Content

• Introduction to Sustainability : This topic provides an overview of definitions of the key sustainability crises of our time (climate change; biodiversity loss; inequality, social issues etc.), explanation of commonly used tools and frameworks; and how ESG information is used by stakeholders.
• The environmental, social impact of business and new governance models. This topic provides an overview of

innovative practices to assess global climate and social challenges by the companies. New governance models reflect the new realities.  The needs of stakeholders are identified through qualitative research and models of governance structure are compared.

• Sustainability and ESG assessments begins with explaining why and how environmental and social issues can be recognized as a financial risk and opportunity.  Key environmental and social issues relevant for business organization are identified.  The implementation of robust data processes, controls and metrics to monitor ESG performance in collaboration with sustainability experts is explained.
• Analyzing, interpreting and applying sustainability results introduces how non-financial topics could impact on business’ performance and provides an overview of  identification of key SDG data sources and tools to support organization’s sustainability analytics.  The application of data analytics principles to sustainability information is discussed, as well as the application of professional skepticism to sustainability assessment results
• Leadership in sustainability highlines the importance of the leadership role to successfully complete sustainability projects. Coverage includes how to engage peers and company management in sustainable projects, how to coach and instruct sustainability across an organization, and how to communicate to a variety of audiences.
• Sustainability audit and assurance describes that sustainability audit and assurance is an independent review of the company’s internal sustainability processes and is used to increase the robustness, accuracy and reliability of information in sustainability reports for users in their decision-making.
• The concept of corporate governance is outlined as well as the relevance of governance for firm performance and long term value creation are explained. Not only financial performance, but also aspects of business ethics are discussed.
• The various possible governance mechanisms are explained. The specific roles of the different governance mechanisms are addressed: the board, the different possible committees (audit committee, renumeration committee, governance committee), the role of the CEO (executive compensation), the role of the external auditor in the governance landscape. Furthermore, the impact of the ownership structure is studied.
• The legal framework of corporate governance is discussed in both Anglo-Saxon, European and Belgian contexts.  The different requirements for listed companies (financial and non-financial companies) and non-listed companies are discussed.

Course material

The material provided on Toledo (slides, articles, exercises) is the principal study material, as well as the notes taken during the lectures.

Format: more information

Discussion - Paper - Poster presentation

As part of the lectures, teams of students present their work, going together with discussion and debate in class.