THE DIRECTOR CLIMATE
JOURNEY
This is our flagship climate training & networking program for executives and board members. It includes 6 workshops and a site visit professionally facilitated and supported by recognized experts and thought leaders.
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So far seven cohorts of the Director Climate Journey have been successfully filled. The next cohort starts in September 2025.
Register below!
Starts 25 September 2025
Brussels
This programme is organized in partnership with
Vlerick Business School
Upcoming Editions
This blended programme combines live online sessions and 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.
25 September - 27 November 2024
In Person & Online
€ 4195 (excl. 21% VAT)
English
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.
For whom
This programme is designed for executives and board directors.
We recommend two directors from each company apply – to develop a shared approach and provide mutual support.
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If you’re an aspiring board member, you may be able to apply. Please get in touch to discuss.
Added Value
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Become climate-competent in a safe, confidential space
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Learn from experts in climate, corporate governance and business
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Build a network of like-minded peers to share ideas and experiences with
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Continue your journey after the programme ends with regular discussions, an online forum and one-year review
Valentine Deprez
Member of the founding family and
Board Member of 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 and Board Member of GUBERNA
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.
The programme offers a good mix of online and in-person sessions, great and insightful speakers, and the opportunity to voice concerns and challenges as well as opportunities ‘in a safe place. Read Cécile's full testimony here.
Cécile Coune
Independent Non-Executive Director
Programme Design
Session 1: The evolving role of boards in the context of Climate Change (In collaboration with Earth on Board) Understand how ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option for companies, and how this new normal is changing the traditional role of the board of directors. It will give participants an understanding of the existing or upcoming sustainability-related disruptions for business models and provide them with concepts and examples to spark the discussion within their boards. Our speaker will also show how global progress in the recognition of the role companies should play regarding environmental and social issues is fundamentally changing the nature of Board duties and potentially exposing directors.
Session 2: Climate Context: Science, causes, impacts and implications Gain a global overview of the physics of climate change, the latest predictions of the consequences of this unmitigated acceleration and a bird’s eye view of technologies and solutions that can help us 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. Participants will also explore the role of carbon markets in reducing emissions and discover how boards can affect the strategic decision of paying for pollution or investing in low carbon technology.
Session 4: Forest & Climate Walk Hear from an expert guide on the implications of climate change on the Sonian forest in Belgium, but also on the resiliency and benefits of protecting forest ecosystems in the fight against climate change. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a walk in the forest and discuss together during an informal networking drink after the walk.
Session 5: Achieving Net Zero Ensure that your company is ready to move towards action on climate change. Discuss commonly misunderstood concepts around climate target setting and learn how to avoid greenwashing and ensure credible targets and action plans Our expert will also explore relevant regulations and stakeholder initiatives that board members should be aware of, highlighting emission reduction case studies from key sectors
Session 6: Leadership from the board and individual action (In collaboration with Earth on Board) Learn frameworks and guiding questions that can help motivate your board to act on climate change. Participants will also take part in a board simulation to debate a climate strategy. We will have the opportunity to learn best practice in climate governance through an inspirational testimony. We will also cover how governance in times of change requires new skills, new regulations and innovative thinking to identify opportunities and avoid risks Finally, you will be invited to apply the insights you’ve gained to a plan for your companies
Increase your knowledge & impact with additional learning
If (within 24 months) you complete both the Director Climate Journey and the Guberna course: A governance roadmap to sustainable value creation, you will be eligible for our joint Certificate of Sustainable Directorship. More information available here.
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By following both courses directors gain a holistic understanding of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) topics as well as in-depth knowledge of the climate crisis, including risks and opportunities for their businesses.
