Micro-Certificate Program

Climate Risk & ESG for Corporate Governance and Decision-making

What is the Micro-Certificate Program: Climate Risk & ESG for Corporate Governance and Decision-making?

The Canada Climate Law Initiative has partnered with the Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia to bring you a flexible 8-week online educational program. The micro-certificate will provide directors, officers, in-house and external legal counsel, and governance professionals with the in-depth legal literacy and knowledge of best governance practices for managing climate-related financial risks and key regulatory requirements in corporate, securities, pension, and environmental law, with a particular focus on Canada.

Why choose this program?

Governments and regulators are increasingly demanding more climate disclosures and climate-related information. This has resulted in a surge in demand for professionals who have the skills and knowledge to advance climate and ESG initiatives within their organizations, and the capacity to make informed decisions towards a net-zero economy.

This course offers practical and hands-on training for professionals, including those currently working and those seeking to gain additional skills to better their employment opportunities. It provides a unique perspective that comes from collaboration and knowledge exchange between academics, policymakers, and business professionals.

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Canada Climate Law Initiative

What will you learn?

  • Key climate considerations companies and pension funds face when making business and investment decisions
  • Complex legal and regulatory instruments and requirements that directly impact businesses and organizations’ operations in Canada and internationally
  • Strategies to enhance your oversight and management of climate risks and opportunities

Who should apply?

  • Directors
  • Officers
  • Trustees
  • In-house and external legal counsel
  • Governance professionals
  • Investors and asset managers

When is the course?

  • October 1st, 2023 to October 31st, 2023
  • November 7th, 2023 to December 11th, 2023

Students will have until December 15th to complete a final case study.

The course is all online using an e-learning platform and can be completed from anywhere in the world

What is the class format?

  • Internet connection required to use UBC’s interactive e-learning platform “Canvas” which includes video lessons, readings, online discussion, case studies, and recorded guest interviews. There will be 3 live sessions with your instructor and classmates over Zoom.
  • Two online courses composed of four modules each. Each course is separated by one week pause.
  • Expect to spend between 5-7 hours per week for a total of approximately 50 hours. Students can learn at their own pace, when it’s most convenient for their schedule.

Who designed this course?

The course content was developed by Alison Schneider and Gigi Dawe, in collaboration with UBC’s Extended Learning specialists and other experts at the Canada Climate Law Initiative. The course offers a unique perspective that comes from collaboration and knowledge exchange between academics, policymakers, and business professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I pay for the program?

    We accept MasterCard and Visa. All fees and taxes if applicable are quoted in Canadian dollars and are due in a single payment. There is no fee differential for international students.

  • Do you offer financial assistance?

    We do not offer financial assistance at this time.

  • Do you offer group rates?

    We do not offer group rates at this time.

  • What is your cancellation and refund policy?

    If the Canada Climate Law Initiative cancels courses due to insufficient enrolment or other unforeseen circumstances, we will issue a full refund by the original payment method.

    We will authorize full refunds for students up to three days before the course starts. No refunds are issued for requests made within three days of the course start date.

  • What are the prerequisites for your program?

    There are no general prerequisites for this program.

  • I am on a waiting list, what does this mean?

    Once our program reaches capacity, a waitlist is created. This does not guarantee your registration in the program, but it places you on a priory contact list. If a place becomes available, we will notice you by email to confirm if you would like to proceed with the registration. You will have 24 hours to confirm your interest and register. If you do not confirm your interest within that timeframe, you will be removed from the waiting list and we will contact the next person.

  • Is this program offered at another time this year?

    At the moment, this program is only offered at this time of the year. We encourage you to subscribe to our email list here to receive updates on our current and future program offerings.

  • Can I download the program content?

    For a limited time, you will be able to export the program content into an ePub file and upload it int any eReader software for viewing, such as iBooks or Azardi. You can find the instructions here. Please note that discussion forums, assignment submissions, and grades won’t be included in the ePub file. Not all course content will format itself nicely in the ePub file.

  • I have problems with accessing the program content, what can I do?

    Please reach out to the Canada Climate Law Initiative here for support.

  • What are the technology requirements?

    A PC or Mac computer or tablet installed with a reliable internet connection and an up-to-date browser is required for all courses. For Live Online courses, it is beneficial to have a microphone and webcam, but you can participate using the chat feature if that’s all you have. You need to ensure your microphone and camera permissions are set to allow access to the online learning management platforms.

  • What are the certificate requirements?

    To receive your certificate, you must successfully complete the program within the timeframe determined. You must have completed the quizzes, assignments, and demonstrated competency in the program area by earning a minimum passing grade of 60% in each course or “Pass” on courses that are graded as “Pass/Fail”.

    An online certificate will be issued and your official transcript will be emailed.

  • I lost my original certificate, how do I get another copy?

    Please email ccli-info@allard.ubc.ca with the name and date of the program you completed. We will send your certificate by email.

Looking for more information?

Ready to learn more about our micro-certificate programs? We recommend all prospective students sign up below to receive our emails about upcoming deadlines, information sessions, and other helpful updates.