2024 Sustainability Challenge - ESG Investing
Sustainable finance - the process of taking Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into account when making investment decisions- is channelling public and private investment in transitioning to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient and fair economy. By adopting sustainable investing one can generate long-term positive returns while proactively taking steps to limit the impact of unsustainable practices on society and the environment.
As more investors consider integrating ESG goals in their portfolio strategies, the assets under management in socially responsible funds have grown dramatically in recent years. According to a study by Deloitte, ESG funds will make up for more than 50% of the professionally managed investments by 2025.
What is the Challenge about?
Do you want to learn how to invest sustainably, how to incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance principles into your investment analysis and decision-making processes?
If yes, you are not alone. According to Morgan Stanley 85% of the general population and 95% of the millennials are interested in investing sustainably in United States. In Spain, more than 58% of investors think that sustainable investing is positive, according to a report by Schroders.
The ESG Investing Challenge’s goal is to make participants aware of the possible sustainable investment strategies and help them learn how to implement them.
The challenge involves investing 1 million $ cash (pretend money) in the US Market for 2 months. You will be challenged to invest your money in such a way that your portfolio maximizes both your profits and sustainable choices. For this you will need to learn to invest in assets that meet environmental, social and governance criteria. Moreover, you will learn how to apply these non-financial factors as part of your decision-making process to identify material risks and growth opportunities.
Join the 2024 ESG Investing Challenge!!!
To whom it is adressed?
The Challenge is open to all Esade students on programs for a Degree or Double Degree, MSc Management Programs and MBA Programs at the Business and Law Schools in the 2023-2024 academic year.
You can participate in the challenge either individually or as a team. Teams will have maximum 3 members.
Registration
Participants should register first individually for the Challenge and then as a team or individual in the trading platform.
The registration period is from: February 9th to February 22nd.
Students can register by following the instructions on the challenge website and providing the following data:
- Name and surname
- Esade email address
- Nationality
- Study program
- Other team members
If you are interested please contact ariadna.dumitrescu@esade.edu
Once you registered you will receive access to the Sustainable Finance Initiative website where you will find more information about accessing the trading platform.
By registering for the challenge, Esade students will be bound by the ‘Student Obligations & Responsibilities Form’ that they signed for each of their programs as this agreement also applies to this experience. Information on data protection will be provided during registration.
Deliverables
At the end of the challenge, you will have to deliver:
- A log of your transactions (including the trade notes that should explain your motivation to trade, with an emphasis on the ESG strategy)
- A short report (maximum 2 pages) in which you describe your strategy
Award
All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
In case the students in the winning team are enrolled in the BBA, GBD or GED+BGG programs they will obtain 1 ECTS.
The winning team will receive an institutional sustainable merchandise gift.
The evaluation process
The jury will evaluate the portfolio performance with the dual objective of generating financial returns and integrate environmental, social and governance factors in the decision making process.
The jury will be made up of Ariadna Dumitrescu, Associate Professor of the Economics, Finance and Accounting department at Esade, member of the Group of Research in Economics and Finance and professional in the field of ESG investing.
Key Dates
- February 9th to April 12th: Investment period.
- April 12th to April 16th: The jury will evaluate the investment strategies.
- April 16th: Announcement of the winner.
Contact for more information
Ariadna Dumitrescu, Associate Professor of the Economics, Finance and Accounting department at Esade.