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ESG Investing Basics

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 10 ratings
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Excel Mojo

This course provides an essential overview of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, a rapidly growing field that integrates sustainable and ethical considerations into investment decisions. Through a series of insightful videos, learners will explore the foundational principles of ESG, starting with a comprehensive introduction to the key factors of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

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This course provides an essential overview of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, a rapidly growing field that integrates sustainable and ethical considerations into investment decisions. Through a series of insightful videos, learners will explore the foundational principles of ESG, starting with a comprehensive introduction to the key factors of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

The course delves into the significance of ESG in modern investing, examining how ESG ratings are used to evaluate potential investments and the importance of setting specific standards for ESG analysis. It also highlights how ESG factors impact various industries, from banking to waste management, offering a broad understanding of the practical application of ESG principles.

Learners will be introduced to different approaches for incorporating ESG factors into investment strategies, including ESG stocks and mutual funds, and will gain an understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with ESG investing.

The course covers ESG-specific financial products, such as climate bonds and clean collateralized loan obligations, and explores how data and artificial intelligence are transforming the ESG landscape, along with the limitations these technologies bring. Moreover, it explores how the growing interest from investors is driving the popularity of ESG investing. By the end of this course, participants will have a well-rounded understanding of ESG investing and its potential to shape the future of financial markets.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Key principles of esg investing and its impact on financial decisions
  • Esg investment strategies and financial products
  • Industry-specific applications of esg factors
  • The role of ai and data in shaping esg investing trends
  • Esg ratings and standards

Syllabus

ESG Investing Basics

This video provides an introduction to the concept of ESG investing and explains the key environmental, social, and governance factors in detail.

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This video looks at the significance of ESG in investment. It also explains multiple concepts associated with ESG investing, like ESG rating.

This chapter is on setting specific standards and carrying out analysis in relation to ESG investing.

This video discusses the effect of ESG on different industries, like banking, water, and waste management.

This video dives into some of the popular approaches to consider the different ESG factors when making investments.

This chapter explores ESG stocks, ESG mutual funds, and various other avenues for making ESG investments.

This video discusses the pros and cons of incorporating ESG factors into investors’ decision-making process.

This video provides a clear idea of ESG scores. Moreover, it provides examples to help build a detailed understanding of the concept.

This video discusses ESG-focused financial products, like climate bonds and clean collateralized loan obligations.

This video dives into the importance of artificial intelligence or AI and data in ESG. It also shows the associated limitations.

This video explores how the interests of investors could be playing a key role in increasing the popularity of ESG investing.

This chapter dives into the accomplishments of ESG-focused investing and the anticipated developments.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores ESG ratings and standards, which are essential for evaluating potential investments and ensuring alignment with ethical and sustainability goals
Examines ESG-specific financial products like climate bonds and clean collateralized loan obligations, offering insights into specialized investment instruments
Discusses the advantages and challenges associated with ESG investing, providing a balanced perspective for informed decision-making
Highlights how ESG factors impact various industries, from banking to waste management, offering a broad understanding of practical applications
Introduces different approaches for incorporating ESG factors into investment strategies, including ESG stocks and mutual funds, which are useful for portfolio diversification
Explores how data and artificial intelligence are transforming the ESG landscape, while also addressing the limitations these technologies bring to the field

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Reviews summary

Clear overview of esg investing

According to learners, this course provides a positive and clear introduction to the world of ESG investing. Many found it to be a solid foundation for understanding the core environmental, social, and governance factors, along with key investment strategies and products. Reviewers often highlight its relevance in today's market, making it particularly useful for those new to the topic or looking to grasp the basics of this growing field. However, some learners note that the content is primarily an overview and may be too basic for those with prior knowledge or seeking in-depth analysis.
Best suited for beginners, not experts.
"While a great intro, it doesn't delve deeply into specific analytical methods."
"This is clearly 'Basics', so don't expect advanced strategies or deep dives."
"Good overview, but too basic for someone with existing knowledge of sustainable finance."
Short videos are easy to digest.
"The video lectures are concise and easy to follow."
"Liked the bite-sized nature of the modules."
"The format makes it simple to absorb the information quickly."
Explains essential ESG factors and terms.
"The course clearly explains the E, S, and G factors and their components."
"Learned about ESG ratings, standards, and their application in different industries."
"Discusses various approaches and financial products like climate bonds."
Covers a timely and important subject.
"ESG is highly relevant in today's financial landscape, and this course explains why."
"Found the content extremely timely and important given the market focus on sustainable investing."
"The course highlighted the significance of ESG factors in current investment decisions."
Excellent starting point for beginners.
"Provides a very clear introduction to ESG investing principles."
"A good foundation course if you are new to the topic of ESG..."
"This course gave me a solid understanding of the basics of ESG."

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 Basics with these activities:
Review Corporate Governance Principles
Strengthen your understanding of corporate governance principles to better grasp the 'G' in ESG investing.
Browse courses on Corporate Governance
Show steps
  • Review key concepts of corporate governance.
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of a board of directors.
  • Research recent corporate governance failures and successes.
Review 'Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investing: A Balanced Analysis of Company Performance'
Gain a balanced perspective on ESG investing and its impact on company performance.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's preface and introduction.
  • Focus on chapters discussing ESG data and analysis.
  • Summarize the key arguments for and against ESG investing.
Review 'Sustainable Investing: Revolutions in Theory and Practice'
Gain a deeper understanding of sustainable investing strategies and their practical applications.
View Modern China: Financial Cooperation for Solving... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and table of contents.
  • Select three chapters that align with your interests.
  • Summarize the key takeaways from each chapter.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow an Online Tutorial on ESG Data Analysis
Enhance your skills in ESG data analysis by following an online tutorial.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on ESG data analysis.
  • Choose a tutorial that covers relevant tools and techniques.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step and practice the exercises.
Analyze ESG Ratings of Companies
Practice analyzing ESG ratings from different providers to understand their methodologies and limitations.
Show steps
  • Identify three different ESG rating providers.
  • Select five companies and compare their ESG ratings.
  • Analyze the differences in ratings and methodologies.
Create an ESG Investment Portfolio Proposal
Apply your knowledge by creating a hypothetical ESG investment portfolio and justifying your choices.
Show steps
  • Research ESG stocks and mutual funds.
  • Define your investment goals and risk tolerance.
  • Select a mix of ESG investments for your portfolio.
  • Write a proposal explaining your investment strategy.
Create a Presentation on ESG Trends
Develop a presentation summarizing current trends in ESG investing and their implications for the future.
Show steps
  • Research recent articles and reports on ESG trends.
  • Identify key drivers and challenges in ESG investing.
  • Create a visually appealing presentation with key findings.
  • Practice delivering your presentation effectively.

Career center

Learners who complete ESG Investing Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
ESG Portfolio Manager
An ESG Portfolio Manager integrates environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions. If you want to become an ESG Portfolio Manager, this course provides an essential overview of ESG investing, covering its key principles and significance in modern finance. The course's exploration of ESG investment strategies, including ESG stocks and mutual funds, helps in constructing and managing portfolios that align with ESG criteria. Particularly useful is the part of the course that presents ESG-specific financial products, such as climate bonds and clean collateralized loan obligations.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Portfolio Manager
ESG Consultant
An ESG Consultant advises companies on integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into their business practices and investment strategies. The insights in this course help anyone seeking the role of ESG Consultant understand the foundational principles of ESG investing. The course helps consultants guide their clients on setting specific standards for ESG analysis and implementation. Exploring different approaches for incorporating ESG factors into investment strategies facilitates the development of tailored advice for businesses.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Consultant
Impact Investment Analyst
An Impact Investment Analyst focuses on investments that generate positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. This course helps anyone seeking the role of Impact Investment Analyst understand how to incorporate ESG factors into investment strategies. The course's emphasis on understanding ESG ratings and standards is crucial for evaluating the impact potential of investments. The course's overview of industry-specific applications of ESG factors, from understanding their effect on sectors such as banking to waste management, helps assess the broader impact of investments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investment Analyst
Responsible Investment Specialist
A Responsible Investment Specialist promotes and implements responsible investment practices within an organization. This course provides a solid overview for anyone seeking the role of Responsible Investment Specialist, as the course examines how ESG ratings are used to evaluate potential investments. The course's discussion of ESG ratings and standards is essential for assessing and promoting responsible investment opportunities. The course's emphasis on understanding ESG ratings and standards is crucial for evaluating the impact potential of investments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Responsible Investment Specialist
Sustainability Analyst
A Sustainability Analyst evaluates a company's environmental impact and social responsibility initiatives. This course helps anyone seeking the role of Sustainability Analyst understand the foundational principles of ESG investing, including environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The course deep dives into setting specific standards and carrying out analysis in relation to ESG investing. Understanding ESG ratings, as covered in the course, is essential for analyzing and reporting on a company's sustainability performance. The discussion of AI and data in ESG helps the Sustainability Analyst leverage these technologies for assessing and improving sustainability practices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst
ESG Data Analyst
An ESG Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data related to environmental, social, and governance factors. This course provides a solid foundation for anyone seeking the role of ESG Data Analyst, as the course explores how data and artificial intelligence are transforming the ESG landscape. The course helps ESG Data Analysts understand the significance of ESG in modern investing and how ESG ratings are used to evaluate potential investments. The discussion of the limitations these technologies bring is essential for critical data analysis and interpretation.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Data Analyst
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies and assesses risks that could impact an organization's financial stability and reputation. This course helps anyone seeking the role of Risk Manager understand how ESG factors can influence financial risk. The exploration of the advantages and challenges associated with ESG investing helps Risk Managers evaluate the trade-offs between sustainability and financial performance. The course's insights into how ESG factors impact various industries, such as banking, helps Risk Managers assess sector-specific risks related to sustainability.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
Investment Strategist
An investment strategist helps individuals and institutions plan to achieve their long-term financial goals. For an Investment Strategist, this course provides crucial insights into how ESG factors are reshaping investment strategies and financial markets. The Investment Strategist will find that this course examines how ESG ratings are used to evaluate potential investments, which is important for developing informed and responsible investment recommendations. The course explores the popularity of ESG investing, equipping the Investment Strategist with an understanding of current market trends and investor preferences in the ESG space.
See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Strategist
Hedge Fund Analyst
A Hedge Fund Analyst researches and analyzes investment opportunities for hedge funds. For a Hedge Fund Analyst, this course provides insights into the growing importance of ESG factors in investment decisions. The course's exploration of ESG ratings and standards is useful for assessing the sustainability and risk profiles of potential investments. Additionally, the course's coverage of ESG-specific financial products helps analysts identify new investment opportunities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hedge Fund Analyst
Financial Advisor
A Financial Advisor provides financial advice and guidance to individuals and families. For a Financial Advisor, this course offers insights into integrating ESG factors into client investment portfolios. The course's exploration of ESG investment strategies, including ESG stocks and mutual funds, helps in tailoring investment advice to clients interested in sustainable investing. The course is useful in helping one understand the advantages and challenges associated with doing so.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor
Actuary
An Actuary analyzes statistical data to assess risk and estimate future financial outcomes for insurance companies and pension funds. This course helps anyone seeking the role of Actuary understand how ESG factors can be integrated into financial models and risk assessments. The course's exploration of ESG ratings and standards provides a framework for incorporating sustainability considerations into actuarial models. The insights into how ESG factors impact various industries, such as waste management, helps in assessing long-term risks and liabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to provide insights and recommendations for investment decisions. For a Financial Analyst, this course provides a crucial overview of how ESG factors can impact financial analysis and investment strategies. Financial Analysts can use the course's discussion of ESG ratings and standards to incorporate sustainability considerations into their financial models. The course's exploration of ESG-specific financial products helps the Financial Analyst understand new investment instruments in the evolving financial landscape.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker works with corporations and governments to raise capital through the issuance of stocks and bonds. For an Investment Banker, this course offers important insights into the growing demand for ESG investments. The course’s coverage of ESG-specific financial products, such as climate bonds, enhances the Investment Banker's ability to structure and promote sustainable financial instruments. The course may be useful in helping the Investment Banker understand investor preferences in this area.
See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and implements a company's CSR strategies and initiatives. This course may be useful for anyone seeking the role of Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, as the course offers a broad understanding of the practical application of ESG principles. The course highlights the key factors of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Understanding the effect of ESG on different industries, like banking, water, and waste management helps a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager align company practices with ESG standards.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Chief Sustainability Officer
A Chief Sustainability Officer leads an organization's sustainability efforts and ensures alignment with ESG principles. This course may be useful for anyone seeking to advance to become a Chief Sustainability Officer, as the course offers a well-rounded understanding of ESG investing. The course, which highlights how ESG factors impact various industries, helps in formulating effective sustainability strategies that resonate across different sectors. The exploration of the advantages and challenges associated with ESG investing aids in making informed decisions that balance sustainability goals with financial objectives. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer

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 ESG Investing Basics.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Offers a balanced perspective on ESG investing, examining both the benefits and challenges. It provides a framework for analyzing company performance based on ESG factors. It valuable resource for understanding the complexities of ESG investing and its impact on financial markets. This book adds depth to the course by providing a critical analysis of ESG data and methodologies.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Modern China
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable investing, covering various strategies and approaches. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of ESG and offers practical guidance for implementation. It is particularly useful for understanding the evolution of ESG investing and its future trajectory. This book adds breadth to the course by exploring real-world case studies and examples.
Modern China: Financial Cooperation for Solving...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Excel Mojo
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores ESG ratings and standards, which are essential for evaluating potential investments and ensuring alignment with ethical and sustainability goals
Examines ESG-specific financial products like climate bonds and clean collateralized loan obligations, offering insights into specialized investment instruments
Discusses the advantages and challenges associated with ESG investing, providing a balanced perspective for informed decision-making
Highlights how ESG factors impact various industries, from banking to waste management, offering a broad understanding of practical applications
Introduces different approaches for incorporating ESG factors into investment strategies, including ESG stocks and mutual funds, which are useful for portfolio diversification
Explores how data and artificial intelligence are transforming the ESG landscape, while also addressing the limitations these technologies bring to the field
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