Turning sustainability training programs into tangible business value
Written by Malvi Goyal
Ambitious corporate sustainability goals are fast becoming the norm across APAC from net-zero targets to science-based commitments. But while strategies are multiplying, execution often stalls. Why? Because the people responsible for delivering on ESG goals lack the tools, context, and confidence to act.
In a recent EcoBusiness webinar, Mark Dinesh (Head of Training, Southeast Asia at AXA Climate) and Francesca from Blunomy tackled this head-on: How can organizations use sustainability training as a strategic lever to accelerate real impact?
Training: The Missing Link in ESG Execution
“Training is the lubricant in the engine,” said Mark. “Without it, the machine doesn’t run.”
Senior leadership may define bold ESG goals, but the execution lies in the hands of everyday teams from product design to procurement. Francesca emphasized the need for training to evolve from generic compliance formats into strategic enablement equipping employees to integrate sustainability into their day-to-day roles.
In other words, sustainability training isn’t an add-on. It’s infrastructure for transformation.
From Cost Center to Value Driver
Many HR and business leaders still perceive sustainability initiatives as a cost center with no clear ROI. But as Mark highlighted, “The return is survival.” And with regulatory and market pressures growing, the risks of inaction from reputational damage to lost competitiveness are steep.
Strategic sustainability training helps organizations:
- Future-proof their workforce with role-relevant green skills
- Deliver on investor and stakeholder expectations
- Strengthen cross-functional alignment on sustainability
- Translate ESG commitments into measurable business outcomes
A Shift Toward Impact-Driven Learning
Francesca emphasized that impactful sustainability training begins with a single, strategic question: What value are we trying to unlock? From this starting point, organizations can design learning journeys that are job specific whether for sales teams, risk managers, or operations ensuring relevance and resonance. Effective programs incorporate real-world scenarios and case-based workshops, helping participants connect the dots between ESG principles and their day-to-day work. Crucially, these journeys are aligned with key performance indicators and outcomes are tracked to measure progress. Beyond technical knowledge, such training also nurtures the cultural and mindset shifts required to embed sustainability across the organization.
The Bottom Line
Sustainability is a collective effort and training is the playbook. It’s time to reframe corporate sustainability trainings not as a cost, but as a competitive advantage.
📩 Want to learn how to build a future-ready workforce with sustainability training?
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