Important Update:
Please note this knowledge hub is being migrated to the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group (CASG) website. Any future updates of this page will be made directly at the CASG website.
You may visit the latest GSF Knowledge Hub here.
This page contains information of international and local training on green and sustainable related subjects. It was identified and compiled by the GSF Centre’s Capacity Building Working Group based on industry practice and is not exhaustive. The GSF Centre will review and update the page on an ongoing basis.
* Suggestions and feedback are welcome. Please send them to the e-mail address: hkcgsf@hkma.gov.hk.
(in alphabetical order by training provider/certificate awarding body name)
Training/Certificate |
Brief introduction of the training/certificate |
Fees charged | Training duration |
---|---|---|---|
Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) |
The AIGCC Climate Change Training for Investors provides online courses covering the fundamentals of climate change science and global commitments; financial impacts and regulatory risks; TCFD framework and reporting; and integration of climate risks and opportunities in investment strategies. |
Upon request |
~60-120 minutes depending on courses |
CFA Institute |
The CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing offers both practical application and technical knowledge in the fast-growing field of ESG investing — an opportunity to both accelerate progress and demonstrate purpose. Syllabus Topics
|
USD 795 |
130 study hours (average) |
Chartered Institute for securities and investment & Chartered Banker Institute |
The level 4 Green and Sustainable Finance Certificate is the first global, benchmark qualification for the green finance sector. It has been updated for 2020 to encompass broader aspects of sustainability, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
|
GBP595 |
130 study hours (average) |
Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) |
The CBI's Green Bond Training provides an overview of how this market has developed, where it stands, its structure, its main stakeholders, as well as the benefits for all the actors involved, and the necessary steps to issue a green bond. It comprises four modules with structured theory, case studies, experience sharing, and practical exercises, including:
|
GBP 540 (Special rates are available for groups of three or more people. For group registrations, please contact us at training@climatebonds.net.) |
7.5 hours/1 Full Day of learning Online: three sessions of 2.5 interactive hours each In-person: Full day with interactive exercises and discussions |
Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) |
This course provides an international overview of global taxonomy developments based on Climate Bonds' experience developing its taxonomy and supporting other significant classification systems worldwide. This course aims at helping participants better understand these tools, their usage, and structure and to help policymakers and the regulatory community reflect on the pertinence of taxonomies. Learning modules include:
|
GBP 480 (Special rates are available for groups of three or more people. For group registrations, please contact us at training@climatebonds.net.) |
6 hours/1 Full Day of learning Online: two sessions of 3 interactive hours each In-person: Full day with interactive exercises and discussions |
Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) Deep Dive in Verification and Certification (online/ in-person) |
This course gives: i) an overview of the green bond market, ii) an examination of the green bond framework, labelling, and standards, iii) an of criteria and their influence and iv) a round of taxonomies and criteria relevant to the Climate Bonds Standard. |
GBP 480 (Special rates are available for groups of three or more people. For group registrations, please contact us at training@climatebonds.net.) |
6 hours/1 Full Day of learning Online: two sessions of 3 interactive hours each In-person: Full day with interactive exercises and discussions |
Columbia Business School |
This seven-week online program covers diverse aspects of sustainable investments, focusing on tools and techniques for the effective financial valuation and risk assessment of sustainable asset classes. Key Takeaways from the course, after completion a participant will be able to:
|
USD2,600 |
7 weeks |
European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) |
The Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) is a pioneering initiative, in the field of ESG first launched in 2014, aimed to provide the necessary training for the efficient Valuation, Measurement and Integration of ESG issues into investment analysis. The general objective is to make accessible to participants the importance of ESG issues in investment processes. On completing the programme students should know how to and understand:
Friends of the Earth(HK) has been appointed as EFFAS’ Exclusive Partner who help administer the EFFAS CESGA programme in Asia Pacific Region. |
Euro 1,500 - Online Exam |
80 to 120 study hours (average) |
Global Association of Risk Professionals |
Launched in 2020, the Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate was developed in collaboration with senior risk practitioners, climate experts, and sustainability professionals. The SCR is designed for individuals interested in understanding climate change and the potential risks, regulatory initiatives, reporting requirements and green finance instruments associated with it. Successful completion of the SCR Certificate will empower candidates to help their organizations navigate the potential economic and operational impacts of a changing climate and related risks on their organizations. The SCR exam covers the following topics and themes:
|
USD525 – USD750 depending on registration timing (early bird/standard) and prior relationship with GARP (non-member, member, certified FRM/ERP): Early bird non-member: USD650 Early bird member: USD550 Early bird certified FRM/ERP: USD525 Standard non-member: USD750 Standard member: USD650 Standard certified FRM/ERP: USD625 |
100-130 study hours (average) |
Global Reporting Initiative |
Learn about the GRI Standards and their use in sustainability reporting by joining our Professional Certification Program. With two flexible learning routes to choose from - online self-paced (Route A) or blended (Route B) - the program provides a unique opportunity to gain expertise and global recognition in sustainability reporting with the GRI Standards. |
EUR1,250 |
17 study hours (average) |
Harvard Extension School Introduction to Sustainable Finance and Investments (online) |
This course studies finance and sustainability as integrated subjects beginning with an introduction of financial and investment principles and moving through financial analysis, financing, and valuation. The course covers diverse aspects of sustainable investments and offers tools for effective financial valuation and risk assessment. |
Undergraduate credit: USD495 per credit Graduate credit: USD775 per credit Noncredit status: USD375 per credit |
3.5 months |
International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Introduction to Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS) Bonds (livestreamed) |
The course aims at helping participants better understand the mechanics of green, social and sustainability bonds, from the big picture policy context to the underlying drivers of market development, main product features and regulation. The course discusses the Green and Social Bond Principles, the Sustainability Bond Guidelines and the new Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles and explains how they work in practice, including evaluation and selection of eligible projects for funding, the role of external reviewers and guidance on reporting. The course is illustrated with examples from the market, and includes quiz questions for each module. Syllabus Topics:
|
Members: EUR 1,150 + VAT (if applicable) Non-members: EUR 1,650 + VAT (if applicable) |
24 hours recommended (with two 3.5 hour live sessions) |
International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Introduction to Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS) Bonds (online) |
The course aims at helping participants better understand the mechanics of green, social and sustainability bonds, from the big picture policy context to the underlying drivers of market development, main product features and regulation. The course discusses the Green and Social Bond Principles, the Sustainability Bond Guidelines and the new Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles and explains how they work in practice, including evaluation and selection of eligible projects for funding, the role of external reviewers and guidance on reporting. The course is illustrated with examples from the market, and includes quiz questions for each module. Syllabus Topics:
|
Members: EUR 950 + VAT (if applicable) Non-members: EUR 1,200 + VAT (if applicable) |
6 weeks recommended |
International Capital Market Association (ICMA) |
This course is designed for professionals who already have a reasonable understanding of fixed income but need to know more about the theory and real market application of sustainable bonds and all the ICMA principles (green, social, sustainability and sustainability linked), coupled with the rapidly evolving global policy, taxonomies, and other relevant regulation. The course offers practical examples, case studies and presentations from leading market participants (e.g., investors, external reviewers and issuers) to enhance learning. Candidates must pass a exam for certification and programme recognition. Syllabus Topics:
|
Members: EUR 3,450 + VAT (if applicable) Non-members: EUR 4,490 + VAT (if applicable) |
50 hours recommended (with eight 3.5 hour live sessions) |
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) |
Provides online training for investment and related professionals on how ESG issues impact company performance, shareholder value and investment decision making. |
Around GBP120-700 |
~90 minutes- 15 hours depending on courses |
SOAS University of London |
This course introduces students to the role of finance in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Mitigating and adapting to climate change while simultaneously realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the deployment of large amounts of capital – capital which isn’t currently provided in sufficient amounts. Moreover, climate change poses significant risk to economies and financial systems alike. At the same time, there are substantial opportunities in financing the green transformation and in aligning investments and finance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. |
GBP1,600 |
2 weeks |
University of Cambridge |
This programme has been designed to help business professionals understand the growing business case for sustainable solutions and what the future of business looks like with sustainability in mind. As a participant, you will also learn how to manage and lead a sustainable business by incorporating circular economy principles into your strategies to support sustainable growth. By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
|
USD2,095 |
6 weeks |
University of Cambridge |
The University of Cambridge Sustainable Finance online short course offers insight into the role of finance in creating a more sustainable and resilient global economy. Over eight weeks, you’ll learn about the pressures and trends affecting the current financial system and investigate the strategic business implications of these social and environmental challenges. You’ll also discover how sustainable finance can open up exciting new opportunities and strategically drive long-term business returns. |
GBP2,200 |
8 weeks online, 6–8 hours per week |
University of Cambridge (Institute of Sustainable Leadership) Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions (online) |
This online short course investigates the business risks and opportunities of climate change from a number of angles. You’ll explore the need to broaden the definition of value to include other forms of capital, the importance of policy and partnership in driving effective change, and the leadership competencies necessary to lead this change. The course starts with a grounding in how the changing climate impacts business, the vision of a net zero future, and the demand to repurpose the economic system. You’ll discover what it means to collaborate over and lead a transition to net zero emissions, investigate real-world decarbonisation success stories, and explore the role that technological and behavioural innovation and design can play in creating a net zero future. Finally, you’ll uncover your own potential role in leading this transition in an increasingly volatile and disruptive world. Throughout the course, a combination of up-to-date research, practical examples of successful initiatives, and interactive components will help you apply key insights to your own context. Skills to be obtained:
|
GBP2,200 |
8 weeks |
University of Oxford |
The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme takes an executive-level perspective on business sustainability, looking beyond traditional views of measuring business performance to introduce new methods for recognising corporate value and reporting on sustainable practices. Develop the skills needed to drive carbon management efforts, while formulating effective key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring your corporation’s environmental impact and dependency on natural, social, and human capital. Over six weeks, you’ll gain access to expert insights and leading research from across the University of Oxford, enabling you to develop a personal plan for change to promote meaningful sustainability strategies in your organisation. On completion of this programme, you'll walk away with:
|
GBP1,900 |
6 weeks |
University of Oxford |
This programme helps you build and negotiate multi-sector partnerships and combine capital sources. You will learn directly from world leaders in blended finance, showing you how they structure deals to achieve large scale positive impact.The pandemic, global recession, climate change and shifting geopolitics require new collaborative and creative ways to use capital. The Oxford Social Finance Programme helps you understand the range of sources for capital, and how to deploy and combine them. These include:
Over this six week programme you will:
|
GBP7,500 |
5 days |
(in alphabetical order by training provider/certificate awarding body name)
Training/Certificate |
Brief introduction of the training/certificate |
Fees charged |
Training duration |
---|---|---|---|
HKGFA-HKFSI Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance (Mandarin) (in-person) |
課程旨在通過課堂培訓、互動交流、案例分析等不同的課程形式促進參加者了解可持續和綠色金融的全球框架;ESG標準、框架和報告;可持續金融?品的基本原理;將ESG納入風險管理的基本原理;及碳市場、碳金融和世界以及中國的自願碳排放市場的最新發展。 課程設置:
|
HKD15,000 (HKGFA成員機構/HKFSI合作協會會員及校友/課程支持機構可享折扣價 HKD13,500) |
3 days |
HKGFA-HKUST |
The program provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable and green finance in Asia, including the regulatory landscape, sustainable financing products, ESG integration and climate risk management to achieve net zero targets.
|
HKD15,000 (HKUST alumni or HKGFA members are offered with a discounted rate of HKD13,500) |
3 days |
HKIB |
This course provides an introduction to ESG initiatives in banking and equip participants with knowledge needed to support them in value creation for a sustainable business model. Learners will gain the following knowledge after completion of the course:
|
HKD800 |
3 hours |
HKIB |
The course provides comprehensive knowledge, skills and understanding relating to financial business in a digital age and the full spectrum of green and sustainable finance, including but not limited to current market trend, strategic management, and climate-related risk mitigation as part of the transformation to a low-carbon and sustainable world. This course provides the following knowledge:
|
HKD5,200 |
15 hours |
HKSI Institute |
This course consists of two modules which provide a high-level overview of the concepts on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and socially responsible investing (SRI). |
HKD420 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course consists of two modules, which discuss ESG investing, identifying key drivers of its uptake and exploring the characteristics of ethical investors; as well as defining ESG factors and explores case studies that illustrate their impact on companies and investment returns. |
HKD665 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course consists of three modules, including topics on defining ESG investing strategies and discussing their selection and implementation, as well as scenarios that examine how to work with retail and institutional clients to implement ESG investing. |
HKD665 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course consists of three modules on green bonds and social bonds, providing an overview of these products and other green assets/sustainable instruments, discussing the emerging global standards, as well as exploring the contemporary green bond market. |
HKD665 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course provides an overview of impact investing and the key challenges it faces and opportunities it provides. |
HKD445 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course provides an overview of the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and its implications for financial firms. |
HKD420 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course provides an overview of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and key global reporting guidelines and standards. |
HKD445 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course provides an overview of climate risk and explores how financial institutions are assessing and managing it. |
HKD420 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course discusses the trends and market landscape of climate investments, the goals of the Paris Agreement, what is being done, and what can and must be done to address this climate emergency. |
HKD700 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course covers the basics of sustainable finance, including the sustainable development goals (SDGs), environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, and the ESG index, with opportunities to dive deeper into ESG issues and their impact. |
HKD700 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This course provides an introduction to the global perspectives of sustainable development concepts and trends. The corporate performance, stakeholder expectations and sustainability strategy are also presented, along with the understanding of global risks and integration of sustainability development goals. |
HKD700 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute ESG Data - Pain Points and Investment Opportunities (online) |
This eSeminar is a recorded session of the joint webinar with GoImpact Capital Partners held on 11 November 2021. This eSeminar discusses diverse perspectives as well as practical cases of initiatives and hands-on experiences from one of the largest digital banks in China and a major consulting giant. |
HKD600 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKSI Institute |
This eSeminar is a recorded session of the webinar held on 17 November 2021. This eSeminar discusses the Paris climate agreement, China's green finance initiatives, how Covid-19 accelerated ESG investing and climate finance, green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds, and Russia's carbon neutrality plan. |
HKD400 |
N/A (Self-paced) |
HKU SPACE Certificate for Module (Corporate Climate Competence and Carbon Management) |
The programme familiarizes participants with physical implications of climate change and links them to the policy and technical debates on climate action. Sessions will examine top-level climate action related to the Paris Climate Agreement and explore the resulting responsibilities that climate action brings to governments, companies and individuals. |
HKD7,500 |
12 weeks |
HKU SPACE |
課程旨在教授學員認識綠色金融及社會責任投資(SRI)的概念,了解綠色金融及社會責任投資的發展趨勢,介紹有關SRI及綠色金融的投資產品及洞悉其投資價值。此外,本課程亦會指導學員就有關SRI及綠色金融的投資產品進行分析及選擇。 |
HKD5,500 |
30 hours |
PolyU CEE |
This course provides an overview of the current state of science and debates in global climate change, with a view to developing ability to critically examine the complicated scientific, political, and social issues related to global climate change. |
N/A |
12 weeks (approximate) |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University GSF courses under Master of Science in Sustainable Technology for Carbon Neutrality |
The MSc programme is designed to equip students with up-to-date scientific and technological knowledge in addressing environmental concerns, and to develop students’ ability in implementing latest scientific and management tools for addressing corporate’s needs for achieving Net Zero goal. The programme, by including the following finance-related subjects, also fills in the knowledge gap of science/engineering students in green and sustainable finance.
|
HKD5,700 per credit for local and non-local students |
Full-time: 1 year |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Master of Finance (Financial Economics in Energy and Environment) |
This master programme is designed for degree graduates who would like to specialise in the energy and environment areas of the financial industry. This specialism is built on solid economic and finance foundations and provides students with up-to-date business and financial information on the development of energy and environment markets. |
HKD270,000 |
1 year |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
This course provides an overview and understanding of the principles and current practices of environmental impact assessment (EIA). In particular, emphasis will be placed on environmental impact assessment studies relevant to Hong Kong. |
N/A |
12 weeks (approximate) |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Environmental Management Systems and Audit |
This course provides an overview and practical skills related Environmental Management System (EMS) and the implementation process, particularly on the ISO14001 EMS standard. It also introduces environmental auditing principles and the practical skills of conducting various environmental audits. |
N/A |
12 weeks (approximate) |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
This course provides an overview and understanding of the theories and current practices in sustainable development, with an emphasis on the global perspective and environmental and energy planning. This course will equip students with a sound knowledge to appreciate water-energy-climate nexus and social responsibilities at private citizen, corporate, and governmental levels. |
N/A |
12 weeks (approximate) |
(in alphabetical order by training provider/certificate awarding body name)
Training/Certificate |
Brief introduction of the training/certificate |
Training duration |
---|---|---|
Coursera & Technical University of Denmark |
From a decision-maker's perspective, this course focuses on analysing ethical challenges associated with environmental dilemmas and application of different decision making tools relevant to environmental management and regulation. |
Approx 13 hours |
Coursera & University of Colorado |
This course looks at the major issues companies are facing - climate change, water, worker satisfaction and supply chain issues, as well as tools to help companies address these issues. |
Approx 12 hours |
Coursera & University of Copenhagen "The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future" |
This course gives a historical overview of how sustainability has been understood, as well as a thorough introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how the SDGs are relevant for the management of the global systems supporting humanity. |
Approx 10 hours |
Coursera & University of Virginia |
This course discusses the emergence of a new story about business, explaining how profits and stakeholder value would go together, and building on ideas such as corporate responsibility, philanthropy, shared value and sustainability. |
Approx 5 hours |
Coursera & Yonsei University Sustainable Development in the 21st Century with Ban Ki-moon |
The course focuses on the latest development agenda the international community agreed to achieve by 2030 (Agenda 2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an introduction on the main concepts and foundation behind the SDGs for people, prosperity and planet, peace and partnership. The course will also explore the way forward and provide channels that the young generation can participate to integrate the SDGs in the policy-making process. |
Approx 16 hours |
The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) |
This course introduces the role of finance in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, including discussions on the risks posed by climate change to economies and financial systems, and the substantial opportunities in financing the green transformation and in aligning investments and finance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. |
Approx 10 hours |
Disclaimer: Inclusion in the page does not indicate endorsement by the GSF Centre or any member of the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group on any part(s) of the design and content of the relevant trainings, assurance on their quality, nor fulfilment under any professional standards. We also do not guarantee nor verify the accuracy of any part(s) of the training details. For most up-to-date information, please refer to the websites of the corresponding training providers.