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ESG Online Program - Driving Sustainable Transformation
Bridging Sustainability and Financial Performance
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability is not a novelty but a necessity. Companies face significant risks if they remain passive; however, the challenges posed by changing environments also offer opportunities for new business ventures. Meeting the demands of discerning customers and complying with new regulations requires a systemic approach that considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. By strategically aligning sustainability efforts, organizations can enhance their resilience, reputation and ensure their long-term success while adhering to the principles of corporate social responsibility.
From Theory to Action: Europe's Impact on ESG Implementation
The strategic alignment of corporate sustainability initiatives explores connections between sustainability, innovation and profit. Europe in particular plays a vital role in shaping this sustainable transformation. European companies provide best practices for ESG implementation on a global scale. This knowledge enables decision-makers, employees, and civil society actors to bridge systemic thinking with strategic action, deepening their overall understanding of sustainability and maximizing their potential for impactful change.
Understanding ESG in a Flexible Online Format
The ESG Online Program - Driving Sustainable Transformation at WU Executive Academy offers a unique opportunity to study at one of the world's leading business schools while enjoying the full flexibility of an online format. Comprising 4 modules and totaling 25 hours of learning, this sustainability training offers a holistic approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as well as the necessary tools for implementing sustainability measures in your company or business unit. It covers key concepts of ESG Management, systemic thinking, strategic implementation, and leadership for sustainability. Equipping participants with the tools to effectively link sustainability efforts to financial performance and innovation.
What You Will Learn in this ESG Course
Conceptual foundations of ESG management and terminology
ESG best practices
Developing a sustainability strategy
ESG metrics and initiatives
Organizational transformation and leadership
Navigating high complexity through systemic thinking
Storytelling and communicating sustainability
Content
Module 1: Building a Strong Foundation
- Contextualization: History, themes and terminology of ESG
- Paradigm shifts: Understanding Web 3.0
- Interconnections of climate, society and governance
- Corporate governance: Stakeholders, governments and new market imperatives
- Changing landscape of governance and business implications
Module 2: Understanding ESG Through Systemic Thinking
- Systems and sustainability: Why systems are important in ESG and sustainability
- Systems and complexity: How to embrace complexity and avoid oversimplification
- Systemic thinking: Understanding impacts and unintended consequences
- Systems thinking and risk: Understanding how impacts relate to risk
- Systems thinking tools: Tools and techniques for applying systemic thinking
- Case study: Applying systems thinking to company level
Module 3: Crafting Effective ESG Strategies
- Business value drivers of sustainable business practices
- Financial logic: Profitability through sustainability
- Best practices and ESG structure of companies
- Developing a sustainability strategy: Implementation and content
- Measuring ESG: ESG metrics and initiatives
- Sustainability in practice: e.g. supply chains, LCA, Co2 pathways, offsetting
Module 4: Leading with Purpose: ESG and Organizational Change
- Leadership for sustainability: Different models and ways of leading for sustainability
- Organizational transformation
- Managing conflicts: Objectives, people and company forms
- Storytelling and Communicating Sustainability
- Values and sustainability: How values driven approaches can drive transformation and change
Target Group
This ESG course is perfect for those willing to drive sustainable transformation within their organization and obtain an ESG certificate along the way. Furthermore, the program offers strategic elements related to ESG issues as well as theoretical foundations on the topic of sustainability, offering the flexibility of an online format. The program is aimed at managers who want to incorporate ESG considerations into their organizations, at individuals who are curious about the ESG landscape from a European perspective, and at those aiming to integrate ESG principles into their business strategy. Additionally, it's suited for learners pursuing a career in ESG investing and sustainability management, as well as civil society actors who want to understand sustainability from a business viewpoint.
Certificate
After successfully completing the online ESG course, you will earn a certificate from the renowned WU Executive Academy.
Christof Miska
Institute for International Business | WU Vienna | Austria
- Responsible Global Leadership
- Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- International Organizational Behavior
- International Management
- Corporate Purpose
Vladimir Preveden
Strategic Advisor I Interim Manager I Lecturer
- Strategic business transformation
- Sustainability
- Resilience
- Digitalization
Do I need to have previous experience with ESG Management?
No, previous experience with ESG management is not required to participate in this sustainability course. Our ESG program is designed to cater to participants with varying levels of knowledge and experience. From beginners to those looking to deepen their understanding of ESG principles.
Will the course cover ESG Reporting?
Yes, the course will cover ESG reporting and provide an overview of the current requirements for companies. While it provides a general understanding of the topic, including reporting, key performance indicators (KPIs), and ESG performance, ESG reporting is not the main focus of this program. The ESG Online Program aims to equip participants with the concise foundational framework needed to understand and engage with ESG principles, including ESG analysis, rather than to create ESG reports.
How can this ESG course benefit my career?
This course can enhance your career by equipping you with ESG knowledge and skills. Whether you are looking to integrate sustainability into your current role, pursue a career in ESG and sustainability, or simply broaden your understanding of risks and opportunities, this sustainability training provides valuable insights and practical tools to help you succeed.
When does the next ESG course start?
The ESG course at WU Executive Academy is designed to be asynchronous, allowing participants to start at any time. You can begin whenever you are ready, providing maximum flexibility to accommodate your personal and professional timeframe.
Shape the Future: Know-How with WU Certificate
By completing this course, participants gain knowledge of ESG principles, including best practices, various ESG metrics, and strategic sustainability - providing them with a comprehensive introduction to ESG as well as advanced strategic insights into the field of sustainability. Participants will also learn essential skills for leading organizational change and building ESG initiatives. This foundational expertise is crucial for advancing your career and promoting corporate responsibility. Finish with a prestigious ESG certification from the WU Executive Academy, showcasing your readiness to lead in sustainability and innovation.
Deepen Your ESG Expertise on Campus (German only)
Our extended on-campus program ESG and Sustainability (in German only) provides an additional deep dive into the complexities of ESG. By joining the campus-based course, you'll not only expand your knowledge of ESG but also have the unique opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and industry experts. The immersive environment fosters rich discussions and hands-on learning experiences.
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