Net Zero Academy: Climate Essentials for Professionals - PDU1021

Many leaders are already navigating climate impacts in their day-to-day work. Other professionals want to take positive action but don’t know where to start. Featuring experts from Monash University and Climateworks Centre, this course provides a strong foundation in climate change and net zero.

Through a series of online, on-demand modules, learners will develop a clear understanding of the climate challenge, and what it means for organisations and individuals. You’ll leave the course with a clear, confident understanding of climate change, net zero, and what both mean for the work you do.

At a glance

Fees

A$990

Alumni discounted fees

  • 20% discount for current Monash University staff and students.
  • 20% discount for Monash alumni. To access the discount code visit the Alumni portal.
  • Group discounts available – contact us for more information.
  • NFP discounts available – contact us for more information.

Who should attend

This course is ideal if you want to:

  • Build a clear and practical understanding of climate change and net zero
  • Develop climate literacy to support confident decision making at work
  • Understand how climate change affects economies, sectors and organisations
  • Step into new climate or net zero responsibilities with confidence
  • Explore future career pathways in sustainability or climate related roles

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Recognise the urgency of climate change and pathways to net zero
    • Examine what net zero means in practice and the scale of emissions reduction required
  • Understand what net zero means for organisations
    • Learn how climate change, policy, and global market shifts impact decision making
  • Identify how organisations can reduce emissions
    • Explore key business levers for managing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
  • Be empowered to take action
    • Use your understanding to contribute to net zero initiatives within your organisation

Program structure

Module 1: Welcome and Introduction

An introduction to the course and navigating the platform.

Module 2: Climate change evidence and impacts

Recap on latest climate science: carbon cycle, global and regional emissions trends, climate impact modelling, rationale behind 1.5C, proliferation of commitments to 1.5C.

Module 3: The transition to net zero

Demonstrate the pathway and actions to reach net zero: decarbonisation pathways for key sectors, summarise key technologies/solutions, illustrate the role of nature in decarbonization, introduce the four pillars of decarbonisation.

Module 4: Policy and regulatory context

Summarise key developments in policy and regulation, with a focus on Australia’s commitments, corporate disclosure requirements and our potential as a green energy superpower.

Module 5: Tools for change

Introduce basic tools and frameworks used to measure and reduce emissions, including emission scopes/inventories, science-based targets and good target-setting principles, organisational risk and opportunity mapping, and the purpose of scenario analysis.

Module 6: Wrap-Up and Next Steps

A final session summarising the key takeaways from the course, providing participants with actionable next steps to begin incorporating insights into their sphere of influence.

Expert guidance for the net zero transition

Led by cross-faculty experts, the Net Zero Academy equips professionals to navigate the transition to net zero. The focus is on building skills that advance careers and enable meaningful change across sectors.

Delivered jointly by Climateworks Centre, Australia’s climate transition specialists, and Monash University's Sustainable Development Education team, experts in impactful capacity building.

For any additional information or enquiries, please contact NetZeroAcademy@monash.edu