VDH_Highres_Vlerick107-hero-desktop-w2880_edited

Director Climate Journey

Add to comparison

Brochure

#1

in Open Executive Education in Belgium and #27 worldwide

64

former participants

4.5/5

for Learning Impact

“Businesss as usual” is no longer an option for companies. They need to factor sustainability issues into their strategic thinking – and climate change in particular. Their boards have a significant role to play in ensuring effective climate governance.

This programme helps directors to develop the knowledge, tools and network they need to understand climate risks and opportunities – and act on them. It’s brought to you by Vlerick Business School and Chapter Zero Brussels.

Detailed programme

This Climate Governance Initiative approved programme is organised in partnership with Chapter Zero Brussels.

This blended programme combines 2 live online sessions and 4 in-person sessions. Through expert presentations, group discussions, curated reading lists and simulations, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools you need to strategically debate climate risks and opportunities.

Session 1: The evolving role of boards in the context of climate change

Understand how climate change is changing the traditional role of the board of directors
Explore the existing or upcoming sustainability-related disruptions for business models
Understand how the role companies play regarding environmental issues is fundamentally changing the nature of board duties, and potentially exposing directors to certain risks

Session 2: Climate context - science, causes, impacts and implications (online)

Gain a global overview of the physics of climate change and the consequences it presents
Explore the technologies and solutions that could help prevent a climate disaster

Session 3: Building and executing a climate strategy

Discover how materiality and stakeholder engagement can help to set sustainability priorities and targets
Receive practical advice and resources to build effective climate strategies
Learn how to move from emission targets to an integrated environmental strategy
Explore the role of carbon markets in reducing emissions
Discover how boards can affect the strategic decision of paying for pollution or investing in low-carbon technology

Session 4: Forest and climate walk

Explore the implications of climate change on Belgium’s Sonian forest with an expert guide
Dive into the benefits of protecting forest ecosystems in the fight against climate change

Session 5: Achieving net zero (online)

Ensure that your company is ready to move towards action on climate change
Discuss commonly misunderstood concepts around climate target setting
Find out how to avoid greenwashing and ensure credible targets and action plans
Explore relevant regulations and stakeholder initiatives that board members should be aware of and learn from emission reduction case studies from key sectors

Session 6: Leadership from the board, individual action and graduation ceremony

Learn frameworks and guiding questions that can help motivate your board to act on climate change
Take part in a board simulation to explore climate strategy
Learn best practices in climate governance through an inspirational testimony
Learn how governance in times of change requires new skills, new regulations and innovative thinking to identify opportunities and avoid risks
Apply the insights you've gained to a plan for your companies

This programme is organised with our partner Chapter Zero Brussels. For more information and registrations, go to the website.

As a Climate Governance Initiative Approved Course, the Director Climate Journey has undergone a robust review process to ensure its contents are highly relevant to board directors. You can read more about the review procedure and what this approval means here.

Why this programme

Become climate-competent in a safe, confidential space
Learn from experts in climate, corporate governance and business
Build a network of like-minded peers to share ideas and experiences with
Continue your journey after the programme ends with quarterly discussions, an online forum and one-year review

Who should attend

Board members
Senior executives

To develop a shared approach, we recommend two directors per company apply.

If you’re an aspiring board member, you may be able to apply. Please get in touch to discuss.

Success stories

Cécile Coune

Independent Non-executive Director

I see the Director Climate Journey as an eye-opener onto facts and science-based conclusions that cannot leave us indifferent or inactive. There has got to be a way for the market to play a bigger part in the climate transition. Read Cécile's full story.

Beatrice de Mahieu

Non-executive Director

The Director Climate Journey training was the perfect match of science-based theory, and powerful testimonials of companies and board members sharing best practices and collaborative exercises. Read Beatrice's full story.

Valentine Deprez

Board member Greenyard

I learned 2 major things: the confirmation and accompanying recognition that climate and environment are legitimate focuses for a board. And the levers to take this on: knowledge, a network of board members pursuing the same objective, and a network of experts to help you achieve that objective.

Pierre-Henri D’haene

Head of Strategy, Transformation and Sustainability at Elia

I wanted to understand what ESG (and related legislation) implies for boards – their composition, long-term vision, risks and opportunities, responsibilities, etc. The Journey resulted in a very specific, useful toolbox. As a board member, you understand why a climate policy makes sense