The Fundamentals of ESG
Cut Through the Noise. Learn What ESG Really Means.
A practical, on-demand course to help you understand ESG without the jargon — and apply it with confidence.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the Foundations: Trace the origin and rise of ESG and explore the framework that guides its practical application today.
- Make Sense of the Landscape: Compare ESG with CSR and SDGs, get to grips with double materiality, and decode ESG ratings.
- Think Critically About ESG: Examine the challenges, criticisms, and future direction of ESG — and what it means for your business.
How the Course Is Structured
The course includes 14 concise video lessons, a downloadable PDF slide deck, additional reading material, and a short multiple-choice exam.
You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion.
Designed to be completed in just 2–3 hours, the course is fully self-paced — making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedule.
Who This Course Is For
- 🧳 Business leaders and executives looking to understand ESG at a strategic level
- 📊 Financial professionals, advisors, and analysts navigating ESG in investment and reporting
- 🧠 Teams across risk, governance, compliance, or sustainability roles
- 🎓 Students and early-career professionals building ESG fluency
Ready to Understand ESG — Without the Noise?
This course gives you the clarity and confidence to talk ESG in your company, in your investments, and in your decision-making. Practical. Professional. On-demand.
About the Creator
Vincent McCarthy, CFA
Founder of the Responsible Investment Institute®.
With 20 years of experience in the investment industry, he is now focused on helping companies and professionals through practical, accessible education — with a fresh perspective shaped by living, working and travelling in over 40 countries.