With this course Sustainability Fundamentals you discover tools and resources for collecting, analyzing and interpreting sustainability data and KPIs.
On this website, you will find answers to the following questions:
What is the content of this ESG course?
Explore the dynamic landscape of sustainability regulation in Switzerland, the European Union (EU) and beyond and gain insights into the evolving legal frameworks shaping corporate responsibility. Delve into the various standards and approaches to non-financial reporting and uncover methodologies and best practices. This course is focused on the corporate side of sustainability.
Discover tools and resources for collecting, analyzing and interpreting sustainability data and KPIs. Learn how companies can effectively track progress towards their sustainability goals and drive continuous improvement. How do I identify my stakeholders' expectations and how do I promote transparency for more sustainability in the interests of the company? Gain valuable insights from experienced IR and sustainability professionals as they share their expertise on addressing today’s sustainability challenges. Learn from peers how to seamlessly embed sustainability into corporate structures and overcome organizational silos. In addition, hear directly from investors on how they engage in stewardship activities from the asset owner perspective to drive meaningful corporate transformation.
What kind of certificate will you get?
You will obtain a certificate of Hochschule Luzern/FHZ.
What is the target group of this course?
The course is aimed at listed companies and private companies in Switzerland and the European Union and their employees in the investor relations, communications, finance and controlling, sustainability and other departments.
What are the goals of the course?
Our Sustainability Fundamentals course offers a journey into the heart of the changes and impacts companies are facing in the wake of sustainability. Dive into the key drivers driving sustainable business and its communication and gain valuable insights into the fundamental principles and emerging trends. Our course is designed to meet the needs of companies listed at the SIX Swiss Exchange and non-listed companies in Switzerland. Our renowned experts from academia and industry contribute to a learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Improve your understanding and empower your organization to master the challenges and opportunities of corporate sustainability with a strong focus on investor relations.
What are the admission criteria?
There are no special admission criteria. If you have any questions or course-related issues, please get in touch with the head of the programme – Dr. Timo Heroth and Prof. Dr. Stefan Behringer. The language of instruction for the course is English.
Which speakers will join the course as experts?
- Prof. Dr. Stefan Behringer, Head of Competence Center Controlling, IFZ/HSLU
- Cecile Biccari, Senior Manager Investor Education, Ethos Foundation
- Dr. Kieran Dobson, EMEA Head of ESG Client Engagement, S&P Global
- Fredré Ferreira, Value Chain Guidance and Governance, EFRAG
- Dr. Timo Heroth, Sustainability Reporting Lead, IFZ/HSLU
- Matthias Narr, Head Engagement, Ethos Foundation
- Elsa Pernot, Global Head of Sustainability, Gunvor Group Ltd.
- François Perrin, Head of ESG, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
- Mike Tyrell, Editor, SRI Connect
- Elisabeth Wallimann, Senior Manager Investor Relations, SIX Swiss Exchange
- Lindsay Zingg, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Georg Fischer AG
What is the structure of the course?
- Block 1: Regulation & Ratings
Standards, Developments, and the Impact of Sustainability Ratings
- Block 2: Investors & Engagement
Stewardship, Stakeholder Dialogue, and Communication Strategies
- Block 3: IROs in Focus
Input and Exchange with IROs with Sustainability Expertise
- Block 4: Sustainability CSO Insights
Data, Tools, KPIs, and coordination with IR departments
Where does the course take place?
The course Sustainability Fundamentals takes place in Zurich (SIX Swiss Exchange, Pfingstweidstrasse 110) and in Rotkreuz.
The Institute of Financial Services Zug IFZ is located in immediate proximity of Rotkreuz train station in the Canton of Zug.
Lucerne School of Business
Institute of Financial Services Zug IFZ
Campus Zug-Rotkreuz, Suurstoffi 1
CH-6343 Rotkreuz
Phone: +41 41 757 67 67
Email: ifz@hslu.ch
Website: www.hslu.ch/ifz
The IFZ is easy to reach by public transport. We schedule our course hours around the train arrival and departure times. Trains operate all day between Zurich and Lucerne. It takes less than five minutes to walk from Rotkrez train station to the IFZ. Find your train connections here .
What are the course times?
- from 09:00 to 16:30 (SIX Swiss Exchange, Zurich)
- from 09:00 to 16:30 (HSLU - IFZ, Rotkreuz)
What is the duration of the course?
The duration of the course Sustainability Fundamentals is four days.
When does the course start?
The teaching days are as follows:
- May 5, 2026: SIX Swiss Exchange, Zurich
- May 19, 2026: HSLU - IFZ, Rotkreuz
- June 2, 2026: HSLU - IFZ, Rotkreuz
- June 16, 2025: SIX Swiss Exchange, Zurich
