Page 7 – Sustainability Academy

Sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of business operations, thus, it’s imperative for C-suite executives to be well-versed in the latest reporting frameworks.

According to IDC’s CEO Survey 2023, sustainability is recognized as the top business risk for CEOs in Europe, even above cybersecurity. The latest sustainability standards (such as ISSB and ESRS) call for robust internal control and measurement systems, akin to the ones employed for financial reporting.

Even though sustainability is a risk, it can turn into a business opportunity. However, C-suite executives should possess a comprehensive grasp of ESG matters required by sustainability reporting standards to effectively supervise the company’s efficiency and adaptability in addressing global challenges.

Let’s delve into the reasons why companies should prioritize education in this critical area.

Driving Strategy and Decision-Making

Sustainability is no longer relegated to corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments. It’s a strategic consideration that influences every facet of a business. Educated executives can incorporate sustainability into their strategic planning, ensuring innovation and long-term success.

Investor Relations and Access to Capital

The new reporting standards are empowering investors to better analyze corporate ESG efforts. C-suite executives educated in sustainability frameworks can effectively communicate their organization’s ESG performance and attract investment capital from investors.

Workforce Wellbeing

Prioritizing employee health and holistic well-being is crucial for the prosperity of an organization. EY has recently published a survey with C-suite Insights, according to which 87% of leaders support and report diversity in their workplace. Diversity on company boards is one of the key components of ESG reporting. Educated executives can ensure that the organization complies with these mandates.

Compliance with Regulations

ESG compliance refers to a set of guidelines and standards a company implements in internal policies that are mandated by regulatory bodies. Elevated regulatory requirements lead to a transformation in ESG policy oversight, transferring responsibility from General Counsels to Chief Compliance Officers and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). C-suite leaders are now taking a far more prominent role in spearheading ESG strategy and compliance.

By embracing ESG principles and staying updated on the evolving landscape, top-level executives can drive their organizations toward long-term success. If you’re seeking to upskill your entire team, we have the expertise and flexibility to meet your needs. At Sustainability Academy, we believe in the transformative power of education.

Update your knowledge on the latest reporting standards

Frameworks and disclosure requirements, which have long caused a complex and confusing overlapping, took a big leap forward in 2023 with the ISSB and the ESRS standards.

Learn more about the ISSB and the ESRS standards by enrolling to the recently updated Online Certificate on Sustainability (ESG) Reporting and Online Certificate on SASB & TCFD Reporting certified courses.

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses. Request more information at [email protected].

What you get?

Tailor made courses to cover the specific needs of your organization in more than 25 sectors
Or choose from a variety of Sustainability Academy’s courses.

Companies that have trusted us with their education:

Elanco, Dematic, Pepsico, Timberland, United Nations

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

Global sustainability reporting standards are progressing at a rapid stage.

Frameworks and disclosure requirements, which have long caused a complex and confusing overlapping, took a big leap forward in 2023 with the ISSB and the ESRS standards.

These standards are crucial because not only do they represent a simplified sustainability reporting landscape, but also increase transparency and trust with stakeholders. Both of them will come into effect in 2024 and entities should adjust their reporting process accordingly.

IFRS – International Sustainability Standards Board

The ISSB has worked collaboratively with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). ISSB’s main objective is to create a global baseline of climate and sustainability-related risk disclosure for companies and their investors.

IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 were launched in June 2023 and will be applied for annual reports starting in January 2024.

European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)

The European Commission adopted the ESRS standards in July 2023 to ensure that corporate sustainability reporting within the EU becomes reliable. The ESRS is made up of 12 standards, divided into four reporting categories: general, environmental, social, and governance.

All companies covered by the CSRD will be required to align their corporate sustainability reporting according to them with an effective date of January 1st, 2024.

The European Commission has already announced that ISSB and EFRAG are working together to maximize the interoperability of their standards and they have confirmed high degree of climate-disclosure alignment. However, despite the high level of convergence between them, there are still some key distinctions that can be found below.

Reporting entities:

The ISSB is a global reference point for disclosure, while ESRS is mandatory within the European market and defines the rules of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The ISSB has voluntary adoption by entities unless any jurisdiction decides to make these standards mandatory. Companies choose to disclose, regardless of their size, location, industry, or listing status.

Furthermore, ISSB are considered more investment-oriented standards than ESRS. The ESRS addresses a boarder group of stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, regulators etc.

Materiality approach:

While the ISSB standards are restricted to financial materiality, the ESRS standards base the materiality assessment on the concept of double materiality. Double materiality could be considered as the union of impact materiality and financial materiality. The IFRS makes it easier for companies to disclose, as they are dependent on the outcome of the assessment. The ESRS goes beyond the assessment outcomes and requires a list of mandatory data, mapping the full impact of the company’s performance.

Assurance:

Another key difference of the standards is the level of assurance required. Companies that disclose according to the ESRS need to be prepared to be subject to assurance by an independent third party. On the other hand, external assurance plays a key role in enhancing trust and confidence as defined by the ISSB but is not mandatory. The standards consider possible challenges and complexities for the assurance process.

Update your knowledge on the ISSB and the ESRS reporting standards

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses. Request more information at [email protected].

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

On August 30th, 2023, the Business Intelligence Group bestowed upon it the title of “Sustainability Product of the Year” during the 2023 Sustainability Awards, reaffirming its unrivaled impact on the global sustainability landscape together with other international companies such as IBM & SIEMENS.

The Sustainability Awards honor people, teams, and organizations who have made sustainability an integral part of their business practice, or overall mission. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainability and innovation. We firmly believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in addressing environmental challenges, and our courses are a tangible embodiment of that belief.

Empowering Change Globally: A Unique Mission

Launched in 2018, Sustainability Academy is more than just an educational platform for companies and professionals ; it’s a catalyst for global transformation. Exclusively focused on Sustainability Circular Economy, Net-Zero, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) certified courses, its core mission is to empower professionals, companies, and organizations across the globe with unique and specialized training courses for all its senior executives and staff. According to Sustainability Academy, truly sustainable organizations are those that educate 100% of its staff and are committed to net-zero emissions.

Global Impact: 9,000 Graduates, FT 500 Companies

Over the past five years, Sustainability Academy has left an indelible mark on the world, with over 9,000 individuals from 95 countries, including several Fortune 500 companies, achieving certification through its rigorous programs. The platform stands as a trusted resource, offering highly specialized sustainability training to businesses worldwide. In addition to the thousands of senior executives who have personally chosen the Sustainability Academy for their sustainability training, FT 500 and other organizations such as Workday, Netgear, MOL, United Nations Federal Credit Union have educated their Senior Executives and staff.

We invite you to be a part of this journey toward a more sustainable future. Explore our courses and discover how they can benefit your organization.

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses. Request more information at [email protected].

Using green marketing to empower your brand involves communicating your commitment to environmental sustainability and demonstrating how your products or services contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.

The core idea behind green marketing is to emphasize an organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, eco-friendly products, and responsible resource management.

Here are some steps to effectively leverage green marketing for brand empowerment:

Authenticity and Transparency:

Ensure that your green marketing initiatives are authentic and genuinely aligned with your sustainability efforts. Authenticity builds trust with consumers.

Define Your Green Message:

Clearly articulate your brand’s environmental values, goals, and practices. What specific actions are you taking to reduce your environmental impact?

Highlight Sustainable Features:

Showcase the environmentally friendly aspects of your products or services. This may include energy efficiency, recyclable materials, reduced emissions, or sustainable sourcing.

Educate Your Audience:

Educate your customers about the environmental issues your brand addresses and why they matter. Help them understand the positive impact of choosing your products or services.

Certifications and Labels:

Obtain and display relevant certifications or eco-labels that validate your green claims, such as USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Energy Star, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

Collaborate with Eco-Partners:

Partner with environmental organizations or support sustainability initiatives that align with your brand values. Collaborations can enhance your brand’s credibility.

Long-Term Commitment:

Demonstrate that sustainability is an integral, long-term commitment for your brand. Avoid one-off green initiatives that may be perceived as superficial.

Green marketing is not just about selling products. It’s about conveying a meaningful brand story that resonates with consumers who care about environmental sustainability. When executed authentically and transparently, green marketing can empower your brand, enhance its reputation, and create a loyal customer base committed to sustainability.

Online Certificate on Green (Sustainable) Marketing

Gain insights from industry experts and discover how leading brands are successfully implementing green marketing strategies by enrolling in the Online Certificate on Green (Sustainable) Marketing. Learn how to identify and combat greenwashing from real-world case studies and best practices.

Course Highlights:

In-depth Knowledge: Learn about sustainable marketing principles, eco-friendly branding, ethical consumer behavior, and greenwashing.
Real-World Applications: Discover how leading brands are implementing green marketing practices and making a difference.
Career Advancement: Gain a competitive edge in your career by mastering sustainable marketing techniques.
Certification: Earn a recognized certificate accredited by CPD that demonstrates your commitment to sustainability.

Take advantage of a limited time discount and explore our course with a 20% discount.

Do you want more information? Reach us at [email protected].

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses. Request more information at [email protected].

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

ESG factors play a significant role in influencing investment decisions as they provide valuable insights into a company’s sustainability and ethical practices.

Investors are increasingly recognizing the potential impact of non-financial factors on a company’s long-term sustainability and performance. However, while ESG-based investment has gained popularity, the actual assets under management (AUM) designated as ESG-related are considerably smaller than what’s often reported.

This gap between reported estimates of ESG AUM and the reality can be attributed to the following factors:

Measurement Challenges:

Defining and measuring ESG-related investments is a complex task. Different organizations and institutions might employ varying criteria and definitions to classify investments as ESG-related. This inconsistency leads to disparities in reporting and estimating the total AUM falling under the ESG umbrella.

Greenwashing:

Some institutions may engage in “greenwashing,” which involves presenting investments as more ESG-friendly than they genuinely are. This can result in an overestimation of the assets allocated to ESG investing.

Incomplete Reporting:

Some institutions might take ESG factors into account in their investment decisions without explicitly stating an ESG-focused policy. Consequently, their ESG-related investments might not be accurately reflected in conventional reporting methods.

Varying Levels of Integration:

Some investors may integrate ESG criteria to different extents, from fully incorporating them into their investment process to considering them as secondary factors. This diversity in approaches can lead to different estimates of the total AUM focused on ESG.

Changing Landscape:

The popularity of ESG investing has surged, and the industry is in a state of constant evolution. This can make it challenging to obtain an accurate snapshot of the total AUM dedicated to ESG criteria, especially if reporting methods lag behind industry developments.

Standardized Reporting Guidelines reduce the Discrepancy in Reporting ESG AUM

Developing standardized reporting guidelines and definitions for ESG-related investments can help ensure consistency across different organizations and institutions. This would make it easier to compare and aggregate data from various sources. Organizations like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) work on developing and promoting standardized frameworks for reporting ESG information.

Moreover, Investor groups and networks, such as the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the CFA Institute, contribute by advocating for consistent ESG reporting practices. Organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation may contribute by providing standardized frameworks that incorporate ESG considerations into financial reporting. All these bodies establish stronger transparency and disclosure requirements for ESG-related investments, which also helps in greenwashing mitigation.

Enhance your oversight and decision-making capabilities on delivering an ESG agenda by enrolling to Sustainability Academy’s certified courses. Click here to choose the course suitable to your needs.

Reach us at [email protected] for more information on our courses and exclusive discounts.

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses. Request more information at [email protected].

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

Sustainability consulting market on the rise

The sustainability consulting market has experienced significant growth in recent years. This growth reflects a fundamental shift in the business landscape, where sustainability considerations are becoming central to corporate strategies and decision-making.

According to the latest research by Verdantix, it is expected to grow to $16 billion by 2027. ESG and sustainability consulting market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% per year until the end of 2027. This means that the market will have grown a total of 156% from its 2021 size.

What is the sustainability consulting market?

The sustainability consulting market refers to the market that help organizations integrate sustainability principles and practices into their operations, strategies, and decision-making processes. Specifically, the market provides strategy and planning, technical support, testing, auditing and verification, sustainability marketing, supply chain sustainability, reporting and disclosure, and social and community impact consulting.

Some factors contributing to this trend include:

Regulatory Pressure:

Governments worldwide have been implementing stricter environmental regulations and policies to address climate change and other sustainability challenges. Businesses require assistance in understanding and complying with these regulations, further driving the demand for sustainability consultants.

Investor Demand:

Investors have been paying more attention to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability are often seen as more attractive investment opportunities. As a result, businesses have sought guidance from sustainability consultants to improve their ESG performance.

Corporate Sustainability Commitments:

Many companies have been adopting sustainability goals and seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. This has led to an increased demand for sustainability consultants who can help businesses develop and implement sustainable practices.

Sustainability consulting offers a dynamic and diverse work environment. Each project presents unique challenges, requiring you to think creatively and innovatively to develop tailored solutions for clients across various industries.

Expand your knowledge, branding, and resources in one of the most dynamic business fields globally and generate additional revenues, by becoming a Certified Sustainability Consultant.

For more information on benefits, criteria, and annual consultant fees, reach us at [email protected].

During the last couple of years, regulators have been making serious efforts to end the greenwashing era.

Greenwashing misleads market actors and downgrades the efforts of the companies that truly want to green their products and activities. It poses several risks to consumers, businesses, and the environment. While companies engage in greenwashing to create a positive public image and attract environmentally conscious consumers, the deceptive practices can have significant negative consequences.

The IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued its first two IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards in June 2023. The new ISSB’s rules are backed by the G20 and aim to increase the pressure on companies to disclose their environmental impact. The disclosure requirements have been designed with anti-greenwashing prospects.

The Green Claims Directive

Earlier this year, the European Commission presented a new legislation: the Green Claims Directive. It aims to establish the first set of detailed EU rules for the substantiation of voluntary green claims and regulate the use of environmental claims in marketing communications in Europe.

The proposed requirements find application to the vast majority of EU operating companies, from SMEs to large public companies. Companies based outside the EU that target EU consumers are also included.

The Green Guides by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The US FTC has turned its focus on greenwashing. In December 2022, it launched a review of the “Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims” (“Green Guides”). The Green Guides were first issued about 30 years ago, but new rules are expected to be in place by the year’s end.

UK CMA’s Green Claims Code

The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has already taken its first action against greenwashing in 2021 with the Green Claims Code. In January 2022, it additionally launched a sector‑by‑sector review of misleading environmental claims, starting from the fashion. In the beginning of 2023, the CMA expanded its investigation to more sectors.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) priorities

Greenwashing is the new area of focus for ASIC. In May, the commission published a report, indicating its intention on surveilling possible greenwashing activities. The four core areas of concern were:

net zero’ statements and targets
use of terms such as ‘carbon neutral’, ‘clean’ or ‘green’
fund labels
scope and application of investment exclusions and screens

Moreover, the ASIC published an information sheet last year, providing a detailed guide of principles to follow when making, offering or promoting sustainability-related products.

From “carbon neutral” to “nature positive” and “environmentally friendly”, companies and agencies are now in the spotlight of unspecific claims. Particularly, climate-related claims are prone to being unclear and ambiguous.

Online Certificate on Green (Sustainable) Marketing

To address all the latest green claims issues, the Sustainability Academy has introduced a brand-new course, the Online Certificate on Green (Sustainable) Marketing. The course provides an overview of key issues and challenges involved in green marketing. It is designed to provide you with the necessary skills to implement a successful marketing strategy according to the latest sustainability frameworks and standards.

Additionally, the course will help you identify and combat greenwashing through real case examples from a variety of sectors.

Explore the opportunity to learn as a team with our special discount packages.

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses. Request more information at [email protected].

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

Bronze award for Sustainability Academy at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2023

Sustainability Academy, the digital educational platform created by the Center for Sustainability (CSE), has been recognized for its innovation and impact. It was awarded the prestigious BRONZE award in the Technology for the Common Good / Digital Education & Skills category at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2023.

The platform, launched in 2018, was designed to provide high-quality certified training exclusively focused on Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Its mission is to equip professionals, companies, and organizations worldwide with targeted and reliable sustainability training.

Drawing on CSE’s vast experience in Europe, USA, Canada, MENA, and Asia, Sustainability Academy meets the growing demand for specialized sustainability training. It enables learners to choose from a wide range of certified courses delivered in a self-paced recorded mode, allowing flexibility to accommodate personal needs and professional commitments.

Professionals and companies alike can take advantage of this platform, gaining the knowledge required to stay updated on relevant legislation and ESG standards. By empowering participants to plan and implement actions that reduce their corporate carbon footprint, Sustainability Academy is actively contributing to the global fight against climate change.

Over the past five years, more than 9,000 individuals from 95 countries, including several FT 500 companies, have become certified through Sustainability Academy. The platform has become a trusted resource, providing highly specialized sustainability training to companies worldwide.

Looking ahead, the goal is ambitious but essential: to reach 25,000 registrations by 2030. By doing so, Sustainability Academy aims to make a significant contribution to the certification and development of executives, empowering them to support their companies and foster a more sustainable planet.

In conclusion, Sustainability Academy’s recognition as an award-winning digital platform is a testament to its dedication to spreading knowledge and driving positive change in the realm of sustainability. With its global reach and certified training programs, the platform is poised to play a crucial role in building a sustainable future for all.

Greenhouse gas emissions represent a significant global concern with Scope 3 emissions being the most intense to several sectors.

Scope 3 emissions encompass all indirect emissions from a company’s value chain that occur as a result of a company’s activities but are outside of its operational control, this is why understanding and measuring them remains a challenge.

Companies that understand and manage their scope 3 emissions are clearly at an advantage as they can improve risk management, deepen resiliency, increase transparency and competitiveness, and attract investors. Moreover, global legislations, such as the SEC’s Climate-Related Disclosures and the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting and the newest Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directives, require Scope 3 reporting, making the supply chain information mandate.

These emissions can be attributed to various sectors depending on the industry and the specific activities involved. It is also important to note that the intensity of Scope 3 emissions can vary significantly within each sector.

Below we will explore 4 sectors with intense Scope 3 emissions.

Mining Sector

The mining sector is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions and the scope 3 emissions of minerals and metals are significant. According to a recent analysis, up to 28% percent of global emissions are the result of the indirect impacts of mining operations.

The scope 3 emissions of this sector include the upstream production of fuels used in the mining operations, the downstream smelting, refining, and manufacturing processes utilizing the mined ore. Furthermore, transporting all these ores and metals generates emissions that can be greater than scopes 1 and 2 combined. They can contribute to more than 95% of its total emissions, resulting in the biggest decarbonization challenge for mining companies.

Oil and Gas Sector

While Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are directly associated with energy generation, this sector includes also emissions resulting from the extraction, production, and transportation of fossil fuels, as well as the indirect emissions caused by electricity consumption by end-users. Specifically, scope 3 emissions account for 80-to-95% of total carbon emissions from oil and gas companies as stated in the Wood Mackenzie’s report “How Will Oil and Gas Companies Get to Scope 3 net zero?”.

Investors have been increasingly pressuring the oil and gas sector to address climate change concerns and call on the companies to set targets to reduce by 2030 their Scope 3 emissions. Unfortunately, according to the Climate Bond’s Initiative (CBI) latest state of the market report (an analysis of the green, social and sustainability (GSS) markets, sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), and transition bonds) none of the $5.4 billion raised by these companies under the sustainability-linked bonds label, was tied to Scope 3 emissions reductions.

Real Estate Sector

Carbon emissions of real estate companies are dominated by Scope 3 emissions, however, they remain underreported by the top 200 listed real estate companies with only 56% of these disclosing them. Moreover, more than half of those did not break down emissions at all.

Scope 3 emissions in the real estate sector can be generated by upstream emissions associated with the production and transportation of materials and equipment used in building construction and operation, downstream emissions associated with waste disposal, tenant transportation and commuting, as well as emissions from leased assets.

Financial Sector

Although not directly involved in emissions-intensive activities, financial institutions and investment services can have intense Scope 3 emissions through their financing and investment decisions. These emissions can be attributed to the carbon footprint of the companies they invest in, such as those in the fossil fuel industry or other high-emissions sectors. In other words, their Scope 3 emissions are their investees’ Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

CDP estimates that financial institutions Scope 3 emissions are 700 time greater than their direct emissions, counting for the 99% of their emissions.

Get a deep knowledge about Scope 3 emissions and how they affect your sector by enrolling to our best-selling certified course Online Certificate on Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Strategies and the brand-new Online Diploma on Sustainable Supply Chain Management.

Reach us at [email protected] to learn more about the certified courses and our special discounts!

Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group online courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses.

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

The SEC Climate-Related Disclosures Rule will be a huge challenge for many companies, but how much are they prepared for the level of transparency required?

This climate-related disclosures rule will serve as a catalyst to invest the time, money, and resources required to map their supply chains and it’s expected to force thousands of them to disclose the full scope of their greenhouse gas emissions.

Specifically, listed companies with revenues over $75 million will be required to disclose information about the direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1), the indirect emissions from purchased electricity or other forms of energy (Scope 2) and certain types of GHG emissions from upstream and downstream activities in its value chain (Scope 3). Furthermore, according to the SEC fact sheet, they may be required to provide their disclosures early in 2024, using their 2023 numbers.

Which are the Upstream activities?

These activities encompass the processes that occur before the company’s own operations begin, typically involving suppliers, raw material sourcing, and logistics. Upstream activities often include extraction or cultivation of raw materials, transportation and distribution, as well as any outsourced processes involved in the production of goods or services.

Which are the Downstream activities?

Downstream activities occur after the company’s own operations and involve the distribution, marketing, sales, and support of the final products or services. This includes activities such as product assembly, packaging, distribution logistics, marketing campaigns, retailing, and customer service.

Are companies really prepared?

Scope 3 emissions account for up to 75 percent of a company’s total footprint and many of them have very poor visibility beyond their Tier 1 suppliers. They require immense amounts of time and money as these emissions are more than just suppliers. They are the entire depth of the supply chain. Moreover, the lack of direct control by companies over the requisite data along with the poor transparency can drive into many “black holes” in their supply chains.

The rule was designed to increase consistency and transparency in GHG accounting. If companies have already publicly set climate-related targets or goals, they need to disclose how they intend to meet them.

Smaller companies with less than $100 million in annual revenue will not be part of the requirement for now, however, Scope 3 emissions are generated outside the company’s control and greatly affected by other small companies throughout their value chain. This means that compliance would be required from them sooner or later.

Equip with all the necessary tools to build a resilient and efficient sustainable supply chain by registering to the Online Diploma on Sustainable Supply Chain Management course. Transform your organization’s climate pledges into actionable strategies through better supply chain management and be prepared for the upcoming challenges in your sector.

Don’t miss out the chance to register with our special 20% discount until July 20.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses.

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

Sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of business operations, thus, it’s imperative for C-suite executives to be well-versed in the latest reporting frameworks.

Update your knowledge on the latest reporting standards

Global sustainability reporting standards are progressing at a rapid stage.

Frameworks and disclosure requirements, which have long caused a complex and confusing overlapping, took a big leap forward in 2023 with the ISSB and the ESRS standards.

Update your knowledge on the ISSB and the ESRS reporting standards

Using green marketing to empower your brand involves communicating your commitment to environmental sustainability and demonstrating how your products or services contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.

Online Certificate on Green (Sustainable) Marketing

ESG factors play a significant role in influencing investment decisions as they provide valuable insights into a company’s sustainability and ethical practices.

Standardized Reporting Guidelines reduce the Discrepancy in Reporting ESG AUM

Sustainability consulting market on the rise

During the last couple of years, regulators have been making serious efforts to end the greenwashing era.

Online Certificate on Green (Sustainable) Marketing

Bronze award for Sustainability Academy at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions represent a significant global concern with Scope 3 emissions being the most intense to several sectors.

Mining Sector

Oil and Gas Sector

Real Estate Sector

Financial Sector

The SEC Climate-Related Disclosures Rule will be a huge challenge for many companies, but how much are they prepared for the level of transparency required?

Group registration form