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

Learn what Environmental, Social, and Governance is, and how it could transform your approach to ethics and the environment, with this course from the Association of Corporate Treasurers.

Duration

2 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

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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.

Week 1
What is the background to climate change and biodiversity?
- Introduction
  During the week we look into the role played by the United Nations in creating the global framework that sets many of the aims and objectives of ESG. We also explore biodiversity and the critical role it plays with sustainability.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  In this activity we will explore the different SDGs, their importance and how they can relate to your own environment.
- The Conference of the Parties (COPs)
  We often hear about the COPs but what are they? This activity will explain what the two different COPs are and highlight some of the landmark meetings.
- Other international bodies
  As well as the United Nations there are a number of other international organisations that are involved in ESG. In this activity, we explore some of the most well-known and important organisations.
- Biodiversity
  The role of biodiversity in supporting a sustainable planet for all is increasingly recognised. In this activity we explore what biodiversity can include from an ESG perspective and the various goals and targets set.
- Natural Capital
  Alongside traditional forms of capital such as financial and human, natural capital has been recently added. In this activity we learn what natural capital is and some of the methodologies being applied to calculate it.
- Summary of Week 1
  In the final activity of the week, you will reflect on what you have learnt in a poll and test yourself with a quiz. We will then wrap up the week with a summary of the key learnings.
Week 2
What does ESG represent?
- What is the language behind ESG?
  During the week we will do a deep dive into the individual components of E, S and G. Underpinning it will be an introduction to the language being developed in different countries - the taxonomy of ESG.
- EU Taxonomy
  A key challenge with ESG is the lack of a common agreed language. In this activity we explore the definitions that have been agreed by the EU - the first jurisdiction to create a taxonomy for ESG activities.
- Other Taxonomies
  Although the EU was the first jurisdiction to create a taxonomy, other countries are following suit. In this activity we explore what is happening elsewhere.
- What does the E in ESG represent?
  Although we may be able to define what the E in ESG stands for, what activities can it cover? In this activity we explore it in more detail and go into detail on Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
- What does the S in ESG represent?
  In this activity we review what is covered by S, including details of the draft EU Social Taxonomy.
- What does the G in ESG represent?
  In this activity we review the importance of G and provide some examples of it.
- Course summary and final assessment
  Well done! You have come to the final activity of the course where you will have the opportunity to recap what you have learnt in Week 2, take the final test and find out what could be next on your journey.