ESG & Sustainability: ESG Corporate Masterclass from Udemy

In today's global business landscape, companies that prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives have a competitive edge. ESG is no longer just a "nice to have" but a "must-have" for companies to positively contribute to society and the environment while achieving better business results. According to a study by MSCI, companies with high ESG ratings had an average return on equity of 10.1% per year, compared to 7.4% for companies with low ESG ratings. A survey by Nielsen found that 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services that come from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact. (Source: Nielsen, "The Sustainability Imperative."

This course will not only go over the subject matter, but explore real world cases studies in 2023 to help you demystify ESG and lead your company towards establishing an effective ESG program or improving your current one. If you are looking for a career in ESG or just want to get certified and learn more about the topic, we’ve got you covered.

This Corporate Masterclass for Professionals in ESG and Sustainability will equip you with a deep understanding of the ESG frameworks and reporting standards, and how to navigate the alphabet soup of the ESG world.

You will begin by understanding the history and evolution of ESG, and how it is different from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). You will learn about the relevance of ESG to your company, and the benefits of prioritizing ESG initiatives. By the end of the course, you will become an expert in the range of ESG frameworks currently available, and those that are coming down the pipe.

You will receive a roadmap for implementing an ESG strategy for your company, with practical tools and exercises to support you in your journey. You will also have access to case studies and real-world examples to help you understand how ESG initiatives are being implemented in different industries and contexts.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and tools to establish an effective ESG program that positively contributes to society and the environment while achieving better business results. The course is designed for professionals who are looking to establish, enhance, or lead their company's ESG initiatives.

In this course, you will:

Learn the overview of ESG and sustainability, including the history of ESG and its relationship to corporate strategy.
Study the differences and similarities between ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Understand why ESG is important for organizations and the key reasons for its adoption.
Discuss prevalent ESG issues, including environmental, social, and governance issues, and how they impact organizations.
Examine ESG frameworks for measuring, managing, and reporting performance, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI), Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), and World Economic Forum Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics.
Gain insight into ESG investing, including the key principles, factors to consider while investing, and different types of ESG investment strategies.
Learn how to implement ESG programs step-by-step, based on best practices.
Identify barriers to ESG adoption within an organization and explore ways to overcome them.
Discover key careers within ESG and their importance.
Stay up-to-date with the fast-paced changes in the ESG industry and have a sense of what's coming next

Join us in this Corporate Masterclass for Professionals in ESG and Sustainability, and discover how to establish an effective ESG program that positively contributes to society and the environment while achieving better business results. Enroll now and take your company to the next level.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the true definition of esg and the evolution of corporate responsibility to esg.
Identify the differences and similarities between esg and csr.
Analyze esg issues and their impact on organizations and stakeholders.
Evaluate the importance of esg for organizations in terms of risk management, competitive advantage, access to capital, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder.
Compare and contrast different esg frameworks for measuring, managing, and reporting performance.
Recognize the principles of esg investing and how it differs from traditional investing.
Identify esg factors to consider when investing, different types of factors/benchmarks, and investment strategies.
Identify the challenges associated with esg investing, such as data quality, standardization, and transparency.
Identify key roles and responsibilities to drive esg within an organization.
Understand how to implement an esg program step-by-step and best practices.
Prioritize esg issues based on their importance to stakeholders and business.
Select relevant esg frameworks to follow based on your organization's needs.

Develop a strategic vision and garner buy-in for your esg program.
Conduct a materiality assessment to identify key esg issues.
Create a roadmap with a dedicated timeline, budget, and actions for implementing your esg program.
Assign resources with defined roles and responsibilities within your organization.
Engage stakeholders to ensure their buy-in and support.
Implement esg progress and procedures to ensure ongoing improvement.
Monitor and measure esg performance to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Communicate your esg program effectively to stakeholders.
Understand career opportunities within the esg field and their importance.
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Understand the true definition of esg and the evolution of corporate responsibility to esg.
Identify the differences and similarities between esg and csr.
Analyze esg issues and their impact on organizations and stakeholders.
Evaluate the importance of esg for organizations in terms of risk management, competitive advantage, access to capital, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder.
Compare and contrast different esg frameworks for measuring, managing, and reporting performance.
Recognize the principles of esg investing and how it differs from traditional investing.
Identify esg factors to consider when investing, different types of factors/benchmarks, and investment strategies.
Identify the challenges associated with esg investing, such as data quality, standardization, and transparency.
Identify key roles and responsibilities to drive esg within an organization.
Understand how to implement an esg program step-by-step and best practices.
Prioritize esg issues based on their importance to stakeholders and business.
Select relevant esg frameworks to follow based on your organization's needs.
Develop a strategic vision and garner buy-in for your esg program.
Conduct a materiality assessment to identify key esg issues.
Create a roadmap with a dedicated timeline, budget, and actions for implementing your esg program.
Assign resources with defined roles and responsibilities within your organization.
Engage stakeholders to ensure their buy-in and support.
Implement esg progress and procedures to ensure ongoing improvement.
Monitor and measure esg performance to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Communicate your esg program effectively to stakeholders.
Understand career opportunities within the esg field and their importance.
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome To The Exciting World Of ESG and Sustainability

Course Outline, Overview Of Key Concepts

Overview of ESG and Sustainability

Overview Of ESG And Sustainability

The True Definition of ESG

History of ESG, How Did We Get Here?

The Critical Relationship Between ESG and Corporate Strategy

ESG Case Study 1: Patagonia

ESG Case Study 2: Volkswagen

ESG Vs CSR

The Evolution Of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) To ESG

Differences And Similarities Between ESG And CSR

How ESG Differs From Traditional Sustainability And Philanthropy Programs

Key Reasons ESG Is Important For Your Organization

Risk Management

Competitive Advantage

Access to Capital

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

Prevalent ESG Issues

Environmental Issues Discussion

Social Issues Discussion

Governance Issues Discussion

ESG Frameworks For Measuring, Managing and Reporting Performance

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)

CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)

SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)

TCFD (Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure)

WDI (The Workforce Disclosure Initiative)

CDSB (The Climate Disclosure Standards Board)

WEF (World Economic Forum Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics)

Framework Summary - Which One To Choose For Your Organization

ESG Investing - Part I

Section Introduction and Investment Disclaimer

ESG Investing Fundamentals

ESG Investing vs. Traditional Investing

Importance of ESG Investing

How to Obtain Information to Make an Informed Decision

ESG Investing Risks

ESG Investing - Part II

ESG Integration

Negative (Exclusionary) Screening

Positive (Best-in Class) Screening

Norms-based Investing

Impact/Community Investing

ESG Funds and/or ETFs

ESG Program Implementation (Step-By-Step) and Best Practices - Part I

Defining ESG Objectives and Goals

Prioritizing ESG Issues Based On Importance to Stakeholders and Business

Developing an ESG Policy and Garnering Buy-In

Collecting ESG Data

Selecting Relevant ESG Framework(s) to Follow

Creating a Roadmap With Dedicated Timeline, Budget and Actions

ESG Program Implementation and Best Practices - Part II (Other Considerations)

Assign Resources with Defined Roles and Responsibilities

Engage Stakeholders & Communicate Your ESG Program

Review and Update the ESG program

Barriers to ESG Adoption

Section Introduction

ESG Reporting Analyst/Manager

Lack of Understanding

Limited Resources

Lack of Standardization

Short Term Thinking

Lack of Robust Data

Resistance to Change

Career Opportunities within ESG

Sustainability Analyst/Manager

CSR Analyst/Manager

Pros and Cons

ESG Consultant

Wrap-up

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a roadmap for implementing an ESG strategy, offering practical tools and exercises to support learners in their journey towards establishing effective ESG programs

Explores real-world case studies from 2023, which helps learners demystify ESG and lead their companies towards establishing or improving ESG programs

Examines various ESG frameworks, including GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD, WDI, CDSB, and WEF, which equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of reporting standards

Discusses prevalent ESG issues, including environmental, social, and governance aspects, which helps learners understand their impact on organizations

Covers ESG investing principles and strategies, which helps learners understand how it differs from traditional investing and the factors to consider

Identifies barriers to ESG adoption within organizations, which helps learners explore ways to overcome them and implement successful ESG programs

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 ESG & Sustainability: ESG Corporate Masterclass with these activities:

Review Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

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Solidify your understanding of CSR to better grasp the nuances and evolution towards ESG.

Browse courses on Corporate Social Responsibility

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Review the definition and principles of CSR.
Compare and contrast CSR with ESG.
Identify the limitations of CSR that led to the development of ESG.

Review 'Sustainable Investing: A Path to a New Horizon'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the investment landscape within ESG and how it differs from traditional investing.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the introduction and overview chapters.
Focus on chapters discussing ESG integration and impact investing.
Summarize the key arguments and concepts presented in the book.

Compile a list of ESG reporting frameworks

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Deepen your understanding of the various ESG reporting frameworks and their specific requirements.

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Research and list at least five different ESG reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD).
For each framework, summarize its key focus areas and reporting metrics.
Compare and contrast the frameworks, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Identify which frameworks are most relevant for different industries or company sizes.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend an ESG-related webinar or conference

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Expand your network and learn from experts in the ESG field.

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Search for upcoming ESG webinars or conferences.
Register for an event that aligns with your interests.
Attend the event and take notes on key takeaways.
Connect with other attendees and speakers.

Write a blog post on a current ESG trend

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Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the ESG field and share your insights with others.

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Research a current trend in ESG (e.g., climate risk disclosure, social impact investing).
Write a blog post summarizing the trend and its implications for businesses.
Include examples of companies that are leading the way in this area.
Share your blog post on social media or other relevant platforms.

Develop an ESG Implementation Roadmap

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Apply your knowledge to create a practical roadmap for implementing an ESG program within a hypothetical company.

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Choose a company (real or hypothetical) and research its current ESG practices.
Conduct a materiality assessment to identify key ESG issues for the company.
Develop a roadmap with specific goals, timelines, and actions for addressing these issues.
Outline the resources and responsibilities needed for successful implementation.
Present your roadmap in a clear and concise format.

Review 'ESG in the Boardroom'

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Understand the critical role of corporate governance in driving successful ESG programs.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters focusing on board responsibilities and ESG oversight.
Identify the key challenges and opportunities for boards in addressing ESG issues.
Summarize the recommendations for effective board leadership in ESG.

Career center

Learners who complete ESG & Sustainability: ESG Corporate Masterclass will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

ESG Program Manager

An ESG Program Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of a company's ESG initiatives. This role requires a deep understanding of ESG frameworks and the ability to drive organizational change and stakeholder engagement. This course is designed to turn one into an expert in ESG frameworks and provides a roadmap for implementing ESG strategy. The course goes step by step using best practices, and provides an in-depth look at program implementation which makes the course a great fit. Someone looking to be an ESG Program Manager would benefit greatly from the course's structured approach to creating effective ESG programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Program Manager

ESG Analyst

An ESG Analyst researches and evaluates a company's environmental, social, and governance practices. They assess how these factors impact a company's performance and risk profile, and create reports to advise investors. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. The course's focus on understanding and implementing ESG programs, along with its exploration of real-world case studies, helps build the skills one needs to succeed in the role of an ESG Analyst. The course's deep dive into ESG issues, frameworks, and investment strategies makes it a highly targeted preparation for aspiring ESG Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

ESG Reporting Manager

An ESG Reporting Manager oversees the process of collecting, analyzing, and reporting a company's ESG data. This role requires a detailed understanding of ESG reporting frameworks and standards. This course goes into depth on ESG frameworks, and provides the practical tools and exercises needed to implement a strategy. It also explores real-world case studies. This course is an ideal fit for someone who wants to enter ESG reporting. The course's deep dive into frameworks makes it an excellent preparation for the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Reporting Manager

Corporate Sustainability Officer

A Corporate Sustainability Officer is responsible for leading and overseeing a company’s overall sustainability strategy and initiatives. This role requires a deep understanding of ESG frameworks and the ability to drive organizational change. This course reviews the key facets of ESG and the differences between CSR and ESG. The course also helps build the capacity to execute an ESG program from start to finish. This makes the course a great choice for someone planning to take on the role of Corporate Sustainability Officer. In particular, this course helps to navigate real-world situations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Officer

Sustainability Reporting Specialist

A Sustainability Reporting Specialist focuses on gathering, analyzing, and reporting a company's ESG data. This role requires a deep understanding of ESG reporting frameworks and the ability to ensure data accuracy and compliance. This course's in-depth coverage of ESG reporting frameworks such as GRI, CDP, SASB, and TCFD is incredibly valuable. The course also outlines how to implement ESG programs and measure their performance, helping a Sustainability Reporting Specialist to understand the full scope of their work. Those who want to become a Sustainability Reporting Specialist will find the course's overview of reporting frameworks to be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Reporting Specialist

ESG Consultant

An ESG Consultant advises organizations on how to develop and implement their sustainability strategies. The ESG consultant also assists companies with ESG reporting and compliance. This course offers an extensive overview of ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and implementation strategies, creating a foundation one would need for an ESG Consultant role. In particular, the course provides a step-by-step roadmap for implementing ESG programs, which aligns directly with the work done by an ESG Consultant. The course is particularly useful as it dives deep into frameworks and implementation.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Consultant

ESG Integration Specialist

An ESG Integration Specialist ensures that ESG factors are integrated into a company's business processes and decision making. This role requires a strong understanding of ESG principles and their practical application. This course includes the discussion of prevalent ESG issues and dives deep into ESG frameworks, as well as the challenges of adoption. This course is well-suited to those who want to be an ESG Integration Specialist, because it provides hands-on experience for implementing ESG programs. The course’s coverage of diverse ESG issues makes this a strong fit.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Integration Specialist

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements strategies to reduce a company's environmental impact. This role involves setting sustainability goals, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This course directly addresses key aspects of a Sustainability Manager's role by providing a comprehensive overview of ESG principles, frameworks, and reporting standards. The course's coverage of real-world case studies and practical tools further aids in building a strong foundation for implementing effective sustainability initiatives. Someone looking to become a Sustainability Manager should take this course due to its detailed examination of ESG frameworks and its focus on real-world application.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Impact Investment Analyst

An impact investment analyst researches and evaluates companies or projects for their social and environmental impact in addition to their financial returns. This role needs a strong understanding of ESG principles and measurement. This course covers the principles of ESG investing, including factors to consider when investing and different investment strategies. The course's exploration of ESG investing helps a potential impact investment analyst gain a firm grasp of key investment areas that are central to the role. Individuals seeking a career in impact investing would find this course beneficial for the deep dive into ESG concepts and principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investment Analyst

Sustainability Officer

A Sustainability Officer leads and manages a company's sustainability initiatives, setting goals and tracking progress. This role requires a broad understanding of sustainability practices and ESG frameworks. This course explores the history of ESG, its relationship with corporate strategy, and its difference from CSR. The course also has an overview of ESG and Sustainability. This course helps one gain a broad understanding of the role. The course covers the most relevant material for someone entering into the role of Sustainability Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Officer

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and oversees a company's CSR programs. The role also involves engaging with stakeholders and communicating the company's social impact. This course helps build a foundation for this role by exploring ESG frameworks and their relationship to corporate strategy, and the ways in which these differ from Corporate Social Responsibility. The course also provides a roadmap for implementing ESG strategies, that's often a core part of a CSR Manager's duties. One would be wise to take this course in preparation for the role, especially because it covers the differences between CSR and ESG.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Environmental Compliance Officer

An Environmental Compliance Officer ensures that a company adheres to environmental regulations and standards. This role involves monitoring environmental performance, conducting audits, and implementing compliance programs. This course explores environmental issues as they relate to ESG and provides insights into different environmental reporting frameworks. The course also includes how to implement comprehensive ESG programs including monitoring and measurement which is essential to this role. Someone who wishes to become an Environmental Compliance Officer can benefit from the course's focus on frameworks and reporting standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Compliance Officer

ESG Data Analyst

An ESG Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets ESG data to assess a company's performance and identify areas for improvement. This role requires a strong understanding of ESG metrics and data management. This course may be useful for those who want to work with ESG data since it covers ESG frameworks for measuring, managing and reporting performance. The course also touches on the challenges of ESG data. The course's framework overview should provide an understanding of what kind of data is collected and how. This course can be useful for an ESG Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Data Analyst

Investment Stewardship Analyst

An Investment Stewardship Analyst focuses on engaging with companies to encourage them to improve their ESG practices. This role involves voting proxies and working with portfolio companies to promote sustainable practices. This course explores ESG investing and touches on why ESG is important for organizations. The course also covers the different approaches to ESG investing. This course may be useful for those who want to work as an Investment Stewardship Analyst. The course's focus on ESG frameworks and investing principles would be particularly useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Stewardship Analyst

Social Impact Manager

A Social Impact Manager focuses on developing strategies and programs that create positive social outcomes. This role requires a deep understanding of social issues and how they impact organizations. This course discusses prevalent social issues and how they impact organizations. The course also explores ESG frameworks for measuring, managing and reporting performance. This course may be useful to a Social Impact Manager. The course's look at various social issues is useful for anyone entering the field of social impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Impact Manager

ESG & Sustainability

ESG Corporate Masterclass

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