Content

The ESG certification is a foundational professional education in ESG that provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal framework, reporting requirements, business strategy, reputation factors, and organizational and management challenges.

The program is based on societal demands on businesses for sustainability and accountability across various societal domains, primarily environmental concerns such as CO2 emissions, but also the company's social and societal impact, work environment, and management, which are crucial factors when investors and other stakeholders assess corporate performance and maturity.

We provide a thorough introduction to the legal framework for ESG reporting, encompassing the Norwegian Annual Accounts Act (årsregnskapsloven), requirements under the Accounting Act (regnskapsloven) incorporating CSRD and the Taxonomy Regulation (taksonomiforordningen), as well as the Disclosure Regulation (offentliggjøringsforordningen) and Marketing Act's (markedsføringsloven) requirements for reporting and communication of sustainability-related assessments.

In this context, we delve into the requirements for environmental, social issues, and corporate governance, addressing the unique challenges within each area, particularly the organizational aspects related to reporting and delivering on these domains. We further explore the qualitative and quantitative reporting requirements, as well as a practical approach to how enterprises can conduct a dual materiality analysis (dobbelt vesentlighetsanalyse) for their global value chain and utilize these assessments as a foundation for strategic evaluations. Emphasis is also placed on actions companies can take to improve sustainability-related parameters and the change management this necessitates.

Finally, the program directly focuses on significant reputation factors and how they can offer strategic advantages (yet also represent legal and financial risks) as part of a company's DNA in branding and external communication.
The program is grounded in several current business cases, crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of implementing effective and accurate ESG reporting and strategy.

Topics include:

What is ESG?
SDGs - the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Overview of the interconnection between various ESG-related regulations in Norway and the EU
Tips on building and anchoring an ESG strategy within a company
Deeper insights into assessing ESG risk throughout the value chain
Tools for managing ESG processes in M&A: materiality analysis and maturity analysis of ESG indicators
Understanding the significance of sustainable finance for enterprises
Understanding various expectations and information requirements from the companies' stakeholders

Purpose

The primary purpose of the ESG certification program is to provide a thorough introduction to ESG as a function, and as a strategically critical business discipline.
The program aims to offer an overview and in-depth knowledge of all key aspects, including the legal foundation, societal expectations regarding ESG work, and the requirements for reporting on environmental, social issues, and corporate governance and management.

Moreover, it seeks to provide deep insights into ESG as a business discipline and illustrate the significance of ESG concerning investments, business partners, branding, and market communication.

Lastly, a central goal is to focus on the ESG function and the role of ESG professionals, addressing the organizational aspects crucial for effective development and implementation of ESG across the company's various departments and functions, particularly within the finance function.
Benefits and advantages from participation
Upon completion of the program and certification in ESG, you will gain the following advantages:

Deep understanding of the origins, foundation, and vision of ESG
Thorough comprehension of the legal framework
Overview of reporting requirements and associated challenges
Understanding of key ESG metrics Insight into crucial organizational challenges
Understanding of ESG as a strategically critical business discipline and tool
Comprehension of ESG in branding and market communication
Understanding the role of an ESG manager
Insights into real-case challenges and considerations
Exchange of experiences and thoughts with ESG professionals with similar profiles

Certification

The certification consists of 5 modules, of which you can also participate on each module separately. Upon completing all 5 modules, you will achieve JUC certification in ESG and receive a certificate for this accomplishment.

The Modules:

Module 1: Regulatory Landscape for Financial and Non-Financial Actors

Review of relevant laws and regulations related to ESG
Expectations from stakeholders and regulatory bodies
Compliance function's role in ESG integration
Compliance in a broader business perspective
Reflection and inspiration regarding ESG and risk management
Workshops and dilemma discussions

Module 2: Effective ESG Strategy: From Planning to Implementation

Methods for developing an effective ESG strategy
Interfaces and interaction with other functions
Business culture and its role in ESG implementation
Workshops and dilemma discussions

Module 3: Greenwashing with an ESG Perspective: Marketing and Communication

Development of marketing and communication strategies with an ESG focus
Combatting greenwashing
Credible communication of sustainable initiatives
Workshops and dilemma discussions

Module 4: ESG Due Diligence: Integration of Dual Materiality

ESG due diligence methods and best practices
Dual materiality in transactions and the value chain
Managing ESG risks and opportunities
Workshops and dilemma discussions

Module 5: Multi-dimensional ESG Reporting

Insight into various dimensions of ESG reporting
Methods for measurement, analysis, and communication of ESG data
Workshops and dilemma discussions

Target Audience

This program is designed for individuals aiming to work professionally with ESG within their organizations, requiring a comprehensive understanding of all central aspects, including legislative developments, reporting requirements, as well as management, strategy, and communication.
This may include board members, corporate lawyers or risk managers, CSR officers, finance and accounting managers, lawyers or legal assistants, or strategy and management consultants seeking a deeper understanding of the ESG field to lead, implement, or advise on ESG within businesses and organizations.
The certification is based on presentations, workshops, and discussions.
The certification will be thought in English, but many of the topics will have a focus towards implementing ESG to Norwegian companies and practices.