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HomeEducationFundamentals in Sustainable and Impact InvestingFall/Winter Fundamentals Course (Online)

Fall/Winter Fundamentals Course (Online)

Speakers

  • Jennifer Coombs, Head of Content & Development (US SIF)

  • Lorraine Wilson, Founder (Blue Horizon Economy)

  • Sarah Adams, Co-Founder & Chief Sustainability Officer (Vert Asset Management)

  • Eddie Deschapelles, Professor, (Georgetown University)

  • Roisin Casey, Policy Associate (US SIF)

Subject to Change

About

The Fundamentals of Sustainable Investing course, offered by US SIF, is a practical and accessible introduction to the rapidly growing field of sustainable and impact investing. Designed for financial advisors, planners, analysts, students, and other professionals, the course equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to understand ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, evaluate sustainable investment strategies, and integrate them into client portfolios. Taught by experienced practitioners, the course covers key topics such as ESG data analysis, portfolio construction, regulatory and policy trends, and effective client communication. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, this program provides actionable insights and real-world applications you can use immediately.

Agenda

Summary:

  • Format: A single, four-hour live webinar offered via Zoom.

  • CE Credits: 3 CE credit hours for the CFP plus other designations

  • Materials: Access to presentation slides after the session ends, plus a certificate of completion.

  • Key Focus Areas: Practical ESG data analysis, understanding regulatory developments, navigating industry trends, and applying sustainable investing strategies.

Course Outline:

Welcome & Introductions

  • Program overview and logistics

  • About US SIF & the US SIF Foundation

  • Course goals and expected outcomes

Module I — Financial Advisor Roadmap: Integrating Sustainable Investing into Client Practices

  • Introduction: Why Sustainable Investing Matters for Advisors

  • Understanding the ESG Integration Journey

  • ESG Client Discovery & Engagement

  • Matching Strategies to Client Needs

  • Advisor-Focused Best Practices

  • Interactive Exercise: ESG Discovery Simulation

  • Deliverables & Takeaways

Module II — Approaches to ESG & Portfolio Construction

  • Core ESG strategies: positive/best-in-class, exclusionary, integration, thematic, and impact investing

  • Applying ESG across asset classes: equities, fixed income, alternatives, and real estate

  • ESG materiality mapping group exercise

Module III — Shareowner Advocacy

  • Proxy voting and shareholder engagement

  • Filing shareholder resolutions and recent SEC updates

  • Success stories: environmental, social, and governance wins

  • Advisor resources for advocacy

Module IV — ESG Data & Performance Studies

  • Understanding ESG ratings and scores

  • Evaluating ESG’s impact on financial performance

  • Linking strategies to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Module V — Public Policy & Regulatory Updates

  • Federal and state-level ESG regulatory updates

  • Global policy trends and frameworks: SFDR, CSRD, and international disclosure standards

Module VI — Client Engagement & Best Practices

  • In this section, we invite a financial advisor, wealth manager, or someone who actively consults with these groups to offer their unique perspective and recommendations on client engagement and best practices. It is an opportunity for those in the industry to learn from their peers and exchange ideas about engagement techniques and answer questions regarding potential challenges in their practices. This is an offering unique to US SIF and its member groups.

Closing & Next Steps

  • Q&A session

Schedule Details:

Agenda Item

Time (EST)

Welcome & Introduction

1:00 – 1:05 PM

Module I: Overview of Sustainable Investing

1:05 – 1:40 PM

Module II: ESG & Portfolio Construction

1:40 – 2:15 PM

10-min Break #1

2:15 – 2:25 PM

Module III: Shareowner Advocacy

2:25 – 2:55 PM

Module IV: Performance Studies and ESG Data

2:55 – 3:30 PM

10-min Break #2

3:30 – 3:40 PM

Module V: Public Policy & Regulatory Environment

3:40 – 4:00 PM

Module VI: Special Guest Lecture

4:00 – 4:40 PM

Closing Remarks & Wrap-up

4:40 – 4:45 PM

Q&A / Buffer time

4:40 – 5:00 PM

15 October 2025
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Via Zoom
Member ($200)
Non-member ($250)
Student ($100)