The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said April 28 it will run an ESG management professional training program from May through November to help companies build capacity for sustainable management.
The ministry said the program was designed to help companies develop practical response capabilities as sustainability disclosures expand internationally and product-based environmental regulations tighten.
Companies face growing pressure as ESG disclosure requirements and environmental rules such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms strengthen rapidly in global markets. Securing hands-on staff who can collect and analyze relevant data and apply it to management strategy has emerged as a key challenge.
The government plans to shift away from theory-heavy instruction and expand training built around practice and case studies. It also plans to broaden “on-site training” tailored to regional demand to improve access for companies outside the capital area.
The curriculum will focus on strengthening capabilities for carbon neutrality, with expanded practical content on carbon-reduction technologies and renewable energy transitions to help companies respond to mandatory sustainability disclosures and global carbon regulation trends. Courses will be offered monthly, with notices to be posted in early and mid-month.
Separately, the government will support companies in calculating Scope 3 emissions, an area it said is among the most difficult for businesses.
Scope 3 covers not only a company’s direct emissions but also indirect emissions across its supply chain, making the boundary broad and data difficult to secure.
The ministry has published Scope 3 calculation guides since 2023 reflecting the characteristics of major export industries. This year it will newly release tailored guides for petrochemicals and steel.
The petrochemicals guide includes calculation methods reflecting a complex value chain from raw material procurement through product use and disposal. The steel guide includes methods based on key raw materials by process and standard processes, along with examples of using circular resources to improve applicability in the field.
The guides were developed through a consultative body involving the ministry, the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, major companies by sector and industry associations, and present practical, sector-specific guidelines.
The guides will be available starting April 29 on the ministry’s official website and the Environmental Responsible Investment Integrated Platform. An English translation of last year’s guide for the semiconductor and display industries will also be released.
Jeong Seon-hwa, the ministry’s director general for green transition policy, said, “Amid international ESG regulations and the trend of carbon regulation, securing companies’ practical response capabilities is more important than anything.” She added, “We will systematically support responses to international sustainability disclosures and carbon regulations by linking professional workforce training with the provision of calculation standards.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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