Course Description

Feeling overwhelmed by the shift toward CSRD and ESRS? Wondering how your existing GRI-based reporting fits into this evolving landscape?

This course is designed specifically for current GRI reporters and those working in sustainability disclosures who need clarity on how to transition or align with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) — the mandatory reporting instrument under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Throughout this course participants will:

• Learn about the structure and characteristics of the ESRS
• Understand how CSRD is reshaping disclosure expectations in the EU
• Leverage your existing GRI-based reporting processes to meet ESRS requirements
• Discover the conceptual and technical alignment between GRI Standards and ESRS (double materiality, disclosures, impact-based reporting)
• Gain practical guidance on using official GRI–ESRS mapping tools to streamline dual reporting

This course helps you unlock the value of your existing GRI practices and gives you the confidence to manage dual reporting expectations effectively.

By the end of this course, you will be able to align your GRI reporting with ESRS requirements, confidently manage dual reporting, and ensure your disclosures meet EU compliance standards.

Course Content / Training Agenda

Delivery format: Online course with presentations, technical comparisons, and dual-reporting tools.

♦ Introduction

• Transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting
• Course objectives and structure

♦ Part 1: Getting to Know the CSRD and ESRS

• Scope, context, and legal background of the CSRD
• ESRS as the mandatory EU reporting instrument
• Which organisations are impacted and timelines for compliance

♦ Part 2: Exploring the ESRS Further

• ESRS architecture and principles: double materiality, IROs, cross-cutting vs. topical standards
• Key similarities and differences with the GRI Standards

♦ Part 3: Leveraging the GRI Process for ESRS Materiality

• Using GRI’s materiality process for ESRS compliance
• Identifying impacts, risks, opportunities, and defining material topics

♦ Part 4: Comparing ESRS and GRI Disclosures

• Disclosure alignment and divergences
• Using mapping documents to reduce duplication
• Ensuring consistency across dual reporting

♦ Part 5: Publishing ESRS Reports

• Structure and publication requirements for ESRS statements
• Digital reporting and XBRL tagging under CSRD
• Assurance implications

♦ Part 6: Transitioning Strategies for GRI Reporters

• Practical transition tools and guidance
• Preparing internal systems and governance for dual compliance
• Strategies for aligning teams and reporting cycles

♦ Wrap-Up

• Recap of insights and takeaways
• Guidance for implementing GRI–ESRS integration

All participants receive mapping tools, comparison templates, and a Certificate of Completion.

 

Target Audience

This course is tailored for GRI reporters and sustainability practitioners transitioning toward CSRD compliance.

Relevant for:

• Reporting professionals and ESG teams experienced in GRI Standards
• Consultants and advisors supporting dual or transitional reporting
• Organisations already using GRI that are subject to CSRD
• Academics, students, and researchers exploring voluntary vs. mandatory standards
• Policymakers and data users interested in disclosure alignment

Skills You Will Acquire

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and features of CSRD and ESRS
• Describe ESRS architecture and compare it with GRI Standards
• Apply GRI-based materiality assessments to ESRS requirements
• Use official GRI–ESRS mapping tools to ensure alignment and reduce duplication
• Understand ESRS reporting technicalities (tagging, digital publication, referencing)
• Manage dual reporting strategies with continuity and confidence

These skills equip you to streamline compliance and enhance consistency across GRI and ESRS disclosures.

Course Information

Duration: 2 days

• 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
• SDG Alignment: Your Contribution to Achieving the UN SDGs

 

Top 3 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Teaches how to use both GRI and ESRS to report material impacts
• Improves completeness and credibility of disclosures
• Supports responsible impact management

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Strengthens institutional reporting capacity for CSRD compliance
• Promotes harmonisation through GRI–ESRS mapping tools
• Builds trust via transparent and assured reporting

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Encourages interoperability across frameworks
• Reinforces collaboration between GRI, EFRAG, and reporting entities
• Supports consistent communication across voluntary and mandatory standards

 

What We Offer

• Instructor-Led Online Training – technical walkthroughs, mapping tools, and case discussions
• Practical Exercises – dual-reporting exercises, mapping simulations, and knowledge checks
• Peer Collaboration – interactive discussions and transition planning
• Smart Learning Tools – official GRI–ESRS mapping resources, glossaries, and templates
• Global Relevance & EU Context – grounded in real CSRD implementation scenarios
• Direct Trainer Access – personalised feedback and Q&A

 

Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe the purpose and key features of the CSRD
2. Describe the structure and key characteristics of the ESRS, including a comparison with the GRI Standards
3. Identify how to leverage current GRI materiality proccesses and disclosure requirements to satisfy ESRS requirements
4. List the technical requirements of publishing an ESRS report, including tagging and referencing of information
5. Explain why and how organizations can report using both the GRI??