Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers from Coursera

This course builds on the foundational knowledge gained in the first course in the series. Learners will continue to shape their understanding of global problems like climate change while developing their skills in using sustainability indicators, managing waste streams, addressing challenges, and providing green building recommendations. Mixed modalities continue to be used to provide text, video, interactive activities, and peer reviews so all learners can add to their knowledge around sustainability issues. Content overviews and instructional lecture videos produced with ASU School of Sustainability professors are the cornerstones of the content presented in this course.

Topical and practical knowledge is the central combination of elements driving this course. Through interactive learning objects and peer-reviewed submissions, learners have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive feedback from experts and their fellow learners. Learners also participate in regular knowledge checks throughout the course, with mid-course and final assessments to evaluate their overall learning.

This course uses interactive activities, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to build tools like checklists and memo templates to help learners gain confidence in their skills and support their entry into the workforce. Building on the skills they have learned in the first course, this learning experience provides learners with more specialized knowledge while still tying it to real-world scenarios and skills that they will need when they get into the field as sustainability analysts.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to sustainability challenges

Welcome to the next course in your journey toward becoming a sustainability analyst! In this course, you will learn about the challenges that face the planet and employers. These challenges include waste streams, identifying sustainability indicators, and finding green practices to implement in different types of organizations.

Planetary challenges

What is the scope of sustainability issues? Engage with the materials in this module to find out more about the global nature of sustainability activities and your role in mitigating the large-scale challenges we all face.

What are sustainability indicators?

As you know, sustainability goals need to be measured in order to be effective and sustainability indicators are one of the main ways that measurement is done. In this module, you'll learn more about what a sustainability indicator is and how it supports progress towards sustainability goals when used appropriately.

Common sustainability challenges faced by businesses

Businesses face many challenges when they try to implement sustainability initiatives, and you will need to be aware of those challenges to help your organization overcome them.

What is waste stream management?

Depending on which sector you work in, waste streams may be more or less critical to your role as an analyst. However, it’s valuable to understand how waste stream management works and how to evaluate waste streams for potential improvements.

What primary green building practices should all analysts be familiar with?

When constructing or remodeling a building, many companies are moving towards green building practices to ensure that they are supporting a sustainable environment for their employees and the community.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds on the foundational knowledge in the previous course in this series

Develops skills in various areas, such as using sustainability indicators, managing waste streams, addressing challenges, and providing green building recommendations

Uses a combination of modalities, including text, video, interactive activities, and peer reviews, to enhance learning

Provides practical knowledge and interactive learning objects to help learners develop confidence in their sustainability analyst skills

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 Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers with these activities:

Review Math Skills

Show steps

Sustainability analysis requires a solid foundation in math. Reviewing key concepts will enhance your ability to grasp complex data and models.

Browse courses on Mathematical Concepts

Show steps

Revisit fundamental mathematical operations (algebra, calculus, statistics).
Practice solving math problems related to environmental issues (e.g., calculating carbon footprints, analyzing waste data).

Engage with interactive learning exercises

Show steps

Get hands-on experience by engaging with interactive learning exercises, completing practice problem sets, and working through detailed examples

Browse courses on Climate Change

Show steps

Click on the "Exercises" tab in the course modules
Choose an exercise or problem set that aligns with a specific topic
Work through the exercises or problems, taking your time to understand the concepts
Check your answers against the provided solutions

Visualize Green Practices

Show steps

Visualizing the principles behind green practices can reinforce your understanding and make them easier to recall.

Show steps

Research types of green building practices, sustainability indicators, and waste stream management.
Using a design platform like Canva or Visme, create visual representations of each topic (infographics, charts, or diagrams).
Identify the connections and overlaps between the different topics.
Annotate the visuals with key concepts and explanations.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Discuss Case Studies

Show steps

Engaging in discussions with peers allows you to exchange insights, learn from different perspectives, and deepen your understanding of sustainability issues.

Show steps

Identify real-world case studies related to sustainability.
Form study groups and assign each group a case study.
Have each group analyze the case study, identify key challenges and solutions, and prepare a presentation.
Conduct peer presentations and facilitate discussions on the findings.

Develop a sustainability checklist

Show steps

Create a practical tool to enhance your understanding of sustainability principles and their implementation

Show steps

Identify key sustainability indicators and best practices for a specific industry or building type
Organize the indicators and practices into a structured checklist format
Use the checklist to assess a building or organization's sustainability performance

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Green Building Consultant

A Green Building Consultant helps organizations design and construct green buildings. Green Building Consultants work on a variety of projects, such as designing new green buildings, retrofitting existing buildings with green features, and developing green building policies. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Green Building Consultant by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Green Building Consultant

Sustainability Analyst

A Sustainability Analyst is responsible for collecting and analyzing data on an organization's environmental, social, and economic performance. Sustainability Analysts use this data to develop and implement strategies to improve the organization's sustainability performance. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Sustainability Analyst by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Hydrologist

A Hydrologist studies the Earth's water resources. Hydrologists work on a variety of projects, such as managing water resources, studying water quality, and assessing flood risks. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Hydrologist by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Geologist

A Geologist studies the Earth's physical structure and history. Geologists work on a variety of projects, such as exploring for natural resources, studying the Earth's history, and assessing environmental hazards. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Geologist by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs and implements plans for the development of outdoor spaces. Landscape Architects work on a variety of projects, such as designing new parks, gardens, and streetscapes. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Landscape Architect by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. CSR Managers work on a variety of projects, such as developing CSR policies, managing CSR programs, and reporting on CSR performance. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Climate Scientist

A Climate Scientist studies the Earth's climate and its changes over time. Climate Scientists use data from a variety of sources, such as weather stations, satellites, and ice cores, to understand how the Earth's climate has changed in the past and how it is likely to change in the future. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Climate Scientist by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law. Environmental Lawyers work on a variety of projects, such as representing clients in environmental lawsuits, drafting environmental regulations, and advising clients on environmental compliance. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Environmental Lawyer by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst analyzes environmental policies and makes recommendations for changes. Environmental Policy Analysts work on a variety of projects, such as developing new environmental policies, evaluating the effectiveness of existing environmental policies, and providing advice to policymakers. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Environmental Policy Analyst by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Sustainability Communications Specialist

A Sustainability Communications Specialist is responsible for communicating a company's sustainability initiatives to internal and external stakeholders. Sustainability Communications Specialists work on a variety of projects, such as developing sustainability reports, writing sustainability articles, and managing social media campaigns. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Sustainability Communications Specialist by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Communications Specialist

Chief Sustainability Officer

A Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is the leader of an organization's sustainability initiatives. CSOs develop and implement strategies to reduce the organization's environmental impact and improve its social and economic performance. This course can help you prepare for a career as a CSO by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices. This course may also be helpful if you are interested in a career in environmental consulting, sustainability reporting, or corporate social responsibility.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer

Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and implements renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps. Renewable Energy Engineers work on a variety of projects, such as designing new renewable energy systems, retrofitting existing buildings with renewable energy systems, and developing renewable energy policies. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Renewable Energy Engineer by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. Environmental Engineers work on a variety of projects, such as designing pollution control systems, cleaning up contaminated sites, and developing renewable energy sources. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Environmental Engineer by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

A Sustainable Supply Chain Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's sustainable supply chain strategy. Sustainable Supply Chain Managers work on a variety of projects, such as developing sustainable sourcing policies, managing sustainable supply chain programs, and reporting on sustainable supply chain performance. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Sustainable Supply Chain Manager by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner designs and implements plans for the development of cities and towns. Urban Planners work on a variety of projects, such as developing new land use plans, zoning codes, and transportation plans. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Urban Planner by providing you with a foundation in sustainability principles and practices. You will learn about the challenges facing the planet and employers, and you will develop skills in sustainability indicators, waste stream management, and green building practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner