Skip to main content
US$199

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.

Learn how to qualify and substantiate green claims

The RGMC is based on the principles of the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, which grew out of the ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code (ICC Marketing Communications Code) – the basis for national advertising codes in 40 countries and endorsed by major global self-regulatory organisations.

By choosing to learn with the ICC, you are choosing to learn directly from the organisation that created the gold standard for responsible advertising globally. You will be taking a critical step in ensuring good practice and aligning you and your organisation with globally recognised high ethical and legal standards when it comes to green marketing.

How it works

1

Register for RGMC

2

Get 12 month’s access to 3 hours of learning over 5 modules

3

Complete all 5 modules

4

Pass final exam

5

Download and share ICC certificate of achievement

US$199
12 months’ access
3 hours of interactive learning
60-minute online exam
Downloadable ICC certificate
100% online

Certificate curriculum

The RGMC curriculum has been developed by Dr Oliver Gray, Special Advisor to ICC Marketing and Advertising Commission and Co-Chair of ICC Code Revision Task Force. The content of the course has been inspired by a course authored by ICC Sweden. It is a 3-hour course split into 5 modules and an additional 1-hour exam. It will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete. 100% online.

Modules

You must complete all 5 modules to take the final RGMC exam.

1. The scope and challenge of responsible marketing communications

This module focuses on the importance of ethical marketing in the context of environmental claims. It explores the interplay between business communication on environmental initiatives and growing consumer demand for sustainability, highlighting the dangers of misleading marketing and greenwashing.

The module emphasises the need for accurate and substantiated environmental claims to maintain consumer trust and uphold brand reputation. It concludes by reflecting on the personal and professional benefits of responsible green marketing for businesses and consumers.

2. Principles in responsible marketing communications – introducing the ICC Marketing Communications Code

This module delves into the core principles outlined in the ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code, highlighting the importance of honesty and truthfulness in marketing. It also focuses on the critical need for substantiation, which is supported by an expert-led video on how to substantiate an environmental claim effectively.

The module goes on to cover the importance of transparency in information, appropriate use of qualifiers, and avoiding denigration. It concludes with insights on the ethical use of testimonials and responsible portrayal of environmental behaviour in marketing practices.

3. Environmental claims in marketing communications

Module 3 outlines the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications.

It emphasises the need for honesty and accuracy in presenting environmental claims, ensuring they are backed by scientific research. The module covers key aspects such as responsibly presenting superiority and comparative claims, understanding product life-cycles, and the proper use of environmental signs and symbols. Additionally, it delves into effectively communicating waste reduction and handling, providing marketers with essential guidelines for ethical green marketing.

4. Selected environmental claims

In module 4, we cover how to qualify specific terms outlined in the ICC Framework, offering detailed insights into how to use these terms in an environmental marketing campaign.

The module covers critical terms such as ‘carbon footprint’, carbon offset’, ‘carbon neutral’, ‘carbon negative’, ‘net zero’, and ‘climate positive’, providing a comprehensive understanding of each.

The module also explores concepts related to the circular economy, including ‘circularity’ and ‘compostability’, as well as ‘degradability’. It further explains the distinctions and implications of ‘recyclable’, ‘recycled content’, ‘recycled material’, and ‘recovered material’, along with ‘renewable ‘energy’.

The module is enriched with a case study, which will guide learners on how to practically apply these environmental terms in a real-world context.

5. Implementing responsibly and getting further help

The final module provides practical tools for implementing ethical green marketing in your organisation, including a detailed checklist and an implementation guide.

It features expert-led videos on legal compliance and leveraging advertising self-regulatory organisations (SROs) for support.

The module emphasises the importance of understanding and adhering to legal standards in marketing. Additionally, it offers access to additional resources, equipping marketers with comprehensive guidance for responsible green marketing practices.

Examination FAQ

To pass the RGMC and earn your ICC certificate you will need to complete a final 1-hour, online exam.

How does the exam work?

The final exam can be taken at any time after you have completed the 5 modules. It lasts for 60 minutes and is live proctored via the internet. This means there is someone monitoring your environment via webcam to ensure there is no outside interference and maintain the integrity of the certification.  The exam consists of multiple-choice questions.

Learn more about our exams.

What happens if I fail the exam?

Your purchase of the RGMC includes 1 attempt at the final exam. The passing mark is 70%. If you score lower than that you will need to purchase a retake for US$60 while you are still within your 12-month access period.

Why take the RGMC?

Globally applicable
Substantiate your claims
Benchmark industry credential

Guidance you can trust

This course will teach you how to apply the principles from the ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code—the basis for national advertising codes in 42 countries—to your own marketing communications

Register now

Learn to qualify and substantiate ‘green’ claims

Learn how to qualify and substantiate ‘green’ claims like “free from”, “degradable”, “recyclable content” and more using guidance from the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications.

Start RGMC now

Build lasting trust with clients and consumers

Build lasting trust with clients and consumers and show your commitment to responsible, substantiated communications with an environmental marketing credential from the industry standard-setters.

Register now

Who the RGMC is for

The RGMC offers you the knowledge and tools to communicate your organisation’s ‘green’ narrative in a genuine, substantiated way.

  • PR, marketing and advertising professionals
  • Environmental and sustainability officers
  • Senior leaders committed to creating and communicating their ‘green’ narrative
  • Consultants and lawyers advising on responsible environmental marketing communications
  • Students studying business, marketing and sustainability

RGMC for teams

Bring your team up to the global gold-standard for responsible environmental marketing.  We can help you enrol multiple team members on the RGMC or discuss more bespoke training. Contact us now to discuss your needs and get a custom quote.

Our recent alumni

See all alumni

Lorenzo Regazzoni

Italy
Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP)
2024-11-15
Global Trade Certificate (GTC)
2024-11-07
Export/Import Certificate (EIC)
2024-09-27
Incoterms® 2020
2024-09-09
Technician
Manufacturing / Operations

Ankita Pandey

Philippines
Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC)
2024-07-18
Relationship Manager
Banking / Mortgage

Patricia Hernando Cerezo

Spain
Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC)
2024-04-27
Lawyer
Legal

Natascha Avaria

Chile
Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC)
2024-04-26
Santiago Chamber of Commerce
Consumer Goods

Pradeep Markasseri

United Arab Emirates
Certificate in Responsible Green Marketing Communications (RGMC)
2024-03-15
Group Communication and Marketing Manager
Energy / Utilities

Get started now

Purchase as an individual or for your team
RGMC for individuals
RGMC for teams
RGMC for teams
Bespoke pricing
We can provide bespoke pricing for bulk registrations.
Enquire now

What’s included

  • Everything included in an individual purchase
  • Dedicated service manager
  • Personalised dashboard and reporting to track student progress
  • Optional – Add on workshop for your company from an ICC expert to include local or industry context

FAQs

Answers to your most commonly asked questions.

What is 'greenwashing'?

Greenwashing is the practice of overstating or falsifying the green credentials of a product, service or brand. Untrue or unverifiable green claims can be labelled as ‘greenwashing’.

How long do I have access to the course for?

Your purchase includes 12 months access to all modules and lessons within the RGMC. You can access the lessons as many times as you like within the 12-month access period. Once you have completed all 5 modules, you will get access to the final exam.

What happens if I fail the exam?

Your purchase of the RGMC allows one attempt at the exam. If required, a retake can be purchased for USD $60 if you are still within your 12-month access period. Please contact our Help Desk at helpdesk@iccacademy.com.sg

Are there any prerequisites for taking the RGMC?

All candidates need to be able to read and write in English.

How much does the RGMC cost?

The RGMC costs US$199 per learner.

If you would like to purchase the RGMC for your team, please contact us at sales@iccacademy.com.sg for tailored pricing.

How long will it take to complete the RGMC?

The RGMC course will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete depending on your level of familiarity with responsible marketing. You have 12 months access to the course.

What's included with my purchase of the RGMC?

Your purchase includes:

  • One-year access to the entire certificate programme — 3 hours of online learning over 5 modules
  • Video briefs from industry champions, legal experts, and heads of major self-regulatory and industry bodies;
  • Interactive learning with case studies, examples of global advertising activities including SRO rulings for banned ads, and quizzes that encourage critical thinking to reinforce what you have learned
  • Digital copies of both the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications and the ICC Advertising and Marketing Communications Code upon which this course is based
  • A downloadable responsible marketing checklist that helps identify when an environmental claim is being made and provides guidance on the questions to be asked about such claims
  • A timed one-hour online exam — if you pass (70%) you will receive an ICC Certificate of Achievement marking a baseline level of understanding of the ICC Framework, and how to apply its principles

 

How does the exam work?

All our final exam are taken online. This means they are accessible at any time, from anywhere in the world. You can find more details about how our exams work here.

You may also be interested in

International Trade Overview

Learn the core practices, procedures and documents required in any international merchandise transaction.

Global Business Management

Understand how to successfully adapt a strategy to enter foreign markets and the opportunities or challenges that presents.

New

MLETR Foundations

Learn the legal framework designed to support digital trade. Fully updated in September 2024.