Continuing education in sustainability
CSRD, carbon footprint, TCFD, TNFD, climate protection contributions, SBTi, climate targets, net zero - keeping track of the multitude of sustainability terms is not a simple task. But in order to achieve the climate targets, it is extremely important that the employees involved are informed and trained in this regard. This is the only way they can set the right levers for the sustainability strategy and its implementation. Swiss Climate recognised this need back in 2017 and offered the first course to give external employees the tools they need to deal with climate issues. Find out more about how Swiss Climate's training programme has developed.
Educational programmes for companies
Swiss Climate offers a wide range of information and training opportunities for companies - tailored to their needs. The offer ranges from short lunch learnings and awareness-raising workshops to training courses lasting several days. The programme unites the goal of empowering employees in the implementation of the path towards net zero, including through concrete ideas for sustainable day-to-day business.
The flagship course «Professional CO2 Manager» in particular is very popular and is well attended several times a year. Many companies have recognised that CO2
management is an essential basis for achieving climate targets. However, specialists and managers must be trained in the preparation and interpretation of CO2 balances. This also applies if part of the CO2 management is outsourced to external companies, as the tasks of data transmission and the implementation of measures often remain in-house. The participants learn this during the two days of the course, which are characterised by practical examples and an active exchange of ideas. Due to the success of the course, it is now also being offered in French in Western Switzerland.
«The course was at a very high level of knowledge, very well structured, with detailed documentation. The proactive interaction between speakers and participants was also more than just exciting.» - Peter Steinmann, Galliker Transport AG, Head of Quality Management
Understanding CO2 certificates and climate contributions outside the value chain
As CO2 certificates have attracted a lot of attention in recent years, many organisations are unsure about how to deal with them. Swiss Climate has developed a course on CO2 markets and climate protection projects to provide clarity. The course provides the basic knowledge required to assess and categorise climate protection projects and provides information on current developments. Thanks to the course, participants know the key criteria of a good carbon offset project – such as additionality and permanence – and can assess them themselves. The key terms are explained, such as the difference between avoidance projects (avoidance) and removal (CO2 sinks). The course looks at the most important standards and best practice examples and shows what climate protection projects have to do with climate targets such as net zero or climate neutrality. The course enables those responsible for sustainability to take a well-founded position, further develop the company's climate strategy and communicate it credibly.
Education and awareness-raising programmes for municipalities, cities and public institutions
Municipalities and cities have a responsibility to improve energy efficiency and promote the development of renewable energy supplies in their area. They also have further leverage in infrastructure and in raising awareness among their own employees and their population. In order to support public institutions in these important tasks, Swiss Climate has developed educational and awareness-raising programmes for municipalities, cities and public institutions.
These educational programmes provide practical information on how energy-saving measures can be implemented efficiently. These include energy and climate workshops that involve employees in identifying measures. The organisation of an energy and climate week is also offered, which motivates employees to implement simple energy-saving measures. In addition, Swiss Climate helps schools to achieve the "Energy School" award, demonstrating how energy consumption in schools can be continuously reduced and raising awareness to children about a sustainable approach to energy and mobility. Swiss Climate also organises information events with the aim of informing the public about energy-related topics.
Educational institutions
While competences in areas such as carbon accounting have often been developed in practice, educational institutions are increasingly offering courses and modules on topics such as climate crisis and sustainability management. Thanks to its many years of experience in these areas, Swiss Climate can provide practical content and support educational institutions in the development of new courses. For example, Swiss Climate has supported the HSLU in the development and implementation of modules as part of the MAS Net Zero programme and advised the ZHAW on specific modules on climate protection projects.
Are you ready to expand your knowledge in the areas of sustainability, climate protection and CO2 management? Here you will find an overview of the training programmes.
