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Ross Maynard

Welcome to "ESG Performance Measurement: A Guide to Selecting and Monitoring Environmental, Social and Governance Metrics". In this course we explore the world of ESG metrics; the range of measures available; how to select appropriate measures for your organisation and how to interpret the results and determine impact.

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Welcome to "ESG Performance Measurement: A Guide to Selecting and Monitoring Environmental, Social and Governance Metrics". In this course we explore the world of ESG metrics; the range of measures available; how to select appropriate measures for your organisation and how to interpret the results and determine impact.

Measures of environmental, social, and governance performance are becoming increasingly important. Regulators want to see them in annual reports and organisations now want to prove to their stakeholders and society at large that they are not damaging the environment and the communities they work in. In fact most organisations want to show that they are reducing their footprint, and many want to actively improve the environments and communities they impact.

ESG metrics are not always easy to measure and its often difficult to correlate actions with impact.  In this course I  explore environmental, social, and governance performance measurement and how monitoring ESG performance can contribute, in some small way, to saving lives and habitats and improving the state of this planet of ours.

Topics covered include:

- Why ESG indicators are important

- Current sustainability reporting standards

- The main ESG investment ratings

- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

- Planetary Boundaries

- Input, Output and Impact Measures

- The World Economic Forum ESG metrics

- The most important environmental, social and governance metrics

- How to select appropriate ESG indicators for your organisation

- Analysing and improving ESG performance

- Calculating an organisation's greenhouse gas emissions

Let's go on an ESG journey. I hope you enjoy the course.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Give an overview of the united nations sustainable development goals and the planetary boundaries
  • Describe the main organisations offering sustainability reporting standards
  • Describe the main esg investment ratings agencies
  • Explore the world economic forum esg metrics
  • Select esg indicators appropriate to their organisation
  • Describe the characteristics of esg performance measures and problems associated with their measurement
  • Distinguish between impact, output and impact measures
  • Describe the future fit business benchmark
  • Describe the international standards that related to the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Identify the main greenhouse gases caused by human activity
  • Discuss, with examples, the three categories of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Explore national greenhouse gas emission conversion tables used for calculating an organisation’s carbon footprint
  • Create a plan to identify and measure their organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions
  • Calculate their organisation’s carbon footprint
  • Develop a plan to improve their organisation’s esg performance
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction
ESG Metrics in the Spotlight
L2 ESG Performance and Sustainable Development
L3 Environmental Metrics
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores sustainability reporting standards, which are increasingly important for regulatory compliance and stakeholder communication
Covers the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing a framework for aligning organizational objectives with global priorities
Examines the World Economic Forum ESG metrics, which are used by investors and stakeholders to assess corporate responsibility
Teaches how to calculate an organization's greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial step in environmental performance measurement
Requires learners to create a plan to identify and measure their organization’s greenhouse gas emissions, which may require additional resources
Distinguishes between impact, output, and input measures, which is important for understanding the nuances of ESG performance measurement

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive esg metrics and reporting overview

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and a comprehensive overview of ESG performance measurement. Students appreciate the coverage of key standards and frameworks and find the structure logical. The instructor is knowledgeable, and the practical case studies, particularly the carbon emissions calculation example, are highlighted as very useful for understanding application. While the course is seen as a valuable introduction, some learners noted that the section on calculating carbon emissions can be dense or rushed, potentially requiring additional resources for deep practical skill. Overall, reviews indicate a largely positive experience.
Section is detailed but can be dense.
"The sections on carbon emissions calculation were a bit dense, but the case study was helpful."
"The carbon footprint calculation section was confusing and didn't provide enough detail for practical application..."
"The carbon calculation part is detailed but might require multiple watches."
Instructor is praised for knowledge.
"The instructor is knowledgeable and explains complex topics clearly."
"The instructor's passion for the subject is evident."
"The instructor is knowledgeable, but sometimes the delivery could be more engaging."
Provides a strong foundation for beginners.
"It's a solid starting point for anyone needing to understand ESG reporting."
"Good for getting up to speed on the topic."
"It provides a good foundation."
Case studies are practical and helpful.
"The case studies, especially the carbon emissions one, were very practical and helped solidify my understanding."
"The case studies were the most useful part."
"The greenhouse gas module, while complex, was explained reasonably well through the case study."
Covers key standards and frameworks.
"The content is very comprehensive and covers all key aspects of ESG performance measurement, from standards like GRI and SASB..."
"Good overview of ESG metrics and reporting frameworks."
"Solid introduction to ESG measurement. It covers the main standards and frameworks."

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 Performance Measurement with these activities:
Review Sustainability Reporting Standards
Refresh your understanding of key sustainability reporting standards to better grasp the course's discussion of current standards and frameworks.
Show steps
  • Identify the major sustainability reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, etc.).
  • Summarize the key principles and requirements of each standard.
  • Compare and contrast the different standards.
Review 'Sustainable Investing: A Path to a New Horizon'
Gain a broader understanding of sustainable investing principles to contextualize the importance of ESG performance measurement.
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and key chapters on ESG integration.
  • Identify the main arguments and concepts presented in the book.
  • Relate the book's content to the course's topics on ESG metrics and reporting.
ESG Metric Selection for a Hypothetical Company
Apply the course's principles by selecting appropriate ESG metrics for a specific company profile, reinforcing your understanding of indicator selection.
Show steps
  • Choose a hypothetical company in a specific industry.
  • Identify the company's key stakeholders and their ESG concerns.
  • Select a set of ESG metrics relevant to the company's industry and stakeholders.
  • Justify your metric selection based on the course's criteria.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop an ESG Performance Dashboard
Solidify your understanding of ESG metrics by creating a visual dashboard to track and present ESG performance data.
Show steps
  • Select a set of ESG metrics relevant to a specific industry.
  • Gather sample data for the selected metrics.
  • Design a dashboard layout to effectively visualize the data.
  • Use a data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to create the dashboard.
Review 'The Carbon Footprint Handbook'
Deepen your understanding of carbon footprint calculation methodologies to enhance your ability to analyze greenhouse gas emissions.
Show steps
  • Read the book's sections on carbon footprint calculation methodologies.
  • Identify the key data sources and tools used in carbon footprint assessment.
  • Apply the book's guidance to the course's case studies on greenhouse gas emissions.
Write a Blog Post on ESG Trends
Reinforce your knowledge by researching and writing about current trends in ESG performance measurement and reporting.
Show steps
  • Research current trends in ESG performance measurement and reporting.
  • Identify a specific trend or issue to focus on.
  • Write a blog post summarizing your findings and insights.
  • Share your blog post on social media or relevant online forums.
Volunteer at a Sustainability-Focused Organization
Gain practical experience by volunteering at an organization focused on sustainability or environmental issues, applying your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Identify local organizations focused on sustainability or environmental issues.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities related to ESG performance measurement or reporting.
  • Reflect on your volunteer experience and its connection to the course's topics.

Career center

Learners who complete ESG Performance Measurement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Carbon Footprint Analyst
A Carbon Footprint Analyst specializes in measuring and analyzing an organization's greenhouse gas emissions. This role is crucial for organizations aiming to reduce their environmental impact. This course directly helps a prospective Carbon Footprint Analyst understand how to calculate greenhouse gas emissions and to develop a carbon footprint reduction strategies. The course's content on international standards for measuring carbon emissions, along with its modules on calculating a carbon footprint, are directly applicable to the work of a Carbon Footprint Analyst. This course is a must for anyone interested in this type of career.
Sustainability Reporting Specialist
A Sustainability Reporting Specialist focuses on preparing and publishing an organization's sustainability reports. This role demands a thorough understanding of reporting standards and ESG metrics. This course will help a future Sustainability Reporting Specialist learn the various sustainability reporting standards. The course's content on ESG metrics, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon footprint calculation is very relevant to this role. The course's discussion of the World Economic Forum ESG metrics are also of particular use.
ESG Consultant
An ESG Consultant advises organizations on improving their environmental, social, and governance performance. This role requires a deep understanding of ESG metrics and reporting standards. This course helps an aspiring ESG Consultant understand the nuances of selecting appropriate ESG indicators, interpreting results, and developing strategies for performance improvement. The course's specific modules on sustainability reporting standards, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the World Economic Forum ESG metrics help provide understanding of the foundations needed by an ESG Consultant. Moreover, learning to analyze and improve ESG performance and calculate an organization's carbon footprint adds to the consultant's effectiveness.
Sustainability Analyst
A Sustainability Analyst assesses an organization's environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. This role involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to ESG performance. This course, with its focus on selecting, monitoring, and interpreting ESG metrics, directly equips an aspiring Sustainability Analyst with the skills to measure and evaluate an organization's sustainability efforts. Specifically, the course's instruction on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint calculation, and using sustainability reporting standards are valuable skills for this role. Learning how to improve ESG performance and analyzing impact is also critical for a sustainability analyst.
Impact Investment Analyst
An Impact Investment Analyst evaluates the social and environmental impact of investment opportunities. This role requires expertise in ESG metrics and impact measurement. This course will help an aspiring Impact Investment Analyst understand how to select appropriate ESG indicators and interpret the results to assess the impact of investments. The course's focus on distinguishing between input, output, and impact measures, along with its coverage of ESG investment ratings, directly builds a foundation for this role. Moreover, experience in analyzing ESG performance and identifying ways to improve such is relevant to this field.
ESG Data Analyst
An ESG Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets ESG data to support an organization's sustainability initiatives. This role requires skills in data management and statistical analysis. This course provides training in understanding different metrics, sustainability standards, and the selection of appropriate indicators. The course’s content on analyzing ESG performance is also highly applicable for those entering this role. By focusing on collecting, interpreting and analyzing ESG data, an ESG Data Analyst can offer important insights to the business.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and implements a company's CSR strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's values and stakeholder expectations. This role requires expertise in ESG measurement and reporting. This course provides aspiring CSR Managers with skills in identifying relevant ESG indicators, understanding sustainability reporting standards, and analyzing performance. The course's emphasis on selecting appropriate indicators and calculating carbon footprint ensures its relevance. A CSR Manager would also be able to apply the course's lessons in developing a plan to improve the company’s ESG performance.
Environmental Compliance Officer
An Environmental Compliance Officer ensures an organization adheres to environmental regulations and standards. This role involves monitoring environmental performance and implementing corrective actions. This course will help provide an understanding of environmental metrics and reporting standards that are central to the work of an Environmental Compliance Officer. Specifically, the course's modules on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint calculation, and environmental metrics are particularly useful. An understanding of the international standards related to measuring carbon emissions will be very useful to an Environmental Compliance Officer.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
An Environmental Health and Safety Specialist ensures a workplace is safe and compliant with environmental regulations. This field requires an understanding of how to measure environmental impact. While this role may also focus on onsite operations, the focus of this course on environmental metrics and standards may be useful to anyone in this role. The course's content on greenhouse gas emissions, analyzing ESG performance and using reporting standards is helpful to this role. The course may also help them to understand overall organizational metrics from an environmental perspective.
Sustainability Program Manager
A Sustainability Program Manager develops and manages sustainability projects and initiatives. This role requires strategy development and project management skills relating to ESG issues. This course may be useful for a Sustainability Program Manager to learn how to measure the impact of projects. The course's discussions on ESG metrics, sustainability reporting standards, impact measurement and selecting appropriate indicators will help the manager develop a successful and impactful program. Moreover, being able to calculate a carbon footprint and having a high level understanding of ESG matters is advantageous.
Supply Chain Sustainability Coordinator
A Supply Chain Sustainability Coordinator works to improve the environmental and social impact of a company's supply chain. This role requires a thorough understanding of ESG issues. This course may be helpful for those seeking to improve their knowledge of ESG metrics and how these may be applied to evaluating ESG performance in a supply chain. The course's content on selecting appropriate indicators, measuring greenhouse gas emissions, and using sustainability reporting standards will be beneficial to this role. Moreover, the course's focus on analyzing and improving ESG performance may also greatly help them in their work.
Public Affairs Specialist
A Public Affairs Specialist manages an organization's relationships with public stakeholders and often communicates about ESG issues. This role may require understanding ESG reporting and data for effective communication. This course may help a Public Affairs Specialist understand the significance of ESG reporting standards and the importance of metrics. The course's discussion of environmental, social and governance metrics will equip a specialist with the knowledge needed to help craft messaging with confidence. A Public Affairs Specialist may also be able to better help an organization communicate its carbon footprint analysis to external stakeholders.
Risk Analyst
A Risk Analyst identifies potential risks to an organization, including those related to environmental and social issues. While their focus may be broader than ESG, it is becoming increasingly important to identify and qualify risk related to ESG. This course introduces an aspiring Risk Analyst to an important aspect of modern business risk. The course's content on ESG metrics and the problems associated with their measurement may be particularly applicable to a risk specialist looking to broaden their skill set. This course may help the Risk Analyst to create better risk models.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies business needs and develops solutions. While the scope of their work is broad, a Business Analyst may sometimes work on projects that involve ESG. This course may be helpful for those involved in projects that are relevant to this topic. The course's content on selecting appropriate indicators, analyzing ESG performance, and calculating an organization's carbon footprint may allow a Business Analyst to offer insights not present otherwise. The course may be particularly useful to a Business Analyst who works in a field where sustainability is a concern.
Operations Analyst
An Operations Analyst works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. While the role is not focused on ESG, many companies are now attempting to improve sustainability in their operations. This course may help an Operations Analyst to understand how to select appropriate metrics to measure the performance of operational initiatives. The course content focusing on performance measurement, along with its discussions of greenhouse gas emissions, may provide ways to enhance existing operational processes. Through awareness of these impacts, an Operations Analyst can improve their analyses.

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 Performance Measurement.
This handbook provides a practical guide to calculating and reducing carbon footprints. It covers various methodologies, data sources, and tools for assessing greenhouse gas emissions. is particularly useful for the course's modules on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint calculation. It offers detailed guidance on applying international standards and developing carbon reduction strategies. It valuable reference for students seeking to deepen their understanding of carbon accounting and management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable investing, covering its history, current trends, and future prospects. It explores the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions and offers practical guidance for investors. This book is valuable for understanding the broader context of ESG performance measurement and its role in sustainable finance. It serves as a useful reference for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of sustainable investing strategies.

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