Students will understand the strategic management implications of genuinely applying ESG in the decision processes and strategy settings of the different corporates and financial institutions. They will first understand the framework and what is at stakes. Then they will learn how the financial Industry (both investors and lenders) can play a pivotal role in addressing the sustainability challenges to drive the market towards not only to a long term, future-proof configuration of the private economic actors, but mainly towards a more regenerative course of actions. For what the financial industry is concerned, they will understand how to setup and run an ESG strategy, organization and actions not only to be compliant with the increasing requirements of the various regulators (ECB, Central Banks, EBA, FSB, EU), but also to drive the financial entity towards a coherent, impactful course of actions to lead the change. Students will understand the value creation of embracing a coherent and bold ESG strategy, beyond the regulatory obligations.

By attending the course, students will embed the ESG values and actions required in their critical thinking capabilities. They will be able to analyze and suggest improvements in the present declared ESG strategies of international industrial and financial groups. They will better understand the requirements and role of the Chief Sustainability Officer and Team, a potential career path in their working future. Students will also learn how to approach the ESG challenges with a broad, cross-silos, view.

Setting the scene and roles New production and consumption habits (Maas, share economy, Silver Economy, Pay per use). The role of finance and investment/lending decisions Regulatory framework and risk understanding. Materiality matrix Risks beyond reputation Future-proof strategies. The role and skills of a Chief Sustainability Officer

Mike Berners-Lee – There is no planet B – updated version McKinsey – Nature Finance and Biodiversity Credits: a private sector Roadmap to Finance and Act on Nature. Simon Thompson - Green and sustainable finance: principles and practice in banking. Nancy M.P. Bocken a b c, Ruth Mugge a, Colin A. Bom b, Hidde-Jan Lemstra b - Pay-per-use business models as a driver for sustainable consumption: Evidence from the case of HOMIE Ann C. Logue – Harry Markowitz and modern portfolio theory BNP Paribas SA – Universal Registration Document 2025 (chapter 7 only).

Lessons will be interactive and a few real life examples will be brought. Role playing and critical stimulations will take place across the entire course. Case studies ESG report analysis, on bond issue simulation and on investment decisions/beauty contest will be essential part of the course.

A final essay is envisaged and the score of it will contribute to the final mark, alongside with the evaluation of the case studies throughout the course.

A few topics will be highlighted and proposed to students. Students will apply to those of their main interest.