Empowering accountants for a sustainable future

Table of contents

Introduction 2

How to use the programme 3

Tips for success 6

Unit 1: Introduction to Sustainability 7

Unit 2: Building the Business Case for Sustainability 10

Unit 3: Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making 13

Management Information - Making Sustainable Decisions 15
Carbon Accounting 17
Natural and Social Captial Accounting 19
Improving Social Performance 21

Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management 22

Foundations of Sustainability in Governance 24
Integrating Sustainability into Strategic Management 25
Sustainability Risk Management 27
Systems Thinking and Scenario Analysis
for Sustainability 29
Transition Planning 30

Unit 5: Sustainability Assurance 32

ICAEW Sustainability and ESG Leadership Programme 35

1
Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, sustainability is no

longer a “nice-to-have” but a crucial driver of long-term success.

For accountants-whether you are working in practice or within a business-this shift presents significant
opportunities. Sustainability is more than just compliance; it’s an opportunity to enhance the value
you bring-whether you’re advising clients or shaping the strategic direction of your organisation.

Organisations of all sizes are under increasing expectations to operate sustainably, requiring greater
transparency and accountability around Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) best practice.
As trusted advisers, accountants are uniquely positioned to lead their organisations orclients through
this complex landscape. In a market where expertise in sustainability reporting, assurance and advice
is increasingly valued, staying competitive means mastering these skills.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal skills or aiming to lead sustainability initiatives within
your organisation, the ICAEW Sustainability Accelerator Programme provides the guidance you need.
With clear learning outcomes and practical tools, you will be prepared to meet the challenges of the
modern business environment and contribute to a more sustainable world.

2
How to use the programme

The Sustainability Accelerator Programme offers top quality and

engaging eLearning CPD resources and certifications.

All the courses have been developed by highly experienced subject matter experts, in
consultation with ICAEW members who are leading in the sustainability field. It is designed
to be accessible and flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace while fitting seamlessly
into your professional schedule. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the courses
effectively and get the most out of this learning experience.

Step 1: Choose your starting point

The programme is divided into five main units:

1. Introduction to Sustainability
2. Building the Business Case for Sustainability
3. Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making
4. Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management
5. Sustainability Assurance

Each unit contains courses which are broken down into easy-to-follow modules,
featuring practical examples, interactive content, and real-world case studies. The
aim is to make complex sustainability topics accessible and actionable for finance
professionals at all levels. While the courses are structured to build on each other, you
have the flexibility to start with the course that best fits your current needs. If you’re
new to sustainability, we recommend beginning with Unit 1 to establish a strong
foundation. If you have more experience, you can dive into the specific topics that
are most relevant to your role.

3
Step 2: Explore the learning modules

Each course is broken down into concise, easy-to-digest modules, each with clear
learning objectives and outcomes. The modules are designed to be engaging,
using a mix of:

• Text and visuals to explain key concepts;

• Interactive content, including quizzes, polls, and practical exercises;
• Case studies and real-world examples to show how sustainability can
be applied in practice;
• Downloadable templates and tools that you can use in your day-to-day work.

You can navigate the modules in any order, but we recommend following the
suggested sequence for a smoother learning experience.

Step 3: Earn recognition as you progress

As you progress through the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to earn digital
badges that recognise your achievements.

• Course CPD badges: Each time you successfully complete a course, you’ll
earn a badge that showcases your new skills and expertise in that area.
• CPD Unit badges: Upon completing all modules within a course, you’ll
receive a unit CPD badge, marking your deeper understanding & commitment
to the subject.
• Sustainability learning excellence badge: Upon completing the entire ICAEW
Sustainability Accelerator Programme, you can earn a prestigious badge that
celebrates your achievement in sustainability learning excellence.

These CPD badges are not just symbols of completion; they’re valuable credentials
that you can share on your professional profiles, CV, or social media to highlight your
commitment to sustainability.

4
Step 4: Test your knowledge

Throughout each module, you’ll encounter interactive assessments, quizzes and

reflective questions. These are designed to reinforce your understanding and
provide immediate feedback on your progress. Don’t worry if you don’t get
everything right on the first try—these activities are there to support your learning,
not to test you under pressure.

Step 5: Apply what you’ve learned

At the end of each course section, you’ll find a summary section that brings together
the key takeaways. Here, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on what you’ve learned
and consider how it applies to your organisation or clients. Practical exercises and
downloadable tools will help you start making changes right away. Whether it’s
embedding sustainability into governance documents or evaluating a strategy’s
resilience, you’ll be equipped with the skills to take action.

5
How to use the programme

Pace yourself: There’s no rush to complete the Ask questions: If you’re uncertain about any topic,
programme. Take the time to absorb each revisit the content and explore additional
concept fully and explore the additional resources resources for clarity.
provided.
Connect with peers: Join the ICAEW
Engage with case studies: Real-world examples Sustainability & Climate Change Community
are included to help you see how theory translates and look for opportunities to share insights and
into practice. Dive into these case studies to gain a discuss your learnings with colleagues or in
deeper understanding of sustainability in action. professional forums. Collaboration can deepen
your understanding and open up new ideas.
Use templates and tools: Take advantage of the
downloadable resources. They are designed to By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared
make implementation in your own organisation to successfully complete the ICAEW Sustainability
easier and more effective. Accelerator Programme, earn recognition for your
efforts, and put your new skills into action.

Programme Curriculum
The Programme consists of the following units, each containing focused modules
that provide a deep dive into key sustainability topics:

6
 Unit 1:
Introduction to
Sustainability
Unit 1: Introduction to Sustainability

Unit Overview (13 hours total)

This foundational unit includes the updated ICAEW Sustainability Certificate for 2025,
an essential starting point for anyone new to sustainability or looking to refresh their
knowledge. The revised certificate equips accountants and other finance professionals
with the practical knowledge and skills to integrate sustainability reporting into their
organisations. After completion of ICAEW’s online certificate, you will be able to confidently
partner with sustainability experts to identify climate-related risks and incorporate
performance and financial metrics into their risk management, financial planning and
analysis, and ESG/sustainability reporting.

Course Overview

1 2
Introduction to Climate Change:
Sustainability and ESG Risks, Opportunities and Reporting

• Understand how the core competencies of a • Explain why and how climate change can be
chartered accountant mean they play a critical recognised as a financial risk and opportunity.
role in helping organisations achieve a • Integrate the impacts of climate change into
sustainable and resilient business. financial planning and analysis.
• Define the key sustainability crises of our time • Explain current regulation and guidance
(climate change; biodiversity loss; inequality). around climate reporting, including the
• Explain why sustainability is relevant for the C- implications for accountants.
suite through exploring key drivers of uptake; • Support your organisation to ensure
commonly used tools and frameworks; and consistency between the narrative report and
how ESG information is used by stakeholders. the financial statements.
• Describe how regulation is driving change • Recognise how financial statements (and
and what this means for the future role management accounting) are affected by
of accountants. climate-related matters; including an overview
of the key accounting standards where this
most commonly applies.

8
 3 4
Sustainability and ESG Analysing, Interpreting and
Assessment: Process, Principles Applying ESG/Sustainability
and the Role of Accountants Assessments

• Explain why and how environmental and • Explain how non-financial topics could impact
social issues can be recognised as a financial your business’s performance.
risk and opportunity. • Interpret and apply professional scepticism
• Explain current trends in regulation and to ESG/sustainability assessment results.
guidance around environmental and social • Apply data analytics principles to ESG/
issues, including the implications sustainability information.
for accountants. • Identify key ESG data sources and tools
• Identify key environmental and social issues to support sustainability analytics in
relevant for your organisation. your organisation.
• Work with sustainability experts to establish • Integrate the impacts of, and dependencies
robust data processes, controls and metrics on, ESG issues into financial planning and
to monitor ESG performance. analysis in your organisation.
• Apply the accounting principles for disclosure
to ESG information
• Engage in meaningful discussion with the
business on what ESG information to disclose
and what the options are for where to
disclose it.

5
Final case Study
Business/Practice

• The case study acts as a final capstone

assessment to the programme. Working
through several tasks, learners will have a
chance to apply all of the knowledge gained
from the course within a practical, real-life
integrated scenario.

9
 Unit 2:
Building the Business Case
for Sustainability
Unit 2: Building the Business Case for Sustainability

Unit Overview (3 hours total)

This unit comprises a course designed to equip practising accountants

with the skills to create a compelling business case for the development
of sustainability service lines including assessing client demand, business
development and pricing considerations.

It also will help business accountants demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating
sustainability into business strategy, from cost savings and risk reduction to enhanced
reputation and long-term profitability.

Course Overview

1 2
Building the Business Accessing Client Demand
Case for Sustainability and Market Positioning

• Explain the competitive advantages • Profile clients to identify which industries or

sustainability services create for accounting sectors face increased sustainability-related
practices and how they enhance financial pressures, such as regulations and supply
performance, risk management and chain scrutiny.
brand reputation • Evaluate client readiness for sustainability
• Identify key entry points for sustainability services through structured assessments of
services for SMEs and larger clients, including sustainability maturity.
current drivers like supply chains and • Tailor communication strategies to different
future regulations. client segments (SMEs to large corporations),
• Develop a business case for sustainability based on their likely sustainability goals
services, including internal buy-in, capacity- and needs.
building and aligning services with • Position their firm as a trusted adviser by
client needs. demonstrating thought leadership and
• Assess when your firm is ready to offer sustainability expertise in
sustainability services, understanding the role client-facing interactions.
of internal capability and staff engagement.

11
 3
Developing and
Pricing Sustainability
Advisory Services

• Develop sustainability service offerings that

meet specific client needs and industry
requirements, from advisory
to reporting and assurance services.
• Bundle sustainability services with traditional
accounting services, such as tax advisory, audit
and risk management.
• Consider key factors when setting pricing
strategies for sustainability services, including
service complexity,
client size and resource needs.
• Learn from real-world examples of how firms
successfully tailored and priced their
sustainability services.

12
 Unit 3:
Sustainability Reporting
and Decision-Making
Unit 3: Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making

Unit Overview (14 hours total)

This unit provides in-depth training on integrating sustainability into your

organisation’s reporting and core decision-making processes.

It is designed to equip finance professionals with the tools and knowledge to gather, analyse
and report on sustainability metrics effectively. By understanding and implementing
comprehensive sustainability reporting, you will be able to drive informed decisions that align
with both business goals and ESG standards.

Sustainability Reporting Resources

Most businesses are aware of the increasing focus on sustainability and the
expectations of a wide range of stakeholders to see relevant disclosures in the
annual report and accounts. These expectations are only set to increase for all
companies with further reporting requirements becoming mandatory in the future.
Sustainability reporting is covered across courses in the Sustainability Accelerator
Programme. A good starting point is Module 2 of the ICAEW Sustainability Certificate.
In this resource, the ICAEW Corporate Reporting Faculty provides an overview of
current and future UK reporting requirements and signposts relevant practical guidance
including:

• The main requirements of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2.

• Climate-related reporting in FRS 102.
• Strategic report - climate-related financial disclosures, under section 172
of the Companies Act 2006.
• Directors’ report - streamlined energy and carbon reporting.
• EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD)

14
Unit 3: Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making

Management Information -
Making Sustainable Decisions

Course Overview (4 hours)

This course is dedicated to embedding sustainability into management information and
decision-making processes. You will learn to develop relevant metrics, align your strategy
with sustainable development goals and design a robust reporting system. Key outcomes
include evaluating your operations from a sustainability perspective, using KPIs for informed
decision-making and enhancing the control environment for sustainability reporting.

1 2
Connecting Your Activities
Developing an Approach
With Sustainability

• Explain how integrating sustainability into • Align your strategy so that it is focused on
decision-making processes creates long-term creating or maintaining sustainability.
business value. • Design a blueprint (or framework) for
• Assess the impacts and dependencies of an management information reporting.
organisation’s activities on sustainability, • Identify the information required to meet your
enabling a more informed evaluation of its sustainability ambitions.
risks and opportunities. • Identify and address stakeholder
• Identify specific types of information required information requirements.
to achieve sustainability ambitions that align
with an organisation’s strategic goals.
• Describe how sustainability-related data and
insights influence strategic decisions and
operational choices.
• Outline a process for creating management
information that supports decision-making
aligned with the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).

15
 3 4
Creating Insight When Making Establishing Integrity - Considering
Sustainable Decisions the Control Environment

• Identify the sustainability metrics used by • Explain the reasons that sustainability
other organisations and assess their relevance reporting can be difficult to control.
for your business. • Identify and mitigate risks associated with
• Refine your MI blueprint by incorporating integrated sustainability information.
insights from case studies to support • Explain the importance of connectivity and
sustainable decision-making. how to enable integration.
• Create actionable sustainability-related
metrics that will help your organisation meet
its sustainability goals through improved
decision-making.

16
Unit 3: Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making

Carbon Accounting

Course Overview (4 hours)

Focused on the essentials of carbon accounting, this course covers everything from
emissions calculations to setting science-based targets. You will learn the practical steps
needed to create a carbon footprint report, understand the various emission scopes and
develop a decarbonisation strategy for your organisation or clients.

1 2
Introduction and Overview Emissions Mapping

• Explain key carbon accounting terms • Understand the purpose and process of
and concepts. preparing a GHG inventory.
• Describe why carbon accounting is an • Determine the difference between
important tool in measuring climate impact. organisational and operational boundaries
• Explain the fundamentals of the Greenhouse and apply this to a business.
Gas Protocol (GHG). • Define scope 1 and 2 emissions.
• Identify emissions categories within scope 1, • Map an organisation’s value chain to identify
2, and 3. scope 3 activities.
• Demonstrate high level understanding of
some of the different global reporting
frameworks that carbon accounting can
feed into.
• Identify which organisations these frameworks
apply to.

17
 3 4
Mastering GHG Calculations Carbon Reduction
and Reporting

• Identify key data sources for carbon • Articulate the significance of science-based
accounting, differentiating between spend- targets and their role in aligning corporate
based and activity-based methods. strategies with the 1.5°C global
• Understand and apply the carbon accounting warming boundary.
principles to ensure the integrity of GHG • Formulate a tailored decarbonisation strategy
emissions data. that aligns with the unique structure,
• Perform emissions calculations by applying processes and goals of your organisation and
appropriate emission factors to activity data. evaluate the appropriate decarbonisation
• Evaluate the impact of data gaps and apply opportunities available to you.
estimation techniques to address missing or • Understand what good practice transition
incomplete emissions data while planning looks like.
maintaining transparency. • Apply the learnings from the course to
• Calculate scope 2 emissions for complete the carbon footprint calculation for
an organisation. a company.
• Understand how to report under the location-
based and market-based methods.
• Calculate the emissions for each of the 15
scope 3 categories.
• Develop internal and external carbon
reporting strategies.
• Implement a quality management system for
continuous improvement in GHG emissions
data collection, verification and reporting.

18
Unit 3: Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making

Natural and Social Capital Accounting

Course Overview (4 hours)

This course provides insights into valuing and managing non-financial capitals such as
natural, social and human capital. Learn to evaluate measurement frameworks, engage
stakeholders and apply methodologies to assess these capitals in decision-making,
helping you influence organisational change.

1 2
Introduction, Frameworks and Principles Measuring Natural Capital

• Recall and describe the key types of non- • Break down the specific drivers and
financial capitals (natural, social and human dependencies of natural capital in relation to
capital) and their significance to sustainable business sustainability goals.
business practices. • Critique different measurement
• Explain the importance of assessing non- methodologies for natural capital and evaluate
financial capitals for achieving sustainable the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement
business success and outline the basic strategies in enhancing data richness
principles of capital accounting. and applicability.
• Identify appropriate frameworks (such as the
Capitals Coalition Guidance) and apply
fundamental principles of capital accounting to
enable effective identification, prioritisation and
assessment within a business context.

19
 3 4
Measuring, Reporting and Responding and Reporting
Managing Social and Human Capital

• Dissect the specific drivers and dependencies • Evaluate a transparent and insightful reporting
of social and human capital relevant to system for natural, social and human capitals
businesses and their sustainability objectives. that can inform strategic decision-making and
• Apply measurement methodologies for social management practices.
and human capitals and incorporate • Assess the effectiveness of a business’s current
stakeholder involvement techniques to approach to managing non-financial capitals
achieve comprehensive and and propose a plan
meaningful assessments. for continuous improvement.
• Develop a strategy to advocate for the
recognition of non-financial value in business
decision-making, aiming to drive systemic
change within the organisation and beyond.

20
Unit 3: Sustainability Reporting and Decision-Making

Improving Social Performance

Course Overview (2 hours)

This course equips learners with the tools, strategies, and practical insights needed to
enhance the social performance of their organisations. It focuses on implementing effective
social policies, engaging stakeholders, and measuring and reporting on social outcomes to
ensure businesses contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.

• Develop and implement social policies that align with organisational goals and contribute
positively to society.
• Engage stakeholders effectively to foster collaboration and support for social initiatives.
• Gain the skills to measure, analyse, and report on social outcomes, ensuring transparency.
• Apply practical tools and insights to continuously improve organisation’s social
performance, ensuring sustainable and positive impacts on the communities you serve.

21
 Unit 4:
Sustainability Strategy
and Risk Management
Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management

Unit Overview (18 hours total)

This unit offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and

embedding sustainability within strategy, governance and
risk management.

It is designed for finance professionals who want to enhance their skills in integrating
sustainability into core strategic management processes, applying systems thinking and
scenario analysis to sustainability challenges, governance adaptation, transition planning
and sustainability risk assessments.

23
Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management

Foundations of Sustainability
in Governance

Course Overview (2 hours)

This introductory course focuses on the intersection of governance and sustainability. You’ll
explore key governance concepts, examine various sustainability reporting frameworks and
learn how companies are adapting governance structures in response to changing legal
requirements. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for integrating sustainability,
including board composition, competencies and remuneration.

1 2
Introduction to Sustainability Embedding Sustainability
in Governance into Governance Structures

• Clearly identify the concepts of governance • Integrate sustainability into governance

and sustainability and describe how they policies: Understand how to embed
are interlinked. sustainability considerations into governance
• Compare and analyse various sustainability documents, policies and structures.
reporting frameworks and analyse their • Enhance board sustainability expertise:
influence on governance, particularly within Support and advise on incorporating
different organisation sizes in the UK. sustainability expertise into board structures.
• Critically analyse how companies have • Use assessment tools: Apply tools such as the
adapted their governance structures in World Business Council for Sustainable
response to specific legal requirements and Development (WBCSD) self-assessment and
apply this understanding to evaluate potential Chapter Zero Board Scorecard to evaluate
changes needed within your board sustainability practices and
own organisation. effectiveness.
• Evaluate the strategic importance of
accountants in promoting sustainability in
governance, understanding their role as key
drivers for integrating sustainability practices.

24
Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management

Integrating Sustainability into

Strategic Management

Course Overview (4 hours)

This course guides you through integrating sustainability into core strategic management
processes. You will learn to develop strategies that create long-term value for stakeholders,
using a “triple bottom line” approach that prioritises people, planet and profit. This course
covers detailed implementation strategies, from financial planning to performance
monitoring, ensuring that sustainability becomes part of everyday business practices.

1 2
Developing Strategic Plans
Introduction and Overview
that Incorporate Sustainability

• Recognise the strategic significance of • Identifying appropriate extended timelines

sustainability by identifying how integrating that capture long-term macro trends.
environmental, social and governance (ESG) • Designing associated vision and mission
considerations enhances long-term value. statements that contain sustainability
• Identify core sustainability challenges and related ambitions.
drivers impacting organisations, particularly • Evaluating key actions to reach your vision
focusing on stakeholder expectations, using backcasting and three horizons thinking.
regulatory pressures and operational risks. • Expanding the identification of risks and
• Understand the concept of the triple bottom opportunities to incorporate extended
line (profit, people, planet) and how it timeframes and go beyond financial impact.
contrasts with traditional single-bottom-line • Testing the resilience of your chosen strategy.
approaches, preparing for further application
in strategic planning.

25
 3 4
Implementing Strategies That
Evaluate and Control Delivery
Incorporate Sustainability

• Modifying your approach to financial and • Expanding performance monitoring to include

operational plans to support sustainability. sustainability goals.
• Adjusting budgeting processes to integrate • Driving timely corrective actions.
short- and long-term sustainability factors. • Considering the importance of board
• Agreeing targets and budgets for individual education in sustainability.
teams that capture non-monetary measures
and progress towards long-term
sustainable goals.

26
Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management

Sustainability Risk Management

Course Overview (4 hours)

Gain the skills to conduct effective sustainability risk assessments and embed sustainability
into risk management frameworks. This course covers the essential concepts of
sustainability in risk management, including materiality and double materiality,
and provides tools for critically evaluating and improving your organisation’s risk practices.

1 2
Foundations of Sustainability Overview of Sustainability
in Risk Management Risk Assessments

• Understand and explain sustainability • Apply methods for conducting sustainability

concepts relevant to risk management. risk assessments using a step-by-step guide
• Analyse the role of sustainability in risk that focuses on materiality and double
assessment processes. Examine the materiality.
importance of integrating sustainability into • Analyse sustainability risks using materiality
risk assessment processes, particularly and double materiality concepts.
focusing on the concepts of materiality and
double materiality.
• Evaluate sustainability reporting requirements
and their implications for risk management.
• Assess the interoperability of sustainability
reporting requirements and their implications
for risk management within organisations.

27
 3 4
Breaking Down the Steps for an Strategic integration of
Effective Sustainability Risk Assessment Sustainability into Risk Frameworks

• Identify sustainability risks, including their • Implement strategies to integrate

severity and probability, and apply techniques sustainability considerations into existing risk
for engaging stakeholders in the risk management frameworks.
assessment process. • Examine and critique existing governance
• Use a materiality matrix to identify and structures within organisations for their
quantify material sustainability factors, effectiveness in overseeing sustainability risks.
distinguishing between quantitative and • Create strategies and solutions to overcome
qualitative considerations. common challenges in integrating
• Propose enhancements to your organisation’s sustainability into risk assessments such as
sustainability risk management practices, organisational resistance, resource limitations
aiming for a balanced approach that considers and knowledge gaps.
both financial and impact materiality.

28
Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management

Systems Thinking and Scenario Analysis

for Sustainability

Course Overview (4 hours)

Explore the benefits of applying systems thinking and scenario analysis to sustainability
challenges. This course provides a step-by-step guide to conducting scenario analysis,
helping you assess the resilience of your organisation’s strategies while minimising
implementation costs. Follow ISSB and TCFD guidance to make informed decisions
using scenario planning.

1 2
Introduction and Basic Concepts The Scenario Process

• Understanding the historical development of • Explaining and building understanding of

sustainability scenario analysis including its the overall scenario process.
links to systems thinking. • Identifying and using high-level reference
• Identifying beneficial applications of scenario scenarios.
analysis within an organisation including
regulatory disclosure requirements and wider
stakeholder expectations.

3 4
Identifying Potential Responses,
Evaluating Business Impacts
Documents and Disclose

• Develop scenario pathway narratives. • Identifying potential organisational actions

• Identify and use high-level reference scenarios. that could follow on from scenario findings,
including financial implications linked to
the scenarios.
• Understanding and communicating scenario
disclosure requirements.

29
Unit 4: Sustainability Strategy and Risk Management

Transition Planning

Course Overview (4 hours)

This course focuses on creating a comprehensive and effective transition plan that aligns
with sustainability goals. You will learn to use key tools and guidelines, ensuring that your
plans comply with regulations and are fit for the future. The course also covers how to
evaluate your plans and collaborate effectively with experts to oversee the transition process.

1 2
Introduction to Client Crafting Ambition: Setting Strategic
Transition Planning Goals in Transition Plans

• Recognise the overall structure and objectives • Assess climate-related risks and opportunities
of the course. within an organisational context.
• Explain the concept of climate transition plans • Map key stakeholders relevant to climate
and related core concepts. transition planning.
• Identify the components of a climate • Understand, at a high level, how to measure
transition plan. an organisation’s emissions footprint,
• Understand the necessity of integrating including greenhouse gases, with cross
transition planning into business strategies reference to the in-depth footprinting course.
and the business case for doing so. • Identify and evaluate transition levers that can
facilitate a smooth shift towards sustainability
and resilience.
• Gain insights into assessing the impacts of
climate-related changes and dependencies
on an organisation.

30
 3 4
Actioning the Plan: Effective Accountability Frameworks: Governance
Implementation of Transition Strategies and Reporting in Transition Planning

• Define ambition in the context of climate • Identify and outline key actions needed to
transition plans: Understand the importance of transition your business operations, products
ambition in transition plans and set an and services, developing short and medium
ambitious strategic vision within your term steps to implement these changes.
organisation and industry context. • Assess and update organisational policies to
• Define objectives and priorities: Define clear support the transition plan, identifying
objectives and priorities based on the necessary changes in areas such as skills and
organisation’s role in the transition towards a financial planning.
low GHG emissions economy, considering • Assess the financial impact of your transition
both bottom-up and top-down perspectives. plan, identifying capital expenditures and
• Recognise the flexible and adaptive nature of operational costs and comparing these to a
transition planning. Identify and evaluate key baseline scenario.
assumptions and external factors on which • Set clear and measurable targets to track
strategic ambition, and the success of the progress towards your strategic goals,
transition plan, depends. ensuring these targets are linked to your
• Identify downstream, within-business, and implementation steps and overall objectives.
upstream changes necessary to meet strategic • Review and improve governance structures to
ambitions. Evaluate the feasibility and impact support the transition plan, aligning
of these changes on the organisation’s overall organisational skills and embedding the
strategy. Assess synergies and trade-offs transition plan into the corporate culture.
between different adaptation and
mitigation actions.

31
 Unit 5:
Sustainability Assurance
 Unit 5: Sustainability Assurance

Unit Overview (4 hours total)

In this course, you’ll delve into the key concepts of sustainability reporting and assurance.
From understanding the core frameworks and standards, like ISAE 3000 and ISSA 5000, to
planning and executing assurance engagements, you’ll gain practical skills that are directly
applicable to real-world scenarios. You will also explore the ethical responsibilities involved
in assurance, ensuring that your engagements are conducted with integrity.

Course Overview

1 2
Introduction and Overview
Sustainability Assurance
of Sustainability Information
Standards and Requirements
and Reporting

• Define key concepts of sustainability • Distinguish between different levels of

information and reporting. sustainability assurance and the nature and
• Evaluate the importance and impact extent of assurance procedures required.
of sustainability reporting on various • Understand key elements of prevailing
stakeholders. sustainability assurance standards and
• Identify and understand frameworks and requirements (ISAE3000, ISSA 5000).
standards for sustainability reporting. • Explain and incorporate ethical considerations
• Implement basic principles of sustainability and professional responsibilities
reporting in professional scenarios. into sustainability assurance engagements.
• Examine the benefits and challenges of • Identify the key elements of sustainability
sustainability reporting. assurance engagements.

33
 3 4
Conducting and Reporting
Planning a Sustainability
on a Sustainability
Assurance Engagement
Assurance Engagement

• Explain the process of planning a sustainability • Explain how to the execute a sustainability
assurance engagement. assurance engagement.
• Identify the key steps and considerations in • Identify the key activities involved in carrying
the planning phase, including resources and out the engagement.
tools needed. • Draft a robust sustainability assurance report
• Develop a detailed plan for a sustainability and effectively communicate key findings
assurance engagement and communicate to stakeholders.
effectively to relevant stakeholders.

34
 ICAEW
Sustainability and ESG
Leadership Programme
Helping senior leaders embed sustainability
into their organisation and day-to-day roles.
 ICAEW

Sustainability and ESG Leadership Programme

ICAEW’s Sustainability and ESG Leadership programme equips senior leaders from
practice and industry with the skillset to embed sustainability/ESG into their organisation
and day-to-day role.Through facilitated discussion with a subject-matter-expert, peer-to-
peer learning, and 1:1 mentoring, ICAEW’s Sustainability and ESG Leadership programme
brings technical learning about sustainability/ESG to life and enables you to deliver real
change within your organisation.

After completing the

Challenges you may face currently:
programme you will:

• Team have limited knowledge and expertise • Know how to build internal buy in for
in ESG/sustainability. • ESG/sustainability within your organisation.
• Struggle to create an actionable plan to • Understand ways of influencing and leading
embed sustainability across your organisation. in a context of change, uncertainty and
• Difficulty influencing internal decision making. disruption.
• Difficulty understanding sustainability • Be confident in how to navigate the changing
opportunities and challenges that are most sustainability landscape.
important to your organisation and/or clients. • Received practical support to real-life live
• Struggle to build an internal and external challenges you are facing.
support network. • Have had the opportunity to dive deeper onto
• Unable to find time to commit to sustainability specific problems with a sustainability expert.
• Unsure how to build and effectively. • Have built a supportive network of peers in
communicate a business case for other organisations.
sustainability. • Have access to ICAEW learning resources.

36
 The programme comprises:

• 4 x 3 hour facilitated discussions/meetings (online, facilitated by a sustainability

expert).
• 2 x 1:1 one hour online mentoring sessions with a sustainability expert.
• Free access to the ICAEW Sustainability Certificate.

Throughout the programme you will be part of a small cohort of 5-8 senior leaders,
all of whom have a good foundational knowledge of sustainability/ESG.

Peer learning and facilitated discussion provides a platform for participants to practice
coaching, critical thinking, & mindset skills. They stimulate a transfer of learning from
workshop to workplace from sharing live issues, gaining input and insights to “lessons learnt”.

37
Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and charteredaccountantsworldwide.com
committed professionals. ICAEW represents more globalaccountingalliance.com
than 208,000 members and students around the
world. 99 of the top 100 global brands employ ICAEW
ICAEW Chartered Accountants.* Chartered Accountants’ Hall
Moorgate Place
Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of London
serving the public interest and we continue to EC2R 6EA UK
work with governments, regulators and business
leaders globally. And, as a world-leading T +44 (0)20 7920 8100
improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor E [email protected]
around 11,500 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW icaew.com
members and students, to the highest standards
of professional competency and conduct. * includes parent companies. Source:
ICAEW member data
We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness February 2024, Interbrand, Best Global Brands 2023
and we give talented professionals the skills
and values they need to build resilient businesses, © ICAEW 2024 11/24
economies and societies, while ensuring our
planet’s resources are managed sustainably.

ICAEW is working towards becoming net zero,

demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate
change and supporting the UN Sustainable
Development Goal 13.

ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered

Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family
that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants
and students in more than 190 countries.
Together, we support, develop and promote
the role of chartered accountants as trusted
business leaders, difference makers and advisers.

We believe that chartered accountancy can be

a force for positive change. By sharing our insight,
expertise and understanding we can help
to create sustainable economies and a better
future for all.