Training structure
Montpellier Management, Continuing Education Office, University of Montpellier
Language(s) of instruction
English
Presentation
This training program is designed for managers committed to lifelong learning who are interested in steering sustainability initiatives within their organizations and communicating these efforts to external stakeholders. Its objective is to develop and update participants’ knowledge and skills in sustainability reporting, in line with changes in the European regulatory framework. The course content is designed by faculty members from the University of Montpellier and Trinity College Dublin, who are specialists in the field.
Since 2025, the European Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) has provided the general framework for sustainability reporting for many organizations. Understanding the fundamental principles of sustainability reporting enables managers to steer the transition toward sustainability and to communicate effectively with stakeholders—a key factor in their competitive success.
This micro-certification will serve as proof of proficiency in the fundamental elements of this new European regulatory framework, contributing to a broader dissemination of sustainable development goals throughout the business community, and aligning with the ambitions of the CHARM-EU alliance.
The course is taught in English, requires an estimated 18 hours of student effort, and is offered entirely online in an asynchronous format. This format allows each student to tailor their learning pace to the professional demands typical of continuing education.
Upon successful completion of the final exam, a micro-certificate from the University of Montpellier and a badge from the European CHARM-EU alliance will be awarded.
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This training program is designed for managers committed to lifelong learning who are interested in managing sustainability within organizations and communicating it to stakeholders. Its objective is to develop and update knowledge and skills in sustainability reporting, in line with developments in the European regulatory framework. The training content is designed by research professors from the University of Montpellier and Trinity College Dublin, who are specialists in the field.
Since 2025, the European Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) has provided the general framework for sustainability reporting for many organizations. Understanding the fundamental principles of sustainability reporting helps managers guide the transition to sustainability and communicate effectively with stakeholders, which is a key factor in their competitiveness.
This micro-certification will demonstrate mastery of the fundamental elements of this new European regulatory framework, helping to promote the goals of sustainable development throughout the business community and aligning with the ambitions of the CHARM-EU alliance.
The course is taught in English, requires 18 hours of work on the part of the learner, and is offered entirely online and asynchronously. This teaching method allows each learner to adjust their learning pace to accommodate the professional demands inherent in continuing education.
Upon successful completion of the final exam, students receive a micro-certification diploma from the University of Montpellier and a badge from the CHARM-EU European alliance.
The advantages of the training program
Registration will open on July 1, 2026, via the following form
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Registration will open on July 1, 2026, via the following application form
Objectives
- To familiarize professionals with management responsibilities in companies with the requirements of the CSRD regulations, as well as with the distinctive principles of sustainability reporting, by comparing it with and complementing so-called traditional financial reporting.
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To familiarize professionals with management responsibilities with the requirements of the CSRD regulation and the key principles of sustainability reporting, by comparing them with and as a complement to traditional financial reporting.
Know-how and skills
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Identify the key regulations (CSRD, Taxonomy, SFDR) and their strategic implications for organizations.
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Identify the role of European institutions (EFRAG, ESMA) in developing and overseeing reporting requirements.
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Understand the fundamental principles of sustainability reporting (double materiality, connectivity, value chain)
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Structure sustainability reporting in accordance with ESRS standards.
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Assess the alignment of economic activities with the European Green Taxonomy.
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Understand the meaning of the required metrics (revenue, CAPEX, and OPEX).
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Contribute to the reliability and assurance of sustainability reporting.
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Structure the sustainability reporting of an organization not subject to the CSRD in accordance with the VSME’s recommendations.
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Identify the key regulations (CSRD, Taxonomy, SFDR) and their strategic implications for organizations.
-
Identify the role of European institutions (EFRAG, ESMA) in the development and oversight of reporting requirements.
-
Understand the fundamental principles of reporting (dual materiality, connectivity, value chain).
-
Structure sustainability reporting in accordance with ESRS standards.
-
Assess the alignment of economic activities with the European Green Taxonomy.
-
Understand the meaning of the required metrics (adjusted revenue, CAPEX, and OPEX).
-
Contribute to the reliability and assurance of sustainability reporting.
-
Structure the sustainability reporting of an organization not subject to the CSRD in accordance with the VSME recommendations.
Program
This is a short course, estimated to require 12 hours of student effort, and offered entirely online in an asynchronous format, serving as a foundational module covering essential knowledge in the field.
This teaching method was chosen to accommodate the pace and learning styles preferred by working professionals in the context of continuing education.
The program has been updated with the Omnibus Package, through April 2026.
It consists of 6 modules, each containing study guides and educational activities designed to facilitate learning:
1 – Introduction to the Sustainability Reporting Landscape
2 – Further Development of the ESRS
3 – The EU Taxonomy
4 – Insurance and Compliance
5 – VSME: The Basic Module
6 – VSME: The Complete Module
Price: €360
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This is a short course, estimated to require 12 hours of student effort, and offered entirely online in an asynchronous format as a foundational module covering essential knowledge in the field. This delivery method was chosen to accommodate the pace and learning styles preferred by working professionals pursuing continuing education.
The program has been updated with the Omnibus package, effective April 2026.
It consists of six modules, each containing study guides and educational activities designed to enhance learning:
1 – Introduction to the Sustainability Reporting Landscape
2 – An In-Depth Look at the ESRS
3 – The EU Taxonomy
4 – Insurance and Compliance
5 – VSME: The Basic Module
6 – VSME: The Comprehensive Module
Price: €360
Admission
Target audience
This training is designed for managers in the fields of accounting, reporting, internal control, auditing, and finance, to help them enhance their skills in sustainability reporting.
The course is initially taught in English.
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This training is designed for lifelong learners who wish to update their skills in sustainability reporting in accordance with the European regulatory framework.
The training is initially offered in English.
Expected results
- Contribute to sustainability reporting initiatives in accordance with the European regulatory framework.
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- Contribute to sustainability reporting initiatives in accordance with the European regulatory framework.