This course introduces you to the fundamental concepts of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Through a structured exploration of sustainability's three core dimensions - environmental, social, and economic - you'll learn how these pillars interconnect and why they're crucial for modern business and society. We'll examine major global sustainability challenges and explore how organisations can address these through effective stakeholder engagement and strategic integration of sustainability principles.
Foundations of Sustainability and ESG
Foundations of Sustainability and ESG
This course is part of The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability Specialization
Instructor: Amir Amel-Zadeh
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
15 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
How sustainability and ESG frameworks interact and why they matter for business today, including the core dimensions of each framework.
Major sustainability challenges facing business and society, and how organisations are using ESG metrics and frameworks to address the challenges.
How organisations are integrating sustainability and ESG considerations into their strategies, and the key challenges they need to overcome.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Recently updated!
February 2025
Assessments
1 assignment
Taught in English
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This course is part of the The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
This This section contains the course curriculum and the video introduction to the course by your instructor. The video examines how sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance principles shape modern finance and organisational strategy. Through exploring sustainability's three pillars and ESG frameworks, learners will gain essential knowledge for understanding the intersection of finance, organisational strategy, and sustainability.
What's included
1 video1 reading
This module introduces learners to the core concepts and principles of sustainability, exploring the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Learners will examine the key challenges and opportunities facing organisations and society in the pursuit of sustainability, and the role of various stakeholders in driving sustainable change.
What's included
13 videos1 discussion prompt5 plugins
This module provides a comprehensive overview of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, exploring their importance in today's business landscape. Learners will examine the key components of ESG, their relationship to sustainability, and the growing demand for ESG disclosure and performance.
What's included
15 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt6 plugins
This video explores the fundamental concepts covered in the Foundations of Sustainability and ESG course. From understanding the three pillars of sustainability to examining ESG integration in modern organisations, learners will discover how these principles drive positive change and shape investment decisions in today's global landscape.
What's included
1 video
Instructor
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