TERI Unveils Corporate Sustainability Leadership Programme 2026 Focused on ESG, AI, and Carbon Markets

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has launched the second cohort of its flagship Corporate Sustainability Leadership Programme in New Delhi to address the evolving demands of the clean energy and sustainability sectors. This three-month hybrid certification, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and other partners, focuses on integrating ESG principles, artificial intelligence, and carbon markets into corporate strategy. The initiative aims to equip professionals with the technical and leadership skills necessary to navigate complex regulatory frameworks like CBAM and GRI while driving long-term value through sustainable business practices.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) officially introduced the 2026 cohort of its "Navigating ESG, AI & Carbon Markets" programme at the India Habitat Centre, building on the success of its 2025 executive certification. The initiative is a strategic collaboration between TERI, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Zenora, and media partner Firstpost. Designed as a three-month hybrid course, the programme targets corporate professionals and decision-makers, aiming to bridge the gap between sustainability strategy and practical implementation. Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasized that the institute’s 52 years of expertise in climate action and energy modeling will support participants in understanding that sustainability represents a shift toward cleaner, rather than merely more expensive, operations.

The curriculum, detailed by Programme Director Dr. Shruti Sharma Rana, covers a broad spectrum of critical sustainability topics including greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, net-zero strategies, and carbon finance mechanisms. It specifically addresses emerging themes such as AI-enabled sustainability solutions and global reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Dr. Amit Kumar Thakur of TERI noted that these international frameworks have transformed ESG from a simple compliance exercise into a market necessity. Furthermore, the programme explores the convergence of clean energy and responsible business practices, with NISE Director General Dr. Mohammad Rihan highlighting how solar energy provides immediate results in replacing fossil-based power.

Beyond technical training, the programme seeks to foster a community of leaders capable of driving meaningful organizational change through informed public discourse and responsible storytelling. Zenora CEO Pankaj Chandra described ESG as both the "spirit of sustainability" and a core business strategy, while Firstpost’s Gursshheen Gahllen noted the role of media in accelerating ESG adoption through targeted training on direct industry trends. The launch event also featured insights from the inaugural cohort, who discussed how the training helped strengthen sustainability practices within their respective organizations. As ESG considerations become increasingly central to corporate decision-making, the programme aims to unlock new opportunities for innovation and resilience across the global sustainability landscape.