Strategic Sustainability: Implementing ESG
Professor
Ilze Zumente
About the professor
Ilze Zumente, PhD, is a esearcher specializing in corporate sustainability, with a particular focus on ESG implementation in the CEE region. She has authored over 10 peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented her findings at numerous international conferences. In addition to her research, Dr. Zumente is an experienced educator, teaching courses on sustainable finance, ESG, and diversity both in academia and within corporate settings. Her academic research offers practical solutions for businesses aiming to enhance sustainability.
Ieva Kustova
About the professor
Ieva Kustova is a seasoned ESG expert with extensive experience as both a consultant and an in-house ESG lead. She has supported companies on their sustainability journeys across diverse sectors, including waste management, manufacturing, financial services, transport, and energy. Ieva is also a passionate educator, training business leaders on climate change impact, GHG emission calculation, ESG risk management, and more.
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, covering foundational concepts, regulatory frameworks, and practical strategies for integrating ESG into business operations. It aims to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in the evolving landscape of sustainable finance. The course includes group tasks that foster active engagement and innovative thinking, preparing participants to navigate and shape the future of ESG practices.
Course Goals
Develop a Comprehensive Understanding of ESG Concepts: Understand the importance and impact of ESG factors on business performance and reputation
Equip Students with Practical ESG Strategy Skills: Learn to design and implement effective ESG strategies aligned with business goals and stakeholder needs
Enhance Critical Assessment of ESG Impacts and Opportunities: Acquire skills to evaluate ESG performance, identify improvement areas, and leverage ESG for innovation and competitive advantage
After the course participants will be able to:
- Understand key ESG concepts and regulatory frameworks
- Conduct assessments to identify significant ESG issues
- Integrate ESG principles into business operations and governance
- Develop proposals for ESG-focused investments
- Effectively present ESG compliance and investment strategies
Course will be:
In Person
Prerequisites
No specific prior knowledge is required. Suitable for professionals and executives interested in ESG.
Teaching methods used:
Active learning
Class discussions
Group work
Lectures
Case study analysis
Topic 1
Introduction to ESG and Regulatory Frameworks:
ESG definitions and business case
Historical context and evolution
Global and regional ESG regulations
Basics of sustainable finance
Group Task: Regulatory Compliance Challenge
Topic 2
ESG in Practice – Strategy and Implementation:
Materiality assessment
Developing an ESG strategy
Governance and integration of ESG aspects in business strategy
Importance of ESG data and reporting
Group Task: Analyze a company’s current ESG practices
Topic 3
Integrating ESG into Business Operations:
Environmental impact and innovations
Social responsibility programs
Governance best practices
Group Task: Identify social and governance impacts of a project
Topic 4
ESG Market Trends, Investment, and Future Directions:
Current ESG market trends
Impact investing
Taxonomy as a tool for investment screening
Emerging technologies in ESG
Challenges and opportunities in ESG
Group Task: Develop and pitch an ESG investment proposal
Professor
Ilze Zumente
About the professor
Ilze Zumente, PhD, is a esearcher specializing in corporate sustainability, with a particular focus on ESG implementation in the CEE region. She has authored over 10 peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented her findings at numerous international conferences. In addition to her research, Dr. Zumente is an experienced educator, teaching courses on sustainable finance, ESG, and diversity both in academia and within corporate settings. Her academic research offers practical solutions for businesses aiming to enhance sustainability.
Ilze Zumente
About the professor
Ieva Kustova is a seasoned ESG expert with extensive experience as both a consultant and an in-house ESG lead. She has supported companies on their sustainability journeys across diverse sectors, including waste management, manufacturing, financial services, transport, and energy. Ieva is also a passionate educator, training business leaders on climate change impact, GHG emission calculation, ESG risk management, and more.
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, covering foundational concepts, regulatory frameworks, and practical strategies for integrating ESG into business operations. It aims to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in the evolving landscape of sustainable finance. The course includes group tasks that foster active engagement and innovative thinking, preparing participants to navigate and shape the future of ESG practices.
Course Goals
Develop a Comprehensive Understanding of ESG Concepts: Understand the importance and impact of ESG factors on business performance and reputation
Equip Students with Practical ESG Strategy Skills: Learn to design and implement effective ESG strategies aligned with business goals and stakeholder needs
Enhance Critical Assessment of ESG Impacts and Opportunities: Acquire skills to evaluate ESG performance, identify improvement areas, and leverage ESG for innovation and competitive advantage
After the course participants will be able to:
- Understand key ESG concepts and regulatory frameworks
- Conduct assessments to identify significant ESG issues
- Integrate ESG principles into business operations and governance
- Develop proposals for ESG-focused investments
- Effectively present ESG compliance and investment strategies
Course will be:
In Person
Prerequisites
No specific prior knowledge is required. Suitable for professionals and executives interested in ESG.
Teaching methods used:
Active learning
Class discussions
Group work
Lectures
Case study analysis
Topic 1
Introduction to ESG and Regulatory Frameworks:
ESG definitions and business case
Historical context and evolution
Global and regional ESG regulations
Basics of sustainable finance
Group Task: Regulatory Compliance Challenge
Topic 2
ESG in Practice – Strategy and Implementation:
Materiality assessment
Developing an ESG strategy
Governance and integration of ESG aspects in business strategy
Importance of ESG data and reporting
Group Task: Analyze a company’s current ESG practices
Topic 3
Integrating ESG into Business Operations:
Environmental impact and innovations
Social responsibility programs
Governance best practices
Group Task: Identify social and governance impacts of a project
Topic 4
ESG Market Trends, Investment, and Future Directions:
Current ESG market trends
Impact investing
Taxonomy as a tool for investment screening
Emerging technologies in ESG
Challenges and opportunities in ESG
Group Task: Develop and pitch an ESG investment proposal