Sustainable Banking
| Module title | Sustainable Banking |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEF2028DA |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 70 |
|---|
Module description
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) issues now form an integral part of decision-making by organisations and investors alike. This module amalgamates theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and policy insights to elucidate the sustainability challenges associated with banking institutions and corporate investments. You will examine the principles and practices of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into banking operations. Hereby, you will get introduced to a variety of ESG issues such as carbon emissions, pollution, biodiversity and climate change. You will learn on how to integrate these factors effectively into the banking and financial sectors and explore strategies for promoting sustainable finance, managing climate-related risks, and supporting responsible investment decisions.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to comprehend and implement crucial sustainability principles within a banking organization and corporate finance context. It will explore how banking professionals can support the achievement of the Paris Agreement, UN SDGs, and other sustainable goals, w through working with their clients and customers. We will base our learning process on recent research insights for a sound theoretical foundation. You will learn how ESG topics like climate change, pollution and biodiversity can pose significant risks for both organizations and investors and discuss potential strategies for risk mitigation. You will further gain a deep understanding of green and sustainable products and services in the banking sector; and the role of the banking sector and banking professionals in the process of transitioning into a low-carbon world.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Understand the key dimensions of green and sustainable banking and finance, including its principles, frameworks, and market developments.
- 2. Explain the role of banking sector, their clients and customers in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
- 3. Assess the role of responsible banking practices in retail, commercial, and corporate finance to support sustainability goals.
- 4. Analyse the key policy, regulatory, and market frameworks relevant to green and sustainable finance
- 5. Examine risk management approaches in sustainable banking, including climate risk, environmental risk, and financial resilience.
- 6. Explore the structure, significance, and growing impact of green and sustainable bonds in financing environmental projects.
- 7. Evaluate various sustainability frameworks and standards, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines.
- 8. Investigate emerging trends in green digital finance and the future of sustainable banking in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Evaluate the role of banking institutions and professionals in aligning finance with societys sustainability goals.
- 10. Understand international, national, and financial sector responses to building a sustainable financial system.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 11. Develop awareness on the integration of finance and banking with ESG factors and goals
- 12. Make reasoned judgements and take leadership initiative about issues of sustainability within organisation
Syllabus plan
Indicative topics:
- The concept and relevance of key sustainability terms.
- Concepts of Green and sustainable finance.
- The role of stakeholders involved in building a sustainable finance system.
- The green and sustainable banking products, services, and digital tools available in the retail and corporate banking sectors.
- The challenges and opportunities of green and sustainable finance.
- Action plans and implementation strategies of transition to a low-carbon economy
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 270 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 30 | Masterclasses (in-person and online) |
| Guided independent study | 270 | Research, reading contents on ELE, assessment preparation and web-based activities including external resources if applicable. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied exercises/online quizzes/case analysis | variable | 1-12 | Online feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 20 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly online quiz | 20 | Weekly online MCQ quiz for five weeks | 1-12 | Marks and correct answer explained. |
| Coursework assignment | 80 | 3500-word report | 1-12 | Marks and individual feedback (written). |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ exam | 20%, 50 questions | 1-12 | In line with university regulations |
| Coursework assignment | 80%, 3500-word written assignment | 1-12 | In line with university regulations |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
?
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Recommended Text:
- Thompson, S. (2023). Green and Sustainable Finance: Principles and Practice in Banking, Investment and Insurance. Kogan Page Publishers.
- Schoenmaker, D., & Schramade, W. (2018). Principles of sustainable finance. Oxford University Press.
- Gaganis, C., Pasiouras, F., Tasiou, M., and Zopounidis, C (2023). Sustainable Finance and ESG: Risk, Management, Regulations, and Implications for Financial Institutions. Springer Books.
- Smits, R. (2024). Sustainable Finance and Climate Change: Law and Regulation. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Supplementary text:
- Cato, M. S. (2022). Sustainable Finance: Using the Power of Money to Change the World. Palgrave Macmillan
- Edmans, A. (2020). Grow the pie: How great companies deliver both purpose and profit. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Other resources:
ELE – Web-based and electronic resources will be posted and made available throughout the module.
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 13/05/2025 |