Virginie Courmont completed the “Building Your Climate Roadmap” and “Building Your Biodiversity Roadmap” training courses at Académie Carbone 4. After spending the early part of her career in marketing and partnership roles at major corporations and later at Reforest’Action, she explains how she embarked on a career change by focusing on continuing education. Testimonial.

Could you tell us a little about your professional background?

I resumed my studies from 2019 to 2021 with the Master’s program ““Executive Education in Sustainable Development and Organizations” at Paris Dauphine University, focused on careers in CSR, which led me to join Reforest’Action—first as a Project Manager and then as Partnership Manager. It was at that point that I became interested in climate and biodiversity issues, particularly through my involvement with working groups such as the NZI and, subsequently, Carbone 4.

After four years with Reforest’Action, I decided to get involved earlier in the corporate value chain to contribute to mitigation by implementing more sustainable models, as well as to adaptation efforts in a changing climate. I needed additional methodological training to become operational quickly, which is why I was interested in the “Building Your Climate Roadmap” and “Building Your Biodiversity Roadmap” training courses.

What were your professional challenges at that time?

My approach was entirely personal. I had already left Reforest’Action, and I felt that what I needed was not to build my skills in the theoretical aspects of environmental issues, but rather to develop my own toolkit and technical foundation. I acquired the fundamentals in these areas through experience, and completing these two complementary training programs gave me a certain sense of legitimacy and confidence in my approach.

I felt a real need to develop my “micro” perspective. I understood the upstream and downstream aspects of the challenges along an organization’s value chain, but I was missing the middle piece. I am now looking to join a company or a coalition of companies undergoing a transition, which required me to have a solid understanding of the link between business challenges and the impacts of risks and opportunities related to the ecological transition—a need that was fully addressed by these two training programs.

Why did you choose these two courses?

Mainly for two reasons: to have a solid methodological foundation for conducting thorough assessments, and to master the various tools needed to be able to develop a roadmap independently. The legitimacy was definitely a plus; it’s true that Carbone 4’s deep expertise is highly valued, but I was more drawn to the rigor of their approach than to obtaining a Carbone 4 “certification” or “stamp.” What interested me—and still does—is Carbone 4’s overarching philosophy, which is reflected in its transformational approach to businesses through the evolution of their business models, and its rejection of offsetting as the sole means of decarbonization.

How did you find out about our training programs?

I’ve known about Carbone 4 for over five years now; I think I first heard about the Academy through LinkedIn or directly on the website. When I wanted to take a training course, I didn’t look any further—it felt natural for me to turn to Carbone 4. I had the climate roadmap course in mind, but not the one on biodiversity; I was pleasantly surprised to discover it.

What made you decide to sign up?

Beyond the program itself—both theoretical and practical—I liked the short format (even though I far exceeded the advertised 18 hours thanks to all the resources made available). I found the opportunity to interact with the instructors as well as the other participants to be valuable.

What aspects of the training made the biggest impression on you?

I really liked the approach, which remained interactive and engaging; our attention was kept focused thanks to the mix of e-learning and virtual classroom sessions. Beyond the highly educational videos, I found that the materials made for very well-structured lessons, and since they can be downloaded, we can review them later.

I was also impressed by the breadth and quality of the materials—which were very impactful—and the multi-expert approach to e-learning. I found both courses to be extremely comprehensive yet concise, without being overly technical. They truly helped me develop the skills I need for the positions I’m aiming for.

Did you find the teaching methods and tools provided helpful, and what skills or knowledge did you gain?

Our trainer’s enthusiasm and expertise were inspiring and relevant, and the hands-on practice using case studies was very enriching. The e-learning platform is easy to navigate and user-friendly, and the Klaxoon tool is also a great resource for collaborating on these pre-prepared walls, which remain accessible after the training.

I now feel much more confident in my thinking about these issues and better able to develop an action plan that is commensurate with the challenges at hand. The fact that I am also more confident in the recommendations I have made and will continue to make is very valuable to me. My systemic perspective on these issues—and my ability to effectively communicate it—has also improved.

Who would you recommend this training course to, and why?

To any CSR director: In my view, these training courses cover the fundamentals—the minimum background knowledge and skills that everyone should acquire as part of developing a climate roadmap. I would even go so far as to say that they should be recognized as being in the public interest and made mandatory!

Any advice for those who are still hesitant to take the plunge?

Don't hesitate—go for it! On paper, it's 18 hours of training, but in reality, it saves you so much time and makes such a big difference when it comes to implementing a real strategy.

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