Net-zero transformation - Best practices and industry standards (SBTi and beyond)

As businesses face increasing pressure from investors, regulators, and consumers to reduce their carbon footprint, the transition to net-zero emissions is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.

The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides globally recognised guidelines for setting net-zero targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. This training will help organisations navigate the net-zero transformation journey, understand regulatory industry frameworks, implement effective decarbonisation strategies.

Companies that take proactive steps toward net-zero can enhance their brand reputation, investor appeal, regulatory compliance, while also unlocking cost savings through energy efficiency sustainable innovation.

By the end of this training, participants will:

• understand what net-zero means why it is critical for businesses;
• learn about key net-zero frameworks (SBTi, ISO 14068, GHG Protocol, TCFD, CSRD);
• identify scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and how to measure them;
• explore carbon reduction strategies, offsets, and transition planning;
• gain insights into regulatory risks, investor expectations, and reporting obligations.

• What is net-zero & why does it matter?
  • The science behind net-zero: limiting global warming to 1.5°C
  • Regulatory drivers & investor expectations ? EU Green Deal, CSRD, ISSB, TCFD, more
  • Industry pressure & supply chain decarbonization
• Net-zero frameworks and industry standards
  • Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) - Setting credible near-term and long-term reduction targets
  • GreenHouse Gas (GHG) Protocol - Accounting for scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
  • ISO 14068 & PAS 2060 - Net-zero verification and certification
  • Task force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) - Climate risk integration
  • EU Taxonomy and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - Alignment with net-zero targets
• Measuring and managing carbon emissions
  • Identifying scope 1 (direct), scope 2 (indirect), and scope 3 (value chain) emissions
  • Carbon footprint assessments and lifecycle analysis
  • Digital tools and data analytics for emissions tracking
• Net-zero implementation: decarbonisation strategies
  • Energy efficiency and operational improvements
  • Renewable energy procurement (PPAs, onsite solar, RECs)
  • Sustainable supply chain strategies
  • Low-carbon innovation and green product development
• The role of carbon offsets and beyond
  • High-quality carbon removal vs. reduction strategies
  • Market-based mechanisms: carbon credits and offsetting best practices
  • Regulatory scrutiny of carbon neutrality claims (greenwashing risks)
• Next steps for businesses
  • Setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs) & securing leadership buy-in
  • Developing a net-zero roadmap with clear milestones
  • Embedding net-zero into corporate governance and financial planning
  • Transparent reporting and avoiding greenwashing risks

This training is coordinated by Michael Horvath and Julien Jacqué, Partners at PwC Luxembourg.

Michael has acquired a strong financial and regulatory audit as well as advisory background and significant experience leading projects in the asset management sphere.

In the recent past, Michael has been particularly involved in various regulatory projects related to the implementation of the EU regulatory framework for sustainable finance (i.e. SFDR, taxonomy regulation, CSRD) at entity and product level. Michael is involved in various other regulatory projects for clients, from DORA, AML/CFT regulation over CSSF circular 18/698 to MICA.

Julien is the EMEA Sustainability in Finance Transformation Leader at PwC and is actively engaged in PwC EMEA’s CSRD Centre of Excellence. With over 12 years of consulting experience, he currently oversees PwC LU’s Sustainability Reporting and Transformation services.

Julien holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Corporate Finance and has provided extensive support to clients in the implementation of data and technology solutions. Over the past few years, he has assisted both financial and corporate clients in their sustainability journey, spanning strategy, transformation, and reporting. Julien possesses both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in ESG regulations such as CSRD, EU Taxonomy, EU ETS, and CBAM.