Capstone: Creating A Sustainability Proposal from Coursera

Congratulations on reaching the Capstone Class of the Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent specialization. The class will help you apply material from the previous three classes. We have developed a case about a hypothetical ski resort that offers lots of opportunities to develop sustainability recommendations. A second option is do develop a proposal for a change in your company or organization. Or you can do both the case and your own proposal.

The goal of the class is to have you practice the entire process from identifying a problem, finding a possible solution, doing analysis to determine the proposed change's financial and sustainability impacts, figure out who to present the proposal and what they need to see to say 'Yes' and develop a budget and implementation plan.

It is big assignment, but if you have gone through the material in the first three classes you should be well-equipped for the challenge.

We hope that the concepts and tools we have introduced will start you on your way to making positive changes in your company, organization, community and the world. We have provided just the most basic tolls. As you progress you will enhance your skills and become more effective. Best of luck on all you change endeavors.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Capstone Class

Snowflake Ski Basin case

Develop a proposal for your company or organization

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Course is a Capstone, which requires previous coursework introducing theories and applications relevant to sustainability

Reviews summary

Engaging sustainability capstone

Learners largely enjoyed this engaging capstone. They found the course to be well organized and aligned with their interests. Students mentioned enjoying the interactive lectures, clear presentation, and engaging assignments. Learners also appreciated working on real-life projects to apply concepts from past lessons.

Both instructors were friendly and cooperative

"Very interesting course. Perfectly aligned with my M.Sc in Sustainable Development. Professor John and Professor Ken are very friendly and cooperative."

Students found the course aligned with their interests in sustainability.

"Very interesting course. Perfectly aligned with my M.Sc in Sustainable Development."

Learners enjoyed the interactive lectures and engaging assignments

"Great project for applying many of the concepts explained in the previous courses!"

"A perfect course for those who are just getting into these topics."

Students enjoyed working on projects that applied concepts from past courses to real-world scenarios.

"Great class. A way to end these 4 classes with a "real" business case."

Some learners found the case to be a little bit confusing

"Nice course, I would like to see how did the professors solve the case because it was confusing a little bit. But apart from that nice case!"

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 Capstone: Creating A Sustainability Proposal with these activities:

Review 'Sustainable Business: A Framework for Innovation'

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Reinforce sustainability concepts and framework for innovation.

View Green to Gold on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on important concepts.
Summarize the key ideas presented in the book.

Review 'The Sustainability Mindset: A New Way of Thinking for a Changing World'

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Gain a new perspective on sustainability and develop a mindset for change.

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Read the book and reflect on the key principles.
Identify ways to apply the sustainability mindset in your personal and professional life.

Conduct a sustainability audit for your community or organization

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Apply project management skills to assess the sustainability performance of a real-world entity.

Browse courses on Sustainability Assessment

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Define the scope and objectives of the audit.
Gather data on environmental, social, and economic indicators.
Analyze the data and identify areas for improvement.
Develop recommendations for sustainable practices.
Present the findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Two other activities

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Write a sustainability report for your community or organization

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Enhance written communication and data visualization skills while showcasing sustainability performance.

Browse courses on Sustainability Communication

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Gather data on environmental, social, and economic performance.
Analyze the data and identify trends and key accomplishments.
Develop a narrative that highlights the organization's commitment to sustainability.
Design and produce the report, incorporating data visualization and storytelling techniques.

Organize and review key course materials

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Solidify your understanding of course concepts by reviewing notes, assignments, and other materials.

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Gather and organize all relevant course materials.
Review and summarize key concepts and ideas.

Career center

Learners who complete Capstone: Creating A Sustainability Proposal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Environmental Engineers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to environmental issues. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Environmental Engineers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activity. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Environmental Scientists, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to environmental issues. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Environmental Scientists to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants are responsible for advising businesses and organizations on how to operate in a more sustainable way. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Consultants, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to business practices. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainability Consultants to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Educator

Sustainability Educators teach about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to everyday life. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Educators, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to a variety of settings. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainability Educators to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Educator

Sustainability Policy Analyst

Sustainability Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that promote sustainability. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Policy Analysts, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to policy development. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainability Policy Analysts to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Managers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to business practices. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainability Managers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study the causes and effects of climate change. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Climate Change Analysts, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to climate change issues. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Climate Change Analysts to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers are responsible for developing and implementing CSR programs for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to work as CSR Managers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to business practices. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for CSR Managers to have.

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

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Environmental Planners, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to environmental planning. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Environmental Planners to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Green Building Consultant

Green Building Consultants advise clients on how to design and build green buildings. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Green Building Consultants, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to building design and construction. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Green Building Consultants to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Green Building Consultant

Renewable Energy Developer

Renewable Energy Developers develop and implement renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Renewable Energy Developers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to renewable energy development. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Renewable Energy Developers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Developer

Energy Manager

Energy Managers are responsible for developing and implementing energy efficiency programs for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Energy Managers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to energy issues. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Energy Managers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Manager

Sustainability Writer

Sustainability Writers write about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to a variety of settings. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Writers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to writing. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainability Writers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Writer

Sustainability Project Manager

Sustainability Project Managers develop and implement sustainability projects. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Project Managers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to project management. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainability Project Managers to have.

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Sustainable Agriculture Manager

Sustainable Agriculture Managers develop and implement sustainable agriculture practices. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainable Agriculture Managers, as it provides an overview of the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to agricultural practices. The course also covers the financial and sustainability impacts of proposed changes, which is important information for Sustainable Agriculture Managers to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Agriculture Manager