CSE, the ESG Practitioner Certification, and the Professionalization of ESG
- Star Consulting Team
- May 21
- 3 min read
In recent years, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) has moved beyond being a buzzword in sustainability reports. It is increasingly recognized as a core competency—one that directly influences how businesses operate, attract capital, build brand trust, and engage within global value chains.
But for ESG to evolve from statements on paper to systemic action, organizations need more than good intentions—they need people with the capability to implement ESG professionally and strategically.
The ESG Practitioner Certification – CSE’s Answer to the ESG Capability Gap
The Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) is a global leader in ESG and sustainability training, research, and advisory. With over 19 years of experience, CSE has empowered thousands of professionals and organizations—ranging from Fortune 500 companies to public institutions—to embed sustainability and ESG into their core strategies.
CSE is a certified training partner of key international frameworks such as GRI, CPD, CMI, and AA1000, and is globally recognized for developing the Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program, one of the most trusted and applied ESG certifications in the world. Notable clients include Oracle, Lloyds Banking Group, General Motors (GM), the European Investment Bank, as well as NASA, Coca-Cola, BP, Pfizer, SABIC, and multiple UN agencies. CSE has also collaborated with government ministries and municipalities in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
The Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner program is one of the certification progra, offered by the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE).
Unlike generic ESG courses, the ESG Practitioner program is designed as a competency-based framework. It equips professionals with:
In-depth knowledge of international standards including GRI, SASB, TCFD, SDG Impact Standards, and AA1000
The ability to design and integrate ESG strategy into core business operations
Practical skills to measure, report, and improve ESG performance
Up-to-date insights into ESG expectations from investors, regulators, and global markets
Professionalizing ESG Begins with People
The true value of ESG lies not only in what companies choose to disclose, but in who is empowered to drive the process. Building a skilled and certified ESG team creates:
Alignment and consistency across departments
Confidence in engaging with investors, regulators, and global partners
The ability to publish internationally recognized ESG reports
A strong foundation for embedding ESG into long-term business growth
Bridging Global Standards and Vietnam’s ESG Ambitions
In Vietnam, the program is led by Mr. Shahrill AJ, CEO of Nu Quest (Singapore)—one of the few professionals globally certified by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as an official trainer and advisor under the SDG Impact Standards.
His presence in Vietnam brings global ESG expertise into a local context, at a time when ESG expectations are quickly transitioning from voluntary to mandatory across many international markets. It also reflects a growing demand to build professional ESG capacity across Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
Earning the ESG Practitioner certification is more than a personal milestone—it’s a strategic step for organizations aiming to build a capable and future-ready ESG workforce.
With its internationally recognized curriculum, expert-led instruction, and focus on implementation, CSE’s ESG Practitioner program is helping define a global language for ESG competence and leadership.
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