ESG Foundations in Real Assets

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

In board rooms, c-suites, and corporate compliance, ESG is now a dominant topic in financial success, public policy, and strategic mission. As part of their mandates, corporate officers and entrepreneurs must understand the broad nuances of ESG and integrate its aspects into their planning and core work. According to International Energy Agency, buildings and building construction sectors combined are responsible for 30% of total global energy consumption and 27% of total energy sector emissions. With investors setting ambitious net zero goals, regulators developing ESG reporting standards, governments passing laws around greenhouse gas emissions, ESG is climbing to the top of the agenda of real asset corporations and their investors, lenders, and insurers. This course investigates what ESG means for real assets, dives into applicable Environmental “E”, Social “S” and Governance “G” concepts, factors, and metrics. Under each pillar, topics material to real assets will be discussed in detail with examples of how each key topic applies to real asset sectors and regions around the world. Investor perspectives in each topic will also be explored.