For professionals involved in governance, auditing, compliance or non-financial reporting, there are free training programmes supported by internationally recognised organisations. These courses provide the tools needed to apply the regulations correctly in day-to-day business.
Below are five such programmes, each organised by a different entity active in ESG at European or global level.
1. Ed4S Academy - ESG in 9 weeks
This training programme is aimed at those who prefer a step-by-step approach, structured over a number of weeks, with time for reflection and reflection. The course offered by Ed4S Academy covers the most important ESG topics - from general principles and the role of sustainability in strategy, to integration into business processes and the beginnings of non-financial reporting. The format is accessible, well-organised, and can be self-paced. At the end, participants receive a certificate confirming that they have completed the programme.
https://learn.ed4s.org/courses/esg-9-weeks
2. CSRD Institute - Specialised courses on ESRS
The CSRD Institute offers a series of clear and applied courses for those who need to quickly and correctly understand the requirements of the new CSRD Directive. Each module is structured to provide a practical overview of ESRS reporting - from assessing materiality and structuring data, to internal responsibilities and documentation. The programmes are CPD-accredited and are based on direct collaboration with EFRAG, the organisation that contributed to the development of the relevant European standards.
3. Alison - Guide to measuring ESG performance
For those who need a clear introduction to what ESG indicators mean and how to measure and report on them, Alison's course is a good choice. The platform proposes a logical progression from basic concepts to practical applicability in organisational contexts. It is a useful option for professionals in small and medium-sized companies or for those building their competences in non-financial reporting. The course is free and the certificate can be obtained after a final assessment.
https://alison.com/course/a-guide-to-esg-performance-measurement
4. University of Pennsylvania (Coursera) - ESG: Risks and Opportunities
This university course, available for free through Coursera, proposes an analytical approach to ESG from a strategic and investment perspective. It is designed for those who want to understand not only what ESG reporting entails, but also how it influences decisions in the financial environment, the associated risks or the assessment of an organisation's performance. Being offered by a prestigious academic institution - the University of Pennsylvania - the course stands out for the quality of the explanations and the relevance of the content. Attendance is free on an audit basis and a fee is required to obtain a certificate.
coursera.org/learn/environmental-social-governance
5. Law Society of Ireland - ESG MOOC
The Law Society of Ireland is organising an open online course (MOOC) for those who want to explore the legal and compliance aspects of ESG. Over the course of five weeks, participants cover topics such as biodiversity, climate change, human rights and corporate governance structure, all analysed from a legal perspective. The programme is highly regarded by advisory, legal and compliance professionals, and completion also earns CPD points. The course is free and can be taken entirely online.