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    University of Colorado Boulder
    Introduction to Corporate Sustainability
    • About
    • Outcomes
    • Modules
    • Recommendations
    • Testimonials
    1. Browse
    2. Business
    3. Business Strategy
    University of Colorado Boulder

    Introduction to Corporate Sustainability

    This course is part of Sustainability for Business Specialization

    Joel Hartter

    Instructor: Joel Hartter

    Included with Coursera Plus

    •Learn more
    3 modules
    Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
    Beginner level

    Recommended experience

    Recommended experience

    Beginner level

    No prior experience required. Designed for students, early-career & mid-career professionals, & anyone eager to support or implement sustainability.

    6 hours to complete
    3 weeks at 2 hours a week
    Flexible schedule
    Learn at your own pace
    Build toward a degree
    Learn more

    3 modules
    Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
    Beginner level

    Recommended experience

    Recommended experience

    Beginner level

    No prior experience required. Designed for students, early-career & mid-career professionals, & anyone eager to support or implement sustainability.

    6 hours to complete
    3 weeks at 2 hours a week
    Flexible schedule
    Learn at your own pace
    Build toward a degree
    Learn more
    • About
    • Outcomes
    • Modules
    • Recommendations
    • Testimonials

    What you'll learn

    • Analyze the impact of climate change on business operations and corporate responses, including cost implications and regulatory compliance.

    • Evaluate carbon management strategies and circular economy principles, and their benefits for sustainable business operations.

    • Integrate systems thinking approaches into business strategies to promote decision-making processes.

    Skills you'll gain

    • Business Strategies
    • Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
    • Sustainability Reporting
    • Operational Risk
    • Business Ethics
    • Compliance Management
    • Environment and Resource Management
    • Corporate Sustainability
    • Business Risk Management
    • Systems Thinking
    • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Innovation

    Details to know

    Shareable certificate

    Add to your LinkedIn profile

    Recently updated!

    December 2024

    Assessments

    4 assignments

    Taught in English

    See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

    Learn more about Coursera for Business
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    Build your subject-matter expertise

    This course is part of the Sustainability for Business Specialization
    When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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    • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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    There are 3 modules in this course

    This course explores foundational sustainability concepts, including the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Learners will explore key frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, and examine the impact of climate change on business operations. The course also covers carbon management, circular economy principles, and systems thinking to integrate sustainable practices into business strategies.

    This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts, frameworks, and historical milestones that have shaped modern sustainability practices. Through a chronological exploration of sustainability's evolution, students will gain insights into the shift from environmental awareness to corporate responsibility, understand the essential pillars of sustainability, and learn how frameworks like the Triple Bottom Line have influenced business strategies. By the end of this module, learners will be equipped to contextualize sustainability in a corporate setting, recognize its multi-dimensional nature, and apply core concepts in their own organizations.

    What's included

    6 videos1 assignment

    6 videos•Total 60 minutes
    • Specialization Overview: Sustainability for Business•9 minutes•Preview module
    • Course Overview: Introduction to Corporate Sustainability•5 minutes
    • Origins & Evolution of Sustainability•9 minutes
    • From Environmental Impact to Corporate Sustainability•15 minutes
    • Pillars of Sustainability•12 minutes
    • Triple Bottom Line•8 minutes
    1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
    • Module 1: Foundations of Sustainability Quiz•30 minutes

    This module examines the connection between climate change and corporate responsibility, equipping learners with a foundational understanding of climate science, the impacts of climate change on business, and strategic responses for sustainability. Learners will explore how companies manage risks, address opportunities, and commit to long-term goals like carbon neutrality and net zero.

    What's included

    5 videos1 assignment

    5 videos•Total 71 minutes
    • Understanding Climate Change•19 minutes•Preview module
    • Urgency of Sustainability•4 minutes
    • Impact on Business Operations•14 minutes
    • Corporate Responses to Climate Change•11 minutes
    • Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero•21 minutes
    1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
    • Module 2: Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility Quiz•30 minutes

    This module introduces key frameworks and strategies that guide corporate sustainability efforts, providing learners with the tools to assess and implement impactful sustainability practices. By examining global standards, understanding frameworks like ESG and CSR, and exploring circular economy principles, learners will develop a comprehensive approach to integrating sustainability into their organizations. This module equips learners to make strategic, informed decisions that align with both regulatory expectations and organizational goals.

    What's included

    6 videos2 readings2 assignments

    6 videos•Total 100 minutes
    • Global Standards and Guidelines•14 minutes•Preview module
    • Navigating Sustainability Frameworks & Standards•20 minutes
    • Corporate Social Responsibility•12 minutes
    • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)•19 minutes
    • Circular Economy Principles•30 minutes
    • Course Wrap Up: Introduction to Corporate Sustainability•2 minutes
    2 readings•Total 25 minutes
    • Common Sustainability Frameworks: Supplemental Slides•15 minutes
    • Supplemental Readings & Resources•10 minutes
    2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
    • Module 3: Sustainability Frameworks & Strategic Approaches Quiz•30 minutes
    • Introduction to Corporate Sustainability Final Assessment•45 minutes

    Instructor

    Joel Hartter
    Joel Hartter
    University of Colorado Boulder
    6 Courses•18,484 learners

    Offered by

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Offered by

    University of Colorado Boulder

    CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

    Explore more from Business Strategy

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    Build toward a degree

    This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

    Build toward a degree

    This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Design for the Circular Economy Graduate Certificate

    Degree

    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Master of Engineering in Engineering Management

    Degree · 24 months

    ¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

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