The topic of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) and the green economy has become particularly important in recent years both in foreign and Russian companies, aiming to reduce the harmful impact on the environment and build qualitatively new relationships between business and employees. ESG should be considered not only through the prism of ecology or social relations, but also as a certain comprehensive sign of the modern worldview on which the mental component of business is based, in conjunction with a long-term development strategy primarily aimed at making a profit.
A natural question arises:
Where to study ESG and green economy?
Let’s consider the most interesting and forward-lookingstudy options in Russia and abroad:
1. SKOLKOVO. Moscow School of Management
«CSTO: Chief Sustainability Transformation Officer. Diploma program for leaders of change in the field of sustainable development»
The program is aimed at helping sustainable development ambassadors to guide their companies through transformation and integrate this approach into organizational activities, as well as into the company’s value proposition.
Duration – 6 months
The training format – full–time
Tuition fees:
Private client – 23 500 $
Alumni Skolkovo – 20 000 $
Learning outcomes:
- Knowledge, skills and tools on various aspects of the topic of sustainable development and management disciplines necessary for the transformation of the company.
- Support managers in the role of agents of change through the development of their leadership potential and meta-competencies.
- International experience and expertise on the topic of sustainable development
- A set of tools for building a strategy for sustainable development and its implementation in the company
- The transformation plan of the company prescribed by the participant
- Obtaining a diploma of professional retraining
Link: https://www.skolkovo.ru/programmes/csto-chief-sustainability-transformation-officer/
Energy Transition 4.0: low-carbon development
A program for managers in the field of strategy, investment and risk assessment. Climate policy, low-carbon and sustainable development, decarbonization, ESG now determine the main trends in the development of the world economy. During the training, you will get a broad overview of the energy transition, its economic, technological, political and social aspects and make up your own idea of how these trends will affect your business, company and career.
Duration – 7 weeks (2 times a week)
The training format: online
Tuition fees:
Private client – 2 125 $
Alumni Skolkovo – 1 800$
Based on the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- Energy transition: Definition and drivers
What is the energy transition and what is driving the current fourth transition?
- The main technological elements
What major technological advances are supporting the current transition?
- Influence on key stakeholders
How does the energy transition affect consumers, investors, energy companies and governments?
What will the energy sector of the future look like?
Link: https://www.skolkovo.ru/programmes/25012021-energoperehod-4-0/
2. MSU. Faculty of Economics
“National models of sustainable development. Master’s Program”
Training of economists-analysts capable of systematically solving theoretical and practical problems of sustainable development at the corporate and state levels, in international and public organizations, as well as continuing research in graduate school, becoming a teacher at universities in Russia and other countries.
Duration – 2 years
The training format – full-time
Based on the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- Political economy of global processes (climate, carbon neutrality, the role of ESG)
- National economy: common features
- Theory of economic growth and development
- Economics of sustainable development
- Sustainable development of the company
- Sustainable development of the national economy
Link: https://www.econ.msu.ru/students/mag/curricula/eco/nsdm/
Calculation of the Carbon Footprint
3. HSE. Faculty of World Economy and World Politics
“Environmental economics and sustainable development. Master’s Program”
The Master’s program is focused on creating specialists of global and corporate profiles. Its purpose is to train professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the role of environmental problems in the development of the world economy, industry markets and building corporate and investment strategies, with the necessary skills of economic analysis of environmental problems and sustainable development.
Duration – 2 years
The training format – full-time
Tuition fees – 5 200 $ per year
According to the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- The role of environmental problems in the development of the world economy, individual countries, industries and businesses
- “Green” transformation of industry markets
- Global energy transition
- International, national and corporate strategies for sustainable development and decarbonization
- ESG strategies of companies
- Non-financial reporting disclosure and ESG risk management,
- “Green” and “sustainable” financing
- Low-carbon development policies and tools
Link: https://www.hse.ru/ma/environment/
“Sustainable Business Management. Master’s Program“
The programme helps students master the tools for managing resilient and regenerative business. It focuses on addressing the wicked problems and grand challenges facing the global business community, as well as measures required to transform organisation management strategies and systems, implement improvements at the department level, organize processes and personal workplaces, and apply modern concepts and tools.
Duration – 2 years
The training format – full-time
Tuition fees – 6 000 $ per year
According to the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- Data analysis for sustainable development assessment
- Strategic thinking and strategic analysis
- Financial management: financial analysis and new business models
- Global challenges and sustainable development
- The economics of climate change and the environment
- Managing diversity and exclusivity
- Corporate governance in the modern world
- Responsible finance, reporting and ESG ratings
Link: https://www.hse.ru/ma/sdmc /?fbclid=IwAR11mVx_PRKfGBgxQTgirdlfw-chzpuPqyM9_4alJidFouF7orBhmcesNvI
4. RANEPA. Faculty of Finance and Banking
“ESG-business transformation: practice and tools. Advanced training program”
By participating in the program “ESG-Business Transformation: Practice and Tools”, students will receive information from leading experts and practitioners promoting the ESG agenda at various levels.
Duration – 64 ac/h
The training format – online
Tuition fees: – 800 $
Learning outcomes:
- A holistic view of the essence, principles and most relevant issues of the sustainable development agenda and ESG transformation of business and regions
- Understanding of the formation of the most complex and controversial articles of corporate reporting based on federal and international standards for the disclosure of ESG factors, including in the consolidated financial statements of the group of companies
- Practical knowledge about the mechanisms of “green finance” and the possibilities of using “green finance” tools to address issues of socio-economic development of companies and regions
- Knowledge of the main issues and mechanisms of interaction between business and the state in the implementation of the sustainable development agenda and ESG changes
- Understanding algorithms for accounting ESG factors and risks in strategic and operational plans, compilation and verification of non-financial reporting and project management of ESG changes in companies
- The ability to navigate the variety of regulatory documents, already existing practical experience and recommendations for the development of a practice-oriented action program in the field of ESG transformation in relation to your organization and field of activity
Link: https://ffb.ranepa.ru/programmy-povysheniya-kvalifikatsii/esg-transformatsiya-biznesa-praktika-i-instrumenty.html
5. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics
“Business transformation based on the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) – intensive”
Duration – 1 month
The training format – full–time/online 50/50
Tuition fees – 850 $
According to the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- A unique combination of marketing and economic and managerial ESG technologies
- Working tools for the successful implementation of ERP technologies in business practice from professionals
- Analysis of factors contributing to and hindering the implementation of ESG integration practices
- Practice-oriented methods for assessing compliance with ESG criteria: from the simplest to specific
- Key trends in sustainable development. ESG in the Russian Federation
- Modern principles of social and environmental responsibility in the promotion of goods: “Marketing with meaning”
- Topical issues of the climate agenda. Cross-border carbon regulation; Implementation of the objectives of achieving carbon neutrality Emissions Scope 1,2,3. Carbon footprint; Carbon units market; Carbon units trade.
Link: https://do.rea.ru/povyshenie-kvalifikatsii/biznes-transformatsiya-na-printsipakh-esg-environmental-social-governance-ekologicheskoe-sotsialnoe-
6. MGIMO
“Sustainable Development Management. Master’s Program”
Duration – 2 years
The training format – full–time
Tuition fees – 11 000 $ per year
According to the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- The system of international agreements on sustainable development and cross-border carbon regulation
- Climate risks
- International requirements and practices of environmental and social development of corporations in accordance with sustainable development standards
Link: https://esg.mgimo.ru/
ESG, Development of the Company’s Climate Strategy
7. Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
“Corporate finance and ESG – business transformation. Magistracy. Faculty of Economics and Business”
Duration – 2 years
The training format – full–time
Tuition fees – 4 800 $ per year
According to the results of the course, the following skills will be obtained:
- Analyze investment projects for compliance with the criteria of “green” financing
- Organize and carry out analytical work, manage the preparation of information collection for writing non-financial reports in the field of sustainable development
- Interact with investment funds, exchanges, other interested parties, prepare information for ESG investors
- Organize work on obtaining ESG ratings from international and Russian rating agencies
- Plan and organize the work of the structural unit in the direction of sustainable development and the IR department
Link: https://magistratura.fa.ru/fakultet-ekonomiki-i-biznesa-1/finansy-korporatsiy-i-esg-transformatsiya-biznesa/
8. ACRA
“Training: practical aspects of ESG transformation of companies”
The training is aimed at developing practical skills in working with financial instruments for sustainable development and taking ESG risks into account in their own activities, understanding the main ESG indicators and ESG ratings, creating non-financial reporting, applying practices for calculating and optimizing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the carbon footprint of products.
The training format – online
Duration – 3 days (15 ac/h) from 04.28 to 04.29 2022 year
Tuition fees – 870 $ + VAT
According to the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- The practice of issuing sustainable development tools and taking into account ESG factors: ESG risks, ratings, evaluation of key ESG indicators, financial instruments for sustainable development
- Preparation of ESG reports for Russian business
- Calculation, optimization and compensation of greenhouse gas emissions according to international practices
Link: https://www.acra-ratings.ru/trainings/prakticheskie-aspekty-esg-transformatsii-kompaniy/?lang=en
9. SBER UNIVERSITY
“ESG. How can business be on the wave in the next 30 years”
The training format – online
Duration – 6 ac/h
Tuition fees – free
According to the results of the course, the following skills will be obtained:
- How the ESG agenda affects the business
- Identify ESG threats and opportunities for the company
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various ESG risk assessment and management tools
- Understand the mechanisms of reducing the negative impact and increasing the sustainability of the company
Link: https://sberuniversity.ru/learning/courses/esg/printsipy-esg/
10. University of Cambridge. Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
«Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership»
The Master’s program is for leaders who want to respond effectively to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world and lead others to positive change.
Duration – 2 years
The training format – full–time
Tuition fees – 19 000 $
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the changing global context and formulate the need for transformation at the system level
- The ability to foresee a sustainable future, appreciating the potential synergies, tensions and compromises in achieving it
- Learn how to create arguments in favor of business taking a leading position in promoting change in the interests of a sustainable future
- Develop strategies that allow you to use changes both inside and outside your organization to ensure a broader impact on the system
- Strengthen personal leadership and become a more effective engine of change
- Identify, critically analyze and apply existing knowledge to solve problems in the field of sustainable development
- Bring new ideas and knowledge to advance discussions on sustainable development within the learning community.
Link: https://www.cisl.cam.ac.uk/education/graduate-study/master-of-studies-in-sustainability-leadership
Calculation of the Carbon Footprint
«Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business»
The Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Business (PG Dip) is an accredited Master’s degree program at the University of Cambridge, designed for top and middle managers, which is a practical option for further professional development, studying innovations in sustainable business and gaining the opportunity to take a leading position in solving the most important global challenges.
According to the results of the course, the following skills and abilities will be obtained:
- Develop an understanding and application of tools and methods based on joint decision-making, collaboration, innovation and design
- Experience of participating in professional discussions on sustainable development issues with colleagues from other fields of activity
- Attract and challenge sustainable development tools, analyzing their suitability for solving their own organizational tasks
- Hone leadership skills to respond effectively to sustainability challenges in the organization/area.
Link: https://www.cisl.cam.ac.uk/education/graduate-study/postgraduate-diploma-in-sustainable-business
«Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB)»
According to the results of the course, the following skills and abilities will be obtained:
- In-depth knowledge of global social, environmental and economic trends and how business can catalyze broader changes at the system level
- How to develop a strategic business case for organizational change
- How to implement sustainability in business actions at the organizational level
- How to manage organizational changes
- In-depth knowledge of global social, environmental and economic trends and how business can catalyze broader changes at the system level
- How to develop a strategic business case for implementing sustainable development in value chains and markets
- New approaches, tools and methods for creating sustainable and sustainable value chains
- How to influence and attract customers, shape the market context and introduce sustainability into all value chains.
Link: https://www.cisl.cam.ac.uk/education/graduate-study/pgcerts
Calculation of the Carbon Footprint
11. University of Oxford. Saïd Business school.
«Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme»
Duration – 6 months
The training format – online
Tuition fees – 2560 $
According to the results of the course, the following skills and abilities will be obtained:
- Sustainable leadership skills needed to implement climate risk management, facilitate the integration of ESG into your organization and create long-term value for shareholders and society
- Understanding how to formulate effective key performance indicators to measure the impact of your organization’s carbon footprint and align them with your corporate sustainability goals
- A practical action plan that you can use to incorporate sustainable development strategies into corporate governance structures
- Recommendations from leading industry experts and research by the Faculty of
- Oxford University, as well as access to the official group of graduates of Oxford Higher Education on LinkedIn.
Link: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/executive-education/online-programmes/oxford-leading-sustainable-corporations-programme
12. New York University. STERN. Executive education
«Corporate Sustainability»
Duration – 4 months
The training format – online
Tuition fees – 2,200 $
According to the results of the course, the following skills and abilities will be obtained:
- Knowledge of key environmental and social issues affecting businesses, including the latest consumer sustainability research
- Transformation of the corporate response to sustainable development
- Understanding the evolution of corporate response – from compliance with interaction requirements to innovation, including innovation in finance
- Leadership qualities in an unstable world
- Skills necessary for leadership in new social and political conditions. Efficiency and innovation in the development of corporate leaders in pursuit of sustainable development
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a NYU Stern
- Certificate in Corporate Sustainability.
Link: https://execed.stern.nyu.edu/products/corporate-sustainability
13. The Swedish Institute
«Swedish Institute Management Programme – Northern and Eastern Europe»
Duration of training – 6 months
The training format – online
Tuition fees – free
Learning outcomes:
- In-depth knowledge and skills in the field of sustainable business practices with an emphasis on human rights, climate and environment, decent working conditions and the fight against corruption.
- The capacity and knowledge needed to lead change and promote sustainable business practices in your own organization.
- Analysis of business cases for sustainable development in Sweden, one of the leading countries in the field of sustainable business practices.
- Knowledge that allows you to work with design thinking as a method of developing creative and sustainable solutions to complex problems.
- Individual expert coaching based on the needs of your organization and your personal needs.
- A unique opportunity for close cooperation and exchange of experience with colleagues of your level from several other countries, the development of strong, long-term professional networks.
- Access to a global network of Swedish Institute graduates with leaders who are committed to sustainable business and responsible leadership
Link: https://si.se/en/apply/leadership-programmes/swedish-institute-management-programme-northen-europe/
14. The Blekinge Institute of Technology
«Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability»
The one-year Master’s program in Strategic Leadership in Sustainable Development aims to train leaders who are able to support the sustainable development of society in a way that strengthens their own organization. The program is built around two themes – strategic sustainable development and leadership in complexity.
Duration –10 months
The training format – full-time
Tuition fees – 65 000 $
According to the results of the course, knowledge will be obtained:
- How to support the transition to global sustainability by creating and implementing cost-effective developments of products, systems, organizations and societies.
- About the problems and opportunities of sustainable development, as well as about the scientifically and practically sound methodology of strategic sustainable development.
- How to respect change and make changes effectively. You explore the complexities of both social change and your own leadership.
- A scientifically and practically proven change management methodology to be able to lead a collaboration that ensures an attractive sustainable future.
Link: https://www.bth.se/eng/education/masters/slash/
15. MSSES. The Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences
“New Ecology: Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development”
The course will be of interest to those who are faced with the topic of sustainable development in business, are involved in cultural, media, environmental and social projects and in general want to expand their understanding of the modern sustainability agenda.
Duration – 3 months (2 meetings per week for 3 ac/h)
Training format – online
Tuition fees – 830 $
Learning outcomes:
- Understanding the global context for sustainable development
- The ability to think strategically in the context of sustainable development and find the most effective points of application of efforts
- Systems thinking and analysis skills
- Learning mental models, maps and tools to understand different thinking paradigms
- Ability to argue your position and explain your values
- Meet people with similar interests and values and become part of the alumni community.
Link: https://www.msses.ru/kursy/novaya-ekologiya-cistemnoe-myshlenie-dlya-ustoychivogo-razvitiya/
16. HPBS Academy. Green economy and climate risks
“Calculation, optimization and compensation of greenhouse gas emissions according to the best international practices”
The training format – online
Duration – 12 hours
Tuition fees:
for individuals 630 $
for legal entities 785 $
Learning outcomes:
- Knowledge in the field of sustainable development and climate, LCA life cycle assessment and preparation of an environmental declaration of EPD products.
- A ready-made roadmap for low-carbon regulation of the company’s activities.
- Comprehensive understanding of the green market: prerequisites, regulatory framework, features.
- Tools for analyzing and improving the company’s environmental performance in the field of greenhouse footprint (calculation, optimization, compensation).
- Certificate of successful completion of the course”
Link: https://hpb-s.com/services/pg_course/
Calculation of the Carbon Footprint
“Course of lectures on green economy, sustainable development and ESG”
The training format – online
Duration – 68 ac/h
Tuition fees:
for individuals 390 $
for legal entities 470 $
According to the results of the course, the following topics will be studied:
- Green economy: circular economy, low-carbon economy, inclusive economy
- Sectors and infrastructure of the green economy, elements of stimulating the green economy
- Ecosystem services in cities: biophilia and biodiversity, open green spaces and urban farms, minimization of heat island and minimization of light pollution, examples of green infrastructure solutions
- Sustainable development and ESG: society’s need for SDGs, ESG and corporate social responsibility, indicators of urban services and quality of life, the relationship between economic development, health and gentrification, a new projection on the problem of public health, urban planning and rational consumption of environmental resources
- Sustainable projects: LEED, WELL, BREEAM certification, life cycle analysis, global certification systems, study of the main provisions of international trade relations and Russian regulation of goods and services according to ISO 14040 series standards
- Greenhouse gases: methodology for calculating life cycle analysis, tools for working with life cycle analysis
Link: https://hpb-s.com/services/ecotectonics-2018/
Calculation of the Carbon Footprint
Authors: Anna Zavaleeva, Vladislav Rossinsky
Additionally:
Calculation of greenhouse gas emissions
ESG business transformation
Study. Sustainable development of 360.
ESG companies for the bank. ESG reporting
Mechanism for increasing the ESG rating in construction.
Green store, modern Bio-retailer
