Generative AI for Sustainability

Name: Generative AI for Sustainability
Rating: 4.4 (633 reviews)

Empower Change: Leverage Generative AI for Environmental and Social Impact

Created byEduardo Aponte, PhD, Finnse Academy

Last updated 6/2026

English

What you'll learn

You will understand the fundamentals of ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
You will master effective prompt creation and engineering techniques.
You will explore ESG principles and sustainability challenges through AI applications.
You will analyze case studies to identify best practices in generative AI for sustainability.
You will integrate AI tools with Microsoft 365 for enhanced sustainable reporting and communication.
You will develop forward-thinking strategies for applying generative AI in sustainability initiatives.

Course content

3 sections • 20 lectures • 2h 32m total length

Introduction to the course1:38
Meet the instructor, an economist with finance and management expertise and a professor, who introduces generative AI for sustainability and outlines the course content and outcomes.
What is a Prompt and How to Create One5:07
Learn how prompts guide AI responses in ChatGPT, from simple questions to role-based instructions, using context from prior queries to shape relevant, iterative conversations.
Access to ChatGPT5:14
Learn to access ChatGPT, use basic features like asking questions, regenerating responses, and managing chat history; recognize its limitations and verify information due to potential inaccuracies and context issues.
Versions of ChatGPT8:11
Explore how the latest ChatGPT versions handle attachments, model selection, free vs paid access, and customized GPTs—from image creation to data analysis and PDF summarization.
How Copilot Works3:27
Explore how Microsoft Copilot uses advanced artificial intelligence to automate tasks and generate content across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, enabling data-driven decisions within Microsoft 365.
Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot4:39
Get started with Microsoft Copilot, explore prompts and style settings, and use the notebook for long tasks; learn when to upgrade to Copilot Pro and translation features.

Understanding ESG and Sustainability14:53
Explore the core principles of environmental, social, and governance criteria and how sustainability, through reporting standards like gri, sasb, tcfd, integrated reporting, and the sdgs, drives long-term value.
Environmental Applications10:41
Explore how generative ai advances sustainability through energy optimization, resource management, predictive modeling for climate change and environmental impact, and sustainable product design.
Social impact trough AI10:15
Explore how ai transforms education, healthcare, and community engagement to address social inequalities through personalized learning, intelligent diagnoses, and transparent, fair stakeholder communication.
Governance and Risk Management6:43
Generative AI transforms governance and risk management by automating ESG data collection, reporting, and analysis, delivering real-time insights, transparency, and proactive risk mitigation.
Case Studies in ESG focused AI8:56
Explore how AI drives sustainability across buildings, agriculture, and the environment through case studies on HVAC optimization, climate-smart farming, and satellite imagery analysis, highlighting human-machine collaboration and governance.
Emerging Technologies in AI and Sustainability7:32
Discover how data analytics, natural language processing, and predictive modeling empower ESG professionals to monitor risk and forecast environmental impacts, while exploring real-time monitoring and generative design.
Quiz 1

Microsoft Copilot in Word12:13
Explore how Microsoft Copilot in Word enhances writing with drafts, prompts, and real-time suggestions, from job offers to financial reports, including in-office and remote work details.
Copilot in Word Part27:05
Demonstrates using Copilot in Word to convert a large PDF to editable, summarize a 100-page World Bank report into ten main ideas, and refine output with tone controls.
Microsoft Copilot in Excel9:45
Microsoft Copilot in Excel helps users create pivot tables, charts, and new columns from table data, with effortless save to OneDrive and guided steps for year and store analyses.
Copilot in Excel Part 26:43
Discover copilot in excel part 2 as it sorts and filters data, creates task columns with conditional formulas, and builds graphs for sales and tax perspectives.
Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint7:48
Discover how Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint generates complete, Instagram-focused digital marketing presentations from prompts, adds slides with notes, and enhances design with images, designer features, transitions, and animations.
Copilot in PowerPoint Part27:33
Explore using Copilot in PowerPoint to create a presentation from templates or files, organize slides by theme, summarize content, and personalize with designer for sustainable topics like electric energy.
Microsoft Copilot in Outlook8:26
Discover how Microsoft Copilot in Outlook drafts emails with generate options, empowering quick, tailored messages like congratulatory notes for the Introduction to Financial Products course.
Copilot in Outlook Part26:03
See how Copilot in Outlook summarizes emails, drafts responses, and improves writing tone for invitations, such as a digital entrepreneurship conference in New York City in March 2025.

Requirements

No previous experience is necessary.

Description

Welcome to “Generative AI for Sustainability”! If you’re ready to explore how cutting-edge AI technologies can drive meaningful change in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, this course is tailored just for you. In this dynamic program, you’ll start by diving into the world of generative AI through an in-depth look at tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. You’ll learn how these platforms work, master the art of crafting effective prompts, and understand their capabilities and limitations.

As you progress, the course shifts focus to the powerful applications of generative AI in sustainability. You’ll explore how AI can optimize energy use, support sustainable product design, and enhance social initiatives such as education and healthcare. You’ll also examine strategies for improved corporate governance, risk management, and ESG reporting, supported by real-world case studies that illustrate successful implementations and best practices.

In the final part of the course, you’ll gain hands-on experience integrating AI with everyday tools by leveraging Microsoft 365’s Copilot across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These sessions will equip you with practical skills to automate sustainability documentation, data analysis, and stakeholder communication, ensuring you’re prepared to make a tangible impact in your organization.

Join us to harness the transformative potential of generative AI and drive sustainability initiatives forward with confidence and innovation.

Who this course is for:

ESG Professionals, environmental enthusiasts and sustainability learners.

Generative AI for Sustainability

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to ChatGPT and Copilot6 lectures • 28min

Applications of Generative AI in ESG6 lectures • 59min

Integration Microsoft 365 with Copilot8 lectures • 1hr 6min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: