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Sustainability

Improve your understanding and knowledge of sustainability best practices, including green marketing, with our professional certifications, courses, and free resources. All our sustainability resources are authored by industry-leading ICC experts..
Sustainability

What is sustainability?

According to the United Nations Brundtland Commission, sustainability is defined as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Sustainability often encompasses three core concepts: environmental, social, and economic factors to ensure the well-being of people and the planet.

In business, sustainability includes more than just environmentalism. It involves a company’s approach and initiatives aimed at minimising negative environmental and social impacts caused by its operations. This encompasses a wide range of practices, from reducing energy usage to effectively substantiating green marketing claims.

At ICC, we work every day to advance sustainability, to accelerate action on climate and nature and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

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Access sustainability resources here

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From blockchain to AI: Rethinking risk and efficiency in supply chain finance
17 September 2025

From blockchain to AI: Rethinking risk and efficiency in supply chain finance

This spotlight offers a preview of insights from Gerald Tan, CEO of Agridence, who will be speaking ...
How trade barriers affect international trade: Tariffs, quotas, and sanctions
4 September 2025

How trade barriers affect international trade: Tariffs, quotas, and sanctions

This article is authored by Dr Chithra Suresh, Senior Faculty at the Bahrain Institute of Banking an...
An introduction to green marketing: Why it matters now more than ever
9 May 2024

An introduction to green marketing: Why it matters now more than ever

By understanding how environmental awareness is growing, we can understand how consumer and governme...

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Sustainability certifications and courses

Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC)
Certification

Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC)

Get a clear understanding of the difference between well-substantiated environmental claims and misleading statements that can lead to accusations of greenwashing.

US$199
Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy (CDTS)
Certification

Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy (CDTS)

Learn the key aspects of digital trade, including essential macro perspectives and micro-level applications and standards.

US$499
ICC Code for Ethical Marketing & Advertising (EMA)
Certification

ICC Code for Ethical Marketing & Advertising (EMA)

Develop the skills needed to create, design, and deliver responsible marketing communications.

Free (Exam: US$200)
Companies that use ICC Academy’s certifications and courses
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Hear from our alumni

28 October 2025

Trade compliance in motion: Inside the role of a Regional Trade Compliance Leader

The views and opinions expressed by the interviewee are solely those of the interviewee an...
An image of 2 professionals discussing work in trade finance.
20 August 2025

Inside strategic sales: A global role rooted in trade finance knowledge and trust

How a strategic sales manager applies trade finance knowledge and regulatory insight to support his ...
Image of businesswoman in corporate setting.
16 July 2025

Unlocking digital trade in Latin America with the power of Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs)

How the Head of Business Development for Latin America at the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundat...

What our students say

Praveenkumar Miriyala

Getting training directly from the 'horse's mouth' is more valuable to me - and other people looking to work with me - than having my knowledge certified by a third party who has not created the Incoterms® rules.

Procurement and Logistics Coordinator, Bambaw
Ling Fong Tay

"I enrolled in the CTFP because this certification is authored by leading trade finance experts from the ICC’s Banking Commission, making it one of the most credible programmes available in the market. Each course is structured to ensure the essentials of global trade finance have been sufficiently covered."

SEB
Houssam Hoteit

"I see the CTFP as a perfect way for any trade finance person to (a) be part of a global community and (b) have a certification that highlights your expertise and automatically puts you at a certain level that is respected in the industry."

Sumitomo Mistsui Banking Corporation
Jacques Yee

The course gives you a little advantage with customers to have this level of knowledge and training. I can advise clients correctly and the ICC certificate shows I am up to date.

Logistics Project Director, Canada
Amin A. Ahmed

Anyone in international logistics should master the Incoterms® rules and this certificate is a must. I got congratulated by the Head of Customs and Transport.

Amin A. Ahmed
Customs/Transport Officer, Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Who can benefit from our sustainability related certifications and courses?

Our certifications and courses benefit those who work with sustainability related practices and are aiming to improve their knowledge or progress further in their abilities. For instance, the Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC) is suitable for PR, marketing, and advertising professionals, environmental officers, and senior leaders and consultants creating, communicating, and advising on responsible environmental marketing communications. View all certifications to see all that we offer.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a sustainability focused certification?

Our RGMC certification is suitable for learners at both beginner and advanced levels.

How are the courses delivered, and what is the format?

All our certifications and courses can be completed 100% online, meaning you can access them wherever you are in the world, 24 hours a day. Our alumni come from more than 130 countries and our programmes are based on globally applicable rules and principles.

Are the certifications globally recognised?

As ICC is the institutional representative of millions of companies in more than 170 countries, our certifications and courses draw upon the combined expertise and knowledge of a network unlike any other institution in the world. Our certifications are also internationally accredited and often used by banks and corporations to train their staff.

What types of resources are available besides certifications and courses?

Apart from our certifications and courses, we also provide comprehensive guides on important sustainability related topics around green marketing, sustainable supply chain management, and more – all authored by our network of ICC experts. Additionally, we also interview leading experts in the field to offer a holistic view of building a career in the field.

Further your sustainability knowledge with ICC certifications.