SUSTAINABILITY COURSE AND PROGRAMME
SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS
In the rapidly evolving hospitality sector, sustainability expertise is no longer optional—it’s essential. GREEN Hospitality’s selection of sustainability courses and programs equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change, blending Hong Kong’s innovative approaches with global best practices. From carbon neutrality strategies to ESG integration, these offerings cater to diverse career stages and specialties.
Explore programs designed for deep technical mastery, or tailored for strategic decision-makers. Whether you’re advancing green finance literacy or mastering sustainability reporting frameworks, these programs empower you to lead with credibility, transform operations, and contribute to a net-zero future. Elevate your impact with education that bridges theory, practice, and cross-cultural insights—essential for tomorrow’s sustainable hospitality leaders.
SECTION ONE: LOCAL COURSES/CERTIFICATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY
2.1 Sustainable hospitality courses/certification
I
Certificate in ESG Specialisation for the Hotel Industry
Provider: Matters Academy, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Hotels Association
Description: This course focuses on the fundamentals of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability concepts, with practical applications in the hotel industry.
II
Certificate for Module (Sustainability Professionals)
Provider: HKU SPACE
Description: Designed for professionals working on ESG planning, this program covers corporate sustainability, environmental and social issues, and the business case for sustainable development.
III
Certificate for Module (Climate Action Professionals)
Provider: HKU SPACE
Description: The programme aims to enable students to: gain an in-depth understanding of the climate change challenges and evaluate the impact of the climate crisis on society, corporate performance and the economy. Understand key climate mitigation and adaptation options; enhance personal effectiveness on making a difference on climate change in personal life and in the local community; gain an in-depth understanding on the policy options available for Hong Kong.
IV
Green Technology and Sustainability Programmes
Provider: HKU SPACE
Description: Offers a range of part-time and full-time programs focusing on green technology and sustainability, including areas like building services and ESG.
V
Master of Science in Sustainable Technology for Carbon Neutrality
Provider: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
This programme aims to provide graduates with systematic hands-on training to tackle challenging and dynamic global issues related to carbon auditing, green financing, carbon management and sustainable/renewable energy. Such training will enable graduates to meet the increasing local and national demand for qualified professionals in the field of carbon neutrality.
VI
Green Technology and Sustainability Programmes
Provider: HKU SPACE
Description: Offers a range of part-time and full-time programs focusing on green technology and sustainability, including areas like building services and ESG.
VII
Executive Certificate in ESG Planning (Certified ESG Planner CEP)
Provider: The Hong Kong Management Association
Description: Certified ESG Planner CEP® is a trademark granted by the International Chamber of Sustainable Development (ICSD)* and registered with the United Nations SDGs Knowledge Platform. (Registration No.: 39533). This designation can be used after your name and aims to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to cope with the most pressing ESG issues in our world. CEP® holders are able to address sustainability problems and provide suitable advisory services.
VIII
Sustainability programme and courses
Provider: City University of Hong Kong
Description: Our curriculum prepares students to become creative and contributing members of society competent in responding to the sustainability challenges. CityU offers majors and minors at undergraduate and postgraduate levels on sustainability issues and will continue to develop new programmes with sustainability elements, for example, biomedical/food management sciences, sustainable policy, etc.
1.2 Green finance courses/certification
I
Certificate for Module (Wealth Accumulation Series: Green Finance and Socially Responsible Investing) (Cantonese only)
Provider: HKU SPACE
Description: The course aims to teach participants the concepts of green finance and socially responsible investment (SRI), understand the development trend of green finance and SRI, introduce investment products related to SRI and green finance and gain insights into their investment value. In addition, this course will guide participants to analyze and select investment products related to SRI and green finance. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to select suitable investment products for strategic investment deployment.
II
Professional Certificate Programme in Sustainability and ESG Reporting
Provider: CUHK Business School
Description: The programme is designed in accordance with the Hong Kong Qualification Framework Level 6 on the Qualifications Register (QR). Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for course and unit exemptions with reference to the Graduate School’s Policy on Course and Unit Exemptions for Postgraduate Students. The application is subject to approval from the CUHK Graduate Division of Business Administration and the Graduate School.
III
Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance (Mandarin) (in-person) 綠色及可持續金融高級研修班
Provider: Hong Kong Green Finance Association and Hong Kong Financial Services Institution
Description: Hong Kong Green Finance Association and Hong Kong Financial Services Institute are pleased to announce the 6th cohort for the Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance programme. Through this comprehensive Mandarin course, you can learn about the current green finance landscape and related products, including topics covering relevant standards and certifications, green bonds, the carbon market, carbon trading, carbon taxes, and carbon accounting, as well as carbon neutrality-driven transformation and the relationship between climate risks and economic stability.
IV
Certificate in Sustainable Finance (in-person)
Provider: Hong Kong Green Finance Institution and HKUST
Description: Climate change is a pressing global issue requiring every effort to combat the environmental challenges our world faces. Sustainable finance and investing plays a pivotal role in directing capital towards projects and assets that deliver positive environmental and social impact in the transition towards a climate resilient and sustainable future. As a leading green and sustainable financial hub, Hong Kong can contribute to the world’s effort and support the global transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable economy. Hong Kong Green Finance Association and HKUST Business School Executive Education Office are pleased to run the Certificate in Sustainable Finance program. The program supports the Hong Kong SAR Government’s drive to build and develop ESG talent and upskill the next generation of sustainable finance professionals. The program provides unique access to learn from industry experts and academia on the Asian sustainable finance landscape, sustainable financing products, ESG integration and climate risk management to achieve net zero targets. Program participants will benefit from joining the HKGFA-HKUST alumni network, providing access to ongoing training and networking opportunities.
V
Provider: The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers
Description “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)” module is under the B.E.S.T. certificate programme, which addresses the four talent gap areas, “Banking Knowledge in the Greater Bay Area (GBA)”, “Soft Skills” and “Technology & Data” and ESG. B.E.S.T. supports HKMA’s Banking Graduate Trainee Programme. The ESG module is a short 3-hour introduction on climate change across emerging markets
VI
Green Finance and Sustainability Certificate (hybrid)
Provider: The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers
Description: Green Finance and Sustainability is an independent module under the Certified Banker (CB) Programme. Learners who have successfully completed the 15-hour training and respective examination would be awarded a Certificate of Achievement (Green Finance and Sustainability) and can continue their learning journey to obtain a CB professional qualification
VII
ESG Investing - Part 1 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: Traditionally, investors have been concerned with one thing: financial returns. But in recent decades, many investors have begun to move beyond purely financial considerations. More and more, investors are considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions.This practice is known as socially responsible investing (SRI). It is also sometimes known as ESG investing, ethical investing, responsible investing, green investing, and many other names. Broadly speaking, SRI means pursuing an investment strategy that considers both financial returns and broader social and environmental impacts
VIII
ESG Investing - Part 2 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
ESG investing – sometimes also known as socially responsible investing (SRI), responsible investing, green investing, ethical investing, and so on – has experienced explosive growth in recent years. Both institutional and retail investors have turned to ESG investing to enhance returns and reduce risk. Passive investment instruments have accelerated the shift to responsible investment, and a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of ESG investing strategies. This eCourse consists of two modules. Module 1 discusses ESG investing, identifying key drivers of its uptake and exploring the characteristics of ethical investors. Module 2 defines ESG factors and explores case studies that illustrate their impact on companies and investment returns
IX
ESG Investing - Part 3 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: Today, a growing number of investors are seeking to pursue an ESG investing approach – this approach may also be known as socially responsible investing (SRI), responsible investing, green investing, ethical investing, and so on. ESG investors may select from various strategies, including ESG integration, active ownership, negative or exclusionary screening, norms-based screening, positive and best-in-class screening, thematic investing, and impact investing. This eCourse consists of three modules. Module 1 defines ESG investing strategies and discusses their selection and implementation. Module 2 and 3 are scenarios that examine how to work with retail and institutional clients to implement ESG investing. They explore why clients may choose to adopt ESG investing strategies and how ESG principles can be implemented across client types. Then follow the progress of the firm’s ESG policy implementation from inception to its practical application at a client meeting, testing your knowledge of ESG principles, terminology, strategies, and drivers.
X
ESG Investing - Part 4 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: This eCourse consists of three modules on green bonds and social bonds. As interest in socially responsible investing (SRI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues has grown, the market for green bonds, social bonds and other sustainable instruments has expanded rapidly. However, a lack of clear global standards for defining and categorising these assets poses a challenge for investors, and various efforts are underway to enhance standards and reporting. Module 1 provides an overview of green bonds and other green assets and discusses emerging global green bond standards. Module 2 explores the contemporary green bond market. Includes a wide network of issuers, certifiers. It also looks at green bond funds and benchmark indices. Module 3 provides an overview of social bonds and other sustainable instruments and discusses emerging global standards.
XI
ESG Investing - Part 5 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: Impact investing is one of the most valuable tools that financial institutions have to address investment challenges caused by climate change and rising inequality in a commercially viable manner. While it is growing rapidly, impact investing is still a developing field, with many unanswered questions about how to measure and manage investment impact.
This eCourse provides an overview of impact investing and the key challenges it faces and opportunities it provides.
XII
ESG Regulation & Reporting - Part 1 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: In March 2021, the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) came into force. The SFDR is designed to help institutional asset owners and retail clients understand, compare, and monitor the sustainability characteristics of investment funds by standardizing sustainability disclosures. Under the SFDR, firms must make both firm- and product-level disclosures about the integration of sustainability risks, the consideration of adverse sustainability impacts, the promotion of environmental or social factors, and sustainable investment objectives. This course provides an overview of the SFDR and its implications for financial firms.
XIII
ESG Regulation & Reporting - Part 2 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: Investors wishing to pursue socially responsible investing (SRI) strategies need reliable, accurate, comparable, and timely information about relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Increasingly, they are demanding that companies provide this information in a regular and structured manner. In response, many businesses are producing ESG reports, often using global guidelines and standards to guide their data provision.
This eCourse provides an overview of ESG reporting and key global reporting guidelines and standards.
XIV
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: There is a growing recognition that climate change and society’s reactions to it may have significant consequences for the economy and the financial sector. In response to the expectations of civil society and governments, as well as increased awareness of these risks by the financial sector, financial institutions have started analysing climate-related risks and impacts and incorporating them in their decision-making and product offerings. This eCourse provides an overview of climate risk and explores how financial institutions are assessing and managing it.
XV
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: Climate-related risks are the highest risks that the planet is exposed to, and affects every living organism on Earth.
In this module, you will learn about 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.
XVI
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: Sustainability focuses on meeting our own needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability does not only equate to environmental-ism, but considers the economy and society as well. Sustainable finance is the adoption of this principle, and uses capital markets investment vehicles as a solution. This can be in the form of any financial services that integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into business or investment decisions. This module 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.
XVII
Global Risk and Corporate Sustainability (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: This eCourse 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.
XVIII
ESG Data - Pain Points and Investment Opportunities (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: This eSeminar is a recorded session of the joint webinar with GoImpact Capital Partners that was held on 11 November 2021. It was moderated by Mr. Clarence T'ao the Co-Founding Partner of GoImpact Capital Partners.Despite the rapid traction gained why ESG investments across asset classes, reliable data still remains a major challenge. Data will be critical to drive the mainstream adoption of this important agenda.In this eSeminar, you will hear diverse perspectives as well as sharing practical cases of initiatives and hands-on experiences from one of the largest digital banks in China and a major consulting giant.
XIX
ESG and Climate Finance with Update from COP26 (online)
Provider: Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute
Description: With the most recent climate report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) affirming global warming has accelerated and climate disasters are occurring at an increasing and intensive rate, climate finance and ESG investing have become more important than ever.
SECTION TWO: NON-LOCAL COURSES/CERTIFICATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY
2.1 Hong Kong Government’s strategic plans towards sustainable development
I
Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies (online)
Provider: University of Cambridge
Description: The overexploitation of natural resources required to achieve economic growth and development has negatively impacted the environment and adversely affected their availability and cost. So, it is easy to see why the idea of a circular economy, which offers new ways to create a more sustainable economic growth model, is taking hold across the globe. The six-week Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies online programme is designed to help you understand the growing business case for sustainable solutions and learn how to manage and grow a sustainable business by incorporating circular economy principles into your strategies.
II
Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme (online)
Provider: University of Oxford
Description: There is increasing demand for corporate leaders to include environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in organisational strategy and shift their methods of value creation towards the concept of the triple bottom line: people, profit, and planet. This programme takes you beyond traditional views of measuring and reporting on performance, to integrating ESG management into your business practice. Focus on sustainable development as you equip yourself with the essential skills to address the need for sustainable business management. Delivered in collaboration with digital education provider GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, you will be part of a community learning together through a dedicated Online Campus.
III
GSTC Sustainable Hospitality Course
Provider: Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Description: The GSTC Sustainable Hospitality course is designed for hospitality and accommodation professionals, and provides practical insights into sustainability practices for hotels.Delivered as a self-study online course, the GSTC Sustainable Hospitality course reviews the GSTC Industry Standard with Performance Indicators for Hotels. It features expert presentations, useful resources, and real-life industry examples and lessons on applying sustainability best practices.
IV
EarthCheck Auditor Training (Online)
Provider: EarthCheck Academy under EarthCheck
Description: EarthCheck Auditor Training gives you the skills to audit destinations against the EarthCheck Company Standard. As an auditor, you'll ensure EarthCheck maintains its reputation for running the world's most respected tourism certification programs.
V
EarthCheck Design Accredited Professional (EDAP) (Online)
Provider: EarthCheck Academy under EarthCheck
Description: The EDAP course provides specialised training to help you integrate the EarthCheck design system into your projects. You will receive access to training material that teaches you about EarthCheck, the design certification process, sustainable design principles, the collaborative design process, and the business case for holistic sustainable design.
VI
Sustainability Leadership for Students (Online)
Provider: Green Globe Academy under Green Globe
Description: This course provides a clear guideline consisting of 365 individual steps to apply Sustainability. It is a hands-on, real world training program based on over 25 years of experience in implementing sustainable management.
VII
Sustainability Leadership for Hotel & Tourism Professionals (Online)
Provider: Green Globe Academy under Green Globe
Description: This course will educate and train a hotel or tourism professional on all aspects of Sustainability: Sustainable Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cultural Heritage as well as Environment. Learn how to create a Sustainability Management Plan and how to implement best practices.
VIII
Green Globe Auditor & Consultant Accreditation
Provider: Green Globe Academy under Green Globe
Description: The Green Globe Auditor & Consultant Accreditation Course trains professionals to perform third-party independent audits (on-site) on behalf of Green Globe in addition to providing all tools needed to perform consulting services to implement the Green Globe Standard with new or existing Green Globe members such as hotels, attractions or any type of business.
IX
Leading Sustainability: High Impact Leadership
Provider: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Description: This program equips professionals and leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive sustainability transformations within their organizations. Designed for executives, managers, and changemakers, the course blends cutting-edge research with practical frameworks to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. Participants will explore topics like systems thinking, sustainable innovation, stakeholder engagement, and high-impact leadership strategies to align business goals with planetary boundaries.
2.2 Green finance courses/certification
I
Online Climate and Nature Training for Investors (Modules 1-4)
Provider: Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)
Description: the course of Deforestation and Nature Risks and Opportunities can let participants understand the crucial interactions between climate and nature, and the key role the forests play in both; Respond to rapidly developing policy, regulatory and market demands relating to nature-loss and deforestation risks; Act to address growing deforestation-related risks, including setting and meeting their own climate and nature goals.
II
Sustainable Investing Certificate
Provider: CFA Institute
Description: Prepare yourself to meet the growing demand for ESG investing skills with a Sustainable Investing Certificate. The Sustainable Investing Certificate gives you the ability to incorporate ESG factors (environmental, social, and governance) into your investment decision-making process – capabilities that are increasingly sought after. With a Sustainable Investing Certificate, you will play a vital role in prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility – now and in the future.
III
The Green and Sustainable Finance Certificate
Provider: Chartered Institute for securities and investment & Chartered Banker Institute
Description: Updated for 2022/23, the Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance aims to develop the learner’s knowledge, understanding and ability to apply the key principles and core practice of green and sustainable finance. Specific aims are to increase knowledge and understanding of: Climate change and its impacts | Climate risks and emerging environmental and sustainability risks | The evolution of green and sustainable products and services in the banking, investment and insurance sectors | Increasing awareness of the role of the finance sector and finance professionals in supporting the transition to a low-carbon world.
IV
Provider: Columbia Business School
Description: An Evidence-Based Approach to Sustainable Investing: What started as a corporate social responsibility initiative by the United Nations 20 years ago has swelled into the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) movement. Many financial institutions and organizations have launched sustainability initiatives related to its governance, but there are critical questions to ask as we evaluate ESG investments, such as: What are the key differences between public equity and public debt investing and between public and private markets? What are the key regulatory efforts in ESG investing in the United States, Europe, and China? How does a portfolio manager incorporate ESG factors into investment analysis? How are investors thinking about climate change risk, and is there a useful framework that helps simplify this topic for capital allocators?
V
Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate
Provider: Global Association of Risk Professionals
Description: Developed by world-leading senior risk practitioners, climate experts, and sustainability professionals, GARP’s SCR Certificate provides pivotal knowledge into the complex territories of sustainability, climate risk, nature risk, transition planning, and more, helping you grab the attention of hiring managers seeking to improve their company’s climate risk mitigation efforts.
VI
Sustainable Finance short course (online)
Provider: University of Cambridge
Description: 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.
VII
Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions (online)
Provider: University of Cambridge (Institute of Sustainable Leadership)
Description: Once considered a peripheral issue for business, climate change – and our response to it – is increasingly taking centre stage in strategic planning for businesses and organisations. As the physical impact of a changing climate becomes more evident, and public concern and activism intensifies, businesses across sectors are confronted with a growing array of climate-related risks, such as litigation and transition threats. As these risks escalate, they can quickly render a company's physical, human, and intangible assets devalued or stranded, creating a need for a resilient and sustainable business model. The University of Cambridge Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course gives you a holistic business understanding of how best to mitigate the business risks of climate change and oversee the transition to net zero emissions. Gain the knowledge and skills to combat climate change in your context, and learn to build a business model that is resilient and profitable in the net zero, resource-efficient economy of the 21st century. By aligning financial, environmental and social goals, you’ll enhance the potential longevity of your organisation, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation both now and into the future.
DISCLAIMER
GREEN Hospitality provides access to sustainability-related policies, laws, and regulations in Hong Kong for informational purposes only. While we strive to share valuable content, we do not guarantee the most updated versions of these materials. GREEN Hospitality assumes no responsibility for outcomes related to the use of these resources and disclaims all liability for
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