Certified Sustainability Officer (CSO)
The Certified Sustainability Officer program equips participants to navigate the complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in strategic planning and long-term value creation.
ESG Strategy & Corporate Sustainability Leadership
The Certified Sustainability Officer program equips participants to navigate the complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in strategic planning.
As organizations face increasing stakeholder pressure and regulatory requirements, this program emphasizes assessing material ESG-related risks, integrating ESG principles into business operations, and aligning ESG strategies with long-term corporate competitiveness.
"Sustainability is not a compliance cost—it is a competitive advantage."
Programme Structure & Curriculum
An intensive executive program covering ESG regulations, materiality assessments, climate risk controls, and reporting frameworks.
Understanding ESG, Global Trends & Regulations
Navigating global ESG trends, CSRD, ISSB, SASB frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
Materiality Assessment & ESG Risk Identification
Conducting double materiality assessments and evaluating ESG and nature-related risks.
Climate Risk Management & Operations
Integrating climate risk controls, decarbonization strategies, and ESG metrics into daily business operations.
Key ESG Metrics & Reporting Frameworks
Establishing ESG key performance indicators (KPIs), GRI/ISSB reporting dashboards, and stakeholder communication.
Applied ESG Strategy Framework
Participants design a full corporate ESG strategy, double materiality matrix, and reporting framework for their enterprise.
Programme Outcomes
Upon completion of the CSO programme, participants will be able to:
ESG Regulation Navigation
Understand global trends and regulatory standards regarding sustainability and ESG.
Material Risk Assessment
Assess material ESG and nature-related risks and strategic growth opportunities.
Sustainability Framework
Develop a corporate sustainability framework aligned with global standards.
Governance Integration
Embed ESG factors into corporate governance, board oversight, and executive decision-making.
Global Reporting Standards
Apply tools for sustainability reporting (ISSB, CSRD, NFRD, SASB) and stakeholder engagement.
Learning & Assessments
Global ESG Insights
Fully interactive workshop sessions combining global ESG insights with practical industry case studies.
Framework Development
Step-by-step guidance in developing double materiality matrices and ESG reporting frameworks.
Expert Sustainability Coaching
Coaching from Swiss sustainability advisors to ensure practical application within your enterprise.
Final Assessment
Participants complete a practical project setting up an ESG framework, double materiality matrix, and integrating ESG factors into corporate strategic planning.
Grants the official Certified Sustainability Officer (CSO) designation.
Who Should Attend
- → Senior executives and sustainability leaders
- → Risk, compliance, and governance professionals
- → Strategy and operations heads integrating ESG into business models
- → Advisors and consultants in sustainability and corporate responsibility
Minimum Requirements
At least 3 years of experience in ESG, sustainability, risk, or business strategy.
Foundational knowledge of finance, economics, or corporate strategy.
Drive Enterprise ESG & Sustainable Value
View the full program syllabus as well as details on faculty, guest speakers and key learner benefits.
SIMS Campus 1
Baarerstrasse 71, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
SIMS Campus 2
Chamerstrasse 174, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
Direct Line
+41 76 702 23 97Mon - Fri, 8:00 - 18:00 CET
