Module Aim & Introduction
The Sustainable Finance & Operations module explores how environmental and social criteria can be systematically integrated into financial and investment decisions.
It focuses on how organizations plan, implement and report sustainable investments under European standards (EU Taxonomy, SFDR, CSRD/ESRS).
The aim is to build a practical understanding of sustainable finance that combines economic, environmental and social perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- Understand fundamental concepts and instruments of sustainable finance
- Know EU frameworks
- Recognise key risks, opportunities and legal requirements
Skills
- Plan, implement and evaluate sustainable investments
- Analyse economic and environmental impacts
- Apply project and risk management in sustainability contexts
Autonomy & Responsibility
- Lead sustainability reporting in line with EU standards
- Ensure legal and ethical compliance
- Promote sustainability awareness in financial decision- making
Jargon Buster
- Key terms for understanding sustainable finance and operations:
- Sustainable Finance: Integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into financial decisions to foster long-term economic and ecological stability.
- ESG: The three pillars of sustainability assessment – Environmental, Social and Governance.
- EU Taxonomy: EU classification system defining when an economic activity qualifies as environmentally sustainable.
- Key terms for understanding sustainable finance and operations:
- SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation): EU regulation setting disclosure requirements for sustainable financial products (Articles 6/8/9).
- CSRD/ESRS: EU directive and standards for corporate sustainability reporting.
- Impact Investing: Investments made with the intention to generate measurable social or environmental impact alongside financial returns.
- Greenwashing: Misleading presentation of activities as “sustainable” without genuine substance.
