The ESG and Sustainable Investing 101 course, offered by Udemy through ED4S Academy, is a foundational online program designed to provide professionals, investors, and students with a solid understanding of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the context of sustainable investing. Taught by Maria Maisuradze, a CFA and FSA credential holder, and narrated by Rob Rankin, the course covers key concepts, strategies, and real-world applications, drawing on resources from organizations like the CFA Institute and Principles for Responsible Investment. This beginner-friendly course emphasizes the integration of ESG into investment decisions for better risk-adjusted returns, requiring about 1 hour of study and including quizzes and assignments for practical engagement.

Core Content

The curriculum is structured into five modules that build from basic terminology to advanced applications. It starts with an overview of sustainable investing, navigating terms like ESG, responsible investing, and ethical investing, while discussing market size and foundational concepts. Subsequent modules explore ESG investment strategies, including negative screening, positive screening, best-in-class approaches, norms-based screening, ESG integration, impact investing, and shareholder engagement. Learners examine environmental factors such as climate change and water scarcity, social factors like employee diversity and human rights, and governance issues including board independence and cybersecurity. The course bridges ESG factors to financial performance, covers ESG data, ratings, standards like the SASB framework, and concludes with a case study on funds like Putnam Sustainable Leaders, incorporating quizzes and assignments for reinforcement.

Key Skills

Participants develop the ability to differentiate between ESG, sustainable, and ethical investing, analyze market trends, and apply seven core ESG investment strategies to real scenarios. The course builds competencies in evaluating environmental, social, and governance risks, integrating ESG into financial analysis and valuation models, and assessing investment performance through ESG lenses. Learners also gain practical skills in conducting case studies, interpreting ESG data and ratings, and exploring career paths in ESG investing, enabling them to make informed, responsible investment decisions.

Target Learners

This program is ideal for financial advisors, portfolio managers, investors, business students, and anyone curious about sustainability in finance. It suits beginners seeking an introduction to ESG concepts without prior expertise, as well as professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of sustainable investing for career advancement in roles related to responsible finance or corporate sustainability.

Learning Format

Delivered entirely online via Udemy's platform, the course features on-demand video lectures, quizzes, downloadable resources, and assignments, allowing self-paced progression with lifetime access. It includes interactive elements like a case study assignment and community forums for ongoing discussions, making it flexible for global learners.

Additional Benefits

Graduates receive a Udemy certificate of completion, which can be shared on professional networks to demonstrate ESG knowledge. The course provides access to a community forum for sharing resources like articles and webinars, and it draws on renowned references to stay aligned with industry standards, supporting long-term learning and application in sustainable finance careers.

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