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Why all sustainability professionals should know the VSME reporting standard and my review of the CSRD Institute free VSME course

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In today’s evolving sustainability landscape, corporate ESG reporting is no longer only relevant for large multinational companies. As regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) continue to reshape how organisations disclose sustainability data, a new reporting tool has emerged that’s gaining rapid traction: the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME). While VSME […]

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From Fisheries Lawyer to ESG Professional: One Woman’s Career Switch Story

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“Should I make the career switch to sustainability?” It’s the question Macarena Carmona Schwartzmann wrestled with after eight steady years as a fisheries lawyer in Peru. Five years later, she’s lived in three countries, held three different ESG roles in England, and learned exactly what it takes to build a career in environmental sustainability from

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The ultimate sustainability reporting course comparison guide (updated Feb 2026)

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Navigating sustainability reporting training can be overwhelming. With CSRD coming into force, GRI standards evolving, and new climate disclosure requirements emerging, choosing the right course matters more than ever.  We’ve compiled this comprehensive comparison of leading sustainability reporting courses from top providers including London Reporting Academy, CSRD Institute, and Sustainability Reporting Navigator Academy.  Whether you need CSRD compliance training,

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Best Sustainability Courses for Mid-Career Switchers

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Making a career change into sustainability can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re mid-career. The right courses can help you build credibility, understand the fundamentals, and demonstrate your commitment to potential employers. Here are the courses worth your time if you’re serious about switching into a sustainability role. Start Here: Core Foundation Courses Before diving into

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SME resource spotlight: UNGC Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein

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This week we caught up with Fabio Gfeller, Sustainability Advisor at the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein, to explore how their SME Sustainability Hub is simplifying sustainability for Swiss businesses. If your SME is ready to turn sustainability challenges into growth opportunities, read on and discover how to get started today. —– Who

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10 essential questions to ask in your first month as a Sustainability Lead

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Stepping into the role of Sustainability Lead—especially as a team of one—can feel daunting. The right questions in your first month will help you quickly understand your organization’s landscape, identify opportunities, and set a credible, actionable plan. Use this checklist as your onboarding guide for immediate impact. Ambition, motivation, and direction 1. How would the

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7 carbon accounting platforms for SMEs: A quick & practical guide

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What is carbon accounting? Carbon accounting is the process of measuring and tracking your business’s greenhouse gas emissions. This helps your business understand environmental impact, comply with regulations, and identify opportunities to reduce costs and emissions. Why carbon accounting matters for SMEs How to choose the right carbon accounting platform as an SME Selecting the

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What makes a good sustainability policy - professional reviewing policy document with checklist

What makes a good sustainability policy? What to check before you finalize yours

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Creating a sustainability policy is one of the first important steps for a company that is getting started on sustainability. But not all policies are created equal—some drive real change while others gather dust on corporate websites. Why having a good policy matters: A sustainability policy serves as your organization’s sustainability compass, providing clear direction

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Sustainability for micro-businesses: Where good intentions meet reality

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Starting your sustainability journey as a small business owner can feel overwhelming—especially when most resources seem designed for large corporations with dedicated ESG teams. That’s why we’re excited to share this honest reflection from Sarah Banks, who runs a solo consultancy and recently tackled a sustainability course designed for small businesses. Sarah’s experience perfectly captures

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Social impact for small businesses: Your questions answered

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Creating meaningful social impact for small businesses doesn’t require massive budgets or dedicated teams. Many professional services companies under 50 people are discovering that the most effective approach involves integrating social purpose into their core business operations rather than treating it as a separate charitable activity. What does social impact actually look like for a

Social impact for small businesses: Your questions answered Read More »

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Carbon Reduction Policy Template

For small businesses in the Professional Services sector

  • Follows international best practice
  • MS Word format for easy adapting & copy pasting
  • Multiple wording options for different ambition levels
  • In-template guidance and notes

Please respond to the below question to download your free policy template. This really helps us continue to create useful guidance.

Please note this is a MS Word file and once it downloads you may need to look for it in your Downloads folder!