Course Description

Navigating the GRI Sector Standards is a focused training course designed to help sustainability professionals understand how to effectively apply the GRI Sector Standards to improve the relevance, consistency, and comparability of sustainability disclosures.

One of the main challenges in sustainability reporting is the lack of consistency and comparability across organisations, even within the same sector. The GRI Sector Standards address this by providing a sector-specific lens for reporting: they define the sustainability context of a sector, highlight the most likely material topics, and recommend relevant disclosures tailored to sectoral activities and impacts.

In this course, participants will:

• Gain a clear understanding of the purpose, structure, and application of the GRI Sector Standards
• Learn how to identify sector-relevant impacts, determine material topics, and meet stakeholder expectations
• Explore how sector-specific reporting strengthens report quality, comparability, and credibility
• Understand how the Sector Standards integrate with the overall GRI Standards system and reinforce reporting “in accordance with” the Standards

This course complements Reporting with the GRI Standards and is particularly valuable for professionals who want to enhance the accuracy and relevance of their sustainability reporting.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to apply the GRI Sector Standards effectively, ensuring sustainability disclosures that are sector-relevant, consistent, and aligned with international best practices.

Course Content / Training Agenda

Delivery format: Interactive workshop with presentations, group discussions, and practical exercises.

♦ Introduction

• Course structure, objectives, and the role of sector-specific guidance

♦ Part 1: What is the Value of the GRI Sector Standards?

• Rationale for the Sector Standards
• Addressing challenges such as inconsistency, comparability, and stakeholder relevance
• Using Sector Standards to strengthen focus, materiality, and reporting quality

♦ Part 2: Understanding the GRI Sector Standards Across Sectors

• Structure of the Sector Standards and alignment with the GRI Universal and Topic Standards
• How likely material topics are defined
• Shared vs. sector-specific impacts and disclosure expectations

♦ Part 3: Reporting with the GRI Sector Standards

• Practical guidance for integrating Sector Standards into reporting processes
• Using Sector Standards to inform topic selection and stakeholder engagement
• Reporting in accordance with the Standards

♦ Wrap-Up and Reflections

• Summary of key concepts and takeaways
• Q&A and discussion of next steps

All participants receive course materials, templates, and a Certificate of Completion.

Important Note on Equivalency

Do not take this course if you have already completed one of the following GRI sector-specific trainings:

• Unveiling GRI Sector Standards: In-depth Insights and Real-World Applications
• Sustainability Reporting for the Coal Sector: GRI 12
• Reporting with GRI 13: Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fishing Sectors 2022
• Sustainability Reporting for the Mining Sector: GRI 14

These trainings already cover the core content of this course.

Target Audience

This course is designed for sustainability reporting practitioners and consultants seeking to enhance the quality, consistency, and sector relevance of their GRI-based disclosures.

It is particularly relevant for:

• ESG and sustainability consultants
• Corporate sustainability and reporting officers
• Practitioners conducting materiality assessments
• Professionals aligning reports with stakeholder and sector expectations

Skills You Will Acquire

• Describe the purpose and value of the GRI Sector Standards
• Understand the structure and content of the Sector Standards, including likely material topics and sector-specific disclosures
• Apply Sector Standards in practice to improve comparability and credibility of disclosures
• Strengthen your organisation’s sustainability reporting by embedding sector-specific context

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 (tekst ispod)
Preparation Tip: Participants are encouraged to read the GRI Universal Standards before the course
Note: This course is part of the GRI Professional Certification Program

 

Top 3 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Helps organisations report consistently on sector-specific impacts related to resources, emissions, waste, and supply chains.

• Focus on sector-specific disclosures tied to resource efficiency and circular economy

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Supports sectors such as energy, construction, mining, and agriculture in reporting on their role in sustainable industrial development and technological transition.

• Focus on infrastructure-heavy industries, systemic innovation, and responsible development

SDG 13: Climate Action

Guides organisations to identify and report on climate-related risks, emissions, and adaptation strategies within sector-specific contexts.

• Alignment with GRI 305 (Emissions), GRI 302 (Energy), and related climate disclosures

 

What We Offer

• Live, Instructor-Led Sessions – with downloadable presentations, notes, and case studies
• Interactive Components – hands-on exercises, quizzes, and knowledge checks
• Peer Collaboration – group discussions and networking opportunities
• Smart Learning Tools – flashcards, glossaries, and expert video interviews
• Local Context & Global Relevance – tailored examples for your industry and region
• Direct Trainer Access – real-time feedback and personalised guidance

 

Learning objectives

By the ent of this course, you will be abble to:

1. Describe the purpose of the GRI Sector Standards and how they contribute to better reporting
2. Discuss the structure and content of the GRI Sector Standards
3. Explain how to use the GRI Sector Standards to report in accordance with the GRI Standards