Bringing Professionals up to Speed with the Net Zero Academy
Learn about the academy of professional development programs helping professionals across Australia drive their organisation’s transition to net zero
About
Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) is an independent organisation with world-wide impact and proven expertise in professional development. We are a world leading institute bringing about change all over the globe through pioneering research, education and innovation. We bring together over 200 researchers, educators, doctoral students and professionals to tackle the biggest global challenges of our times.
Working with Climateworks Centre, Australia’s climate transition specialists, and with input from behaviour change experts BehaviourWorks Australia, we have created the Net Zero Academy (NZA). NZA is a suite of professional development programs helping professionals across Australia drive their organisation’s transition to net zero emissions, navigate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements with confidence, and turn climate risks into opportunities for success.
The Net Zero Academy provides business leaders and professionals with a net zero lifeline. Through a suite of cutting-edge professional development programs, the NZA upskills participants with the skills, knowledge and mindsets required to lead the transition.
Challenge
The effects of climate change are increasingly impacting our daily lives. Mandatory climate-related reporting is already in place for many Australian organisations, and investors and stakeholders are calling on businesses to disclose their sustainability credentials. Organisations across all sectors need to take action to reduce their carbon footprint, and align with global emissions reduction targets.
The transition to net zero requires strong leadership. The Net Zero Academy helps organisations and individuals understand how Net Zero will impact them and how to put practical steps and strategies in place to meet the biggest challenge of our decade.
Solution
In Australia, there are critical skills shortages in order to reach a net zero economy. The message from industry leaders is consistent across a range of sectors - significant upskilling is required to support the net zero transition, and climate and sustainability topics need to be integrated into business education.
The Net Zero Academy provides business leaders and professionals with a net zero lifeline. Through a suite of cutting-edge professional development programs, the NZA upskills participants with the skills, knowledge and mindsets required to lead the transition.
The Net Zero Academy offers a range of programs - one day courses, a 4 day intensive for executive leaders, and bespoke training. Our programs are suitable for professionals and leaders across finance, risk, operations, strategy and corporate affairs - particularly those responsible for climate transition planning, organisational decarbonisation, and managing greenwashing risks - who seek to understand the impacts of the net zero transition within their organisation and the broader global context.
Result
Since launching in August 2024, the Net Zero Academy has delivered high-impact, face-to-face programs to over 60 professionals from Melbourne and Sydney. With additional courses scheduled for delivery before the end of the year, momentum is growing rapidly. Participants to date include leaders and decision-makers across sectors, particularly those responsible for climate risk, strategy, operations, and corporate affairs.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants consistently describing the program as timely, relevant and deeply practical. One executive reflected, “If you do anything, do this program. I can't think of anything else that's more relevant and contemporary and necessary… This program really arms you with what you need to have the confidence to start to take action.”
Another participant praised the calibre of facilitation: “The facilitators and the industry experts that have given time to this program and designed the content have been exceptional. They have a fantastic natural ability to convey what needs to be done, how to do it, and how to strive for success.”
Our programs resonate not only because of their depth and rigour, but because they cultivate a sense of urgency and agency. As one participant put it, “We're the first generation to really understand climate change and the last generation to actually be able to do something about it… The time to lead is now.”
What participants value most includes:
- A wealth of up-to-date, actionable resources
- Engaging, expert facilitation
- A supportive and relaxed learning environment
- Dynamic, cohesive presenters
Looking Ahead
The Academy will expand its reach both in format and geography, with new courses planned for launch in 2026. We also plan to extend our delivery footprint to other Australian states, and internationally, with programs to be delivered in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
By continuing to scale and evolve, the Net Zero Academy will play a critical role in equipping professionals and organisations with the skills, confidence and strategies needed to lead meaningful change in the climate transition.
Contact
Linkedin Official Page: https://au.linkedin.com/company/monashmsdi
Website: https://www.monash.edu/msdi/study/net-zero-academy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQzmoK-fjf_NWM467p0nvjm5kNIt_XlXo
