Certificate in sustainable investing and finance

The Sustainable Corporate Financing Professional Certificate, offered by ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences through edX, is a comprehensive online program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge to integrate sustainability into corporate finance practices, addressing the intersection of traditional financing methods and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. This intermediate-level certificate consists of two courses that build foundational and applied skills in sustainable financing, emphasizing how financial decisions can support sustainable development goals (SDGs) while managing risks and opportunities. Suitable for finance professionals, managers, and those in banking or corporate roles, it requires approximately 2 months of study, with a discounted price of $340.20 (original $378), and focuses on real-world applications through case studies and practical examples.

Core Content

The program is divided into two sequential courses. The first, Sustainable Corporate Financing – Foundations, introduces core concepts of corporate finance, including equity and debt financing, bond issuance, and cost of capital, while exploring sustainability's role in the financial sector through topics like ESG ratings, impact assessments, and investor strategies. It covers four action areas: exclusion criteria, ESG integration, transition financing, and sustainability solutions, with discussions on quantifying sustainability at the company level and differentiating investor approaches. The second course, Sustainable Corporate Financing – Application, builds on these foundations by emphasizing equity, debt, and bank financing perspectives, including sustainability-linked instruments like green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and targeted investment funds. It addresses impact-oriented financing to close SDG funding gaps, return and risk implications, and practical examples from industries facing sustainability transitions.

Key Skills

Learners acquire the ability to apply traditional financing know-how to sustainable contexts, such as calculating cost of capital with ESG factors and designing financing strategies that align with sustainability goals. The program develops competencies in assessing ESG ratings, conducting impact measurements, and evaluating sustainability risks in lending and investment decisions. Graduates can differentiate financing options across exclusion, integration, transition, and solution-based approaches, reflect on governance models for sustainability, and implement tools to bridge financing gaps for SDGs, enabling them to drive corporate transformations toward sustainable practices.

Target Learners

This certificate is tailored for finance professionals, corporate managers, bankers, and consultants seeking to incorporate sustainability into financing strategies, as well as those in roles related to corporate performance, risk management, or sustainable development. It is particularly suited for individuals with some background in finance or business, aiming to address regulatory pressures and stakeholder demands in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and services.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online via edX, the program includes two self-paced courses with video lectures, readings, case studies, and assessments, allowing flexible progression over 2 months. It features interactive elements like practical examples and optional verified certificates for each course, with unrestricted access upon enrollment. Learners can audit for free or pay for certification, supported by instructors from ZHAW's Center for Corporate Performance and Sustainable Financing.

Additional Benefits

Completing the certificate provides a professional credential from ZHAW, enhancing career prospects in sustainable finance roles and offering pathways to advanced studies or certifications like CAS in Corporate Finance & Sustainability. Participants gain access to a global network through edX, ongoing updates on regulatory trends, and practical insights from industry collaborations, empowering them to contribute to net-zero commitments and sustainable economic transitions.

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