Module 1: Understanding, Tracking and Complying with ESG Regulatory Requirements​

Description

This lesson provides an introduction to the evolving ESG regulatory landscape and the key sustainability themes that are increasingly shaping business expectations worldwide. Rather than focusing on individual regulations that may change over time, the course explores the common principles that underpin many ESG requirements, including climate risk management, greenhouse gas emissions reporting, supply chain due diligence, governance, and sustainability disclosure.

Participants will gain an understanding of why these topics are attracting regulatory attention, how they can impact business operations and strategy, and the practical questions organizations should ask when assessing regulatory applicability and compliance obligations. The module also highlights emerging trends, helping companies build a foundation for navigating future sustainability requirements with greater confidence and resilience. 

Learning Objectives

1. Be able to explain the key sustainability themes that underpin ESG regulations and disclosure frameworks, including climate risk, greenhouse gas emissions, supply chain due diligence, governance, and transparency. 

2. Assess how ESG-related risks and opportunities can impact business strategy, operations, financial performance, and long-term resilience within the plastics industry. 

3. Apply a structured approach to evaluating ESG regulatory requirements including applicability, reporting expectations, implementation timelines, assurance requirements, and potential compliance risks. 

4. Leverage horizon-scanning resources and industry tools to identify emerging trends in sustainability regulation and develop approaches for monitoring regulatory developments, industry expectations, and evolving disclosure frameworks. 

Speakers

Janice Daly

Janice Daly is a Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland, leading the Sustainability, Strategy and Economic Advisory practices. She is a Sustainable Finance and Climate Risk specialist and serves as Advisory Chair of Grant Thornton International's Sustainability Services Steering Committee (ISSSC), supporting the development of sustainability services across the global Grant Thornton network. Janice advises organisations on sustainability strategy, climate risk, sustainability reporting and regulatory transformation, with experience supporting clients across Europe, APAC, the Middle East and North America in navigating evolving disclosure and reporting requirements, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy, IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and climate reporting requirements.