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Whether you’re shifting careers or deepening your ESG expertise, these 8 free courses will give you the clarity and confidence to make an impact.

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) landscape is no longer a niche corner of the corporate world — it has become a mainstream priority shaping how organizations operate, invest, and grow. As more companies recognize the need to embed sustainability into their strategies, the demand for ESG-savvy professionals is surging across industries. Yet many aspiring professionals don’t know how to start. They recognize the big opportunity and dream of having an impactful career, but they don’t want to start from scratch.

Well, I’m here to tell you: that’s the biggest misconception. You don’t need to start from zero. With the right resources and by leveraging your transferable skills, you can pivot effectively into ESG — and your experience in areas like finance, procurement, digitalization, or project management is exactly what this field needs.

That’s why I’ve curated this list of 8 outstanding free courses to help you gain essential ESG knowledge and skills, ensuring you have the right starting point and the first push toward making a difference. Whether you’re exploring new career paths or expanding your expertise, these courses are a practical, accessible way to begin making an impact in 2025.

Top 12 Free Sustainability Courses in 2024

🎓 Course 1: The ESG Masterclass for Non-Experts

If you’re considering a shift into ESG from another field — especially if you already have corporate experience — this course is designed specifically for you. I poured my heart into creating this masterclass to provide a complete macro-to-micro introduction to ESG, helping you discover how your existing skills can fit seamlessly into the sustainability landscape.

Through this course, you’ll gain clarity on your potential role in the ESG ecosystem, learn how to position yourself for success, and build a strong foundation in sustainability strategy, reporting, and operational practices. You’ll also get practical advice on continuing your growth beyond the course to stay ahead in the fast-evolving ESG field.

Normally priced at €79, I’m offering 250 free vouchers exclusively for readers of this article — giving you the chance to join without cost. Act quickly, as these spots will fill up fast.

• Offered by: SustainaTrend - Zyad Hatquai

• Price: €79 (250 free vouchers available here)

• Time: 3 hours

• Focus: EU ESG Reporting Landscape

Get your free access:

🎓 Course 2: Sustainability-Related Financial Disclosure

Understanding how to communicate sustainability performance through financial disclosures is essential for any ESG professional. The IFRS Foundation offers a concise, high-quality course designed to enhance your knowledge of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards — critical for anyone involved in ESG reporting, finance, or corporate strategy.

This course features four self-paced modules that each take under an hour. You’ll learn the objectives of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, how to navigate and apply IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information) and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures), and how to use the standards effectively. Complete each module and pass a short assessment to earn your certificate

👉 Check it out here

• Offered by: The IFRS Foundation

• Price: Free

• Time: 4 hours

• Focus: US/Global ESG Reporting Landscape

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🎓 Course 3: ESG in 9 Weeks

If you want a structured, deep dive into ESG — from fundamentals to real-world application — this 9-week self-paced course is a fantastic choice. Created by renowned sustainable business leader Nawar Alsaadi, it’s designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical tools needed to understand ESG’s origins, drivers, and evolving role in business and finance.

You’ll learn key concepts of ESG reporting, explore different disclosure frameworks, and discover how to integrate sustainability data into corporate strategy to drive financial value and manage risk. The course also covers important topics like greenwashing, sustainability policy, and regulatory landscapes — making it a comprehensive program for professionals serious about ESG.

👉 Check it out here

• Offered by: ED4S by Nawar Alsaadi

• Price: Free

• Time: 80 hours

• Focus: Global ESG Reporting Landscape