Green skills for a green future in the Scottish financial industry

What is green finance?

Green and sustainable finance encompasses all aspects of financial activity that support the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. Green and sustainable finance aligns economic growth with sustainable development goals, ensuring that financial systems contribute positively to the environment, and enable a better future for all.

As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, green and sustainable finance plays a pivotal role in mobilising the capital necessary for innovative solutions that address climate change and promote sustainability.

Skills in demand


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Technology & data

  • Leveraging technology and data analytics to track and report on sustainability metrics.
  • Implementing sustainable technologies that reduce environmental impact and enhance efficiency.
  • Understanding the role of emerging technologies in advancing sustainability goals.
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Communication

  • Explain complex sustainability concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.
  • Articulate the long-term benefits of sustainable practices and decisions to gain buy-in.
  • Bridge the gap between technical sustainability details and their broader impact on society and the environment.

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Regulatory insights

  • Knowledge of national and international environmental regulations.
  • Understanding how global sustainability regulations impact local business practices.
  • Ensuring compliance with evolving sustainability regulations.
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Organisational Change

  • Help integrate sustainable practices into core business operations and processes.
  • Identify and overcome resistance to change by aligning sustainability goals with organisational values.
  • Improve engagement across teams to implement sustainable practices and upskill teams consistently.

Areas of expertise


ESG integration

Proficiency in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into investment analysis and decision-making processes.

Impact investing

Investments focusing on both financial returns as well as measurable positive social and environmental outcomes.

Green bonds

Using financial instruments specifically designed to fund projects with environmental benefits.

Climate finance

Developing products and funding mechanisms focusing specifically on supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Free resources

Many organisations recognise the importance of green skills for the evolution of our sector and offer free resources to help promote sustainability and climate literacy. These resources are open to everyone and often don’t require any prior experience in green and sustainable finance.

Digital Course 


Course:

Introduction to Sustainable Finance


Study:

Online

Digital Course 


Course:

TCFD Online Courses


Study:

Online

Executive 


Course:

Principles for Responsible Investment Academy


Study:

Online

Executive 


Course:

Principles for Responsible Banking Academy


Study:

Online

Postgraduate 


Course:

Centre for Sustainable Development Education


Study:

Online

Executive 


Course:

Business School – Executive education programmes


Study:

Hybrid

Postgraduate 


Course:

MSc Environmental Sustainability


Study:

Online

Postgraduate 


Course:

MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment


Study:

In-Person

Postgraduate 


Course:

Postgraduate sustainability courses


Study:

Hybrid

Post school education

Colleges and universities in Scotland offer a diverse array of programs focused on green finance and environmental sciences. These courses are designed to equip students with vital skills and in-depth knowledge essential for shaping the future of the financial sector.

With an emphasis on sustainability, these academic offerings prepare graduates to meet the increasing demand for sustainable financial practices.Discover the educational paths available and take the first step towards becoming a leader in the transformative field of sustainable finance.

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