Climate & Energy Transition Certificate Climate & Energy Transition Certificate
This certificate gives students direct exposure to high-level experts from academia, industry, finance and public institutions, alongside collaborative workshops and career-focused sessions to prepare the next generation of transition leaders
Six building blocks designed to equip students with the tools to drive the climate and energy transition, with a strong focus on transforming energy systems and achieving net zero emissions
A comprehensive program combining climate, energy and geopolitics, providing a 360° understanding of the transition from policy, business and financial perspectives
A hands-on learning experience including 100 hours of interactive lectures, company projects with leading partners, and a learning expedition to Dunkirk to explore real-world industrial decarbonization
By the end of the certificate, participants will be able to:
- Understand the net zero climate resilient transition stakes on macro (economy, planet, and society) and micro (company or individual) levels
- Get a strong command of climate, energy and carbon risks and solutions, from a public policy, corporate and financial perspective
- Be able to engage with various stakeholders implementing climate change solutions and craft strategies to contribute to the net zero transition
- Better prepare your next career steps as a climate and energy transition-oriented management professional
This certificate offers an immersive and hands-on learning experience, combining interactive lectures with a strong “learning by doing” approach. Participants join a diverse cohort of 40 individuals and benefit from 100 hours of teaching, business testimonials, and career insights delivered by leading professionals, executives, and academics. The program includes a 3-day on-site group project tackling a real company case under the guidance of industry experts, as well as a learning expedition to Dunkerque (France) to gain first-hand exposure to industrial transitions driven by climate and energy solutions. It culminates in a 2-day collaborative workshop with 80 students from ESSEC and ESCP, exploring the challenges of sustainability and business in an era of geopolitical disruption.
The first week opens by building a strong foundation in climate and energy transition challenges. Participants explore key global transformations—from energy systems and climate models to geopolitics, AI, and societal dynamics—developing a systemic understanding of the forces shaping the transition.
The second week immerses participants in real business challenges. Working in small groups with leading companies, they tackle concrete decarbonization issues and sustainable strategies, applying their knowledge directly to industry-driven projects.
The third week examines the transition through international and regional lenses, covering energy geopolitics, climate justice, European policies, and urban transformation. The week highlights how different actors and territories contribute to the path toward net zero.
The fourth week focuses explores how the energy transition is funded and managed. Topics include energy markets, project finance, risk management, and investment strategies, providing key tools to bridge sustainability and finance.
The fifth week offers first-hand exposure to industrial decarbonization during a learning expedition to Dunkerque. Site visits and expert sessions bring the transition to life, complemented by insights into circular economy, real estate, and sustainable innovation.
The final week concludes with a strong focus on career development and collaboration. Through company visits, alumni exchanges, and the inter-school PIVOTS workshop, participants explore career paths and tackle sustainability challenges alongside peers from ESSEC and ESCP.
If you'd like, I can tighten this even further (e.g., ultra-short version for landing pages or visuals).
- Francois Gemenne, Academic Director of the Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation at HEC Paris
Fernando Diaz Lopez, Executive Director of the Climate & Earth Center at HEC Paris