GVBOT and BCIT partner to provide Environmental, Social and Governance leadership training

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2022

VANCOUVER, B.C.—The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are excited to announce the launch of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Fundamentals Microcredential, an ambitious and innovative program designed to equip British Columbians with the skills and training to position our region at the forefront of the global ESG movement.

Participants will evaluate where they are on their ESG journey, connect current business practices to ESG strategy and reporting and disclosure opportunities, and design an action plan to further their commitment to creating a sustainable, regenerative economy.

Delivered by BCIT, the ESG Fundamentals Microcredential is a forward-thinking collaboration between the business community and academia that was developed in response to the evolving demands of investors, shareholders and consumers alike.

Research from the Global Asset Management team at RBC indicates 75 per cent of institutional investors now incorporate ESG principles into their decision making, and the 2021 Consumer Intelligence Series survey on ESG from PwC indicated 83 per cent of consumers think companies should be actively shaping ESG best practices. For organizations, improving ESG practices can provide an opportunity to innovate, find new growth opportunities, enter new markets and build stronger ties with stakeholders.

As the world grapples with the interconnected crises of climate change and social inequality, every company must develop and communicate its ESG strategy to remain competitive and collaboratively build an economy that takes care of people and the planet. This program will ensure that there are British Columbians with the skills to build and advance an ESG strategy in all sectors.

Quotes:

“BCIT has been at the forefront of connecting education with industry and government to power economic sustainability, resilience, and growth,” said Jennifer Figner, Associate Vice President, Academic Operations, BCIT. “In collaboration with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, this newly developed ESG Fundamentals Microcredential program will help industries master in-demand competencies that are relevant for building an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact.”  

“We are witnessing a fundamental paradigm shift in the way organizational practices are evaluated, and we are pleased to be working alongside BCIT to help businesses quantify and communicate the core values embedded in their operations,” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “This program has been designed to bridge the gap between the evolving demands of the global business and investment communities, and organizations which have yet capitalize on the benefits of a robust ESG strategy.”

The ESG Fundamentals Microcredential will provide 24 hours of training from BCIT instructors and industry experts over a five-week period. Participants will be evaluated on assignments that will equip them to design and implement an ESG strategy at their respective organizations, earning badges in four distinct areas: Governance Impacts, Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, and ESG Roadmap.

Learn more at boardoftrade.com/esgmicrocredential

Quick Facts:

• Microcredentials are flexible, short-term programs that help learners quickly master new competencies and gain knowledge essential to in-demand Canadian industries.
• People who complete a microcredential may seek more post-secondary education or training, further improving their qualifications and expanding their career opportunities.
• ESG is a term that addresses environmental issues (such as climate change, water quality, and land use), social issues (such as human rights, community consent, consumer relations) and governance issues (such as company management and board representation). Companies incorporating ESG standards reflect a growing consensus that these factors are important to the overall profitability and performance of a company.
• This microcredential is made up of four badges:
  • Governance Impact Badge
  • Social Impact Badge
  • Environmental Impact Badge
  • ESG Roadmap Badge
• These four badges are each 0.5 BCIT credits and add up to a 2.0 credit microcredential.  Upon successful completion, participants are issued digital badges and a digital microcredential.

About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to positively impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events businesses in the country, providing a platform for national and international business and thought leaders to further enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.

About the British Columbia Institute of Technology:

For more than 55 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges – across B.C. and around the world. With five campuses and nearly 50,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT is one of B.C.’s largest post-secondary institutes. Through its unique applied education model, BCIT is empowering people, shaping B.C., and inspiring global progress. Learn more at bcit.ca

Media contacts:

Victor Young
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com

Amy Chen
Media and Communications Specialist
BCIT
778-384-7245 | achen202@bcit.ca