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Campus BBVA

The sustainability agenda is currently key to companies, governments and citizens. It’s vital for people to have first-hand knowledge of the basic concepts in order to understand all issues related to sustainability as a vector of systemic change in the economy, society, companies and our lives.

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The sustainability agenda is currently key to companies, governments and citizens. It’s vital for people to have first-hand knowledge of the basic concepts in order to understand all issues related to sustainability as a vector of systemic change in the economy, society, companies and our lives.

The course is an introduction to sustainability, regarded as a cross-cutting discipline in our society (in the public and private international spheres) that’s based on the most updated public information on economic, social and environmental issues. It outlines how sustainability is holistically applicable to everyday situations in the population, natural resource use and the global economy and in its interaction with the biosphere, as well as social factors such as a fair transition, equity, equality, diversity, human rights, education and health.

By the end of this course you’ll have obtained a broad overview of the key challenges and potential solutions to achieve sustainable, socially just and environmentally possible development while respecting the planetary boundaries.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Definition, global context and international sustainability frameworks
This module introduces the definitions of sustainability within a global context of permanent change affecting the current and future generations. The international sustainability reference frameworks are also presented.
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Actors of change, environment and climate change
Stakeholders are key to the sustainability of organizations. Throughout this module we’ll seek to understand the role of each of them and their expectations when it comes to creating economic, social and environmental value in the short, mid and long terms. We’ll also explore the concepts and definitions of the first sustainability pillar: “Environment”.
Inclusive economic growth, sustainability and sustainable finance
In this module we’ll learn some concepts related to the other two sustainability pillars: “Economic” and “Social”. The concept of inclusive and population growth within the framework of limited resources will be further explored. Human rights, gender equality and the relationship between the socio-economic SDGs and sustainable development will be covered in a cross-cutting manner.
Sustainability measurement and reporting
In this final module we’ll examine the tools available for measuring and reporting sustainability. We’ll also summarize the previous modules to pool some conclusions and a vision of the global sustainability trends for the forthcoming decades of the 21st century.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the interrelationship between the environment, sustainability, and social justice
Examines the role of stakeholders in creating economic, social, and environmental value
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the three pillars of sustainability: environment, economy, and society
Covers the latest international frameworks and standards for sustainability reporting
Taught by instructors from Campus BBVA, a leading provider of sustainability education for businesses and professionals
May require extensive background knowledge in economics, social sciences, and environmental studies

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The ABC of sustainability with these activities:
Sustainable development theory
Review the foundational concepts of sustainable development to prepare for this course and ensure that you have a strong understanding of the basics.
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  • Review the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Read articles and books on sustainable development theory.
  • Watch videos and documentaries about sustainable development.
Review Basic Environment
Reviewing environmental concepts will help you better understand the key ideas
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  • Review your notes from previous courses
  • Read articles and books on environmental science
  • Watch documentaries about environmental issues
Sustainability Research Folder
Creating a sustainability research folder will help you organize and access information
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  • Create a folder on your computer or in the cloud
  • Collect articles, reports, and other resources on sustainability
  • Organize the resources by topic
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Sustainability Workshop
Attending a workshop will allow you to learn from experts in the field
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Sustainability Study Group
Studying with peers can help you learn from each other
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  • Find a group of classmates who are interested in studying sustainability
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material
  • Work together on projects and assignments
Sustainability Practice
Practice applying the concepts of sustainability to business decision-making
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  • Research case studies of sustainable businesses
  • Develop a sustainability plan for a business
  • Present the plan to a group of stakeholders
Sustainability Blog
Creating a sustainability blog will help you think critically about the topic and share your knowledge
Browse courses on Sustainability
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  • Choose a topic for your blog
  • Research and write a blog post
  • Promote your blog on social media
  • Engage with your readers in the comments section

Career center

Learners who complete The ABC of sustainability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts research and analyze environmental, social, and economic issues to develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Sustainability Analyst by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Sustainability Analysts.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help prepare for a career as an Environmental Scientist by providing an overview of the key challenges and potential solutions for achieving sustainable development. The course also covers topics such as environmental measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Environmental Scientists.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Sustainability Manager by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Sustainability Managers.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies for organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers.
ESG Analyst
ESG Analysts are responsible for analyzing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to develop and implement ESG strategies for organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an ESG Analyst by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for ESG Analysts.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Sustainability Consultant by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Sustainability Consultants.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economists apply economic principles to environmental issues. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Environmental Economist by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as environmental measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Environmental Economists.
Sustainability Engineer
Sustainability Engineers design and implement sustainable solutions for organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Sustainability Engineer by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Sustainability Engineers.
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system and develop solutions to climate change. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Climate Scientist by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as environmental measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Climate Scientists.
Science Policy Analyst
Science Policy Analysts use scientific research to inform policy decisions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Science Policy Analyst by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Science Policy Analysts.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and represent clients in environmental cases. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Environmental Lawyer by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as environmental measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Environmental Lawyers.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and environmental issues. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Environmental Educator by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Environmental Educators.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to solve social and environmental problems. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Social Entrepreneur by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Social Entrepreneurs.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Urban Planner by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Urban Planners.
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocates work to improve the health of communities. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Public Health Advocate by providing an overview of key sustainability challenges and potential solutions. The course also covers topics such as sustainability measurement and reporting, which are essential skills for Public Health Advocates.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The ABC of sustainability .
Provides a framework for analyzing social sustainability. It discusses the concepts of social justice, equity, and inclusion and how these concepts can be applied to the development of sustainable communities.
Provides a global perspective on environmental sustainability. It discusses the challenges of environmental degradation and the need for sustainable development.
Provides a concise overview of the key issues in sustainability. It discusses the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable development.
Provides a very short introduction to the concept of sustainability. It discusses the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable development.
Provides a global perspective on the challenges of sustainability. It discusses the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable development.
Provides a guide to sustainability for businesses. It discusses the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable business practices.
Provides a guide to sustainability for communities. It discusses the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable community development.
Provides a guide to sustainability for individuals. It discusses the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable lifestyles.
Provides a reader on sustainability. It includes a collection of essays on the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion and the need for sustainable development.

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