The Diploma Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Climate Change & Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocols
Overview of global climate change science and policy frameworks (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and IPCC guidelines).
Introduction to greenhouse gases, global warming potentials (GWP), and carbon accounting principles (relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy).
Structure and application of the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
Module 2: Corporate Carbon Footprint (Scope 1, 2, and 3 Accounting)
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (stationary combustion, mobile combustion, process emissions, and fugitive emissions).
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting company (Location-based vs. Market-based methods).
Scope 3: Value chain emissions mapping, categorization across 15 distinct upstream and downstream categories, and data collection methodologies.
Module 3: Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) & Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Methodologies and standards for Product Carbon Footprinting (ISO 14067 and PAS 2050).
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) stages: Goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis, life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and interpretation (“cradle-to-grave” vs. “cradle-to-gate”).
Allocation rules, primary vs. secondary data collection, and handling recycling loops.
Module 4: Carbon Management, Reduction Strategies, & Net-Zero Targets
Developing corporate decarbonisation pathways and science-based targets (SBTi framework).
Energy efficiency auditing, renewable energy procurement, and supply chain engagement models.
Carbon offsetting, in-setting, high-integrity carbon credits, and credible net-zero claims.
Module 5: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) & Compliance Reporting
Mechanics of the European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), transitional reporting obligations, and embedded emissions calculations.
Verification, auditing, and assurance processes (ISO 14064-3 requirements for GHG validation and verification).
Preparing transparent carbon disclosure reports, stakeholder communications, and alignment with global sustainability reporting frameworks.
Overview of global climate change science and policy frameworks (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and IPCC guidelines).
Introduction to greenhouse gases, global warming potentials (GWP), and carbon accounting principles (relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy).
Structure and application of the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
Module 2: Corporate Carbon Footprint (Scope 1, 2, and 3 Accounting)
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (stationary combustion, mobile combustion, process emissions, and fugitive emissions).
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting company (Location-based vs. Market-based methods).
Scope 3: Value chain emissions mapping, categorization across 15 distinct upstream and downstream categories, and data collection methodologies.
Module 3: Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) & Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Methodologies and standards for Product Carbon Footprinting (ISO 14067 and PAS 2050).
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) stages: Goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis, life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and interpretation (“cradle-to-grave” vs. “cradle-to-gate”).
Allocation rules, primary vs. secondary data collection, and handling recycling loops.
Module 4: Carbon Management, Reduction Strategies, & Net-Zero Targets
Developing corporate decarbonisation pathways and science-based targets (SBTi framework).
Energy efficiency auditing, renewable energy procurement, and supply chain engagement models.
Carbon offsetting, in-setting, high-integrity carbon credits, and credible net-zero claims.
Module 5: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) & Compliance Reporting
Mechanics of the European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), transitional reporting obligations, and embedded emissions calculations.
Verification, auditing, and assurance processes (ISO 14064-3 requirements for GHG validation and verification).
Preparing transparent carbon disclosure reports, stakeholder communications, and alignment with global sustainability reporting frameworks.
