Public Relations

Writing Sustainability Reports

Sustainability reports communicate environmental, social and governance performance to investors, regulators and the public. This course covers reporting frameworks, materiality assessment, data collection, writing balanced and credible narratives, presenting data, assurance and avoiding greenwashing.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Stakeholders increasingly scrutinise sustainability claims. You will learn to produce reports that are credible and readable.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Framework walkthroughs, materiality exercises, writing workshops and report reviews.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain major sustainability reporting frameworks
Conduct a materiality assessment
Plan data collection for reporting
Write balanced, credible narratives
Present sustainability data clearly
Prepare for assurance and avoid greenwashing

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Sustainability managers
Corporate communication staff
Investor relations professionals
CSR officers
Report writers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Framework knowledge
Materiality
Data planning
Report writing
Data presentation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Reporting Landscape

09:00–10:08Why report
10:08–11:00Frameworks
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Frameworks (continued)
11:45–12:53Regulation
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Materiality

09:00–10:08Materiality assessment
10:08–11:00Stakeholder input
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Stakeholder input (continued)
11:45–12:53Priorities
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Data

09:00–10:08Data collection
10:08–11:00Indicators
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Indicators (continued)
11:45–12:53Quality
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Writing

09:00–10:08Narrative
10:08–11:00Balance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Balance (continued)
11:45–12:53Case stories
12:53–14:00Writing practice

Day 5Presentation and Assurance

09:00–10:08Charts and tables
10:08–11:00Assurance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Assurance (continued)
11:45–12:53Greenwashing risks
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.