Sustainability Leader – Advanced: Implementing a Sustainable Transition Strategy

• Successful completion of the Sustainability Leader – Fundamentals training, or strong foundational knowledge in ESG and sustainable transition
• Being involved in, or expected to contribute to, the organisation’s CSR/ESG strategy and possessing the fundamental knowledge related to sustainability concepts, challenges and opportunities

After gaining a comprehensive understanding of sustainability related topics and how they are linked your organisation’s activities in Sustainability Leader – Fundamentals, this advanced module guides you towards taking the next step: designing a sustainability strategy tailored to your organisation’s needs.
You will learn how to:

• Analyse and identify your organisation’s needs related to the sustainable transition ,
• structure and prioritise sustainable projects,
• design a concrete strategy creating real value for your organisation.

This training enables you to fully embrace your role as a Sustainability Leader and move from reflection to a concrete and realistic action plan.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Define and embody their role as a Sustainability Leader
• Conduct a gap analysis and map existing ESG initiatives within their organisation
• Identify priority ESG issues using a materiality methodology adapted to their organisation’s size
• Build an action plan covering environmental, social and governance pillars most relevant for their activities
• Develop an ESG strategy with clear objectives, milestones and KPIs
• Present and defend their strategy convincingly to management, board and decision-makers
• Activate key success levers: change management, communication, awareness-raising and proficiency with digital tools

Day 1 – Introduction to the Role of Sustainability Leader

• Position and role of Sustainability Leader: understanding the cross-functional nature of the role, its objectives and how the position may vary across organisations
• Testimonies: Exchange with active Sustainability Leaders, understand the challenges you may face and receive practical advice on how to achieve a meaningful transition
• Best practices: tools, resources and networks to mobilise to increase impact and drive the transition within the organisation Gap analysis methodology:
• Identification of priority ESG topics according to sector and size of the organisation; mobilise scientific sources; understand relevant political and economic policies
• Mapping existing initiatives and internal stakeholders
• Practical workshop: Exchange with your peers, discuss your organisation’s needs

Day 2 – Identifying material topics

• Principles of materiality and double materiality: Identify the most relevant ESG projects to drive meaningful change within your organisation
• Stakeholder and value chain mapping methodology: consultation, dialogue and prioritization exercise
• Practical exercise: identifying risks, opportunities and concrete impacts linked to your organisation’s activities Mapping actions to be implemented:
• Environmental pillar: carbon footprint, transition plan, circular economy, waste management, etc.
• Social pillar: diversity and inclusion objectives, health and safety, working conditions, etc.
• Governance pillar: stakeholder committee, ESG performance linked remuneration, anti-corruption plan, whistleblower protection mechanisms, etc.
• Debate workshop: selecting the projects best suited to your company’s size and sector

Day 3 – Designing your Sustainability Strategy

• Methodology for selecting and prioritising actions: quick wins, strategic projects, role of expert committees and decision-makers
• Practical exercise: prioritising actions based on relevance and impact; collective justification
• Drafting your Sustainability Strategy:
• Defining objectives aligned with the company’s sector and size
• Setting a timeline and intermediate milestones
• Selecting relevant KPIs to monitor and showcase progress
• Practical exercise: drafting objectives and an action plan, presentation and peer feedback

Day 4 – Toolkit and key success factor

• Pitch and communication: practical presentation exercise with coaching and professional feedback
• Change management: anticipating and overcoming resistance to change; change management methodology
• Internal and external communication: developing an engaging plan for teams; aligning internal and external communication with the strategy
• Awareness and training: creating an upskilling plan for employees and managers
• Tools and innovation: overview of digital and AI solutions supporting ESG monitoring, measurement and implementation

This module is designed as a practical strategic toolbox, enabling participants to leave with an operational sustainability strategy adapted to their organisation’s needs.