Management of Sustainability and ESG in Companies (German course)

Research on climate change shows quite clearly that we are getting ever closer to planetary boundaries and have already exceeded them in some cases. "Business as usual" is no longer an option for forward-looking companies. Adopting net-zero strategies, incorporating ESG, and addressing pressing sustainability challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, inequality, human rights, diversity and inclusion, and local community development are among the key challenges for more and more companies. To remain viable in the future, companies must actively change and adopt circular and sustainable strategic business models.  

Decision makers, leaders and managers are now challenged to build sustainability knowledge and skills to adapt to a complex and uncertain world.  

The course Management of Sustainability and ESG in Companies is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and tools to address sustainability topics in your organization in the shortest possible time. By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive overview of sustainability strategies, a clear understanding of sustainability and ESG, and concrete next steps tailored to your organization.

Our program includes two elective modules: one for representatives from industrial companies, consulting firms, and public administration, and another specifically tailored to the needs of professionals in the financial sector.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Senior leaders and managers from industrial companies addressing sustainability issues.
• Professionals in the financial sector involved in developing or distributing sustainable financial products.
• Consultants seeking to deepen their understanding of corporate sustainability to better support their clients.
• Executives from public institutions and administration tackling sustainability at an organizational or policy-strategic level.

What will you take away from this course?

• You will develop the expertise and confidence to design and implement robust sustainability management concepts in your organization.
• You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the "business case" for sustainability beyond an ESG focus, enabling strategic competitive advantages for your organization.
• You will learn models, methods, and tools to effectively and efficiently measure, manage, and communicate sustainability within your area of responsibility.
• You will become part of an alumni community of like-minded professionals from industry, the financial sector, and public administration.
• You will receive a certificate of participation from the University of St. Gallen, protected by tamper-proof blockchain technology to ensure its authenticity.

Course structure

The program consists of four in-person days at the University of St. Gallen, divided into four modules:

• Introduction to the facets of sustainability and the relevance of purpose, sustainable governance, and ownership impact (e.g., family vs. non-family businesses)
• ESG and sustainability reporting in Switzerland and the EU
• Stakeholder management and leadership skills: internal and external communication of sustainability
• Elective module "Business Case":
  • For industrial companies, consultants, and public administration: Circular economy and supply chain law
  • For the financial sector: Development and distribution of sustainable financial products

Key elements of this program include the combination of knowledge transfer with practical application through case studies, as well as fostering exchange among participants and participation in the alumni network.

This program was jointly developed by the Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWÖ-HSG) and the Competence Center for Social Innovation (CSI-HSG).

*Please note that this course is taught exclusively in German. For English-speaking individuals, we offer a CAS program titled "Leading the Sustainability Transformation" in English.*

For more information, please switch to the German version of this site.