John Molson School of Business announces sustainability program

Concordia’s Paul Shrivastava, Mary C. Larson of the Finance and Sustainablility Initiative, Olivier Gamache, Groupe Investissement Responsable, Rosalie Vendette of the Desjardins Group and Didier Filion of Cascades at the press conference on April 20. | Photo Concordia University

This September, the John Molson School of Business will allow business professionals to gain specialized training in sustainable investment.

The Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC) designation is an innovative program designed to train those in finance, investment or other business specialties in the area of sustainability.

The SIPC was announced at a press conference April 20 at the John Molson School of Business.

The program will offer basic training on topics including corporate sustainable responsibility, business ethics, and environmental policies. As a result, SIPC graduates will be able to make informed investment choices that consider environmental, social, and ethical aspects.

“Professionals who complete the SIPC will be able to provide advice that incorporates an individual’s personal values with their financial goals,” said Paul Shrivastava, director of the David O’Brien Centre for Sustainable Enterprise (DOCSE).

Centred at the DOCSE, the SIPC will be a 70- to 80-hour course of self-study material (available online) and certification testing. The course is modelled on other professional certifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

A council of practitioners in the fields of sustainability and finance will guide the program and ensure the curriculum is relevant, practical, and applicable.

It was also announced by Shrivastava on April 20 that the SIPC syllabus has received an endorsement by the Social Investment Organization (SIO), a Toronto-based national association that promotes socially responsible investment.

The launch of the Sustainable Investment Professional Certification designation at a press conference on the 15th floor of the John Molson School of Business, April 20. | Photo Concordia University

Since early 2010, members of the DOCSE have been collaborating with the not-for-profit organization Financial and Sustainability Initiative (FSI) Montreal, a group created by professionals for professionals who seek to build a common language between business and sustainability, to develop the program.

“We are very proud to be a partner of this initiative,” said Managing Director at Brimstone Consulting Mary Larson, who also sits on the FSI steering committee. “We supported this project by finding corporate sponsors for the development of the SIPC because we believe it is essential today to offer such a course. We all have a role to play.”


Related links:
•    Sustainable Investment Professional Certification Program
•    David O’Brien Centre for Sustainable Enterprise
•    Concordia's John Molson School of Business
•    Social Investment Organization