Net-zero transformation - Best practices and industry standards (SBTi and beyond)
As businesses face increasing pressure from investors, regulators, and consumers to reduce their carbon footprint, the transition to net-zero emissions is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides globally recognised guidelines for setting net-zero targets aligned with the Paris agreement. This training will help organisations navigate the net-zero transformation journey, understand regulatory industry frameworks, implement effective decarbonisation strategies.
Companies that take proactive steps toward net-zero can enhance their brand reputation, investor appeal, regulatory compliance, while also unlocking cost savings through energy efficiency sustainable innovation.
To complement your learning journey, please check our Sustainability curriculum.
Duration: 2h
Language: Available in English
Number of participants: up to 15
Available as intra-company course (i.e. dedicated session on demand)
Course content can be customised on demand under specific conditions.
Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will:
- understand what net-zero means why it is critical for businesses;
- learn about key net-zero frameworks (SBTi, ISO 14068, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol, TCFD, CSRD);
- identify scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and how to measure them;
- explore carbon reduction strategies, offsets, and transition planning;
- gain insights into regulatory risks, investor expectations, and reporting obligations.
Content
What is net-zero & why does it matter?
- The science behind net-zero: limiting global warming to 1.5°C
- Regulatory drivers & investor expectations
- Industry pressure & supply chain decarbonization
Net-zero frameworks and industry standards
- Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) - Setting credible near-term and long-term reduction targets
- GHG protocol - Accounting for scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
- ISO 14068 & PAS 2060 - Net-zero verification and certification
- Task force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) - Climate risk integration
- EU Taxonomy and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - Alignment with net-zero targets
Measuring and managing carbon emissions
- Identifying scope 1 (direct), scope 2 (indirect), and scope 3 (value chain) emissions
- Carbon footprint assessments and lifecycle analysis
- Digital tools and data analytics for emissions tracking
Net-zero implementation: decarbonisation strategies
- Energy efficiency and operational improvements
- Renewable energy procurement (PPAs, onsite solar, RECs)
- Sustainable supply chain strategies
- Low-carbon innovation and green product development
The role of carbon offsets and beyond
- High-quality carbon removal vs. reduction strategies
- Market-based mechanisms: carbon credits and offsetting best practices
- Regulatory scrutiny of carbon neutrality claims (greenwashing risks)
Next steps for businesses
- Setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs) & securing leadership buy-in
- Developing a net-zero roadmap with clear milestones
- Embedding net-zero into corporate governance and financial planning
- Transparent reporting and avoiding greenwashing risks
Target audience
- Sustainability and ESG officers
- Finance and risk management teams
- Corporate strategy and business leaders
- Regulatory and compliance professionals
- Supply chain and operations teams
- Investor relations and reporting teams
Our lead experts
This training is coordinated by Michael Horvath and Julien Jacqué, Partners at PwC Luxembourg.
Michael Horvath is a partner at PwC with extensive expertise in sustainable finance and the asset management industry, including both financial and real assets. Since joining PwC Switzerland in 2011 and PwC Luxembourg in 2018, he has led significant projects in regulatory audit and advisory, focusing on the asset management sector. Michael has played a key role in implementing the EU regulatory framework for sustainable finance, including SFDR, taxonomy regulation, and CSRD, as well as other regulatory initiatives such as DORA, AML/CFT, CSSF circular 18/698, and MICA. He is a certified public accountant in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and has contributed to designing compliance frameworks and operational implementations driven by regulatory changes. His notable client projects include defining target operating models for Luxembourg AIFMs, digital operational resilience planning, AML/CFT framework implementation, and ESG/sustainability process design, supported by his involvement in training and regulatory advisory.
Julien Jacqué is a partner in PwC Luxembourg’s technology consulting department, co-leading the ESG Non-financial sector service offering and ESG Data & Technology services across sectors. With over 12 years of experience, he supports operational and financial clients in launching Sustainability and ESG transformation programs, guiding them from ESG strategy definition to business model transformation and regulatory reporting. Specialising in transport, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services, Julien leads large-scale transformation projects and international teams, including ESG reporting upgrades for telecom clients. His expertise includes ESG strategy, Net Zero, business intelligence platforms, and end-to-end project leadership for major clients in Europe and beyond.
