Sustainability: An Introduction to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)

Define and apply the concept of ESG.

ESG has become a buzzword in business and the media. But the meaning and principles of the concept can be hard to define.

On this two-week course from the Association of Corporate Treasurers, you’ll learn all you need to know about Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). After defining and applying the concept, you’ll explore the impact it could have on your organisation and life.

Discover the origins of the ESG agenda

Before you get into the detail of ESG, you’ll learn more about the origins of the concept.

You’ll explore the role that the UN has played in defining and setting ESG targets and understand how these relate to the sustainable development goals.

Home in on key concepts and components of ESG

In the second week of the course, you’ll take a more focused look at the different components of the ESG umbrella.

You’ll break down each aspect of the acronym, and cover key concepts and developments like biodiversity, the EU taxonomy and the Dasgupta Review.

Reflect on the implications of ESG for business ethics and the environment

Once you’ve understood the concept of ESG, you can begin thinking about its broader implications. You’ll explore how applying ESG goals in your own organisation could improve its ethical and environmental impact.

You’ll finish the course with the knowledge and confidence to champion ESG at home and at work.

This course is designed for anyone with a broad interest in business ethics and ESG.

Whether you are a student or a professional, working at any level of seniority, this course will provide a useful foundation for building ESG principles into your work and everyday life.

• What is the background to climate change and biodiversity?
• Introduction
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• The Conference of the Parties (COPs)
• Other international bodies
• Biodiversity
• Natural Capital
• Summary of Week 1
• What does ESG represent?
• What is the language behind ESG?
• EU Taxonomy
• Other Taxonomies
• What does the E in ESG represent?
• What does the S in ESG represent?
• What does the G in ESG represent?
• Course summary and final assessment