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Sustainability for Business

ESG Fundamentals

Florian Hoos

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming increasingly important due to regulatory pressures, evolving markets, and the values-based preferences of stakeholders, including investors, consumers, and employees.

As ESG reporting becomes mandatory in many parts of the world, no business can afford to be complacent about its responsibilities towards the environment and society. Organizations that fail to manage ESG effectively will face significant operational, reputational, and regulatory risks.

Read more

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming increasingly important due to regulatory pressures, evolving markets, and the values-based preferences of stakeholders, including investors, consumers, and employees.

As ESG reporting becomes mandatory in many parts of the world, no business can afford to be complacent about its responsibilities towards the environment and society. Organizations that fail to manage ESG effectively will face significant operational, reputational, and regulatory risks.

IMD’s Sustainability for Business: ESG Fundamentals course, in partnership with Coursera, provides a comprehensive understanding of ESG principles and practices, which are integral to the broader concept of sustainability. Wherever you are in your career trajectory, you will gain valuable skills that will empower you to contribute more effectively to your organization’s initiatives or boost your prospects if you are seeking to transition to an ESG-related role. Even if ESG isn’t directly related to your current profession, understanding this critical area will broaden your knowledge and enhance your ability to make informed, responsible decisions.

Throughout the course, you will gain insights from IMD’s expert faculty, as well as from CEOs and business leaders who have successfully incorporated ESG into their business practices and policies. The program also features an immersive AI-powered simulation game, the ESG Metamorphosis Game. By navigating complex and engaging scenarios involving environmental protection, cultural preservation, and corporate responsibility, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead sustainable practices in the real world.

On completion of ESG Fundamentals, you will receive a workbook to guide you as you implement your learnings in your organization.

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What's inside

Syllabus

In Module 2, we’ll explore the business aspects of E, S, and G. We focus on how each of the three dimensions can harm or enhance an organization's value. We’ll address the environmental dimensions and how you can quantify them to better understand their impact on your organization. Similarly, we’ll unveil the social dimension and go into detail about why the governance dimension matters. You’ll learn how to exploit the opportunities related to each of the dimensions while taking into consideration the risks associated with them.
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Introducing ESG and why it matters
In Module 1, you’ll discover what ESG really means and why it’s now high up on the agenda for businesses around the world. We’ll then look at nine planetary boundaries, which include climate change and freshwater use. Crossing these boundaries would cause irreversible environmental changes, with serious consequences for all of us. We’ll move on to explore some key global trends and you’ll decide which ones are most relevant to your ESG strategy. And to give you an outlook of where this course is going, once you have completed all modules, you’ll take part in IMD’s AI-powered simulation The ESG Metamorphosis Game, which we designed for you. You’re going to step into the shoes of an investigative eco-travel writer, who goes undercover in a luxury hotel on the island of Terra Vida. You’ll be tasked with identifying sustainability issues in the organization and proposing solutions. Your scoring will depend on how well you apply what you have learned. The simulation is a chance to put your learning into practice while building your decision-making and leadership skills.
Uncovering the relevance of E, S, and G for organizations
Integrating ESG into strategy
In Module 3, we’ll explore ESG strategies. You’ll learn why ESG dimensions are crucial to creating or protecting a firm’s value and how you can integrate ESG into your strategy. In addition, we’ll dive deeper into CO2 emission reduction strategies and how you can manage emissions in your organization throughout the value chain.
Measuring and managing ESG impact
In Module 4, we cover the importance of measuring ESG dimensions to report on how well your organization is doing on ESG. This module is especially important, because reporting on ESG has become mandatory in many parts of the world. Accountants now go beyond gathering financial information for annual reports; they must also include the organization’s ESG performance indicators.
Identifying and managing ESG stakeholders
Module 5 covers stakeholder management. You’ll learn about the different stakeholders of an organization: Those that are closely tied to the business, like employees and suppliers, and those that do not directly affect the business but still play an important role for the organization. We’ll explore why considering all types of stakeholders is an integral part of ESG management.
Leading a culture change for ESG
In the final module, you’ll learn about the people side of ESG. Business transformations triggered by fundamental changes in society, technology, and regulation are only successful if they are supported and driven by leaders who foster an appropriate organizational culture. You’ll also dive into how holistic ESG management practices can be integrated with the organization’s overall goals. After the module, you’ll be ready to step into the shoes of an investigative eco-travel writer who goes undercover at a luxury hotel on the island of Terra Vida. You’ll identify sustainability issues in the establishment and propose solutions. Your score will depend on how you navigate interpersonal dynamics and balance competing interests with organizational needs. The simulation is a chance to put your learning into practice while building your decision-making and leadership skills. Have fun!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Features an AI-powered simulation game, which allows learners to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and develop decision-making and leadership skills
Explores the business aspects of E, S, and G, focusing on how each dimension can impact an organization's value, which is crucial for strategic decision-making
Provides a workbook to guide learners in implementing their learnings within their organizations, which supports practical application and long-term integration of ESG principles
Examines CO2 emission reduction strategies and managing emissions throughout the value chain, which is essential for organizations aiming to minimize their environmental impact
Discusses stakeholder management, emphasizing the importance of considering various stakeholders, which is integral to effective ESG management and building strong relationships
Requires learners to consider the people side of ESG, which is critical because business transformations are more successful when supported by leaders who foster an appropriate organizational culture

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainability for Business: ESG Fundamentals with these activities:
Review Key Sustainability Concepts
Refresh your understanding of core sustainability concepts to provide a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Review definitions of sustainability and related terms.
  • Explore the history of the sustainability movement.
  • Identify key sustainability challenges facing businesses today.
Review 'The Sustainable Company'
Gain practical insights into integrating sustainability into business strategy.
View Embedded Sustainability: The Next Big... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first three chapters.
  • Summarize the key concepts and frameworks presented.
  • Reflect on how these concepts relate to your own organization or industry.
ESG Impact Assessment Project
Apply ESG principles to assess the impact of a real-world business.
Show steps
  • Select a company or organization to analyze.
  • Research the company's ESG performance using publicly available data.
  • Identify areas where the company could improve its ESG performance.
  • Develop recommendations for improving the company's ESG performance.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create an ESG Stakeholder Map
Visualize the relationships between a company and its various ESG stakeholders.
Show steps
  • Choose a company or industry.
  • Identify the key stakeholders related to environmental, social, and governance issues.
  • Create a visual map showing the relationships between the company and its stakeholders.
  • Briefly describe the nature of each relationship.
Review 'Capitalism and the Common Good'
Explore the ethical dimensions of ESG and corporate social responsibility.
View International Corporate Governance on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on corporate social responsibility and stakeholder theory.
  • Summarize the authors' arguments about the role of business in society.
  • Reflect on how these arguments relate to the ESG principles discussed in the course.
Develop an ESG Reporting Framework
Design a framework for measuring and reporting on a company's ESG performance.
Show steps
  • Research existing ESG reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD).
  • Identify the key ESG metrics that are relevant to a specific industry or company.
  • Develop a framework for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on these metrics.
  • Create a sample ESG report using the framework.
Volunteer at a Sustainability-Focused Organization
Gain practical experience in sustainability by volunteering at a relevant organization.
Show steps
  • Identify local organizations working on environmental or social issues.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities and reflect on your experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainability for Business: ESG Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager develops and implements strategies to minimize an organization's environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This role involves understanding ESG principles, a core focus of this course. The course's comprehensive approach to environmental, social, and governance issues helps build a strong foundation for managing sustainability initiatives. Learning to integrate ESG into business strategies, as covered in the course, directly applies to the work of a Sustainability Manager to ensure a company aligns its operations with sustainability goals. The course’s AI-powered simulation will enhance the decision-making and leadership skills critical to overseeing sustainability implementation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager
ESG Analyst
An ESG Analyst assesses a company’s environmental, social, and governance practices to determine their impact and identify areas for improvement. This course directly aligns with the responsibilities of an ESG Analyst by providing a comprehensive understanding of ESG principles. The course covers both the risks and opportunities associated with environmental, social, and governance dimensions. It also emphasizes the importance of measuring ESG performance, which is crucial for an ESG Analyst’s work. The knowledge gained in the course about stakeholder engagement is also directly applicable when evaluating companies' alignment of ESG strategy with the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is tasked with developing and implementing programs to enhance a company's positive impact on society. This course gives a valuable introduction to the ESG principles that underpin responsible business practices. The course’s content, which is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of ESG, will be particularly useful to a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager aiming to integrate social and environmental factors into a company’s business model. The course also underscores the importance of stakeholder management. The interactive simulation helps to develop the leadership qualities needed for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
ESG Consultant
An ESG Consultant helps businesses integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into their strategies and operations. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ESG principles, making it directly relevant for an ESG consultant. It emphasizes understanding how ESG dimensions affect organizational value, allowing the consultant to provide more effective advice. The course further explores how to measure, manage, and communicate this impact, skills essential for an ESG consultant. Further, the course's stakeholder management content enables an ESG consultant to help businesses align their ESG practices with the needs and expectations of a diverse group of stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Consultant
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant advises organizations on how to minimize their environmental footprint and comply with environmental regulations. This course offers an excellent starting point for those in or entering this field, introducing the fundamental principles of environmental impact with the nine planetary boundaries. The course’s modules dedicated to understanding environmental dimensions, calculating the relevant values, and managing emissions will be particularly useful in the work of an environmental consultant. The course also emphasizes the importance of integrating these considerations into strategic planning, which directly supports the work of an Environmental Consultant in shaping corporate strategy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant
Supply Chain Analyst
A Supply Chain Analyst manages the flow of goods and services, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This course will be applicable to a Supply Chain Analyst, particularly in its focus on the role of ESG in the value chain. The course’s emphasis on environmental sustainability and CO2 emission reduction strategies is particularly valuable for a Supply Chain Analyst looking to minimize a company's environmental footprint. Additionally, the course teaches how to measure and manage ESG impact, allowing a Supply Chain Analyst to integrate sustainability metrics into their work to improve the overall sustainability and efficiency of a supply chain.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst
Change Management Consultant
A Change Management Consultant assists organizations in navigating transitions, such as adopting new strategies or practices. This course may be useful for a Change Management Consultant, particularly one interested in understanding the culture changes related to integrating ESG. The course's focus on how to lead culture change, foster leadership, and align goals with sustainability will be beneficial. The course’s content about how to manage stakeholders, will also be important for a Change Management Consultant, helping them to manage organizational changes at a more human level.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Management Consultant
Impact Investing Analyst
An Impact Investing Analyst evaluates investment opportunities based on their social and environmental impact, alongside financial returns. This course may be useful to an Impact Investing Analyst by introducing the fundamental principles of environmental, social, and governance considerations in business. This course provides insight into how ESG factors can enhance or harm a company's value, enabling an analyst to make more informed investment decisions. The course's focus on measuring ESG impact and its strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations are highly relevant for building a complete understanding of ESG principles for an Impact Investing Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investing Analyst
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and oversees projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful for a Project Manager as it underscores the importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into projects. The course's content about stakeholder engagement is very useful for a Project Manager in managing project teams and ensuring that projects meet the needs of all people involved. Additionally, this course provides tools for assessing and managing the ESG impact of initiatives, allowing a Project Manager to bring a sustainability perspective to project management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Risk Management Analyst
A Risk Management Analyst identifies and assesses potential risks to an organization. This course may be useful for a Risk Management Analyst particularly in how it emphasizes the operational, reputational, and regulatory risks associated with not managing ESG effectively. The course's content, focusing on quantifying environmental impact, and exploring the social and governance dimensions, will be invaluable. Further, this course's emphasis on the need to measure ESG dimensions to report on how well an organization is performing may be useful for a Risk Management Analyst, helping them to more effectively assess and manage any potential threats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Management Analyst
Communications Specialist
A Communications Specialist manages the internal and external messaging of an organization. This course may be useful to a communications specialist by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding ESG issues. The course gives an understanding of environmental, social, and governance concerns and their importance to stakeholders, which is indispensable for communicating a company’s sustainability efforts. The course’s modules, which explore the relevance of ESG to a company's operations, and the importance of managing different stakeholders, will empower a Communications Specialist to craft more accurate and engaging messages.
See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Specialist
Public relations manager
A Public Relations Manager oversees an organization's public image and reputation. This course may be useful for a Public Relations Manager as it emphasizes the reputational risks associated with poor ESG management. The course delivers a grasp of environmental, social, and governance issues that are essential for a Public Relations Manager responsible for communicating a company's sustainability efforts. In its exploration of stakeholder management, this course may assist in crafting effective public relations strategies that resonate with various groups of people. The course, by covering ESG reporting, will enable a Public Relations Manager to communicate an organization’s commitment to sustainability.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day activities of an organization, making sure they are effective and efficient. This course may be useful by highlighting how critical ESG is to operational efficiency and performance. Understanding environmental and social impacts is important, and this course helps to make the connection between the two. The course's focus on measuring ESG performance is vital to an Operations Manager who will need to evaluate the company's progress. Further, the course also focuses on how to integrate ESG into an organization's operations and strategy, which is an important goal for a manager of operations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes policy issues, often making recommendations to government agencies or organizations. This course may be useful for Policy Analyst particularly due to its focus on the regulatory pressures that drive the adoption of ESG measures. The course's content in explaining how ESG principles apply to the corporate world gives a Policy Analyst important points of reference for the development of effective policies. Moreover, the course’s holistic view of the organizational challenges and benefits related to these topics can prove invaluable to a Policy Analyst who is trying to understand the different sides of the issue.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies new opportunities for business growth and expansion. This course may enhance the skills of a Business Development Manager by giving a comprehensive overview of the ESG area. It provides a framework for integrating environmental and social considerations, allowing a manager to identify opportunities beyond financial ones. The course’s teaching on stakeholder engagement will be helpful to a Business Development Manager to create stronger partnerships, by recognizing the importance of various stakeholders. Additionally, the course introduces cutting-edge strategies for sustainability, which can help to create innovative solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sustainability for Business: ESG Fundamentals.
Cover image
Embedded Sustainability
Save
Provides a practical guide to integrating sustainability into business strategy. It offers frameworks and tools for assessing environmental and social impacts, and for developing innovative solutions. It is particularly useful for understanding how ESG principles can be applied in real-world business contexts. This book adds depth to the course by providing concrete examples and case studies.
Embedded Sustainability: The Next Big Competitive...
Hardcover
$
Embedded Sustainability: The Next Big Competitive...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
International Corporate Governance
Save
Explores the ethical foundations of capitalism and the role of business in promoting the common good. It provides a framework for understanding the social responsibilities of corporations and for developing ethical business practices. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It adds breadth to the course by exploring the philosophical underpinnings of ESG.
International Corporate Governance
Paperback
Check
International Corporate Governance
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
6 weeks of study, 4-6 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
IMD - International Institute for Management Development
Instructor
Florian Hoos
Session
January 20, 2025 - March 10, 2025
Language
English
Good to know
Features an AI-powered simulation game, which allows learners to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and develop decision-making and leadership skills
Explores the business aspects of E, S, and G, focusing on how each dimension can impact an organization's value, which is crucial for strategic decision-making
Provides a workbook to guide learners in implementing their learnings within their organizations, which supports practical application and long-term integration of ESG principles
Examines CO2 emission reduction strategies and managing emissions throughout the value chain, which is essential for organizations aiming to minimize their environmental impact
Discusses stakeholder management, emphasizing the importance of considering various stakeholders, which is integral to effective ESG management and building strong relationships
Requires learners to consider the people side of ESG, which is critical because business transformations are more successful when supported by leaders who foster an appropriate organizational culture
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