ESG Investing: Setting Standards & Conducting Analysis from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

ESG's Origins & Evolution

How have environmental, social, and governance issues come to influence the financial markets and investors’ decision-making? In this introductory module, you will learn how ESG was derived from socially responsible investing (SRI) practices through some examples of its impacts in the 20th century, including the establishment of the Community Reinvestment Act and the formation of the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. Building on these events, the UN published pivotal reports that led to the integration of ESG factors in the financial markets, spurring a flurry of related, supporting initiatives such as the Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI), the International Integrated Reporting Council, and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), among others.

ESG Investing: Industry Insights – Gabelli Funds (Parts 1-3)

The further we progress in this specialization, the more you may spot certain unresolved issues within the ESG investing framework, beginning, perhaps, with how ESG investing itself is defined. The following webinar, “Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG): The Three Hottest Words in Investing”, presented by Gabelli Funds, will further explore the meaning of ESG investing through some of its objectives, including altering corporate behavior by influencing the cost of capital, mitigating idiosyncratic risks, and identifying investment opportunities in areas such as geological and social change. Among other topics, the presentation will also dive into some sustainability themes, including energy, water and waste management, as well as addresses why ESG investing remains a work in progress, and offers insights into some developments market participants may anticipate.

ESG Investing: Industry Insights – Gabelli Funds (Parts 4-6)

The “Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG): The Three Hottest Words in Investing” webinar continues with Chris Marangi, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, responding to participants questions. In this Q&A series, Marangi addresses climate change, and supply chains, then offers insights into nuclear power, integrated oil companies, and performing due diligence. He also addresses ESG and related volatility concerns. Please keep in mind that we may explore some of these topics more in depth later in the specialization.

ESG Investing: Industry Insights – Gabelli Funds (Parts 7-9)

The “Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG): The Three Hottest Words in Investing” webinar continues with Chris Marangi, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, responding to participants questions. In this Q&A series, Marangi addresses regulation, negative and positive screening, and fund management. He then offers insights into energy-related environmental impacts, and corporate accountability. Please keep in mind that we may explore some of these topics more in depth later in the specialization.

ESG Fundamental Analysis

You can generally consider environmental, social and governance issues as risks to a company’s financial performance, and a further means of conducting due diligence when making investment decisions, alongside other critical factors that may affect your returns, such as revenues, cash flows, creditworthiness, and operational performance. In this module, we will address the factors that underlie the “E”, “S” and “G” in ESG, as well as explore some relevant strategies for making investments in the green asset sphere.

Reading Reinforcements

This Reading Reinforcement module is intended to arm you with information that has been pivotal to the inception of ESG investing, enabling you to conduct critical analyses about its origin and evolution. Following completion, among other objectives, you will be able to explain the meanings of different sustainability-related terms, as well as describe different findings concerning the relationship between ESG and financial performance.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides strong coverage of ESG terminology, foundational background, and contemporary industry insights

Explores the practical aspects of ESG investing, including investment strategies and due diligence techniques

Taught by reputable instructors from Steven Levine, providing industry knowledge and expertise

Introduces environmental, social, and governance factors as critical considerations in financial decision-making

Covers the evolution of ESG investing, tracing its origins to socially responsible investing practices

May require prior knowledge of basic financial concepts for optimal comprehension

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 Investing: Setting Standards & Conducting Analysis with these activities:

Review basic financial analysis techniques

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Refreshing your financial analysis skills will ensure you can more easily grasp the intricacies of ESG analysis, such as risk assessment, forecasting, and investment decision-making.

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Explore ESG data and reporting standards

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Familiarizing yourself with ESG data and reporting standards will facilitate your analysis of company ESG performance.

Browse courses on ESG Reporting

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Identify different ESG data sources and reporting frameworks
Access and review ESG data for companies
Analyze ESG data to identify trends and patterns

Identify and analyze an ESG investment opportunity

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Applying your knowledge to identify and analyze an ESG investment will provide hands-on experience with the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Sustainability Analysis

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Establish your investment goals and criteria
Research potential ESG companies and industries
Evaluate the ESG performance of companies
Analyze the financial performance and risk of the investment
Make an investment decision and track results

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Career center

Learners who complete ESG Investing: Setting Standards & Conducting Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

ESG Analyst

ESG analysts concentrate on assessing societal, ethical, and environmental matters over time to assure compliance. An ESG Analyst joins the league of professionals who have excelled in this course on ESG Investing: Setting Standards and Conducting Analysis, which offers foundational abilities and a thorough knowledge of ESG components.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers may utilize the information acquired in this ESG Investing course to contribute to a company's success. As outlined by the course curriculum, this course not only serves as a fundamental guide to traditional financial products but also delves into socially responsible investing (SRI) practices in the context of ESG.

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Sustainable Finance Manager

Sustainable Finance Managers integrate ESG factors into financial decision-making to promote sustainable and ethical practices within organizations. The ESG Investing course provides a solid foundation for professionals in this role by offering insights into ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. The course's emphasis on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring Sustainable Finance Managers.

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ESG Fund Manager

ESG Fund Managers oversee the management of investment funds that incorporate ESG factors into their investment strategies. The ESG Investing course provides a solid foundation for professionals in this role by offering insights into ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. The course's emphasis on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring ESG Fund Managers.

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ESG Research Analyst

ESG Research Analysts gather and analyze data on companies' ESG performance to inform investment decisions. The ESG Investing course provides a strong foundation for professionals in this role by offering insights into ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. The course's emphasis on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring ESG Research Analysts.

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ESG Investment Strategist

ESG Investment Strategists require a deep understanding of ESG principles and investment strategies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG investing, covering topics such as negative/exclusionary screening and integration, as well as insights into how businesses form their ESG strategies and mitigate related risks. This knowledge is essential for ESG Investment Strategists to develop and implement effective investment strategies that align with ESG objectives.

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ESG Consultant

ESG Consultants provide guidance to organizations on integrating ESG factors into their operations and strategies. The ESG Investing course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG investing, covering topics such as ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. This knowledge is essential for ESG Consultants to effectively advise clients on ESG-related matters.

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ESG Data Analyst

ESG Data Analysts collect and analyze ESG data to inform investment decisions. The ESG Investing course provides a strong foundation for professionals in this role by offering insights into ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. The course's emphasis on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring ESG Data Analysts.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee the development and implementation of CSR strategies within organizations. The ESG Investing course provides valuable knowledge and skills for professionals in this role by offering insights into ESG principles, frameworks, and best practices. The course's focus on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring Corporate Social Responsibility Managers.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants provide guidance to organizations on sustainability-related issues, including ESG integration. The ESG Investing course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG investing, covering topics such as ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. This knowledge is essential for Sustainability Consultants to effectively advise clients on ESG-related matters.

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ESG Portfolio Manager

This ESG Investing course provides a strong basis for ESG Portfolio Managers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate ESG factors into their investment strategies. The course's emphasis on identifying and describing the basic principles underpinning the “E”, “S” and “G” in ESG is particularly relevant to this role, enabling portfolio managers to make informed decisions that align with ESG objectives.

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ESG Risk Manager

ESG Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage ESG risks within organizations. The ESG Investing course provides valuable knowledge and skills for professionals in this role by offering insights into ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and risk management practices. The course's focus on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring ESG Risk Managers.

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Social Impact Manager

Social Impact Managers oversee the development and implementation of social impact programs within organizations. The ESG Investing course provides valuable knowledge and skills for professionals in this role by offering insights into social issues, frameworks, and best practices. The course's focus on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring Social Impact Managers.

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Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts assess the environmental impact of products, processes, and projects. The ESG Investing course provides valuable knowledge and skills for professionals in this role by offering insights into environmental issues, frameworks, and best practices. The course's focus on industry insights and case studies further enhances the learning experience for aspiring Environmental Analysts.

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