Sustainable Finance course open to undergraduates

Foster students can now register for FIN 490 Sustainable Finance and ESG Investing, an engaging and in depth look at the rapidly developing field of sustainable finance. The course, taught by Phillip Bruner of the University of Edinburgh,
will examine how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) norms are shaping the future of financial markets. Current Foster undergraduate students can learn more at myplan.uw.edu.

Bruner, who is a University of Washington alumnus, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having spent over a decade working in the renewable energy sector as a development executive and technology manager.

Throughout his career, Bruner has demonstrated a passion for sustainable innovation and a commitment to advancing the renewable energy sector using cutting-edge digital technology. As a development executive, he has overseen the delivery of a 100 MWp onshore wind, rooftop solar, and small-hydro portfolio across the UK and India. He has also made a significant impact in the finance world, having led a team of HSBC analysts to develop the first ESG analysis model used by the UK Green Investment Bank to evaluate the net impact of their asset portfolio.

In addition to his work in the renewable energy sector, Bruner is also a global leader in the sustainable finance community. In 2012, he founded the Green Investment Forum, a private network of banking and finance executives based in Edinburgh, Scotland and London, England that included participants from top financial institutions such as the Royal Bank of Scotland, Mainstream Renewable Power, and Macquarie Group. In 2016, he co-founded Enian, an enterprise technology platform for renewable energy project developers active in the European commercial and industrial sector.

As a lecturer in sustainable finance, Bruner will bring his extensive experience and knowledge to the course program, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert in the field.