About ESG (Environment, Social and Governance)
Changes in the environmental, social and governance construct are occurring at an unstoppable pace. Climate change, demographic evolution and the technological revolution are transforming our world as we know it. ESG and technology are the main drivers of this change, but their relevance is even greater because of the interaction with other sectors. The significant impact of climate change has generated an urgent need to create content that encompasses sustainability, the circular economy and international regulatory implications.
Our Qualifications
IASE, in consultation with its global stakeholders, establishes and enforces compliance with the highest global professional and ethical standards for sustainability practitioners as well as certification requirements for those aspiring to professional levels.
IASE’s role is more relevant than ever, being the first and only association worldwide that aspires to certify the entire population pyramid in terms of ESG with a global approach with three levels of certification within our International Sustainable Finance ISF® and International Sustainable Business ISB®.
Testimonials
Santander to extend mandatory sustainability training to the entire workforce
700 managers will obtain an advanced certification
Madrid, 5th AUG 2022
Santander has taken a further step to accelerate its sustainability strategy. The bank chaired by Ana Botín will extend mandatory basic training on sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria to all group employees. In addition, some 700 managers will expand their knowledge to an intermediate level, accredited with an internal certification, and a more advanced level, in the form of the International Sustainable Finance II certification by the International Association for Sustainable Economy (IASE).
The certification exam is aimed specifically at those responsible for making decisions based on the bank’s ESG criteria. In principle, the aforementioned 700 professionals will obtain the certification. Santander emphasizes that IASE is the first and only international certifier that endorses training in ESG criteria.
Thus, Santander employees will take a 40-hour program to strengthen their skills and knowledge that is essential for decision-making under ESG criteria. The course uses a methodology that combines theoretical information with audiovisual material, case studies, self-assessment tests, infographics, and complementary documentation.
Once the course is completed, employees will be able to access the official IASE certification exam through six modules that include content such as introduction to sustainability and ESG; corporate sustainability and sustainable corporate finance; sustainable banking; sustainable insurance; government, central banks, and multilateral development banks; and sustainable investment, asset management, and financial advice.
The bank's goal is for the entire organization to integrate sustainable management into the framework of its strategy. Beyond the green shift that banks have made to reduce their impact on the planet (since 2020 the bank has been carbon neutral in its own operations), sustainability is expected to be one of the major drivers of the banking business in the coming years due to the huge volume of financing that the energy transition will require.
In this regard, Santander has set itself an ambitious target to finance green projects for €220 billion between 2019 and 2030 and established an interim goal to reach €120 billion by 2025. At the close of the first half of this year, the bank's investment and corporate banking division (Santander CIB), had already mobilized €74.4 billion.
In recent months, Santander has already reorganized its Green Finance division (comprising the investment banking business and the sustainable financing business offered by commercial banking) to give greater weight to its sustainable finance business within the group's organization chart. Lucas Arangüena was appointed head of the division and reports directly to the CEO.
LEADING RENEWABLE FINANCING IN THE WORLD
Santander has accelerated its renewable project finance business. Between January and June, the bank granted 2.4 billion euros and achieved a market share of 6.4%, making it the leading bank globally, according to a ranking prepared by the consulting firm Infralogic. New renewable projects financed or advised in 2021 accounted for an installed capacity of 13,604 MW. Santander also announced three new interim decarbonization targets for 2030: reducing 29% of emissions financed in the energy sector; 33% of emissions intensity financed in the aviation sector; and 32% in the steel sector.
Javier Bello. ISF Advisor
BBVA Spain Talent Manager
”Having joined IASE a few months ago I am delighted to have completed my first IASE designation. I consider it as a stepping-stone in achieving more @iase designations and progressing in the #ESG field. This will allow me to respond to the ESG knowledge needs of professionals, especially in the financial sector, and to be at the forefront of a new certification model, both in terms of content and processes, guaranteeing me a first class upskill to address the reality of our environment with a complete vision of sustainable development.”
Paul van Brenkelen, ISB® Specialist, Clean Energy Associates, General Manager & Director, ESG and Traceability
Teddy Chau, ISB Advisor Candidate, JAZWARES HK Limited, Senior Director
Julia Hoffmann, ISF Advisor, Fundraising | Philanthropy
Marcel Reyers, ISF Advisor, Finakons - Finanz Konsillium GmbH Manager
Marie Abel, ISF Advisor, Marketing and Business Development Manager
Martha Herrera, ISB Advisor, Global Director of social impact Cemex
Partnerships
Tackling some of the toughest global challenges can’t be achieved alone. Working in collaboration can often lead to greater impact. We are proud to announce our collaborating entities.
With the following institutions for a multi-year strategy to drive professionals and business awareness and actions in support of ESG education and higher standards worldwide. We foresee an increasing number of collaboration entities that will join IASE in the coming months.
