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Sustainable Business Strategies

Ross Maynard

Climate change is real and it is affecting businesses as much as populations. Each decade in the 20th and 21st centuries has been hotter than the last, and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere today are higher than at any point in at least the last 800,000 years.

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Climate change is real and it is affecting businesses as much as populations. Each decade in the 20th and 21st centuries has been hotter than the last, and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere today are higher than at any point in at least the last 800,000 years.

Governments and organization's are taking action to limit, and, potentially, reverse the impacts of human activity on the climate.

As part of this, businesses are developing more sustainable ways of working and, in this course, we cover the business strategies that organization's are implementing to reduce their impact on the environment and people.

Managers, supervisors, team leaders, and professionals, along with students of business and environmental managers, comprise the intended audience for this course. It caters to individuals interested in integrating sustainability into business practices, from operational improvements to strategic decision-making.

There are no specific prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. Whether participants are new to sustainability concepts or seasoned environmental activists, the course provides foundational knowledge and practical applications without requiring prior coursework.

Participants will gain comprehensive insights into sustainability's significance for businesses, exploring global organizations that advocate for sustainable practices. They will delve into critical issues and understand the regulatory frameworks guiding sustainability reporting. Practical skills include calculating carbon footprints, improving operational sustainability, and assessing supply chain sustainability. Learners will also grasp the application of environmental, social, and governance criteria in investment decisions, supported by real-world case studies and resources for deeper understanding.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Sustainable Business Strategies
This course delves into corporate sustainability strategies, focusing on Microsoft's annual sustainability reports to illustrate effective integration into corporate responsibility initiatives.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops business strategies and plans for increasing sustainability
Explores Microsoft's approach to integrating sustainability into corporate responsibility
Provides foundational knowledge and practical applications without requiring prior coursework
Covers comprehensive insights into sustainability's significance for businesses
Examines critical issues and regulatory frameworks guiding sustainability reporting
Teaches practical skills like calculating carbon footprints and assessing supply chain sustainability

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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 Sustainable Business Strategies with these activities:
Review calculus concepts
Review the fundamental concepts of calculus to strengthen the foundational knowledge needed for this course.
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  • Review the basics of derivatives and integrals.
  • Practice solving calculus problems involving limits, continuity, and derivatives.
  • Review the concepts of integration, including techniques such as substitution and integration by parts.
Review the basics of climate change and its global impact
Begin by getting yourself acquainted with the defining characteristics of this course's subject matter.
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  • Read the introductory chapter of a textbook on climate change
  • Review online resources or watch documentaries that provide an overview of climate change
  • Attend a lecture or workshop on climate change
Review the basics of climate change
Familiarize yourself with climate change's fundamental ideas to enhance your ability to grasp the course's content.
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  • Read introductory articles or blog entries on climate change.
  • Watch documentaries or videos that explain the science behind climate change.
  • Look up basic terminologies and concepts associated with climate change.
Eight other activities
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Explore online resources for sustainability
Gain a broader perspective on sustainability by researching and delving into online materials.
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  • Visit websites of organizations like the UN Environment Programme or the World Wildlife Fund.
  • Take advantage of online courses or webinars on sustainability.
  • Explore case studies and success stories of sustainable businesses.
Follow tutorials on sustainable business practices
Explore online tutorials and resources to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable business practices and their implementation.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources and tutorials on sustainable business practices.
  • Follow the tutorials to learn about various sustainability strategies, frameworks, and case studies.
Attend a sustainability-focused workshop
Expand your knowledge and network with professionals by attending a sustainability workshop.
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  • Search for upcoming sustainability workshops in your area or online.
  • Select a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Calculate carbon footprints
Improve your understanding of carbon footprint calculations by practicing with various scenarios.
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  • Use online carbon footprint calculators to determine your own footprint.
  • Calculate the carbon footprint of a product or service using available tools.
  • Compare the carbon footprints of different products or services, evaluating their impact.
Share your knowledge with peers
Enhance your understanding by explaining concepts and assisting others in the course.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion groups related to sustainability.
  • Answer questions and provide insights to fellow learners.
  • Collaborate with others on projects or assignments, sharing your expertise.
Develop a sustainability plan for a business
Apply the concepts learned in the course by creating a comprehensive sustainability plan for a real-world business.
Show steps
  • Choose a business and research its current sustainability practices.
  • Identify areas for improvement and develop specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
  • Outline strategies and actions to achieve the goals, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
  • Present your plan to the business or a relevant audience, seeking feedback and buy-in.
Develop a sustainability plan for a hypothetical business
Apply the concepts learned in the course to create a comprehensive sustainability plan that addresses the environmental, social, and governance aspects of a business.
Show steps
  • Research and identify industry best practices for sustainability.
  • Develop a mission statement and goals for the sustainability plan.
  • Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.
  • Outline specific initiatives and strategies to achieve the sustainability goals.
  • Create a communication plan to share the sustainability plan and progress with stakeholders.
Participate in a sustainability-related competition or hackathon
Challenge yourself and apply your knowledge in a competitive environment focused on sustainability.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming sustainability competitions or hackathons.
  • Form a team or work independently on a project that addresses a sustainability challenge.
  • Submit your project and present it to a panel of judges or experts.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Business Strategies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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