GRI Academy Launches ESRS Professional Certification Program

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 04 February 2025 – Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) The Academy, recognized as the leading ​global authority for ​sustainability reporting education, has developed an innovative initiative to ​provide professionals with the tools needed to navigate ​the EU Directive on Business ​Sustainability. This new Professional Certification Programme for European Sustainability ​Reporting Standards (ESRS) aims to establish a new reference point for sustainability reporting education, allowing individuals and organisations to respond to growing requests ​for disclosure ​of information on corporate sustainability.

What is ESRS’ professional certification program?

The ESRS Professional Certification Programme is a comprehensive learning pathway designed to ​guide sustainable development professionals through ​the complexities of CSRD and European standards ​of sustainability reporting. Developed in collaboration ​with the ​European Financial Reporting ​Advisory Group (EFRAG), this certification ensures a strong alignment with ERM standards, with ​particular emphasis on reporting on impacts, definitions, parameters and disclosures.

Once successful, participants ​will win the prestigious title of “GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional”, ​indicating their ​experience ​and willingness to meet ​the ​challenges of the declaration ​of sustainability in ​a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

What is the structure of the certification program?

The program consists of six meticulously designed courses, each addressing a specific aspect of sustainability information within the ESRS. These courses include:

• Introduction ​to the CSRD and Reporting with the ESRS: Covers the basics of CSRD ​and ESRS fundamentals, providing a roadmap for first-time reporters.
• Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting: Focuses on effective ​strategies for stakeholder engagement to enhance transparency and accountability.
• Double Materiality Assessment under the ESRS: A hands-on guide to conducting materiality assessments crucial for impactful reporting.
• Data Collection and Reporting Under the ​ESRS: Teaches methodologies for gathering and disclosing essential sustainability data.
• Preparing for External ​Assurance: Offers insights ​into the growing importance of external assurance and how to prepare for it.
• Digital Reporting under the CSRD: Simplifies digital reporting processes, including XBRL tagging and inline disclosures.

Each course has ​interactive, narrative ​content, enriched ​with practical case studies and knowledge checks to ​track ​progress. The program results in a final exam ​that, after successful completion, provides formal certification.

Who can ​benefit from this certification?

This program is designed for a broad public, including sustainability managers, compliance officers, departmental strategists, auditors and all those ​involved ​in sustainability reporting. Whether ​it ​is new to the ​CSDD or seeking to deepen its experience, certification offers valuable knowledge and practical skills tailored to different professional contexts.

According to the GRI Academy, certification aims to create a global community of qualified professionals ​who can confidently respond ​to the complexities of sustainability reporting within the CSDD.

Flexible learning options: ​online and in person

The ​GRI Academy’s online platform makes the program ​accessible to students around the world, allowing participants ​to study at their ​own pace. For those who ​prefer a more traditional school environment, ERM certified partners offer in-person courses in more than 50 countries. These sessions are organized in local ​languages, fostering interactive learning environments where participants can exchange ideas and experiences.

Students can ​choose between buying the full certification program or registering for individual ​courses according to their specific needs. This flexibility allows business teams and individual professionals to search for specific knowledge.

Maintain certification: Continuous professional development

ESRS certification is valid for one year. To maintain their certified status, professionals must earn ​at least four units of continuing training (CEU) per year. ​These ​CEUs are awarded on the successful completion of new GRI Academy courses, ensuring that certified professionals ​are kept up to date with the latest progress in sustainability reporting.

CEU courses include specialized subjects such as:

• Reporting on Human Rights with GRI Standards
• Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Sustainability Reporting
• External Assurance for Sustainability Reporting
• Reporting with GRI ​11: Oil and ​Gas Sector ​Standards

This focus on continuous learning reflects GRI’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community that has the knowledge of sustainability professionals capable of leading an increasingly changing regulatory environment.

Why is this certification important?

With the ​development of broader sustainability statements across the ​EU, companies are increasingly forced to align their reporting practices with ESRS. Non-compliance can have ​legal implications, undermine reputation and lose opportunities ​in ​sustainable ​markets.

According to the GRI Academy, the ESRS Professional Certification Program not only helps ​organizations meet regulatory requirements, but also increases their ability to effectively communicate sustainability performance. Such transparency is essential for building stakeholder confidence, attracting investors and promoting ​long-term value ​creation.

What ​are the next steps for sustainability reporting?

The future of sustainability reports is increasingly data-driven. Digitisation, external security and double materiality assessments ​become standard ​practices, reshaping how companies reveal their environmental, social and ​governance impacts.

Organizations ​that proactively invest in equipment improvement through certifications such as ESRS professional certification will be better placed to lead this new era. They will ​not only comply with regulations, but will also benefit from sustainability ​as a strategic advantage.

For more information ​or to register for the ESRS Professional Certification ​Program, visit the GRI Academy website.

At a time when sustainability is no longer ​voluntary, but essential, the GRI Academy initiative represents an important step in preparing professionals to meet the challenges and opportunities of reporting on corporate sustainability.