Corporate managers frequently make decisions on how to support and maximize the value of the firm. Financial decisions must now also increasingly factor in sustainability considerations for ongoing commercial and societal success. This course will cover key topics and issues at the sustainability/investment nexus through an applied and case-oriented approach.
We will review the concept of sustainability and focus on how the corporate manager can make investments that are sustainable and create economic value over the long term. After all, an investment is only sustainable if it creates value. The term "sustainability-related investments" will refer to investments that are focused on human, social, and environmental factors. We will discuss the main environmental, social and governance (ESG) measurement methodologies and provide insight on how ESG ratings may help investors identify, understand and measure financially material ESG risks (and opportunities).
The main purpose of the course is to acquire practical business skills, and to be able to perform project valuation and investment analysis keeping the sustainability/investment nexus in mind. Economics and finance professionals mainly view investments in terms of costs, benefits, cash flows, and risks. Building on knowledge about capital budgeting and project analysis we will consider the specific assumptions and factors that needs to be included in the valuation of sustainability-related investments.