List of Water Efficiency and Conservation Programs: Accreditation and Training Requirements
In a strategic move aimed at regulating the water sector and enhancing its sustainability, the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation has adopted a new regulatory framework for accrediting training programs and institutions in the field of water efficiency and conservation for programs that do not lead to qualifications. This step comes within the framework of ongoing national efforts to raise the quality of specialized training and standardize technical criteria, ensuring the graduation of qualified national personnel capable of addressing water security challenges.
Strategic context: Water security and Vision 2030
This regulation is of paramount importance given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's geographical location and arid climate, where water conservation is a cornerstone of Vision 2030. The National Water Strategy aims to reduce excessive consumption and enhance operational efficiency in the urban, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Therefore, specialized training plays a pivotal role in empowering practitioners to implement the latest global technologies and best practices in water auditing, leak detection, and the design of sustainable solutions.
Scope of the regulations and approved training pathways
Article 2 of the regulations stipulates that its provisions apply to all licensed training providers wishing to offer programs in the field of water efficiency. Article 4 specifies the precise tracks for these training programs, including:
- Water testing in urban, agricultural and industrial facilities.
- Examination and evaluation of transmission and distribution networks.
- Designing and implementing efficiency and consumption rationalization solutions in various sectors.
Article Three confirmed that the center is the sole authority and competent body for approving these courses, to ensure their alignment with the growing labor market needs in the environment, water and agriculture sector.
18 requirements to ensure quality and efficiency
The regulations set strict standards to ensure the quality of outputs, with Article Five requiring training providers to submit a formal application accompanied by detailed requirements, most notably:
- Provide an accurate description of the program's content, objectives, and learning outcomes.
- Preparing a feasibility study that proves the actual labor market need for this program.
- Providing qualified trainers with a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and documented practical experience.
- Clarifying the evaluation mechanisms and tools used to measure trainee performance.
Monitoring and protecting trainees' rights
The regulations also addressed oversight and beneficiary rights, with Article Fourteen requiring training providers to establish effective channels for receiving and processing complaints within a maximum of 15 working days. It also mandated the existence of an electronic system for managing trainee data and results, facilitating integration with the National Center's platform.
Regarding accreditation renewal, Article 16 stipulates that renewal applications must be submitted 90 days before the expiry date, provided there have been no significant violations during the preceding period. The regulations grant the center broad powers, including field visits to verify compliance, and the imposition of penalties ranging from warnings to suspension or revocation of accreditation in cases of non-compliance, with the violating entity bearing full legal and financial responsibility towards trainees.
This regulation is a qualitative leap that will contribute to regulating the water training market and preventing random practices, which will positively impact the efficiency of national water projects and achieve long-term sustainability goals.
