The availability of free training programmes in 2024/25 offers an excellent opportunity for organisations to upskill their teams, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability.
The Role of Training and Awareness in ESG & Sustainability Implementation
For organisations embarking on their ESG & Sustainability journey, the introduction of new standards can be daunting. Employees may find themselves facing unfamiliar concepts and responsibilities that require a solid understanding of sustainability principles, risk management, and ethical governance. This is where training and awareness become invaluable.
Training programmes tailored to ESG and sustainability not only provide the technical knowledge necessary to implement these standards effectively but also foster a culture of responsibility and innovation within the organisation. By empowering employees with the right tools and insights, businesses can ensure that their ESG & sustainability strategies are not only compliant but also drive long-term value.
Levelling Up Competency with Free Training Courses
The global landscape of free training opportunities in ESG and sustainability has never been more diverse or accessible. The courses listed below are designed to accommodate a range of experience levels, making them ideal for both newcomers to ESG and seasoned professionals looking to refine their skills. Here are some of the top free courses available globally in 2024/25, specifically suited for those implementing ESG and Sustainability standards for the first time:
Introduction to ESG and Sustainability
- ESG Risks and Opportunities — University of Pennsylvania (Coursera)
- Introduction to ESG — Corporate Finance Institute
- Foundations of Sustainability — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Coursera)
- Principles of Sustainable Finance — Erasmus University Rotterdam (Coursera)
Sustainable Business and Corporate Governance
- Business Models For Sustainability — Copenhagen Business School (Coursera)
- Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity — Università Bocconi (Coursera)
- Sustainable Business Strategy — Harvard Business School Online
- Corporate Governance in Practice — Bina Nusantara University (Udemy)
- CSR Disclosures and Ethics — Udemy
- Operational Risk Management: Frameworks & Strategies — New York Institute of Finance (Coursera)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Age of Sustainable Development — SDGAcademy (edX)
- Driving Business Towards the Sustainable Development Goals — Erasmus University Rotterdam (Coursera)
- Transforming Our World: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — SDGAcademy (edX)
- Data Science for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — Udemy
Environmental Management and Climate Action
- Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Approach — Wageningen University (edX)
- Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet — SDG Academy (edX)
- Sustainable Energy — Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (edX)
- Sustainable Green Buildings — Alison
- Urban Transport and Sustainability — Alison
Social Impact and Inclusion
- Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace — ESSEC Business School (Coursera)
- Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity — University of Colorado (Coursera)
- Human Rights, Human Wrongs: Challenging Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion — SDG Academy (edX)
- Social Innovation and Ethics — Imperial College Business School (edX)
How These Courses Support ESG Implementation
For teams and organisations new to ESG, these courses provide an invaluable resource. They are not just about learning the basics; they help create a common language and understanding across the organisation, ensuring that all employees are aligned with the company’s sustainability goals. Furthermore, these courses encourage proactive problem-solving and innovative thinking, which are essential for the successful integration of ESG standards.
The importance of ESG and Sustainability continues to grow, and so does the need for well-trained professionals who can lead these initiatives with confidence. The availability of free training courses in 2024/25 offers an unprecedented opportunity for individuals and organisations to enhance their competency in this critical area. By investing in knowledge and training, companies can ensure that they are not only compliant with new standards but also positioned to lead the way in sustainable business practices.
Remember, knowledge is power. With these resources at your fingertips, you are well on your way to becoming a leader of tomorrow. This article aims to underscore the value of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving ESG & Sustainability fields, particularly for those organisations implementing these standards for the first time. Highlighting accessible, free educational resources, reinforces the idea that empowering employees through knowledge is key to driving successful and sustainable business practices.
