Director Climate Journey
#1
in Open Executive Education in Belgium and #27 worldwide
“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
Faculty
Xavier Baeten
Professor of Reward & Sustainability
Xavier Baeten is highlighting the vital role of rewarding in helping organisations deliver their strategy and gain competitive advantage.
Kerstin Fehre
Professor of Strategy
Kerstin Fehre is passionate about strategy and explores the ways organisations make strategic decisions.
David Veredas
Professor of Financial Markets
David Veredas makes sure you understand finance and sustainability – and think critically about them.
Sandra Gobert
Executive Director at GUBERNA
Sandra focuses on how Boards can strategically and successfully guide their companies towards a Net Zero future.
Eloi Glorieux
Certified nature guide
Eloi has over 40 years' experience in the peace and environmental movement.
Andrew Griffiths
Director of Policy Planet Mark
Andrew is Chair of the Sustainability Taskforce at the Institute of Directors
Eric Lambin Stanford University
Geographer and environmental scientist
Eric's research focusses on the causes and impacts of land use across the world
Philippe Joubert
Founder and CEO Earth on Board
Philippe is an experienced advisor on sustainable development