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Understanding ESG

The course explores the key principles of responsible investment, uses real life case studies to illustrate the materiality of ESG issues in business, and introduces strategies for identifying and managing new approaches to ESG.

Understanding ESG

Understanding ESG introduces the learner to the materiality of ESG issues and a systematic approach to incorporating ESG factors in investment decisions and active ownership. Learners gain confidence to discuss ESG issues with clients and stakeholders.

Certification

After successful completion of the online ESG course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and a digital badge.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Define responsible investment and outline its drivers.
  • Understand the business case for responsible investment. 
  • Communicate confidently on fundamental ESG issues with colleagues and clients.  
  • Identify key E, S, and G issues that manifest at global, regional, industry and company levels.  
  • Discuss the risks and opportunities for investors created by ESG issues at all levels.  
  • Explain the importance and basic tools of active ownership.  
  • Understand the difference between ESG incorporation and ESG integration across asset classes.  
USD GBP EUR AUD CAD
£ 300.00

Includes:

  • PRI Signatories receive 20% off
  • Course duration: 3 hours
  • Resources: supplementary readings
  • Access: 12 months
  • Language: English / Japanese
  • Award: certificate of completion and a digital badge
Purchase Course

Course Outline

Modules

What is Responsible Investment (RI)?

  • Defining RI
  • What are ESG issues?
  • Contextualising RI
  • ESG incorporation
  • RI across asset classes
  • Why invest responsibly?
  • Defining sustainability
  • ESG megatrends and their implications
  • Components of ESG analysis

ESG Policy and Regulation

  • Regulatory trends
  • Spotlight on the EU: EU Green Deal
  • EU Taxonomy
  • Sustainable Financial Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
  • EU MiFID II amendments (2022)
  • Key regulatory trends across the world
  • Greenwashing
  • ‘Anti-ESG’ narratives

Environment

  • What are environmental issues?
  • Ecosystems and environmental issues
  • The planetary boundaries framework
  • Why planetary boundaries matter for investors
  • Environmental externalities and impacts
  • The transgressed planetary boundaries
  • Analysis of environmental issues

Social

  • What are social issues?
  • Social issues and human rights
  • UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights 
  • Social risks in the supply chain: 2013 Rana Plaza collapse
  • Conflict-affected and high-risk areas
  • Government relations risks
  • Analysis of social issues
  • Assessing a company’s risk exposure

Governance

  • What are governance issues?
  • Defining corporate governance
  • Corporate governance risks
  • Major corporate governance failures
  • Pillars of good corporate governance
  • Disclosure requirements
  • The role of stock exchanges
  • The role of auditors
  • Corporate governance assessment

Stewardship and Active Ownership

  • Defining stewardship
  • Stewardship tools
  • Why do investors engage?
  • Different types of engagement
  • Challenges and limitations to engagement
  • Collaborative engagement
  • Active Ownership 2.0
  • Climate Action 100+

Conducting an Integrated Analysis

  • ESG issues in investment decision-making
  • Approaches to ESG incorporation
  • Comparing approaches to incorporation
  • What is ESG integration?
  • Material ESG factors
  • Key components of ESG integration
  • Integrated equity analysis
  • Integrated credit analysis
  • ESG information
  • Examples of ESG information
  • Integrated company analysis

Communicating ESG Issues

  • ESG and the asset owner/investment manager relationship
  • Understanding client preferences
  • A multi-layered approach

Case Studies

  • Environmental case study: BP
  • Social case study: Meta
  • Governance case study: Volkswagen

Testimonials

Simon Vardon headshot

The length of the course is perfect for an introduction, and for many will provide a first step on a path of greater learning or qualifications on the topic.

Simon Vardon
Global Head of Real Assets, Sanne
James Crossley headshot

I found this course easy to use. It was clear and concise and educational. I would recommend it to my peers.

James Crossley
Head of UK Retail Sales, Legal & General Investment Management
Debra Groundrey headshot

Sound introduction to ESG and reinforces the need for all those in the finance and investment sector to become informed and active participants in all matters ESG.

Debra Goundrey
Head of Investor Relations, MLC Asset Management
Contact us to learn more