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Christopher Boone
The third course in this specialization takes the skills and knowledge learners have gained in the previous two courses and develops them into concrete skills that will serve the learner when they enter the field as a sustainability analyst. These skills include developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives. This course focuses on the real-world application of all the skills the learners have gained in the previous two courses, using video, text, interactive, and peer-reviewed content and activities to support continued growth and learning.
Read more
The third course in this specialization takes the skills and knowledge learners have gained in the previous two courses and develops them into concrete skills that will serve the learner when they enter the field as a sustainability analyst. These skills include developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives. This course focuses on the real-world application of all the skills the learners have gained in the previous two courses, using video, text, interactive, and peer-reviewed content and activities to support continued growth and learning.
Read more
The third course in this specialization takes the skills and knowledge learners have gained in the previous two courses and develops them into concrete skills that will serve the learner when they enter the field as a sustainability analyst. These skills include developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives. This course focuses on the real-world application of all the skills the learners have gained in the previous two courses, using video, text, interactive, and peer-reviewed content and activities to support continued growth and learning.
In this course, the topical knowledge presented is directly related to the practical skills learners will demonstrate since the content presented is about tasks crucial to a successful sustainability analyst. Interactive learning objects and peer-reviewed submissions provide opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration with fellow learners. Knowledge checks ensure that learners clearly understand the skills and competencies needed in the field of sustainability. At the same time, the hands-on activities provide them with opportunities to practice those skills and competencies.
Because this course is intended to be the final learning experience in the sequence, it supports learners as they prepare to enter the job market and seek sustainability roles. By presenting opportunities to practice developing reports, setting goals, and evaluating potential external partners, learners will be able to speak to those tasks in job interviews and complete the tasks successfully when they are hired into a role. The focus on practical application in this course supports learners’ confidence and development toward the position they seek.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/doe18y/foundational
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to skills and competencies
Welcome to the next course in your journey toward becoming a sustainability analyst! In this course, you will learn about the foundational competencies and skills you'll need to be a successful sustainability analyst. These competencies and skills include setting goals, creating implementation plans, establishing policies, reporting on sustainability activities, and working with vendors.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to skills and competencies
Welcome to the next course in your journey toward becoming a sustainability analyst! In this course, you will learn about the foundational competencies and skills you'll need to be a successful sustainability analyst. These competencies and skills include setting goals, creating implementation plans, establishing policies, reporting on sustainability activities, and working with vendors.
Read more
What is the process of developing a sustainability project goal?
How do you set meaningful and attainable goals for your organization? In this module, you'll learn more about setting goals and establishing a solid foundation before you start any sustainability project or initiative.
What are sustainability implementation plans?
After you've set your goals, how can you make them a reality? Engage with the materials in this module to learn about implementation plans and how to move towards your goals effectively and efficiently.
How to create a sustainability policy
Your organization may ask you to go beyond specific goals and implementation plans to formulate an organization-wide vision for sustainability. In this module, you'll learn how to formulate a policy that suits your company and engages with the social and environmental pillars of sustainability.
How to create a sustainability annual report
As a sustainability analyst, you'll be expected to report on your progress periodically. One of the most common types of reports is the annual report, which your organization will likely share widely. In this module, you'll learn how to craft an annual report that communicates your goals and achievements clearly.
What is a performance-based contract?
Sometimes a sustainability project is too pricey for an organization to take on immediately. Performance-based contracts can provide an alternative to waiting for the right time in the budget to pursue projects like renewable energy and infrastructure initiatives. In this module, you'll learn how performance-based contracts work and how to identify the right partners to work with.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills and competencies needed for a sustainability analyst
Provides practical hands-on learning and collaboration opportunities
Focuses on real-world application of skills, building confidence and readiness for the job market
Suitable for learners transitioning to sustainability roles
Instructors are not recognized for their work in sustainability
Course is part of a specialization, suggesting comprehensiveness
Save this course
Save Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies with these
activities:
Organize Course Resources
Show steps
Strengthens organization and note-taking skills while reinforcing key concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes, readings, and assignments
-
Create a system for organizing and storing materials
-
Consider using digital tools or apps for note-taking and organization
Connect with Sustainability Professionals
Show steps
Builds a network of mentors who can provide guidance and support in the field of sustainability.
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or LinkedIn
-
Reach out and introduce yourself
-
Request a brief meeting or phone call to discuss your career goals
Participate in a Sustainability Event
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with the sustainability community and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Research sustainability events in your area
-
Choose an event that aligns with your interests
-
Volunteer your time and contribute to the event's success
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Explore GRI Reporting Standards
Show steps
Introduces key concepts and frameworks for sustainability reporting as per GRI standards.
Browse courses on
Sustainability Reporting
Show steps
-
Review GRI's website and resources
-
Explore GRI's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines
Create a PowerPoint presentation to present sustainability initiatives
Show steps
Develop a deep understanding of sustainability initiatives by researching the topic and creating a presentation on your key findings.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Conduct research on sustainability initiatives
-
Identify key sustainability initiatives for your presentation
-
Develop a PowerPoint presentation outline
-
Create visuals and charts to support your presentation
-
Practice your presentation delivery
Discuss Sustainability Challenges and Solutions
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to share and learn about different sustainability challenges and solutions, fostering critical thinking and broadening perspectives.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific sustainability challenge or solution.
-
Research the topic.
-
Prepare a brief presentation.
-
Present your findings to your peers.
-
Engage in a discussion.
Review 'Sustainability Accounting and Reporting'
Show steps
Provides a solid grounding for foundational concepts for sustainability reporting.
View
The Integrated Reporting Movement: Meaning,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of sustainability accounting and reporting
-
Read chapters 4-6 to learn about key sustainability accounting frameworks
-
Read chapters 7-9 to explore best practices for sustainability reporting
Explore Sustainability Performance Measurement Tools
Show steps
Review tutorials on sustainability performance measurement tools to gain a deeper understanding of the measurement and evaluation process.
Browse courses on
Measurement Tools
Show steps
-
Identify different types of sustainability performance measurement tools.
-
Select a few tools that are relevant to your organization.
-
Review tutorials on how to use these tools.
-
Test out the tools on your own.
-
Share your findings with your team.
Sustainability Case Study Discussion
Show steps
Facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing by discussing real-world sustainability case studies.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
-
Select a sustainability case study
-
Analyze the case study and identify key aspects
-
Discuss insights and lessons learned with peers
Practice Setting Goals and Objectives
Show steps
Practice developing both short-term and long-term goals and objectives to reinforce understanding of the goal-setting process.
Show steps
-
Review the principles of goal setting.
-
Identify a specific area where you want to improve your performance.
-
Develop a short-term goal and an accompanying objective.
-
Develop a long-term goal and an accompanying objective.
-
Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Develop a Sustainability Project Plan
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in developing a comprehensive plan for a sustainability initiative.
Browse courses on
Project Plan
Show steps
-
Define the project goals and objectives
-
Identify stakeholders and their roles
-
Develop a timeline and budget
-
Create a communication plan
Develop a sustainability plan for your local community
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in sustainability by working with your community to develop a plan that addresses their unique needs and challenges.
Show steps
-
Research best practices for sustainability planning
-
Engage with community stakeholders to gather input
-
Develop a sustainability plan framework
-
Create a detailed implementation plan
-
Secure funding and resources for the plan
Develop a Sustainability Improvement Plan
Show steps
Create a sustainability improvement plan to apply knowledge and skills gained in the course and demonstrate the ability to develop practical solutions.
Show steps
-
Identify an area for improvement.
-
Set goals and objectives.
-
Develop a plan of action.
-
Implement the plan.
-
Monitor and evaluate progress.
Sustainability Impact Assessment Exercise
Show steps
Offers practical experience in evaluating the environmental and social impacts of sustainability initiatives.
Browse courses on
Impact Assessment
Show steps
-
Identify the potential impacts of a sustainability project
-
Analyze the significance of the impacts
-
Develop mitigation measures
Draft a Sustainability Report
Show steps
Create a draft of a sustainability report to demonstrate understanding of the elements and structure of a sustainability report.
Show steps
-
Research best practices for sustainability reporting.
-
Gather data on your organization's sustainability performance.
-
Develop a structure for your report.
-
Write the report.
-
Review and edit your report.
Organize Course Resources
Show steps
Strengthens organization and note-taking skills while reinforcing key concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes, readings, and assignments
- Create a system for organizing and storing materials
- Consider using digital tools or apps for note-taking and organization
Connect with Sustainability Professionals
Show steps
Builds a network of mentors who can provide guidance and support in the field of sustainability.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or LinkedIn
- Reach out and introduce yourself
- Request a brief meeting or phone call to discuss your career goals
Participate in a Sustainability Event
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with the sustainability community and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research sustainability events in your area
- Choose an event that aligns with your interests
- Volunteer your time and contribute to the event's success
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Explore GRI Reporting Standards
Show steps
Introduces key concepts and frameworks for sustainability reporting as per GRI standards.
Browse courses on
Sustainability Reporting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review GRI's website and resources
- Explore GRI's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines
Create a PowerPoint presentation to present sustainability initiatives
Show steps
Develop a deep understanding of sustainability initiatives by researching the topic and creating a presentation on your key findings.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Conduct research on sustainability initiatives
- Identify key sustainability initiatives for your presentation
- Develop a PowerPoint presentation outline
- Create visuals and charts to support your presentation
- Practice your presentation delivery
Discuss Sustainability Challenges and Solutions
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to share and learn about different sustainability challenges and solutions, fostering critical thinking and broadening perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific sustainability challenge or solution.
- Research the topic.
- Prepare a brief presentation.
- Present your findings to your peers.
- Engage in a discussion.
Review 'Sustainability Accounting and Reporting'
Show steps
Provides a solid grounding for foundational concepts for sustainability reporting.
View
The Integrated Reporting Movement: Meaning,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of sustainability accounting and reporting
- Read chapters 4-6 to learn about key sustainability accounting frameworks
- Read chapters 7-9 to explore best practices for sustainability reporting
Explore Sustainability Performance Measurement Tools
Show steps
Review tutorials on sustainability performance measurement tools to gain a deeper understanding of the measurement and evaluation process.
Browse courses on
Measurement Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify different types of sustainability performance measurement tools.
- Select a few tools that are relevant to your organization.
- Review tutorials on how to use these tools.
- Test out the tools on your own.
- Share your findings with your team.
Sustainability Case Study Discussion
Show steps
Facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing by discussing real-world sustainability case studies.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a sustainability case study
- Analyze the case study and identify key aspects
- Discuss insights and lessons learned with peers
Practice Setting Goals and Objectives
Show steps
Practice developing both short-term and long-term goals and objectives to reinforce understanding of the goal-setting process.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the principles of goal setting.
- Identify a specific area where you want to improve your performance.
- Develop a short-term goal and an accompanying objective.
- Develop a long-term goal and an accompanying objective.
- Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Develop a Sustainability Project Plan
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in developing a comprehensive plan for a sustainability initiative.
Browse courses on
Project Plan
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the project goals and objectives
- Identify stakeholders and their roles
- Develop a timeline and budget
- Create a communication plan
Develop a sustainability plan for your local community
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in sustainability by working with your community to develop a plan that addresses their unique needs and challenges.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research best practices for sustainability planning
- Engage with community stakeholders to gather input
- Develop a sustainability plan framework
- Create a detailed implementation plan
- Secure funding and resources for the plan
Develop a Sustainability Improvement Plan
Show steps
Create a sustainability improvement plan to apply knowledge and skills gained in the course and demonstrate the ability to develop practical solutions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an area for improvement.
- Set goals and objectives.
- Develop a plan of action.
- Implement the plan.
- Monitor and evaluate progress.
Sustainability Impact Assessment Exercise
Show steps
Offers practical experience in evaluating the environmental and social impacts of sustainability initiatives.
Browse courses on
Impact Assessment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the potential impacts of a sustainability project
- Analyze the significance of the impacts
- Develop mitigation measures
Draft a Sustainability Report
Show steps
Create a draft of a sustainability report to demonstrate understanding of the elements and structure of a sustainability report.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research best practices for sustainability reporting.
- Gather data on your organization's sustainability performance.
- Develop a structure for your report.
- Write the report.
- Review and edit your report.
Career center
Learners who complete Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts study environmental issues and recommend ways to reduce an organization's negative impact on the environment. Those who wish to enter this career may find Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies helpful, especially for its focus on developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers create and implement sustainability plans for companies and organizations. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be a useful resource for those seeking to enter this field, as the course covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives.
Environmental Compliance Manager
Environmental Compliance Manager
Environmental Compliance Managers ensure that companies and organizations comply with environmental regulations. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists research environmental issues and develop solutions to protect the environment. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement corporate social responsibility programs for companies and organizations. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Sustainability Educator
Sustainability Educator
Sustainability Educators teach about sustainability and environmental issues. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study climate change and develop strategies to mitigate its effects. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help companies and organizations improve their sustainability performance. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers identifying partners for sustainability initiatives.
Energy Manager
Energy Manager
Energy Managers develop and implement energy efficiency programs for companies and organizations. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts analyze environmental policies and recommend changes to improve their effectiveness. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, maintaining document accuracy, and identifying partners for sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability Researcher
Sustainability Researcher
Sustainability Researchers study sustainability and environmental issues. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Sustainability Writer
Sustainability Writer
Sustainability Writers write about sustainability and environmental issues. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Green Building Specialist
Green Building Specialist
Green Building Specialists design and construct environmentally friendly buildings. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field, as it covers developing sustainability goals and initiatives, reporting and planning, and maintaining document accuracy.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers represent clients in environmental cases. Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies may be somewhat useful as background for those seeking to enter this field, as sustainability knowledge is of some value to Environmental Lawyers in their work.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/doe18y/foundational
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
Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability, covering topics such as climate change, energy, water, and waste. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the field of sustainability and the challenges facing the planet.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable development, covering topics such as history, theory, and practice, with a focus on developing countries. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the social and environmental aspects of sustainability.
Provides a critique of the current economic system and argues for a more sustainable approach to business. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the relationship between business and sustainability.
Provides a guide to best practices in environmental impact assessment. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the process of assessing the environmental impacts of proposed projects.
Provides guidelines for sustainability reporting. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the process of reporting on the sustainability performance of organizations.
This classic book explores the impacts of human activity on the natural world. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges facing the planet.
Seminal work on the environmental impacts of pesticides. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the history of environmentalism.
Explores the factors that have led to the collapse of past civilizations. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges facing our current civilization.
Explores the current extinction crisis and its implications for the future of life on Earth. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges facing our planet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/doe18y/foundational
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Effort
12 hours of study
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Arizona State University
Instructor
Christopher Boone
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals. It's comprised of three courses:
- Careers in Sustainability
- Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers
- Foundational Sustainability Skills & Competencies (viewing)
Good to know
Develops skills and competencies needed for a sustainability analyst
Provides practical hands-on learning and collaboration opportunities
Focuses on real-world application of skills, building confidence and readiness for the job market
Suitable for learners transitioning to sustainability roles
Instructors are not recognized for their work in sustainability
Course is part of a specialization, suggesting comprehensiveness
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