ESG Investing (Online)

Building and Managing a Sustainable Global Portfolio

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

February 20, 2025

Course Duration

DURATION

7 weeks, online
4-6 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

US$2,600 and get a referral benefit

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

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An Evidence-Based Approach to Sustainable Investing

What started as a corporate social responsibility initiative by the United Nations 20 years ago has swelled into the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) movement. Many financial institutions and organizations have launched sustainability initiatives related to its governance, but there are critical questions to ask as we evaluate ESG investments, such as:

  • What are the key differences between public equity and public debt investing and between public and private markets?
  • What are the key regulatory efforts in ESG investing in the United States, Europe, and China?
  • How does a portfolio manager incorporate ESG factors into investment analysis?
  • How are investors thinking about climate change risk, and is there a useful framework that helps simplify this topic for capital allocators?

It is predicted that ESG assets could hit $53 trillion by 2025, a third of global assets under management.

Source: Bloomberg, 2021

Key Takeaways

The ESG Investing (Online) program will enable you to:

  • Examine the origins of the stakeholder movement, which forms the basis for ESG investing
  • Utilize ESG reporting frameworks appropriate for your industry
  • Analyze ESG ratings and supplementary data to ensure sound investment decisions
  • Explain how organizations are responding to climate risk
  • Use ESG data to inform stock picks and portfolio allocation decisions
  • Describe the future of ESG investing and how it will evolve

Who Should Attend

While there are no specific prerequisites in terms of content knowledge, this program is designed for those who have experience in corporate finance, investment management, or banking.

Senior executives who seek to understand the current sustainable investing landscape and incorporate sustainability factors into their organizations' financial and investment decisions

Mid-Career managers and analysts who serve in finance or investment functions and play a key role in their organizations' financial matters

Program Modules

This program covers finance and sustainability as integrated subjects, beginning with an introduction to financial and investment principles and ending with financial analysis, financing, and valuation.

Module 1:

Shareholders vs. Stakeholders

Examine the origins of the stakeholder movement, which forms the basis for ESG investing.

Module 2:

ESG Information Landscape — Definitions and Measurement

Choose an ESG reporting framework that is appropriate for your industry, and learn how ESG ratings are calculated.

Module 3:

ESG Metrics

Analyze ESG ratings and supplementary data to ensure sound investment decisions.

Module 4:

Climate and Net Zero — The Science and the How

Identify the risks associated with climate change, understand how organizations are responding to climate risk, and determine whether climate risk is reflected in asset prices.

Module 5:

Integrating ESG Metrics into Portfolio Allocation

Analyze claims made by both funds and organizations about their sustainability efforts and examine how organizations deal with transition risk.

Module 6:

The Future of Sustainable Investing

Delve into the future of ESG investing and examine the three pillars of sustainable investing: intangibles, climate, and sustainability-based products.

Module 1:

Shareholders vs. Stakeholders

Examine the origins of the stakeholder movement, which forms the basis for ESG investing.

Module 4:

Climate and Net Zero — The Science and the How

Identify the risks associated with climate change, understand how organizations are responding to climate risk, and determine whether climate risk is reflected in asset prices.

Module 2:

ESG Information Landscape — Definitions and Measurement

Choose an ESG reporting framework that is appropriate for your industry, and learn how ESG ratings are calculated.

Module 5:

Integrating ESG Metrics into Portfolio Allocation

Analyze claims made by both funds and organizations about their sustainability efforts and examine how organizations deal with transition risk.

Module 3:

ESG Metrics

Analyze ESG ratings and supplementary data to ensure sound investment decisions.

Module 6:

The Future of Sustainable Investing

Delve into the future of ESG investing and examine the three pillars of sustainable investing: intangibles, climate, and sustainability-based products.

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Program Experience

Decorative image relating to World-Renowned Faculty

World-Renowned Faculty

Learn from accomplished faculty whose diverse backgrounds encompass a broad range of disciplines

Guest Speaker

Accomplished academics and experts offer unique perspectives and the opportunity to put learning into practice

Peer Interaction

Stimulating discussions with like-minded global peers expand your professional network and build a supportive community

Case Studies

Through exploratory sessions, examine practical examples and find innovative solutions to strategic challenges

Live Faculty Sessions

Get actionable insights in live online interactions with faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields

Engaging Assignments and Activities

Hone business acumen and executive skills with try-it activities that help you redefine your potential

Case Studies

BP Chevron

Several large oil and gas organizations have promised to reach net zero carbon emissions. However, these organizations vary widely in their motivations, preparedness, and strategies. This case goes behind the net zero headlines to evaluate whether the energy transition plans by two organizations from both sides of the Atlantic are credible.

Verizon

An increasingly popular form of financing ESG projects is the issuance of bonds linked to sustainability goals. This case considers Verizon’s issue of a green bond linked to promised cuts in carbon emissions. We take a deep dive into the terms of the bond issue, how the proceeds were promised to be deployed, what default means with green targets, and whether the issue enjoyed a green premium in terms of interest savings. Participants are asked to assess the bond issue: did the bond deliver in terms of social impact, and was it a good business decision to issue the green bond?

Tesla

Tesla is the darling of the ESG world due to the unprecedented increase in its market valuation in anticipation of its entry into the S&P500 index. But is there more to Tesla’s ESG credentials than meets the eye? This case is a deep dive into assessing how executives seek Tesla’s ESG actions and policies. Participants have to assess whether Tesla truly deserves its ESG halo.

Past Participant Profile

Past participants of the ESG Investing (Online) program come from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experiences.

Average years of work experience:

  • Less than 10 years: 16%
  • 10 to 14 years: 16%
  • 15 to 19 years: 22%
  • More than 20 years: 46%

Top industries:

  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Consulting
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Real Estate

Top functions:

  • Consulting
  • Finance
  • General Management
  • Sales and Business Development
  • Strategy and Corporate Planning

Top countries:

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Trinidad
  • Canada
  • Australia

Note: Data from across previous cohorts

Program Faculty

Profile picture of programme faculty, Shivaram Rajgopal

Shivaram Rajgopal

The Kester and Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing at Columbia Business School

Shivaram Rajgopal served as the vice dean for research at Columbia Business School from 2017–2019. He is a leading expert in measuring how well managers serve as responsible stewards of their organizations' resources... More info

Guest Speaker

Faculty Member Aniket Shah

Aniket Shah

Managing Director and Global Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Research at Jefferies Group LLC

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon completion of the ESG Investing (Online) program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards two credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn More

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Your digitally verified certificate will be issued in your legal name and emailed to you, at no additional cost, upon completion of the program, including all modules of the program (online, in person, or live online, inter-module). All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.


    Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?

    Program fees for Emeritus programs with Columbia Business School Executive Education may not be paid for with Title IV financial aid funds. Participants may be able to pay the program fee with funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits. Participants must contact the Columbia University’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs to determine benefit eligibility.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 315 387 4431 (US) / +44 203 838 0836 (UK) / +65 3138 4449 (SG)

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Flexible payment options available. Learn more.