B4747 - Sustainability for Professionals

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand key ESG concepts and regulatory frameworks.

2. Identify how financial and non-financial sectors integrate ESG into strategy and risk management.

3. Analyze real-world sustainability practices across different industries.

4. Interpret ESG ratings and sustainability reports.

5. Recognize the role of innovation and start-ups in driving sustainable solutions.

6. Collaborate on the creation of a basic Human Capital sustainability report.

Course contents

The course addresses the topic of sustainability from an integrated perspective, combining regulatory, strategic, and operational dimensions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive view of the state of the art in ESG practices, with a focus on emerging trends in the Italian context. Through a series of sector-specific and company case studies, the following areas will be explored:

• Finance and ESG Risk Management: The course will examine how the banking and insurance sectors are evolving their risk measurement and management models to incorporate ESG factors into broader sustainable finance frameworks.

• Consulting and SMEs: The sustainability transition of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be analyzed, with particular attention to the role of consulting firms in guiding strategic adaptation and transformation processes.

• Industry and Sustainable Value Chains: Real-world examples from the agri-food, fashion, and luxury sectors will illustrate innovative approaches to sustainability along the entire value chain, emphasizing the integration of technology and ecosystem-based strategies.

• ESG Rating and Reporting: The course will present the logic and processes behind ESG evaluation by rating agencies, as well as best practices in sustainability reporting and assurance, which are essential for transparency and accountability.

• Innovation and Climate-Tech: Participants will gain insight into the climate-tech start-up ecosystem, exploring how technological innovation can serve as a practical driver of the green transition.

The program includes an interactive workshop in which participants will work in teams to develop a sustainability report focused on Human Capital disclosure.

Readings/Bibliography

Materials provided by teacher.

Teaching methods

Most of the lessons will be frontal. Online lessons will be clearly identified within the course calendar.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course, students will be required to take a consisting of writing an essay on a topic chosen from those proposed, which will cover the main subjects discussed during the various seminars.

The classroom test will last 45 minutes.

Teaching tools

Materials provided by teacher

Office hours

See the website of Giuliana Caivano