An Introduction to ESG

An Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) | Training | South Africa

The world is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are playing an increasingly critical role in this transformation. This comprehensive two-day training course provides an overview into understanding the world of ESG, By attending this course, you will gain the knowledge and practical tools to integrate ESG considerations into your organisation's strategy, operations, and reporting practices.

Who Should Attend?

• Non-executive Directors
• Senior Executives
• Compliance and risk professionals
• Reporting staff
• Supply chain practitioners

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain a thorough understanding of ESG concepts, benefits, and growing importance.
• Explore key ESG frameworks, including UN SDGs, GRI, TCFD, GHG Protocol, CSRD, and ISSB.
• Build knowledge of sustainable supply chain practices and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
• Understand effective governance practices and their connection to ESG.
• Learn how to identify material ESG factors for your organisation.
• Conduct a gap analysis to assess your organisation's ESG readiness.
• Develop strategies for setting ESG goals and reporting effectively.

Course Content: 

1 - Understanding ESG:

• Growing compliance requirement
• Gaining a competitive edge
• Addressing a future reality

2 - Overview of Key ESG Frameworks:

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)
• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) (incorporating SASB)

3 - Materiality in ESG:

• Understanding materiality
• Materiality and sustainability reporting
• Double materiality
• The materiality process

4 - Sustainable Supply Chains:

• The circular economy
• Human rights in supply chains

5 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

• Overview and significance

6 - Governance in ESG:

• Board structure (diversity/independence and effectiveness)
• Governance and risk management
• Sustainability and reputation

7 - ESG GAP Analysis:

• Determining status quo (practical assessment)
• Conducting a gap analysis
• Materiality consideration
• Stakeholder mapping
• Industry and peer standards

8 - Developing ESG Strategy:

• Selecting ESG goals
• Sustainability thresholds

9 - Introduction to Reporting:

• Global warming, greenhouse gases, and climate change
• Various carbon measurement and reporting principles
• Assurance
• Greenwashing

Please note:

Training sessions are conducted either on-site or in the DQS Academy classroom, with no virtual training option available. The cost per delegate is R8575 (excluding VAT). A minimum of 10 delegates are required to attend for the training to proceed.