Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)

COURSE BACKGROUND

In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have moved from niche interest to mainstream corporate and investment strategy. Institutional investors increasingly demand ESG performance reporting, and these factors now influence analysts, consumers, employees, and are a core topic at Board discussions. The rapidly shifting market and non-market conditions necessitate a robust understanding of ESG for effective risk management and sustainable business success.

ECAS Institute offers this “Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)” course to provide a comprehensive overview of the ESG framework. This program will examine each component of ESG in detail, illustrating how they converge to impact a company and its diverse stakeholders. Participants will gain insight into how corporate pressures and stakeholder expectations drive risk identification and influence overall business success. The course culminates in a practical case study, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, ensuring that critical considerations from both company and investor perspectives are thoroughly explored.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain what ESG is and its direct relevance to making sound financial decisions.
2. Describe the key issues within each of the Environmental, Social, and Governance components.
3. Explain how stakeholders influence corporate ESG performance.
4. Analyze both ESG risks and opportunities for organizations.
5. Assess ESG company performance using publicly available information.
6. Translate complex ESG information into actionable business intelligence.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This course provides an overview of an ESG framework and how it supports a company’s overall risk management. It examines each component in detail and provides insight into how they converge to impact a company and its stakeholders. You will learn:

• What ESG is, its driving forces, its distinction from Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), and its fundamental importance in today’s business landscape.
• The specific factors within Environmental, Social, and Governance, and how each impacts corporations.
• How corporate pressures and stakeholder expectations influence risk identification and business success.
• Key considerations for both companies and investors regarding ESG reporting, transparency, valuation, and competitive advantage.
• About current ESG trends and initiatives and their potential impacts.
• To apply ESG theory to practice through a final case study.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training course designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The program will combine theoretical explanations with practical insights, discussions on corporate pressures and stakeholder expectations, and a final case study to apply learned concepts. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and learning activities, will be communicated upon registration.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This “Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)” course is perfect for anyone interested in understanding how companies and organizations manage risks and opportunities created by shifting market and non-market conditions. It explores concepts useful for:

• Beginner and intermediate-level research analysts
• Banking and investment professionals
• Business and finance students seeking further insight into ESG
• Business analysts wishing to advise public market clients on ESG strategies and improved disclosures.

TRAINING MODULES

The course content is structured into five key modules, guiding participants from foundational concepts to practical application through a case study:

No	Module	Details
1.	Introduction	This module provides a foundational understanding of what ESG entails, its growing relevance, and the key drivers behind its increasing adoption in the corporate and financial world. Key Topics: What Is ESG? What’s Driving Growth? ESG vs. Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Why Is It Important?
2.	ESG Factors	This module delves into the specifics of each Environmental, Social, and Governance factor, exploring their individual characteristics and their collective impact on corporations. Key Topics: Environmental Factors and their Impact on Corporations Social Factors and their Impact on Corporations Governance Factors and their Impact on Corporations Materiality in ESG ESG Risks & Opportunities
3.	Corporate Pressures & Stakeholder Expectations	This module examines the dynamics of how various stakeholders influence corporate behavior regarding ESG and the implications for risk management and business success. Key Topics: Identifying Key Stakeholders Understanding Stakeholder Expectations Modern Demands on the Supply Chain related to ESG
4.	Key Considerations for Companies & Investors	This module explores critical strategic considerations for both companies engaging with ESG and investors evaluating ESG performance, including reporting, competitive advantage, and trends. Key Topics: ESG Reporting, Transparency, and Valuation ESG & Competitive Advantage ESG Trends & Initiatives Impacts of ESG Initiatives
5.	Case Study & Course Summary	This concluding module applies the theoretical knowledge gained throughout the course to a practical case study, consolidating learning and offering a comprehensive summary. Key Topics: Practical Case Study Application Course Summary and Key Takeaways

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.