Courses

Oxford Programme on Net Zero Aligned Offsetting

In brief

Details 
Date30 September - 2 October 2024
Duration3-day residential
LocationOxford

 

Fees

 
Private sector£4,500
Public sector£3,500

Contact

nzao@smithschool.ox.ac.uk

Programme Brochure

Download Programme Brochure

Overview

All Paris-aligned emissions pathways highlight a need to significantly scale emissions reductions and removals. Where emissions cannot be reduced, offsetting through removals is essential to reaching net zero. However, current offsetting practice is beset by a range of issues and is not net zero aligned. The environmental integrity of carbon credits is frequently called into question, as is the reputation of organisations that rely on them to make offset claims. The result is a dynamic and complex carbon market that is rife with uncertainty and is difficult for financial institutions and investors to navigate effectively. 

Within this context, this programme is designed to equip participants with the latest knowledge and tools to effectively engage in and advise on matters of net zero aligned offsetting. The programme covers the core tenets of a net zero-aligned offsetting strategy for actors in the financial sector and prepares its participants to meet both the challenges–and opportunities–of net zero aligned offsetting. 

During the programme, participants will explore principles of net zero aligned offsetting, the state and trends of offsetting projects, the role of investor coalitions, engagement campaigns, removals budgets, policy trends and developments for compliance and voluntary markets, examine case studies of net zero aligned offsetting in practice, as well as study societal impacts and perceptions of offsetting, and the increasing prevalence of greenwashing, greenhushing and greeenwishing.

Programme objectives

The programme will be held over three consecutive days and will explore net zero aligned offsetting. Throughout the programme, participants will:  

  • Develop foundational knowledge in the theory and practice of net zero aligned offsetting. 
  • Learn about the latest developments in the voluntary and compliance carbon markets and how they may evolve in future.  
  • Gain confidence in navigating and critically analysing the net zero aligned offsetting opportunities available to financiers and investors. 
  • Understand how organisations can optimise their offsetting portfolio for impact while minimising the risks involved.   
  • Become part of a global network of like-minded professionals working on net zero aligned offsetting  
  • Learn from, challenge, and engage in conversation with leading Oxford faculty and expert practitioners who blend research with on-the-ground experience. 

The programme is designed to equip participants with essential foundational knowledge of core principles and concepts in sustainable finance, as well as an advanced understanding of the very latest developments. It is an ideal preparation for current and emerging professional examinations in sustainable finance and related areas.

Alumni

Alumni will receive invitations to our events and conferences as part of our growing community. Alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on all other Oxford Sustainable Finance Group open enrolment executive programmes.

Fees & funding

The fee for the Oxford Programme on Net Zero Aligned Offsetting is £4,500. There is a discretionary discounted rate of £3,500 for participants whose proven primary employment is in the public and third sectors. We define the public and third sectors as:

  • central or local government
  • regulatory agencies
  • supervisory authorities
  • central banks
  • multilateral institutions
  • non-profit civil society organisations
  • registered charities
  • philanthropic organisations

State-backed companies, including public financial institutions, operating to make a commercial return are not eligible for discretionary discounts. Nor are consultants serving public and third sector clients. 

We apply the discretionary discount on a case-by-case basis and will prioritise those from emerging markets and developing countries. At the same time as considering a discretionary discount we will consider eligibility for bursaries based on merit and need. We may request further information from you and your employer before we can process a discount or bursary.

The programme fee includes all teaching costs, en-suite accommodation at an Oxford college for three nights, breakfast, lunch and a dinner. It does not include the cost of travel to and from Oxford, visas, insurance or any personal expenses.

Fees
Private sector£4,500
Public sector & civil society£3,500

In brief

Details 
Date30 September - 2 October 2024
Duration3-day residential
LocationOxford

 

Fees

 
Private sector£4,500
Public sector£3,500

Contact

nzao@smithschool.ox.ac.uk

Programme Brochure

Download Programme Brochure