Introduction

The Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate is a globally recognized certification that equips professionals with the expertise to address climate change, environmental sustainability, and risk management within organizations and sectors. This 5-day intensive training course focuses on the integration of climate risk assessment, sustainability practices, and resilience-building strategies in business and governance. Participants will explore key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, climate-related financial disclosures, and strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to apply SCR principles in their roles and contribute to sustainable business practices.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Understand the impact of climate change and environmental risks on businesses and society.
2. Learn how to assess and manage climate risks, including physical, transition, and liability risks.
3. Gain proficiency in sustainability strategies for addressing climate-related challenges.
4. Learn how to integrate climate risk management into corporate governance, finance, and policy-making.
5. Be fully prepared to take the SCR Certification exam and apply sustainability and climate risk principles in practice.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Sustainability officers, climate risk analysts, and environmental professionals in various sectors.
• Corporate executives, financial professionals, and risk managers involved in assessing and managing climate-related risks.
• Policy-makers, government officials, and consultants working on climate action, adaptation, and sustainability initiatives.
• Individuals seeking to build expertise in the growing field of climate risk management and sustainability.

Day 1: Introduction to Sustainability and Climate Risk

• Session 1: Understanding Sustainability and Climate Change

  • The science of climate change: Causes, impacts, and projections
  • Global sustainability goals: The Paris Agreement, SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and carbon neutrality targets
  • Climate change as a business and societal risk: Impacts on operations, supply chains, and communities
  • Key concepts in sustainability: Economic, environmental, and social dimensions
  • The importance of integrating sustainability into business strategy and risk management

• Session 2: Climate Risk: Physical, Transition, and Liability Risks

  • Understanding the types of climate risk:
    • Physical risks: Acute and chronic risks due to climate impacts (e.g., extreme weather, rising sea levels)
    • Transition risks: Risks arising from the shift towards a low-carbon economy (e.g., regulatory, technological, and market changes)
    • Liability risks: Legal risks associated with climate-related damage and non-compliance
  • How climate risk affects different sectors: Finance, agriculture, real estate, and energy
  • Tools and methodologies for assessing climate risk

Day 2: Climate Risk Assessment and Management Strategies

• Session 3: Climate Risk Assessment Frameworks

  • Understanding climate risk assessment standards and frameworks: TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), and others
  • Assessing physical risks: Site-specific vulnerabilities, geographic information systems (GIS) for risk mapping
  • Evaluating transition risks: Carbon pricing, regulatory compliance, and market shifts
  • Evaluating liability risks: Insurance, legal frameworks, and climate litigation risks

• Session 4: Managing Climate Risks

  • Risk mitigation strategies for climate change: Adaptation, resilience-building, and disaster preparedness
  • Strategies for reducing carbon footprints and aligning with climate action goals
  • Identifying and managing business opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy
  • Integrating climate risk management into organizational risk management frameworks
  • Climate risk reporting: Key indicators and metrics for tracking progress

Day 3: Sustainable Business Practices and Low-Carbon Economy

• Session 5: Implementing Sustainable Practices in Business Operations

  • Key areas for sustainability in business: Energy use, water management, waste reduction, and supply chain sustainability
  • Circular economy principles: Reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials
  • Green technologies and innovations: Renewable energy, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainable materials
  • Engaging stakeholders in sustainability: Employees, customers, and communities

• Session 6: Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy

  • What is a low-carbon economy? Key elements of transition pathways
  • Strategies for decarbonizing operations: Energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and carbon offsetting
  • The role of carbon markets, carbon pricing, and carbon credits in transitioning to a low-carbon economy
  • Policy-driven opportunities: Government incentives, emissions reduction targets, and green finance
  • Case studies of organizations transitioning to a low-carbon economy

Day 4: Governance, Disclosure, and Financing for Sustainability

• Session 7: Governance and Sustainability Leadership

  • Integrating sustainability into corporate governance and decision-making
  • The role of sustainability officers and climate risk managers in driving change
  • The importance of leadership commitment and cross-departmental collaboration
  • Sustainability reporting and transparency: The role of the board of directors and executives in managing climate risks

• Session 8: Climate Risk and Financial Disclosure

  • Understanding the role of financial disclosures in managing climate risk: TCFD recommendations and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
  • Climate-related financial disclosures: What companies need to report, and to whom (e.g., investors, regulators)
  • Understanding the role of sustainable finance: Green bonds, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment criteria, and green banking
  • The role of auditors and verification bodies in ensuring the credibility of climate disclosures
  • Aligning corporate financial strategies with sustainability and climate risk management goals

Day 5: Integration, Action Plans, and Certification Exam Preparation

• Session 9: Creating an Action Plan for Sustainability and Climate Risk

  • How to integrate climate risk assessment and sustainability practices into business strategy and operations
  • Developing a comprehensive sustainability and climate risk management action plan
  • Setting short-term and long-term sustainability goals and measurable targets
  • Stakeholder engagement strategies: Communicating climate action plans to stakeholders
  • Evaluating progress and adjusting strategies to enhance sustainability efforts

• Session 10: Certification Exam Review and Final Preparation

  • Overview of the SCR certification exam format and structure
  • Review of key concepts covered throughout the course: Climate risks, sustainability strategies, and governance
  • Practice exam questions and mock tests for SCR certification preparation
  • Exam-taking strategies: Time management, question formats, and tips for success
  • Final Q&A session to address participant queries and ensure exam readiness