducted in two batches, Batch 1: May 21 - 23, 2024 and Batch 2: October 5-7. The training was attended by a total of 34 participants.

ES Issues in Bidding Documents

The training provided practical insights into critical aspects such as compliance with ESF criteria in bid document preparation, including International Competitive Bidding (ICB) and National Competitive Bidding (NCB) documentation. Additionally, participants were oriented on key topics such as the Contractor's Environmental and Social Management Plan (C-ESMP), Labor Management Plan (LMP), Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), and other relevant areas. 31 participants attended the program on November 26.

CERM-BUET's Grand Ceremony Marks a Milestone in Environmental and Social Risk Management

On November 4, 2023, the Center for Environmental and Resource Management (CERM) at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) hosted a prestigious Certificate Awarding Ceremony to honor the successful completion of a comprehensive professional capacity development course on 'Managing Environmental and Social Risks in World Bank Funded Projects.' This event, a collaboration between CERM-BUET and the World Bank, was a significant step in enhancing the knowledge and skills of participants, who included national consultants, environmental and social specialists, project directors, and other key stakeholders in project management. Over the course of several weeks, the program focused on various Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), emphasizing the critical role of managing environmental and social risks in project lifecycles. The ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of BUET, as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan served as the Special Guest, and Professor Dr. Md. Shafiul Bari as the Guest of Honor. Professor Dr. Md. Mafizur Rahman, the Director of CERM, BUET, presided over the event. The highlight of the ceremony was the certificate distribution, recognizing the dedication and commitment of the participants to promoting sustainable project management practices in line with Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The event was made possible through the generous support of the World Bank and served as a testament to CERM's ongoing efforts to train and empower professionals for a more environmentally and socially responsible world.

Past Events

CERM aimed to develop local skills and expertise in managing the environment in a sustainable way. To provide technical support and training to industry professionals, CERM offered Professional Development Programs (PDP) for Environmental Engineers, Managers, Decision Makers, Compliance Auditors, Academicians, and other concerned officials from time to time. CERM also arranged seminars and workshops to disseminate and share knowledge, learning, and experience among industry personnel on contemporary environmental issues. For students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, CERM arranged lectures on topics related to environmental engineering and resource management.

Professional Development Programs

Workshops

Lectures

Seminars