Overview & Purpose

This foundational module exists for one reason: to ensure that every learner regardless of technical background can install, configure, and successfully run their first ESG analysis using Claude Code before proceeding to any topic-specific content. We treat environment setup as a critical learning milestone, not an afterthought.

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is Anthropic's AI-powered command-line tool that lets you write, run, and iterate on code using plain English instructions. Instead of memorizing Python syntax or debugging for hours, you describe what you want to accomplish and Claude Code generates, explains, and refines the code for you.

Why Claude Code for ESG & Climate Work?

ESG professionals deal with vast, messy datasets across multiple frameworks (GRI, SASB, TCFD, CSRD). Claude Code automates the tedious data wrangling, calculations, and report generation so you can focus on analysis and strategy.
Climate risk models require repeatable, auditable calculations. Claude Code creates scripts you can re-run each reporting cycle turning a 3-day manual process into a 30-minute automated one.
No prior coding experience? No problem. Claude Code translates your domain expertise into working code through conversation.

Walk Through Module by Module

MODULE 0 — Foundation and Setup (4 lessons)

Module 0 is where every learner starts, regardless of technical background. Install Claude Code, configure your API key, set up your project folder structure with the correct conventions for ESG data management, and create your first CLAUDE.md project memory file. By the end of the four lessons, you run your first real ESG command and see Claude Code generate a working analysis script from plain English for the first time. This typically produces the moment every learner describes as 'the switch flicking on.'

MODULE 1 — ESG Data Ingestion (5 lessons)

Once your environment is set up, Module 1 addresses the first and biggest problem in ESG work: getting data into a usable form. You learn to ingest PDF utility bills, Excel spreadsheets with inconsistent column naming, supplier survey CSVs, JSON API feeds from building management systems, and government dataset formats like the EDGAR emissions inventory. By the end of Module 1, no data format defeats you.

MODULES 2 and 3 — GHG Calculations and TCFD Scenario Analysis

Module 2 is where the core analytical capability is built. You create your Scope 1, 2, and 3 calculators — one for each calculation approach, with embedded IPCC AR6 GWP100 factors, automatic unit harmonisation, and multi-year comparability built in.

Module 3 applies that calculation capability to climate scenario analysis. You build TCFD-compliant physical risk models that score your asset portfolio against WRI Aqueduct water stress, FEMA flood risk, and IPCC temperature scenarios. You build transition risk models that calculate the revenue exposure of your operations under 1.5°C, 2°C, and 4°C pathways.

MODULES 4 and 5 — CSRD and GRI Reporting

Module 4 is the CSRD module. You build automated generators for ESRS E1 through E5 disclosures. You build the double materiality matrix tool that scores topics by financial materiality and impact materiality simultaneously. You generate a CSRD-compliant transition plan narrative from your emissions data and targets.

Module 5 covers GRI and ISSB. You build the GRI 300-series index generators — 302 Energy, 303 Water, 305 Emissions — and the IFRS S1/S2 disclosure templates. A single command generates your GRI index from your master dataset.

MODULES 6, 7, and 8 — Advanced Capabilities

Module 6 is Scope 3 and supply chain — the most requested topic in the programme. All fifteen categories covered, with specific tools for spend-based Category 1, activity-based Category 6, and Category 15 financed emissions for financial institutions.

Module 7 covers dashboards and visualisation. You build an interactive Streamlit web application — a real web app, running in your browser, showing your ESG KPIs, trend analysis, and target tracking — without writing a single line of JavaScript or HTML.

Module 8 is Assurance and Audit Prep. You automate the generation of your methodology documentation, uncertainty analysis, and data lineage mapping. You leave with a verifier-ready assurance package for your entire GHG inventory.