Certificate in Sustainability for Finance (Cert SF)

Sustainability is one of the burning issues of our times and is an issue that is relevant to us all, regardless of where we live or how we earn our living. As organisations are rebuilding from the pandemic, there is a growing desire for a transformative and sustainable global recovery, which is providing a fresh focus for organisations to drive forward their position in relation to sustainability.​

Accountants and finance professionals have an important part to play in helping organisations adapt to the sustainable practices required to prevent resource depletion, facilitate long term success, and build a more sustainable future. The Certificate in Sustainability for Finance will allow finance teams to gain the skills and knowledge to enable them to confidently lead on sustainability issues in their organisations.

By completing this certificate, you will be able to: ​

• explain why sustainability is important to society, to organisations, and to finance professionals
• evaluate business value chains, business models and business practices for sustainability and related issues
• define climate change risks and the associated financial implications, and understand the reporting frameworks for climate risk disclosures ​
• explain the UN SDGs, their significance for organisations in terms of risks and opportunities and the definitions of impact
• explain why ESG issues are important for your organisation and evaluate processes and systems for collecting, analysing and reporting ESG information​
• explain why sustainability analytics is important for your organisation and evaluate the approach for compiling, analysing and interpreting ESG data.

• Approximately 20 hours of self-paced interactive learning
• The certificate is made up of five courses: 
  • An introduction to sustainability for finance professionals
  • Climate risk and reporting for finance professionals
  • Sustainable Development Goals and their impact for finance professionals 
  • ESG performance and metrics for finance professionals
  • Sustainability analytics for finance professionals 
• Complete all five courses and pass the assessment to gain your certificate and digital badge to show your knowledge.
• The assessment comprises 25 questions and has a 50% pass mark. There are three attempts allowed.

This certificate is open for global registration. However, learners in Hong Kong should be aware, this programme is eligible under the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme. Programme code: GTP-372230. Please note that only the full certificate is eligible, not ‘An introduction to sustainability for finance professionals’ which is available for individual purchase.