Training Course on Leading for Net-Zero: Decarbonization Strategies for Boards

Training Course on Leading for Net-Zero: Decarbonization Strategies for Boards

Introduction

The imperative for net-zero emissions is no longer a distant aspiration but an urgent corporate mandate driven by escalating climate risks, evolving regulatory landscapes, and increasing stakeholder demands. Boards of Directors, as ultimate fiduciaries, are at the forefront of this sustainability transformation, tasked with embedding decarbonization strategies into core business operations and long-term strategic planning. Training Course on Leading for Net-Zero: Decarbonization Strategies for Boards equips board members with the critical knowledge and actionable frameworks to effectively oversee and champion their organization's net-zero transition, ensuring resilience, competitive advantage, and a positive impact on the global climate agenda.

Achieving corporate net-zero requires a profound shift in governance, risk management, and capital allocation. This course delves into the complexities of measuring carbon footprints, setting science-based targets, implementing innovative emission reduction pathways, and navigating the burgeoning green finance ecosystem. By fostering a deep understanding of ESG integration and the strategic opportunities presented by the low-carbon economy, board members will be empowered to drive meaningful climate action, mitigate transition risks, unlock sustainable growth, and position their organizations as leaders in the decarbonized future.

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the scientific basis of climate change and the global imperative for net-zero emissions.
2. Recognize the evolving fiduciary responsibilities of boards in overseeing climate risk and decarbonization.
3. Accurately measure and report Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions using international standards.
4. Develop and validate ambitious decarbonization targets aligned with climate science.
5. Explore key emission reduction strategies across operations, supply chains, and product lifecycles.
6. Evaluate and manage physical and transition risks related to climate change.
7. Understand sustainable finance instruments and investment opportunities for decarbonization projects.
8. Embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into corporate strategy and decision-making.
9. Understand the current and emerging climate policies, carbon pricing, and disclosure requirements.
10. Identify clean technologies and foster innovation for low-carbon solutions.
11. Communicate net-zero ambitions and progress to investors, customers, employees, and regulators.
12. Develop strategies for climate adaptation and building long-term business resilience.
13. Establish robust governance structures and oversight mechanisms for climate action.

Organizational Benefits

• Position as a sustainability leader, attracting talent and customers.
• Proactive identification and mitigation of climate risks and regulatory shifts.
• Attract ESG investors and access preferential green financing.
• Through energy efficiency and resource optimization.
• Development of low-carbon products and services.
• Increased trust and engagement with investors, employees, and communities.
• Adherence to evolving climate regulations and disclosure mandates.
• Sustainable growth and resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.

Target Audience

1. Board Directors (Executive & Non-Executive)
2. C-Suite Executives (CEO, CFO, COO, CSO)
3. Senior Leaders responsible for Strategy and Sustainability
4. Governance, Risk, and Compliance Professionals
5. Heads of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
6. Sustainability Committee Members
7. Legal and Regulatory Affairs Executives
8. Large Institutional Investors

Course Outline

Module 1: The Net-Zero Imperative for Boards

• Understanding the global climate crisis and its business implications.
• The science behind net-zero and planetary boundaries.
• Evolving fiduciary duties of boards in climate governance.
• Strategic opportunities and risks of the net-zero transition.
• Case Study: Patagonia's commitment to environmental stewardship and its board's role in driving aggressive decarbonization targets.

Module 2: Foundations of Carbon Accounting & Reporting

• Introduction to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
• Methodologies for measuring and quantifying carbon emissions.
• Key reporting frameworks: TCFD, CSRD, SASB, GRI.
• Data collection, verification, and assurance processes.
• Case Study: Microsoft's journey in becoming carbon negative, detailing their extensive carbon accounting and reporting efforts.

Module 3: Setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs)

• Principles and methodologies of Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
• Aligning targets with 1.5°C pathways.
• Developing near-term and long-term decarbonization goals.
• Target validation and communication.
• Case Study: Interface's "Mission Zero" and their evolution to "Climate Take Back," showcasing a long-term commitment to science-based targets.

Module 4: Decarbonizing Operations & Energy

• Strategies for energy efficiency and renewable energy procurement.
• On-site renewable generation and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Electrification of fleets and industrial processes.
• Optimizing building energy management systems.
• Case Study: Google's achievement of 100% renewable energy and its strategy for continuous operational decarbonization.

Module 5: Supply Chain Decarbonization (Scope 3)

• Mapping and assessing Scope 3 emissions hotspots.
• Engaging suppliers in decarbonization initiatives.
• Sustainable procurement policies and practices.
• Circular economy principles for material efficiency and waste reduction.
• Case Study: Unilever's efforts to reduce its vast supply chain emissions, collaborating with suppliers on sustainable practices.

Module 6: Innovative Decarbonization Technologies

• Overview of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
• Green hydrogen and sustainable fuels.
• Advanced materials and industrial process innovations.
• Digital solutions for energy management and optimization.
• Case Study: Heidelberg Materials' pioneering work in large-scale carbon capture projects in the cement industry.

Module 7: Climate Risk Management & Resilience

• Identifying and assessing physical climate risks
• Understanding transition risks
• Integrating climate risk into enterprise risk management (ERM).
• Developing climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
• Case Study: The financial services sector's increasing focus on climate risk stress testing and scenario analysis.

Module 8: Green Finance & Investment Strategies

• Understanding sustainable finance instruments: green bonds, sustainability-linked loans.
• Attracting ESG investment and capital markets' role.
• Internal carbon pricing mechanisms.
• Funding decarbonization projects and return on investment.
• Case Study: Ørsted's successful transformation from a fossil fuel company to a global leader in offshore wind, financed through green investments.

Module 9: ESG Integration & Strategic Planning

• Embedding environmental, social, and governance factors into corporate strategy.
• Materiality assessment for sustainability issues.
• Developing a comprehensive ESG strategy aligned with business goals.
• Integrating sustainability KPIs into executive compensation.
• Case Study: Natura &Co's holistic ESG approach, integrating social and environmental metrics into their business model.

Module 10: Regulatory Landscape & Policy Frameworks

• Overview of international climate agreements
• Regional and national climate policies and carbon regulations.
• Emerging mandatory climate disclosures
• The role of carbon markets and emissions trading schemes.
• Case Study: The impact of the European Green Deal on industries operating within the EU and their compliance strategies.

Module 11: Board Oversight & Governance for Net-Zero

• Establishing board-level sustainability committees.
• Defining roles and responsibilities for climate oversight.
• Integrating climate competency into board composition.
• Effective reporting and dialogue between management and the board.
• Case Study: BP's evolving board structure and governance framework in response to its net-zero ambitions and shareholder pressure.

Module 12: Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Engaging investors on climate performance and net-zero pathways.
• Communicating decarbonization strategies to employees and customers.
• Managing reputational risks and avoiding greenwashing.
• Collaborating with industry peers and policy makers.
• Case Study: Danone's B Corp certification and its commitment to transparent sustainability reporting and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Module 13: Driving Cultural Change & Innovation

• Fostering a sustainability-first culture throughout the organization.
• Incentivizing and rewarding decarbonization efforts.
• Promoting innovation for low-carbon solutions.
• Building internal capacity and upskilling the workforce.
• Case Study: Interface's pioneering approach to sustainable design and manufacturing, driven by a strong internal culture of innovation.

Module 14: Measuring Progress & Performance

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for decarbonization.
• Tools and platforms for tracking and monitoring emissions.
• Benchmarking against industry peers and best practices.
• Continuous improvement cycles and adaptive strategies.
• Case Study: Siemens' integrated approach to measuring and reporting its environmental footprint across its diverse operations.

Module 15: Future Outlook & Leadership for a Sustainable World

• Emerging trends in climate technology and policy.
• The role of business in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Developing long-term climate strategies beyond net-zero.
• The imperative for regenerative business models.
• Case Study: Patagonia's vision for a regenerative economy and its board's role in driving this long-term ambition.

Training Methodology

This course will employ a highly interactive and practical methodology designed for board-level participants, combining:

• Expert-Led Presentations: Concise and insightful modules delivered by leading climate and sustainability experts.
• Interactive Discussions & Q&A: Facilitating peer-to-peer learning and addressing specific organizational challenges.
• Real-World Case Studies: In-depth analysis of successful and challenging decarbonization journeys of global companies.
• Strategic Frameworks & Tools: Practical tools and templates for immediate application within their organizations.
• Scenario Planning Exercises: Simulating various climate futures and their implications for business strategy.
• Boardroom Simulations: Practical exercises in deliberating climate-related decisions.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections with a cohort of influential leaders.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.