| Approx Course Duration *: | Equivalent to Approx. 1 Hour/s |
| Access to Course Content: | 18 Months from the date of enrolment |
| Qualification/s: | Introduction to IWA 48 ESG focusing on Principles 1-3 |
| CPD Hours: | 1 Continuing Professional Development Hours |
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expectations are increasing globally; from investors, regulators, customers, and internal stakeholders alike. ISO IWA 48:2024 provides a practical, internationally applicable framework to help organisations embed ESG principles into their culture, operations, and decision-making.
This microcredential introduces the core ESG implementation principles defined in ISO IWA 48:2024, with a focused study of Clauses 1 to 3. You’ll explore ESG foundations, the global ESG landscape, risk-based thinking, and how the PDCA cycle supports consistent, measurable ESG outcomes.
Designed for real-world application, the course emphasises practical understanding rather than prescriptive reporting, helping you confidently interpret ESG requirements and align them with existing frameworks such as GRI, IFRS S1 & S2, CSRD, and ESRS.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for professionals who need a clear, structured introduction to ESG implementation using ISO guidance, without unnecessary complexity.
It’s particularly suited to:
- ESG, sustainability, or governance professionals
- Risk, compliance, and assurance practitioners
- Consultants supporting ESG or sustainability initiatives
- Managers responsible for ESG integration or reporting alignment
- Professionals preparing for deeper ESG or ISO-based training
No prior ESG or ISO experience is required.
What you’ll learn
By completing this microcredential, you’ll learn how to:
- Explain the purpose and structure of ISO IWA 48:2024
- Understand the global ESG reporting and regulatory landscape
- Apply ESG principles using a risk-based thinking approach
- Use the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to support ESG implementation
- Interpret Clause 1 (Scope) and its practical implications
- Understand Clause 2 (Normative References) and its intent
- Use Clause 3 (Terms and Definitions) to ensure consistency and clarity
- Align ESG principles with widely used frameworks and standards
What you’ll be able to do
After completing the course, you’ll be able to:
- Confidently discuss ESG using ISO-aligned terminology
- Support ESG initiatives with a structured, principles-based approach
- Identify ESG risks and opportunities across environmental, social, and governance domains
- Assist organisations in embedding ESG into governance and operational practices
- Prepare for further ESG implementation, auditing, or assurance training
This microcredential can be stacked or extended into broader ESG or assurance learning pathways, including future ISO-aligned ESG implementation or audit-focused courses within the ATOL ecosystem.
A stackable, microcredential for ESG professionals seeking structured guidance on ISO IWA 48:2024 Principles 1–3.
This microcredentials contains structured lessons with integrated knowledge checks and a short-format assessment upon completion.
| Lesson Topic | Focus Area | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Module Overview & ESG Foundations | Understand the purpose of ISO IWA 48:2024 and how ESG principles support performance, measurement, and reporting. |
| Lesson 2 | ESG Resources & Global Reporting Landscape | Recognize major ESG frameworks and regulatory influences including CSRD, ESRS, IFRS S1/S2, GRI, TCFD, ISSB, and related global initiatives. |
| Lesson 3 | Benefits of Implementing ESG | Identify how ESG strengthens transparency, stakeholder trust, risk management, and long-term value creation while remaining flexible and context-driven. |
| Lesson 4 | PDCA Approach in ESG | Apply the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle to ESG objectives, controls, monitoring, corrective action, and continual improvement. |
| Lesson 5 | Risk-Based Thinking | Interpret ISO’s definition of risk and integrate environmental, social, governance, financial, and physical risks into ESG decision-making. |
| Lesson 6 | Foundations of ESG Principles & Practices | Understand how IWA 48:2024 provides high-level, adaptable guidance for embedding ESG within organizational culture and strategy. |
| Lesson 7 | Clause 1 – Scope | Interpret the purpose and applicability of IWA 48:2024 as a high-level, interoperable framework that supports harmonized ESG implementation globally. |
| Lesson 8 | Clause 2 – Normative References | Understand that IWA 48:2024 contains no normative references and what this means for implementation flexibility. |
| Lesson 9 | Clause 3 – Terms and Definitions | Apply standardized ESG terminology including sustainability, sustainable development, interested party, and personnel using ISO/IEC databases. |
Course details:
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Microcredential
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Approx 1 hours full-time study*
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Stackable Digital Microcredential
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Standard: IWA 48:2024 ESG
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No prerequisites required
* All ATOL courses are delivered in such a way you can work through them at your own pace, the actual time to complete the training may change depending on the individual learners' experience and/or learning style
NO PREREQUISITES