CSRD trainings: The 10 best trainings for you
These 10 CSRD training courses prepare you optimally for implementing sustainability reporting in accordance with the ESRS.
- CSRD training helps executives, sustainability officers, and consultants navigate the complexity of ESRS-based reporting.
- The right course depends on your role, budget, and whether you need a certificate or just a practical overview.
- Free options from Greenomy Academy and Vorest AG work well for initial orientation; paid programs from EBS, ACCOVALIST, or IDW suit those needing depth and credentials.
- Under the updated Omnibus rules (in force since March 2026), the reporting obligation now applies only to companies with more than 1,000 employees AND more than 450m euro in net turnover.
- Investing in CSRD education pays off regardless of scope: understanding the requirements builds internal competence and reduces costly errors.
What is CSRD training?
Before we talk about CSRD training, a brief introduction to the CSRD. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a European Union directive that requires companies to report on their sustainability performance. The specific requirements for implementing the CSRD are set out in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The 12 ESRS guidelines comprise more than 1,100 ESRS data points and are considered quite complex. If you prefer not to work through them alone using a tool like the data point mapping template, structured training is a sensible alternative.
Under the Omnibus package, in force since 18 March 2026, the reporting obligation now applies only to companies with more than 1,000 employees AND more than 450m euro in net turnover (both criteria must be met). Many companies that previously expected to report will no longer be required to do so. Training remains valuable for those inside the new scope and for anyone supporting CSRD-obligated clients.
The CSRD came into force for the first companies on 1 January 2024. Due to the complexity, the large number of requirements, and some ambiguities in implementation, there is significant uncertainty among many affected organisations and ESG managers. Numerous CSRD training offers, courses, and programs exist to help companies understand and implement the requirements of CSRD and ESRS.
Who should attend CSRD training?
The target groups for CSRD training are broad and include all stakeholders affected by the sustainability reporting requirements.
Companies:
- Executives (CEOs, CFOs, sustainability directors): must understand the importance of CSRD, allocate resources, and bear ultimate responsibility for the sustainability report.
- Sustainability officers: responsible for developing and implementing the sustainability strategy and preparing the sustainability report.
- Employees: involved in the double materiality assessment process as internal stakeholders to identify material ESG issues.
Consultants and auditors:
- CSRD consultants: support companies in developing and implementing their sustainability strategy and preparing the report.
- Auditors: firms such as PwC, Deloitte, and EY carry out a CSRD audit to verify accuracy and completeness.
Others:
- ESG analysts: evaluate sustainability performance and compare companies based on ESG ratings.
- NGOs: use sustainability reports to identify and highlight shortcomings in corporate practice.
- Consumers: want to know which products and services are sustainable and how to read a CSRD report.
Good training is tailored to the respective target group. A course for managers provides a strategic overview; a course for sustainability officers focuses on practical reporting requirements and ESRS.
How to choose the right CSRD training
The selection of the ideal CSRD course is highly individual. Consider the following factors:
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Content | Does it cover the CSRD topics relevant to you, such as double materiality assessment and stakeholder communication? Mix of theory and practice is ideal. |
| Target group | Is the course designed for your role: C-level, reporting officer, or auditor? |
| Format | Online, in-person, or hybrid. Choose what fits your schedule. |
| Provider reputation | Important for certifications; niche providers can still offer excellent content knowledge. |
| Cost | Factor in both the course fee and the time investment. |
Top 10: CSRD training and education
The following list presents the best trainings that specialise in CSRD and sustainability reporting, divided into free and paid offers.
Free CSRD training courses
1. Greenomy Academy
The Greenomy Academy is a free platform that helps organisations understand ESG regulations and related disclosures (CSRD, EU Taxonomy, VSME, etc.). In addition to the Academy, Greenomy also offers an ESG software solution for reporting. Courses are currently offered in English.
The course "Deep dive into the CSRD and ESRS for corporates" provides a solid introduction suitable for almost all target groups.
| Contents | Introduction to the CSRD; main components of the CSRD; implementation via the ESRS |
| Target group | Everyone. Especially managers, employees, and consumers |
| Format | Online course |
| Duration | 2-4 hours |
| Costs | Free |
2. Vorest AG
With its free e-learning courses, Vorest AG offers a solid basic overview of topics such as CSRD. The courses are ideal for giving employees and teams a rough orientation. The free CSRD online training "What is CSRD and ESRS and who has to implement it and when" gives an initial insight into the topic and who is affected.
| Contents | Introduction to CSRD and ESRS; basics; who is affected; from when does it apply? |
| Target group | Employees |
| Format | Online course |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Costs | Free |
3. CSRD webinars
There is a wide range of free CSRD webinars. From beginner presentations on implementing a materiality assessment or calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to interactive workshops on XBRL taxonomy.
Register for the CSRD Compass newsletter free of charge to receive a curated selection of relevant webinars directly in your inbox.
| Contents | Diverse: CSRD, ESRS, Materiality Assessment, GHG Emissions, XBRL Taxonomy |
| Target group | Diverse |
| Format | Online webinars |
| Duration | 30 minutes to 4 hours |
| Costs | Free |
CSRD training courses subject to a fee
4. CSR-Tools: Materiality Assessment Online Course
We offer a practice-oriented online course for carrying out the double materiality assessment. The e-learning course provides a compact and practical introduction to the materiality assessment requirements of the CSRD and ESRS in just three hours. Participants learn step by step how to run a materiality assessment efficiently, in compliance with standards, and with strategic value. You will also learn what the next steps are and how ESRS data point mapping can be implemented.
With practical examples, tips, and exclusive tools, the course is ideal for sustainability managers, consultants, and companies looking to implement their materiality assessment efficiently.
In addition to e-learning, CSR-Tools also offers a 4-hour Materiality Assessment Workshop if an interactive format is preferred.
| Contents | Double Materiality Assessment, Stakeholder Analysis, Identification and Assessment of IROs |
| Target group | Sustainability officers; managers; CSR consultants; auditors |
| Format | Online course |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Costs | 999 euros incl. official certificate of participation |
Master the double materiality assessment step by step. This 3-hour e-learning course covers ESRS requirements, stakeholder analysis, and IRO identification with practical examples and tools.
5. EBS University
EBS University comprises three schools: EBS Business School, EBS Law School, and EBS Executive School. The institution combines research, academic excellence, and practical relevance.
The CSRD course "Sustainability Reporting" teaches in 14 modules how companies can meet CSRD reporting requirements, integrate them into strategy and management, and use them for business success. The lecturers are experts who have worked on reporting standards at EFRAG or in politics, or lead ESG teams in large corporations.
| Contents | Sustainable Strategy; Sustainability Reporting; Double Materiality; CSRD and ESRS; CSRD Implementation |
| Target group | Sustainability officers; managers; CSR consultants; auditors; ESG analysts |
| Format | Hybrid. Participation on site in Oestrich-Winkel or via Zoom |
| Duration | 8 days (2 blocks of 4 days each) |
| Cost | 5,800 euros including seminar documents and catering |
6. TUV Sud Academy
TUV SUD Academy is one of the leading providers of vocational training in German-speaking countries, covering over 600 seminar topics from management to technology.
The seminar "Sustainability reporting according to CSRD - basic seminar" covers CSRD requirements for sustainability reporting, which companies are affected, and the implementation of materiality assessment (including stakeholder analysis). Recommendations on structures, processes, and tools are also given.
| Contents | Introduction to CSRD; ESRS structure; Materiality Assessment; Assessment of IROs; Structures and Tools |
| Target group | Sustainability officers; managers |
| Format | In-person (various locations) or online |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Cost | 1,305 euros (plus VAT) |
7. ACCOVALIST Institute
The ACCOVALIST Institute (ACcounting COnsolidation VAluation SpeciaLIST) is a seminar provider with many years of know-how in accounting and finance. Real-world business challenges form an important part of every seminar.
The certificate program "Certified Sustainability Reporting Specialist (CSRS)" is aimed at specialists, managers, auditors, and consultants. It prepares participants in a structured and targeted way for sustainability reporting under CSRD, ESRS, EU Taxonomy, and ESEF.
| Contents | CSRD; EU taxonomy; ESRS and ESEF; deep dives into environmental, social, and governance topics |
| Target group | Sustainability officers; managers; CSR consultants; auditors |
| Format | Mix of self-study and attendance week |
| Duration | Self-study approx. 60 hours + 5 days in attendance (near Stuttgart or Bern) |
| Costs | 4,490 euros (plus VAT) |
8. Haufe Academy
Haufe Academy is a leading provider of training and further education in German-speaking countries. Every year, around 500,000 specialists and managers complete a Haufe training across around 2,300 qualification topics.
The training package "Sustainability reporting - a guide to efficient implementation" covers the full range from ESRS basics to supply chain management.
| Contents | ESRS; Materiality Assessment; Sustainability Management; Reporting and Auditing; Sustainable Finance; Supply Chain Management |
| Target group | Sustainability officers; managers (CFO); controllers |
| Format | Online seminar |
| Duration | 3 days (6 x 4 hours) |
| Costs | 2,400 euros (plus VAT) |
9. XU sustainable
XU sustainable's learning experience platform offers scalable education solutions for companies, teams, and individuals. XU provides on-demand learning with 290 courses, 10 master classes, 4 certificate programs, and 1 nano degree, including a dedicated master class on sustainability reporting and CSRD.
| Contents | CSRD Disclosures; Double Materiality; ESRS; Reporting Process |
| Target group | Managers; sustainability officers; employees; NGOs and consumers |
| Format | Online |
| Duration | 7-9 hours |
| Cost | 278 euros (plus VAT) for an annual license |
10. IHK Berlin
The Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) promotes Berlin as a business location and supports local companies with a wide range of services.
The IHK Online Sprint "Sustainability Reporting" answers key questions on sustainability reporting and CSRD.
| Contents | Reporting basics; frameworks and anchoring in the company; reporting |
| Target group | Managers; sustainability officers; employees; NGOs and consumers |
| Format | Online training |
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Cost | 289 euros |
11. IDW Academy
The Institut der Wirtschaftsprufer in Deutschland e.V. (IDW) is a registered association that supports auditors and promotes the further development of the profession through training and further education.
In cooperation with the Swiss professional association EXPERTsuisse, the IDW Academy has offered the Sustainability Auditor (IDW) qualification course since 2023. The aim is to build theoretical and practical skills for auditing sustainability reports.
| Contents | Fundamentals; regulatory environment; CSRD; EU taxonomy; ESRS; supply chain law; data procurement; national and international auditing standards |
| Target group | Auditors |
| Format | Hybrid: online and in-person (Munich, NRW, and Zurich) |
| Duration | 10 days (2 modules, each with 10 x 4 hours online + 1 classroom day) |
| Costs | 4,399 euros plus 500 euro examination fee (plus VAT) |
12. GREEN.WORKS Academy
The GREEN.WORKS Academy is an initiative of dfv Mediengruppe, one of the leading media companies in the business environment. Its goal is to help companies in their green transformation and deliver specialist knowledge through masterclasses, digital workshops, and training courses.
In the digital coaching "CSRD and ESRS Compact", you learn in four sessions what matters when implementing the European sustainability reporting standards. Knowledge transfer is supplemented by exercises, experience sharing, and practical examples.
| Contents | Materiality Assessment; Climate Reporting (ESRS E1); Social Reporting (ESRS S1-S4); Other Elements of CSRD Reporting |
| Target group | Sustainability officers |
| Format | Online coaching |
| Duration | 2 days (4 sessions of 4 hours each) |
| Costs | 999 euros (plus VAT) |
CSRD training: a good investment
Alongside artificial intelligence, sustainability reporting is currently one of the defining business topics in Europe. Participating in CSRD training is a solid investment in the future of your company. In France, the CSRD has already been transposed into national law. Companies in Germany also face fines and managers may face personal liability if the ESRS requirements are not implemented correctly.
Germany's national CSRD transposition law is not yet adopted. Entry into force is expected during 2026. For reporting year 2025, there is currently no obligation to apply the new ESRS unless the law enters into force retroactively. Training now means you are ready when it does.
Investing in CSRD education is worthwhile for more than compliance reasons. Organisations that embed sustainability as part of their strategy have a strong chance of outperforming competitors who treat it as a tick-box exercise.
- Build internal competence before deadlines arrive
- Reduce costly errors in data collection and reporting
- Prepare your team to work confidently with ESRS standards
- Position your company as a credible, transparent partner for investors and clients
Frequently asked questions about CSRD training
Who needs CSRD training?
Anyone involved in preparing, reviewing, or auditing a sustainability report benefits from CSRD training. This includes sustainability officers, ESG managers, CFOs, CSRD consultants, and auditors. Even employees participating in stakeholder engagement for the double materiality assessment will work more effectively with a basic understanding of CSRD requirements.
Which companies still need to report under CSRD after the Omnibus changes?
Since 18 March 2026, the reporting obligation applies only to companies with more than 1,000 employees AND more than 450m euro in net turnover. Both criteria must be met. Many companies that previously expected to report are now outside the scope. Training is still relevant for those inside the new scope and for consultants serving CSRD-obligated clients.
Is free CSRD training sufficient, or do I need a paid course?
It depends on your role and goals. Free courses from Greenomy Academy or Vorest AG work well for initial orientation or for bringing broader teams up to speed. If you need a recognised certificate, plan to advise clients on CSRD implementation, or audit sustainability reports, a structured paid program from providers like EBS, ACCOVALIST, or IDW Academy will serve you better.
What format of CSRD training is most effective?
There is no single answer. Online courses offer flexibility and suit busy schedules. In-person or hybrid formats provide more opportunity for discussion, peer learning, and direct interaction with instructors. Practice-oriented courses tend to deliver the most actionable skills. Consider whether you need a certificate and how much time you can dedicate when choosing your format.
