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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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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...
ICC Sustainability in Export Finance Whitepaper: A Summary
21 September 2021

ICC Sustainability in Export Finance Whitepaper: A Summary

The ICC Sustainability in Export Finance Whitepaper represents a joint effort by the ICC Banking Com...

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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

16 February 2026

Building an expert practice: 26 years in trade finance

Documentary trade sits at the heart of international commerce, where precision, rules, and risk mana...
An image of a man working on a tablet
10 February 2026

My CTFP Journey | Sayed Muhammad Abdullahel Quafi, Bangladesh

Snapshot of our CTFP alumni Name Sayed Muhammad Abdullahel Quafi Job title Senior Assistant Vice Pre...
A corporate environment with professionals working together.
5 February 2026

My CTFP Journey | Ratnesh Pandey, India

Snapshot of our CTFP alumni Name Ratnesh Pandey Job title Senior Manager, FOREX LinkedIn RatneshR...

What our students say

Rozanne De Almeida

I have added this qualification to my LinkedIn profile and I am sure that it has helped with the many job offers that have been referred to me.

Head of Trade, Hatton National Bank, Sri Lanka
Sayed Muhammad Abdullahel Quafi

The most significant benefit…has been the strategic elevation of my role within the bank. It has enabled me to move beyond technical execution…into a more consultative and leadership-oriented capacity.

Senior Assistant Vice President, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Bangladesh
Mohammed Ali

After completing the CTFP…I was subsequently selected for an elite role in State Bank of India’s Global Markets Unit thanks to this certification.

Branch Head, State Bank of India, India
Isuri Kelaniyage

Customers have also shown greater confidence in my advice, especially when dealing with complex documentation and payment terms, knowing that I hold an internationally recognised qualification from ICC.

Deputy Manager, NDB Bank, Sri Lanka
A.K.M Arifur Rahaman Chowdhury

Since it’s a prestigious internationally recognised certification, I have been widely congratulated by my employers, colleagues & friends. In Bangladesh, CTFP has been a sought-after certificate for those who work in trade finance field.

Assistant Vice President, United Commercial Bank, Bangladesh

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.