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 Horvath is a partner at PwC with extensive expertise in sustainable finance and the asset management industry, including both financial and real assets. Since joining PwC Switzerland in 2011 and PwC Luxembourg in 2018, he has led significant projects in regulatory audit and advisory, focusing on the asset management sector. Michael has played a key role in implementing the EU regulatory framework for sustainable finance, including SFDR, taxonomy regulation, and CSRD, as well as other regulatory initiatives such as DORA, AML/CFT, CSSF circular 18/698, and MICA. He is a certified public accountant in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and has contributed to designing compliance frameworks and operational implementations driven by regulatory changes. His notable client projects include defining target operating models for Luxembourg AIFMs, digital operational resilience planning, AML/CFT framework implementation, and ESG/sustainability process design, supported by his involvement in training and regulatory advisory.
• Julien Jacqué is a partner in PwC Luxembourg’s technology consulting department, co-leading the ESG Non-financial sector service offering and ESG Data & Technology services across sectors. With over 12 years of experience, he supports operational and financial clients in launching Sustainability and ESG transformation programs, guiding them from ESG strategy definition to business model transformation and regulatory reporting. Specialising in transport, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services, Julien leads large-scale transformation projects and international teams, including ESG reporting upgrades for telecom clients. His expertise includes ESG strategy, Net Zero, business intelligence platforms, and end-to-end project leadership for major clients in Europe and beyond.