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.



Introduction to Corporate Sustainability
This course is part of Sustainability for Business Specialization

Instructor: Joel Hartter
Access provided by Coursera Learning Team
(13 reviews)
Recommended experience
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
- Organizational Strategy
- Compliance Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Operational Risk
- Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
- Sustainability Reporting
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Communication Strategies
- Systems Thinking
- Corporate Strategy
- Business Ethics
- Business Strategies
- Corporate Sustainability
- Strategic Thinking
- Risk Analysis
- Environment and Resource Management
- Governance
- Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
- Supply Chain Management
- Environmental Issue
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
4 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course
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
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
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
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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
Instructor

Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career




Learner reviews
13 reviews
- 5 stars
53.84%
- 4 stars
15.38%
- 3 stars
15.38%
- 2 stars
15.38%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 13
Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025
Very good Course for learning sustainable business Practices
Explore more from Business
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera Instructor Network
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy