About this Course

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Finance is widely seen as an obstacle to a better world. Principles of Sustainable Finance explains how the financial sector can be mobilized to counter this. Using finance as a means to achieve social goals we can divert the planet and its economy from its current path to a world that is sustainable for all.  
Throughout this course, you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, how social and environmental factors should not be regarded as externalities, you will learn more about sustainable banking and asset management, about effective engagement, sustainable scenario analysis and long-term value creation. 

At the end of this course you will understand how sustainable finance can be used as a tool to steer the sustainability transition.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level

Approx. 17 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

What you will learn

Learn what the principles of sustainable finance are

Understand what the interplay is between the UN Sustainable Development Goals and finance

Understand what the importance of a long-term perspective is

Understand the role of finance in the transition to a sustainable economy

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level

Approx. 17 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.56/5 (155 Ratings)

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating96%(1,022 ratings)

Week

1

Week 1

3 hours to complete

The Sustainability Challenge

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 33 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Trailer: welcome to the sustainability journey1m

The Sustainability Journey in Finance6m

Rockstrom's planetary boundaries and social foundations4m

The UN Sustainable Development Goals3m

Living wage: an example of sustainable finance6m

The role of finance6m

The three stages of sustainable finance4m

2 readings

Introduction to week 110m

Optional extra material1h 30m

1 practice exercise

The linkage between the UN SDGs30m

Week

2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Dealing with Sustainability Challenges

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 32 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

6 videos

Social and environmental factors are treated as externalities5m

Perspectives of a skeptical manager3m

Government regulation and taxation5m

Business true pricing5m

Integrated value thinking5m

Sustainable scenario analysis6m

4 readings

Introduction to week 210m

Optional extra reading: Investing for Long-Term Value Creation45m

Optional extra reading material: summary of the chapter30m

Optional extra reading: Stern review the economics of climate change10m

1 practice exercise

Externalities

Week

3

Week 3

4 hours to complete

The Purpose of Companies

4 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 41 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

The ethical responsibility of companies4m

Shareholders versus stakeholders...15m

Corporate governance9m

Partnerships8m

The sustainability quotient3m

2 readings

The purpose of companies10m

Week 4

1 hour to complete

Sustainable Business Models

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 20 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

The link between sustainability and strategy4m

Materiality: which issues matter most?5m

Integrated reporting and thinking5m

Long-term value creation by companies4m

2 readings

Recap of week 310m

Strategy and Intangibles10m

1 practice exercise

End of chapter 4 quiz30m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

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Principles of Sustainable Finance