Course Description

Are you preparing for your first ESRS reporting cycle and not sure where to start — or feeling like you should’ve started yesterday? This introductory course equips you with the essential knowledge and practical guidance needed to confidently navigate the CSRD/ESRS landscape.

Participants will explore:

• The origins, purpose, and scope of the CSRD and its role in reshaping sustainability reporting
• The architecture and key principles of the ESRS
• Step-by-step preparation for an ESRS-compliant reporting cycle

The course also features a real-life case study of a company preparing its first ESRS report, highlighting lessons, challenges, and best practices.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to start your ESRS journey with confidence and clarity.

 

Course Content / Training Agenda

Delivery format: Interactive workshop with presentations, guided steps, group discussions, and a real-world case study.

♦ Introduction

• Welcome and course overview
• Objectives, structure, and expected outcomes
• Key terminology: CSRD, ESRS, double materiality, value chain transparency

♦ Part 1: Purpose and Value of Sustainability Reporting

• Why sustainability reporting matters: transparency, trust, and accountability
• Sustainability disclosures as part of corporate performance and risk management
• Links to investor expectations, stakeholder engagement, and EU policy goals
• Discussion: participants’ expectations and experiences

♦ Part 2: The CSRD in the EU Sustainability Landscape

• Origins and policy context of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
• Scope: which companies are covered, implementation timelines, reporting requirements
• CSRD’s role within the EU Green Deal, Sustainable Finance Agenda, and EU Taxonomy
• Legal implications and penalties for non-compliance
• Group activity: mapping which organisations are affected

♦ Part 3: Introduction to the ESRS

• Overview of ESRS architecture (cross-cutting, sector-agnostic, topical standards)
• Key principles: double materiality, connectivity to financial reporting, value chain focus
• How ESRS interacts with GRI, ISSB/IFRS, and TCFD
• Practical exercise: decoding one ESRS topical standard and its disclosure requirements

♦ Part 4: Preparing for ESRS Implementation

• Step-by-step guide for readiness and planning
• Conducting a gap analysis of current reporting practices
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies
• Data collection and governance processes
• Internal alignment across sustainability, finance, and legal teams
• Hands-on exercise: draft a roadmap for first ESRS reporting cycle

♦ Part 5: In Practice – Case Study

• Real-life example: company preparing for its first ESRS report
• Lessons learned: challenges, solutions, and best practices
• Discussion: what participants can apply in their own organisations

♦ Wrap-Up and Reflections

• Recap of key learnings
• Q&A session and peer exchange
• Next steps: further ESRS training opportunities and certification pathways

All participants receive detailed course slides, checklists, templates for readiness assessments, and a Certificate of Completion.

 

Target Audience

This course is designed for those new to ESRS or seeking a structured introduction to CSRD/ESRS fundamentals.

Ideal for:

• Sustainability and ESG professionals starting ESRS reporting
• Corporate reporting teams preparing for CSRD compliance
• Consultants and advisors supporting clients with ESRS
• Legal, finance, and compliance officers managing regulatory obligations
• Anyone curious about how CSRD/ESRS reshape EU corporate reporting

Skills You Will Acquire

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and value of sustainability reporting in the EU context
• Describe how the CSRD fits into the EU regulatory landscape
• Understand the architecture and scope of the ESRS
• Define core steps in planning and implementing an ESRS-compliant reporting cycle

These skills provide the foundation for successfully supporting or leading CSRD/ESRS reporting within your organisation.

 

Course Information

Duration: 1 day
Language: English or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
Delivery Options: Live remote training or face-to-face workshops
Prerequisites: No prior knowledge required
Certificate: Certificate of Completion (issued by GRI Academy — see example)
Course Fees: View Course Fees (including available discounts)
What We Offer: Explore Course Benefits (tekst ispod)
SDG Alignment: Your Contribution to Achieving the UN SDGs
Note: This course is part of the ESRS Professional Certification Program

 

Top 3 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Disclosures on resources, waste, circularity (ESRS E2–E5)
• Supports sustainable production and procurement standards
• Promotes transparency in value chain impacts

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Focus on ESRS E1: Climate Change
• Covers emissions, transition risks, and climate strategies
• Alignment with TCFD, ISSB, EU Green Deal, and CBAM

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Strengthens transparency, governance, and accountability
• Includes ESRS S1–S4 (social) and G topics
• Promotes ethical business conduct, anti-corruption, and inclusive stakeholder engagement

 

What We Offer

• Live, Instructor-Led Sessions – supported by practical examples and case studies
• Interactive Components – hands-on activities, quizzes, and readiness assessments
• Peer Collaboration – guided group discussions and knowledge exchange
• Smart Learning Tools – templates, glossaries, and expert resources
• Local Context & Global Relevance – EU regulations explained with practical regional implications
• Direct Trainer Access – real-time support and personalised feedback

 

Learning objectives

1. Explain the purpose and value of sustainability reporting
2. Describe how the CSRD fits in regulatory sustainability reporting practices within the European Union
3. Describe the structure and key charasteristics of the ESRS
4. Define the key components of preparation and project management activities in the context of ESRS reporting