As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing or ‘sustainable investing’ continues to gain traction among beginner and seasoned investors alike, it is important to stay in the know as a responsible investor.
Why ESG Investing?
ESG investing drives sustainability to the forefront of major financial decisions and can directly impact investors’ long-term considerations. By prioritising ESG, companies must consider the impact of their current and future development activities on the environment, society and governance and strive to make sustainable decisions for the livelihood of the next generation. With that, ESG is becoming an increasingly essential investment factor in many financial portfolio management strategies.
Whether you’re looking to understand the basics or dive deeper into ESG investing, consider enrolling into one of these top online courses to enhance your knowledge today.
1. Introduction to Sustainability by Bursa Malaysia (FREE)
Suitable for all levels, Bursa Malaysia’s ‘Introduction to Sustainability’ e-learning course delves into practical topics such as why sustainability is of growing importance to businesses, and practical steps on how businesses can manage their key (ESG) issues.
This concise 1.5-hour course covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Sustainability
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Materiality: Identifying the Issues that Matter
- Managing Sustainability
- Communicating the Results
How much does it cost?
- Bursa Malaysia offers this e-learning course for FREE!
- Enroll now at the Bursa Malaysia Sustain website
2. Transforming Our World: Achieving the SDGs by SDG Academy (FREE)
If you’re new to the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), interested to understand the big ‘why’ behind this shared responsibility and looking to apply these practices in your capacity as a business, investor or individual, this course is for you.
This 2- to 4-hour course covers:
- What are the Sustainable Development Goals and Plans?
- How modern advancements, technology and innovation can help us achieve the goals
- Good Governance and the SDGs
- Why you should care about the Sustainable Development Goals – as a corporation, as a university, as an individual
How much does it cost?
- SDG Academy offers this self-paced online course for free!
- Enroll now at SDG Academy.
3. Introduction to ESG by Corporate Finance Institute
This course provides an overview of an ESG framework and how it supports risk management, impacts both company and investor perspectives, as well as examines how corporate pressures and stakeholder expectations can affect business decisions. It is perfect for those who wish to understand how a company manages ESG as a competitive edge in today’s shifting market and non-market conditions.
This 1.5-hour course covers:
- What is ESG
- ESG Factors
- Corporate Pressures & Stakeholder Expectations
- Key Considerations for Companies & Investors
How much does it cost?
- US$28.99 per month on a self-study basis, of which the fee includes unlimited access to CFI’s accredited certification programmes.
- Enroll now at CFI.
4. Introduction to Corporate Sustainability, Social Innovation and Ethics by Imperial College Business School (FREE)
Learn about the application of sustainability in different industries, the challenges and risks faced by modern organisations at a country and company level, the role played by business in sustainability, the importance of ethical implications, the potential of social innovation, and how to put principles into practice via a case study in this course.
This 6-week course at 2-3 hours per week cov
- Drivers of the Sustainability Debate
- The role played by business: CSR, sustainability and shared values
- Sustainability today
- Practising sustainability thinking and decision making: The Mercato Metropolitano case study
- Introduction to Business Ethics
- Introduction to Social Innovation
How much does it cost?
- FREE for Audit Track (but with a limited 1.5-month access to course materials) or a one-off US$79 for Verified Track (where you’ll receive a certificate upon completion).
- Enroll now: https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-corporate-sustainability-social-in
5. CFA Institute: ESG & Sustainability Investing 101
Ideal for financial advisors, portfolio managers, investors, business students and those passionate about sustainability, CFA Institute’s introductory course on Sustainable Investing and ESG Factors will allow you to build a solid foundation by understanding the current state of the market, get familiar with basic terms and concepts as well address seven main ESG Investing strategies and how it can be integrated into financial valuation models.
This 2.5-hour course covers:
- ESG and Sustainable Investing
- Responsible Investing
- ESG Investing Strategies
- ESG Financial Performance
- Environmental, Social and Governance Factors
- SASB Framework
- Climate Change
- Investment Risk Analysis
- Careers in ESG Investing
How much does it cost?
- RM149.90 with a certificate upon completion
- Enroll now at Udemy.
6. University of Pennsylvania: The Materiality of ESG Factors Specialization
This in-depth course enables you to identify how the ESG approach should be an essential strategy. You will also learn about the fundamentals of ESG investing and the five pathways of materiality, as well as the concepts of positive and negative screening. At the end of the course, you will be well-versed in the best practices for creating a risk management plan, be able to analyse indexing and measurement techniques and explain how ESG affects the corporate world.
This 4-month-long at 2-hours a week course covers:
- ESG Risks and Opportunities
- ESG Impact: Investor Perspective
- ESG and Climate Change
- ESG and Social Activism
How much does it cost?
- It starts with a 7-day free trial, then subsequently will cost at US$79 per month
- Enroll now at Coursera.
As the financial industry continues to evolve rapidly, the demand for the integration of ESG into financial analysis and strategy has proven to be inevitable. So, equip yourself with key concepts and knowledge about ESG to form a better analysis and informed investment decision.
By Mabel Yan
