Developed by

IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre

About the course

The Costing Sustainable Services online course has been developed by IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre to assist WASH sector professionals (governments, NGOs, donors and individuals, etc) to use a life-cycle cost approach to plan and budget for sustainable and equitable WASH services.

How does it work

There is no time limit to complete the course. However, if you do not log in for 3 months, we will contact you to find out whether you want to continue following the course.

You will work mainly on your own, but support is available through a question and answer forum, where you can leave your own questions and see what other participants have asked (and the answers). IRC staff aims to answer questions in this forum within 48 hours and you are also free to leave your own comments and answers, which means you can interact with other participants.

Each module takes between 8 – 16 hours to complete depending on whether all sessions and exercises are followed for both water and sanitation components. Participants have 3 months to complete one module and receive a certificate. If participants do not log in for more than 3 months the account will be closed and participants will have to re-register to follow a module and repeat all exercises in order to receive a certificate

Course modules

The course consists of three modules:

• Module 1 - What is a life-cycle cost approach?; introduces the main concepts of life-cycle costing, its underlying principles and key components.
• Module 2 - Using a life-cycle cost approach?; gives ideas and tools on how life-cycle costing can be integrated in your own work and organisation.
• Module 3 - Analysing a life-cycle cost approach?; explains how to analyse life-cycle costs and service levels of water and sanitation

Each module consists of a series of sessions, each explaining key components of the life-cycle cost approach methodology. There are separate materials for water and sanitation. More extensive hygiene materials will be added by June 2013.

Each session combines exercises with reading materials. Some sessions also include optional videos and online webinars. Depending on individual knowledge and interest, participants can choose which sessions, exercises or reading materials are useful.

Information and requirements

•     The course is free
•     The course is in English
•     An internet connection is required
•     You will receive online support throughout the course
•     You will receive a IRC Certificate upon successful completion of the course

How to register

Click here to register for the course

Registered participants will receive login details and a password to access course material on the start date of their course. Participants can then follow the course at their own pace by logging in and following the module (s) of their choice.

Contact details

Email: training@irc.nl
Website: Eventbrite; IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre