Corporate ESG and Sustainability - 101 Level Masterclass from Udemy

The global investment and corporate community has realized that companies that do good in the world also do better in their business. Programs for corporate social responsibility (CSR) were all "nice to haves," but now investors, consumers, and employees are demanding that companies make positive ESG (environmental, social, and governance) impacts and the game has changed. Positively contributing to society and the environment is now a "must have." ESG frameworks have brought transparency, objectivity, and accountability to companies' environmental, social, and governance impacts. But, ESG frameworks are numerous and confusing. Reporting standards are varied and difficult to navigate. And, the ESG landscape is changing rapidly.

According to the Harvard Business Review, there is an "ESG Reckoning" taking place. ESG is the No. 1 topic investors want to discuss with boards of directors. (PWC.) As of 2020, almost 90% of publicly traded companies and 67% of privately-owned companies had embarked on ESG initiatives. (NAVEX Global). Additionally, 88% of institutional investors believe that companies that prioritize ESG initiatives represent better opportunities for long-term returns than companies that do not. (Edelman)

Whether your company already has an ESG program or is thinking of developing one, this course will help you understand ESG, navigate the alphabet soup of the ESG world, and lead your company in establishing a high-impact ESG program.

Layli Miller-Muro has a 25-year career as a corporate lawyer with one of the top law firms in the world and as a human rights lawyer with one of the most influential non-profits in the United States. Named as one of Goldman Sachs's Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, Newsweek Magazine's 150 Most Fearless Women in the World, and a winner of the Washington Post's Award for Management Excellence, Layli is an author and frequent lecturer. Currently, she is a consultant helping corporations with their social impact strategies. With both a legal and practical lens, she will demystify ESG and help you establish an effective ESG program.

What students say about the course:

"This is one of the best courses on Udemy. The instructor is very knowledgeable, her presentation style is engaging, there are a lot of helpful downloadable resources, and the "expert interviews" by ESG leaders in companies like Hewlett-Packard, VISA, etc. are as real as it gets. They are the leading internal practitioners and they know what they are talking about. The course is worth getting just for those interviews. Very well done. "
"The content was amazing and well articulated."
"Wonderful course, well explained, well guided and summarized so beautifully. Very helpful for a beginner to understand and implement ESG."
"Excellent course. A lot of sincere effort has been put in by the course instructor Layli and multiple perspectives offered to make it deep while being fair and balanced. The course takes a nuanced view of cultural complexities while implementing ESG programmes and the practical challenges, while emphasising on the positive direction in offers. Largely resting on some stellar interviews by Industry titans from different spheres of activity that gives an inside view of the past, present and future of ESG in organizations, interspersed with interesting lectures from Layli, this is truly a high value course offered at a very competitive price. Anyone interested in ESG should totally lap this up."
"Thank you very much for creating this course. ESG is complex and rapidly changing, thanks to this training with multiple stories from working professionals and numerous resources it is enormously useful. Highly recommended for all types of professionals; employees, entrepreneurs, producers or consumers."

This course will enable you to:

Understand the history of ESG and what ESG means (including how it is different from CSR)
Realize its relevance to you and your company
Become an expert in the range of frameworks currently out there, as well as those that are pending and coming down the pipe
You will receive a road map for implementing an ESG strategy for your company - whether small or large. (With practical tools, handouts, and exercises to support you in your journey.)
Have a sense of what is coming next in the industry and keep up with ESG's fast-paced changes.
Through Zoom interviews, learn directly from experts from top executives of leading ESG in major corporations (e.g., HPE, Visa, Ben & Jerry's, Mastercard, Twitter, Yeti, etc.) to gain insights by those implementing ESG every day at the highest levels in their corporations.

Most importantly, this course will support you in ensuring that your company has a competitive edge in both making profit and making the world a better place.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand esg and its relevance to your business
Establish or evolve an effective esg program
Understand esg v. csr (corporate social responsibility) and how to reconcile them
Attract investors, customers, and employees with strong esg alignment
Choose an esg framework that works for your business

Engage in esg reporting best practices
Understand the latest trends and be up-to-date on the rapidly-changing esg world
Learn from esg experts from top fortune 100 companies through zoom interviews
Be equipped to support your business in building a better, more sustainable world

Understand esg and its relevance to your business
Establish or evolve an effective esg program
Understand esg v. csr (corporate social responsibility) and how to reconcile them
Attract investors, customers, and employees with strong esg alignment
Choose an esg framework that works for your business
Engage in esg reporting best practices
Understand the latest trends and be up-to-date on the rapidly-changing esg world
Learn from esg experts from top fortune 100 companies through zoom interviews
Be equipped to support your business in building a better, more sustainable world

Syllabus

Expert Interview (Dodson): What is ESG and how does it advance equity ?

Understand the course overall content and objectives

Welcome to the Course!

Understand the history and definition of ESG, as well as how it differs from CSR

What is ESG: Overview

What is ESG: Basic Definition

What is ESG: Comparing ESG to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

What is ESG: Historic Overview

Expert Interview (Varma): What does ESG mean to you?

Expert Interview (Tullier): How ESG has evolved?

Expert Interview (Chew): How has ESG evolved?

Expert Interview (Ndiaye): What is your definition of ESG?

Expert Interview (Bergman): What is ESG?

Expert Interview (Silberman): How CSR has evolved to ESG?

This quiz will assess your basic knowledge of ESG.

You will be able to understand how a strong ESG program will give you a competitive edge, ensure compliance and risk mitigation, strategically plan for the future, and make the world a better place.

Why is ESG Important: Overview

Why is ESG Important: Competitive Edge

Why is ESG Important: Compliance

Why is ESG Important: Strategically Planning for the Future

Why is ESG Important: Making the World a Better Place

Assessing your understanding of the relevance of ESG to your business.

Understand the most commonly used ESG frameworks including GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD, WDI, CDSB, and WEF

ESG Frameworks: Overview

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)

Understanding the frameworks

Have a basic understanding of how to pick an ESG framework; conduct a materiality assessment; establish ESG goals; conduct a gap analysis; map actions and resources; track, report, & promote progress

ESG Program Best Practices: Overview

Choosing or Constructing a Relevant ESG Framework

Conducting a Materiality Assessment

Establishing ESG Goals

Conducting a Gap Analysis

Mapping Actions Needed to Meet Goals

Prioritizing and Allocating Resources Needed

Track Progress and Hold Accountable

Reporting and Promoting Progress

Expert Interview (Tullier): Corporate ESG best practices

Expert Interview (Chew): The concept of materiality

Expert Interview (Silberman): Choosing metrics, materiality, and goal setting

Expert Interview (Tullier): Best practices in engaging investors

Expert Interview (Alemayehou): Board of Directors best practices

Expert Interview (Curran): Understanding the Role of Culture"

Understanding ESG Program Best Practices

ACTION LEARNING ASSIGNMENT: Utilizing ESG program best practices

Know how to overcome common barriers to implementing an effective ESG program

Overcoming Barriers in ESG: Overview

What are the Barriers to Implementing a Successful ESG Program?

How You Can Overcome the Barriers

Expert Interview (Varma): Challenges and opportunities in ESG

Expert Interview (Alemayehou): Challenges in implementing ESG

Expert Interview (Chew): ESG obstacles and ways to overcome them

Expert Interview (Tullier): ESG's biggest challenges

Expert Interview (Ndiaye): Challenges with ESG programs, particularly in Africa

Expert Interview (Silberman): Overcoming obstacles to implementing ESG

Expert Interview (Dodson): Challenges with ESG implementation

Understanding and overcoming barriers to ESG implementation

Understand current ESG trends and be up to date on current updates

ESG Trends to Watch: Overview

Expert Interview (Curran): Backlash and Legal Challenges

Expert Interview (Chew): Future of mandatory v. voluntary disclosures

Expert Interview (Varma): ESG is here to stay with new disclosure requirements

Expert Interview (Bergman): The future of ESG frameworks

Expert Interview (Ndiaye): Future trends in ESG

Expert Interview (Dodson): Future trends in ESG

Extra: ESG Experts' Views on Roles and Responsibilities to Ensure Accountability

Expert Interview (Varma): The role of the General Counsel in ESG

Expert Interview (Chew): The role of investors in advancing ESG

Expert Interview (Dodson): The role of asset managers and implicit bias

Expert Interview (Silberman): Role of third party assurances in advancing ESG

Expert Interview (Alemayehou): Role of investors in advancing ESG

Expert Interview (Nydiaye): Role of investors

Expert Interview (Varma): Role of the Board

Expert Interview (Dodson): Role of boards in ESG

Expert Interview (Bergman): Roles of stakeholders in motivating accountability

Expert Interview (Ndiaye): Role of the Board

Expert Interview (Ndiaye): Role of government regulation

Extra: Leader Perspectives on ESG in Various Global Markets

Expert Interview (Ndiaye): ESG in Africa

Expert Interview (Bergman): ESG in Europe v United States

Expert Interview (Dodson): ESG among marginalized communities

Learn about the demand for those with skills in ESG in the job market

Expert Interview (Curran): Career Opportunities in ESG

Expert Interview (Dodson): Students of ESG will write the future of ESG

Course Closing

You did it!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Features interviews with ESG leaders from major corporations, offering practical insights into real-world implementation at the highest levels, which is invaluable for professionals

Provides a roadmap for implementing an ESG strategy, complete with practical tools, handouts, and exercises, which is beneficial for companies of all sizes

Explores the history of ESG and its distinction from CSR, which is essential for understanding the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility and sustainability

Covers a range of ESG frameworks, including GRI, CDP, SASB, and TCFD, which is necessary for navigating the complex world of ESG reporting standards

Examines common barriers to implementing effective ESG programs and strategies to overcome them, which is helpful for organizations facing challenges in their ESG journey

Discusses current ESG trends and updates, which is important for staying informed about the rapidly changing landscape and future of ESG practices

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 Corporate ESG and Sustainability - 101 Level Masterclass with these activities:

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

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the investment landscape driving the demand for corporate ESG programs.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Sustainable Investing: A Path to a New Horizon'.
Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to ESG integration and impact investing.
Summarize the key arguments and concepts presented in the book.
Reflect on how these concepts relate to the course material and the role of ESG in corporate strategy.

Review 'The ESG Mirage: Why Sustainable Investing Only Hurts the Environment'

Show steps

Understand the criticisms of ESG and develop a more nuanced perspective on its effectiveness.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'The ESG Mirage: Why Sustainable Investing Only Hurts the Environment'.
Read the book, paying attention to the author's arguments and evidence.
Compare and contrast the author's views with the information presented in the course.
Formulate your own opinion on the effectiveness of ESG and its potential limitations.

Review Key ESG Frameworks

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of the various ESG frameworks discussed in the course.

Show steps

Review the course materials on GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
Visit the official websites of each framework to explore their latest standards and guidelines.
Compare and contrast the different frameworks, noting their strengths and weaknesses.
Identify which frameworks are most relevant to your company or industry.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend an ESG-focused Webinar or Conference

Show steps

Connect with industry professionals and learn about the latest trends in ESG.

Show steps

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

Create an ESG Infographic

Show steps

Visually represent key ESG concepts and their importance to stakeholders.

Show steps

Choose a specific ESG topic, such as climate change or diversity and inclusion.
Research the topic and gather relevant data and statistics.
Design an infographic that effectively communicates the key information.
Share your infographic on social media or with your professional network.

ESG Materiality Assessment Project

Show steps

Apply the concepts of materiality assessment to a real-world company.

Show steps

Select a publicly traded company.
Research the company's industry, stakeholders, and ESG performance.
Conduct a materiality assessment to identify the most important ESG issues for the company.
Create a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Develop an ESG Reporting Template

Show steps

Create a practical tool for companies to track and report their ESG performance.

Show steps

Research best practices in ESG reporting.
Choose a relevant ESG framework to base your template on.
Design a template that includes key metrics and indicators.
Test your template with sample data and refine it as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Corporate ESG and Sustainability - 101 Level Masterclass will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager leads the development and implementation of a company's sustainability strategy, encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors, which this course directly addresses. They are tasked with aligning business practices with sustainability goals and ensuring that ESG initiatives are effectively integrated across all company operations. This course helps aspiring sustainability managers by providing a comprehensive understanding of ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and best practices. The course covers topics such as materiality assessments, goal setting, and overcoming implementation barriers, all of which are critical skills for this kind of role. Furthermore, the course offers insights from industry experts, which provide practical knowledge of what a sustainability manager may encounter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

ESG Analyst

An ESG Analyst evaluates a company's environmental, social, and governance performance to determine its sustainability impact and investment risk, a key focus of this course. They assess ESG data, conduct research, and provide reports to investors and other stakeholders. This course supports those seeking a career as an ESG analyst by giving a thorough understanding of ESG, its importance, its frameworks, and reporting. The course also covers the importance of tracking progress and implementing the best practices that analysts use. By learning about various ESG frameworks like GRI, CDP, and SASB, this course builds expertise in the core subject matter of an ESG analyst. Additionally, the course provides practical advice from those in the field, giving this course's learners a better view of an analyst's day-to-day work.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and manages programs that demonstrate a company's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. This role, historically considered separate from ESG, is now evolving to align with it, a distinction this course discusses. They manage projects that improve the company's social and environmental impact, which now includes governance. This course is especially valuable for aspiring corporate social responsibility managers because it explains the differences between CSR and ESG and provides a framework for integrating them effectively. The course focuses on frameworks and practical implementation, which helps those in CSR incorporate ESG into daily work. The course provides the insight and tools necessary to evolve CSR programs to meet the demands of investors, consumers, and employees.

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

ESG Consultant

An ESG Consultant advises companies on how to develop and implement effective environmental, social, and governance strategies. They guide clients through various ESG frameworks and help them improve their sustainability practices, which are the primary subjects of this course. Professionals in this role need to understand the nuances of current and emerging ESG trends, which this course addresses. This course is an excellent resource for future ESG consultants because it delves into the complexities of ESG, offers practical tools via handouts and exercises to support a company's program, and provides expert guidance. The course provides insight into both the legal and practical side of ESG, making it a useful guide for those who wish to advise companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Consultant

Chief Sustainability Officer

A Chief Sustainability Officer is a high level executive who oversees a company's sustainability initiatives and integrates them into overall business strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of ESG principles and how they can drive both social impact and financial performance. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG, its relevance to businesses, and its practical implementation. The course also provides an understanding of how to build a strong ESG program, evaluate multiple frameworks, and engage with stakeholders. For an aspiring chief sustainability officer, this course establishes a foundation for leading a company towards better ESG practices. The course covers all the crucial aspects of ESG, from how to make a strong business case for these initiatives to how to report on their impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer

Impact Investment Analyst

An Impact Investment Analyst evaluates investment opportunities based on their potential to create positive social or environmental impacts, alongside financial returns. This demands a deep understanding of environmental, social, and governance factors covered in this course. This course helps build a foundation for prospective impact investment analysts by providing a deep dive into understanding ESG practices and frameworks. This helps them assess the impact of investments. Additionally, this course teaches how investors can use ESG criteria to create long-term value and positive change. This course is valuable for analysts seeking to align investments with sustainability goals as it dives into the ways that investors interact with these initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investment Analyst

Environmental Compliance Specialist

An Environmental Compliance Specialist ensures that a company adheres to environmental regulations and standards, which are increasingly interwoven with broader ESG considerations. They manage compliance programs, conduct audits, and implement corrective actions. This course provides valuable insights into the ESG frameworks and reporting standards that are relevant to understanding modern environmental regulation. This course can help those who aspire to be environmental compliance specialists by helping them gain a broader perspective on how they fit into a larger ESG strategy. Furthermore, this course is vital for specialists in this area as it provides an understanding of how to make the best business and sustainability decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Compliance Specialist

Social Impact Manager

A Social Impact Manager develops and implements programs that address social issues and create positive change within a company and its communities, an area that fits within modern ESG. They manage corporate social responsibility projects and assess their impact. This course helps those aspiring to this role by providing a grounding in how social responsibility fits into the larger context of ESG. This course helps students understand the landscape of modern ESG, which increasingly encompasses community engagement and social impact. Further, this course provides the necessary tools to integrate social impact as a part of an ESG framework.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Impact Manager

Corporate Governance Officer

A Corporate Governance Officer oversees a company's governance structures, policies, and procedures to ensure ethical and transparent business practices, a key element of ESG. This course helps those seeking to be a governance officer by illuminating how the G in ESG fits into the larger corporate strategy. This course focuses heavily on the frameworks that modern governance relies on such as SASB and TCFD. This helps students understand the expectations of stakeholders and how to meet them. This makes the course a great guide for anyone seeking a career in governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Governance Officer

Risk Management Analyst

A Risk Management Analyst identifies and assesses risks that a company might face, including those related to environmental, social, and governance issues. ESG has increasingly become a core consideration in financial risk. This course helps risk management analysts by giving a deep understanding of how ESG can impact business. This understanding helps them accurately assess and address these risks. This course is valuable for risk analysts as it covers the latest ESG trends, frameworks, and best practices, all of which contribute to a company's overall risk profile.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Management Analyst

Public Affairs Specialist

A Public Affairs Specialist manages a company's communications and relationships with external stakeholders, including the public, governments, and non-governmental organizations. This role requires an understanding of ESG topics as these affect reputation, an important part of public affairs. This course provides an overview of the modern ESG landscape and how a company's ESG policy can affect its public image. The course prepares future specialists by providing practical tools and insights from top level experts. This course is beneficial to the role as it provides the necessary knowledge on how to effectively communicate a company's ESG strategy to a variety of stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Affairs Specialist

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to help companies make informed decisions and track progress, including in areas related to environmental, social, and governance performance. While not focused explicitly on data analysis, this course does provide practical experience in understanding what kind of data to use, and the frameworks that generate modern ESG data. This course may be helpful for a data analyst interested in working with ESG data. It provides a good understanding of the ESG world, which will allow them to better analyze and interpret data.

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Business Development Manager

A Business Development Manager identifies new business opportunities and develops strategies to grow a company's revenue and market share. ESG is increasingly important to modern consumers and businesses; therefore, business development must consider ESG. This course may be helpful for future business development managers as it gives an overview of the modern ESG space. By helping one understand how environmental, social, and governance impact business and the marketplace, this course better prepares them for this career.

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Human Resources Specialist

A Human Resources Specialist manages the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to training and development. Modern ESG strategies increasingly include social factors such as diversity, equity, and inclusion. This course may be useful for a human resources professional as it provides an overview of the social element of ESG. This can help a specialist develop policies and practices to support a company's larger strategic ESG goals. Though this course does not delve deeply into workplace practices, it does illuminate the expectations of stakeholders in this ever more important field.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data, trends, and opportunities to help inform a company's investment decisions. While this role does not directly address ESG, this course explains how ESG performance can increasingly impact risk, returns, and value. As such, this course may be useful for financial analysts who need to integrate new information into their projections and make more informed decisions. This course may be useful to understand the ESG landscape which financial analysts must now consider.

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Reading list

We've selected one 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 Corporate ESG and Sustainability - 101 Level Masterclass.

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Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable investing, covering its history, key concepts, and practical applications. It is particularly useful for understanding the evolution of ESG from its early roots to its current prominence. The book also delves into the various strategies and approaches used in sustainable investing, offering valuable insights for those looking to implement ESG programs. It serves as a strong foundation for understanding the investment side of ESG.

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