ESG-Investing Exam Questions and Answers

QUESTION: 16

Which of the following is a form of individual engagement?

Generic letter
Soliciting support
Informal discussions

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Individual engagement refers to direct and personal interactions between investors and companies. Informal discussions are a form of individual engagement where investors engage directly with company representatives to discuss specific concerns, insights, or feedback related to ESG issues.

Direct Interaction: Informal discussions involve direct communication between the investor and the company. This can be through meetings, phone calls, or casual conversations, providing a platform for open and candid dialogue.

Specific and Personalized: These discussions are tailored to the specific company and the investor's concerns. Unlike generic letters, which are broad and non-specific, informal discussions allow for detailed and nuanced conversations.

Relationship Building: Informal discussions help build and strengthen relationships between investors and company representatives. This can lead to more effective communication and collaboration on ESG matters.

Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Highlights the importance of direct engagement and relationship building in effective ESG integration.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Discusses various forms of engagement, emphasizing the value of personalized and informal interactions.

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QUESTION: 17

According to the UK Investor Forum which of the following is a key success factor for effective engagement?

Transparency on conflicts of interest
Regulatory approval of the collaboration
Clear leadership with appropriate relationships, skills and knowledge

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

According to the UK Investor Forum, a key success factor for effective engagement is clear leadership with appropriate relationships, skills, and knowledge. Effective engagement requires strong leadership to drive the process and ensure that the engagement is meaningful and productive.

Leadership: Clear leadership is essential to guide the engagement process, set objectives, and ensure that the engagement activities align with the overall strategy and goals of the investors.

Relationships: Effective engagement relies on building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including company executives, board members, and other investors. These relationships facilitate open communication and trust.

Skills and Knowledge: Having the appropriate skills and knowledge is crucial for understanding the issues at hand, asking the right questions, and providing valuable insights. This includes knowledge of ESG factors, industry-specific issues, and effective engagement techniques.

Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Emphasizes the importance of leadership and skills in successful ESG engagement.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Discusses the factors contributing to effective engagement, highlighting the role of leadership and expertise.

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QUESTION: 18

The triple bottom line accounting theory considers people, profit, and:

planet
efficiency.
licence to operate

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The triple bottom line accounting theory considers people, profit, and planet. This framework expands the traditional financial bottom line to include social and environmental dimensions, emphasizing sustainable and responsible business practices.

People: This dimension focuses on the social aspects of business, including employee welfare, community engagement, and human rights. It assesses the impact of business activities on stakeholders and society at large.

Profit: The profit dimension includes the traditional financial performance of the business. It measures the economic value generated by the company and its contribution to shareholders and the economy.

Planet: The planet dimension addresses the environmental impact of business operations. It considers factors such as resource use, waste management, carbon emissions, and overall environmental sustainability.

Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Explains the principles of the triple bottom line and its importance in comprehensive ESG assessment.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the integration of social, economic, and environmental factors in sustainable business practices.

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QUESTION: 19

With respect to ESG integration, adjusting financial model inputs based on an evaluation of a company's ESG risk factors is an example of a:

hybrid approach
qualitative approach.
quantitative approach

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Adjusting financial model inputs based on an evaluation of a company's ESG risk factors is an example of a quantitative approach. Here's why:

Quantitative Approach:

This involves the use of numerical data and mathematical models to assess ESG risks and incorporate them into financial models. Adjusting financial inputs like revenue forecasts, cost projections, or discount rates based on ESG factors quantifies the impact of these factors on financial performance.

By integrating ESG risk factors into financial metrics, investors can better understand the potential financial implications of ESG issues and make more informed investment decisions .

Qualitative vs. Hybrid Approaches:

A qualitative approach relies more on subjective judgment and narrative assessments, such as analyst opinions or case studies, without necessarily converting these insights into numerical data.

A hybrid approach combines both qualitative and quantitative methods, using narrative assessments alongside numerical data. However, directly adjusting financial model inputs is a clear application of quantitative analysis .

Reference:

The CFA Institute's ESG curriculum emphasizes the importance of integrating ESG factors into financial models quantitatively to provide a comprehensive view of a company's financial health and potential risks .

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QUESTION: 20

Which of the following is an example of a just' transition with regards to climate change?

A company issues a first transition bond to finance a gas-fired power utility project
A manufacturer designs products that are more reusable and recyclable to support the circular economy
A government works with labor unions to develop a social package for displaced workers due to closure of coal mines

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

A just transition with regards to climate change refers to ensuring that the shift to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive, particularly for workers and communities that are adversely affected by this transition. Here's why option C is correct:

Just Transition:

A just transition involves measures that support workers and communities who are impacted by the transition to a sustainable economy. This includes creating new job opportunities, providing retraining programs, and ensuring social protections for those affected by changes such as the closure of coal mines.

Collaborating with labor unions to develop a social package for displaced workers is a clear example of this approach, as it directly addresses the social and economic challenges faced by workers during the transition .

Other Options:

Option A (financing a gas-fired power utility project) does not address the social aspects of the transition and is more focused on the financial and infrastructural changes.

Option B (designing reusable and recyclable products) is aligned with the circular economy but does not specifically address the social justice aspect of the transition .

Reference:

The CFA Institute's ESG curriculum includes discussions on the importance of a just transition, emphasizing the need for policies and initiatives that protect workers and communities during the shift to a sustainable economy .

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CFA ESG-Investing Exam (page: 4) CFA Certificate in ESG Investing Updated on: 09-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 16

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QUESTION: 17

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QUESTION: 18

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QUESTION: 19

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QUESTION: 20

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CFA ESG-Investing Exam (page: 4)
CFA Certificate in ESG Investing
Updated on: 09-Feb-2026