We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the course where you learn to launch a new business in the energy, finance, real estate, design, engineering, or environmental sectors, while also helping you create positive environmental and human health impacts around the world.

We will integrate tools, trends, and tips from the field of entrepreneurship as a career path for making a difference and generating wealth in the renewable energy and green building sectors.

This is not a course about theory. Instead, we focus on real world application, step-by-step advice, and case studies.

We will integrate tools, trends, and tips from the field of entrepreneurship as a career path for making a difference and generating wealth in the renewable energy and green building sectors.

This is not a course about theory. Instead, we focus on real world application, step-by-step advice, and case studies.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

- Define key business opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions in the renewable energy and green building sectors.

- Analyze a successful business in renewable energy or green building.

- Identify 2 to 3 problems you might solve with either renewable energy or green building products or services.

- Plan for engaging with investors who might finance a new business.

- Take real world first steps towards launching a new business or corporate initiative, by applying the 1-page business idea summary template and the Business Model Canvas to generating and refining your own new business ideas.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the course

I’m so excited that you’re joining me for this adventure. My goal is to make the course real and tangible, with practical action items and case studies of success. In this introductory module, you will get to meet the instructor from Duke University and have a brief overview of the course. More importantly, have fun!

Get Inspired — The Power of 3: Entrepreneurship + Green Building + Renewable Energy

In this module, you will reviews case studies of three award-winning examples of renewable energy and green building, including onsite videos. We discuss how entrepreneurship is a path for solving big problems that matter. Lectures illustrate that entrepreneurship is NOT just about startups -- it’s also about internal innovation at larger organizations. We also dive into some of the many business opportunities in renewable energy and green building.

Dive into Business — Real Opportunity. Real Challenges.

In this module, the instructor explains reasons for the significant growth in the renewable energy and green building sectors. We describe challenges and criticisms of both sectors, along with counterpoints and solutions. Finally, we discuss some of the struggles of entrepreneurship that must be overcome on this path of innovation and making positive impact at scale.

Blast Off — Moving from Ideas to Business Implementation

In this module, the instructor provides tangible steps for generating, refining, and launching new business ideas, including tips for website, logo, advisory boards, and using helpful tools, such as the popular and dynamic planning and strategy tool called the Business Model Canvas. We also discuss how to think about building a team, because without one, your startup is just another job, not an enterprise.

Closing

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores concepts of entrepreneurship and its capabilities in solving real-world problems, making it suitable for learners interested in the intersection of business and social impact

Focuses on practical, step-by-step advice and real-world case studies, making it well-suited for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for hands-on guidance

Covers a wide range of topics, from business opportunity analysis to fundraising, providing a comprehensive foundation for starting a new business

Emphasis on renewable energy and green building sectors aligns with the growing demand for sustainable business practices

Provides mentorship from industry experts through case studies and examples, offering valuable insights and real-world perspectives

Course instructor from Duke University brings academic credibility and research expertise to the content

Save this course

Save Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

Green building + renewable entrepreneurs

Learners say this course covers the qualities of green building and renewable energy, as well as the qualities of entrepreneurship seen in this sector. One of the key themes is the importance of entrepreneurship for green building and renewable energy. According to students, instructor Chris Wedding is passionate and enthusiastic about the industry. They also commend the readings, which provide insights into starting a business. Other students note that the business plan tools and information on pitching business opportunities are useful. Overall, the reviews suggest that learners find this course to be a valuable resource for those interested in starting a business in the green building and renewable energy sector.

The business plan tools and information on pitching business opportunities are useful.

"tools like business canvas and how to pitch the business opportunity were useful for me."

The readings provide insights into starting a business.

"The readings, which provide insights into starting a business."

"All were covered very well.I would say that Green Buildings followed by Entrepreneurship followed by Renewable Energy was the weighting of the course."

Instructor Chris Wedding is passionate and enthusiastic about the industry.

"instructor Chris Wedding is passionate and enthusiastic about the industry."

Entrepreneurship is key in green building and renewable energy.

"One of the key themes is the importance of entrepreneurship for green building and renewable energy."

"I am grateful to the course coordinator Chris Wedding for teaching me this course which makes me realize about opportunities that are near me and are coming soon in nearby future ."

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 Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship with these activities:

Read "The Lean Startup"

Show steps

Reading "The Lean Startup" will provide you with insights and practical tools for building and validating your business idea, aligning with the principles discussed in the course.

View Partire leggeri. Il metodo Lean Startup:... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes
Summarize the key concepts and how they apply to your business idea

Complete online courses on renewable energy and green building

Show steps

Taking online courses on renewable energy and green building will expand your knowledge and understanding of the specific technologies and practices covered in the course.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

Show steps

Identify reputable online courses
Complete the courses and take notes

Review principles of entrepreneurship

Show steps

Reviewing business principles and related case studies will help you build a solid foundation for understanding and applying the concepts taught in the course.

Browse courses on Entrepreneurship

Show steps

Read articles and books on entrepreneurship
Attend a webinar or workshop on entrepreneurship
Discuss entrepreneurship concepts with peers or mentors

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Develop a business idea

Show steps

Developing a business idea will allow you to apply the concepts and tools learned in the course to a real-world scenario, enhancing your understanding and practical skills.

Browse courses on Business Plan

Show steps

Identify a problem or opportunity
Research the market and competition
Develop a solution and business model

Develop a business model canvas for your business idea

Show steps

Creating a Business Model Canvas will help you visualize and refine your business idea, ensuring that you have considered all key aspects of your business.

Browse courses on Business Model Canvas

Show steps

Fill out the Business Model Canvas template
Review and iterate on your business model

Organize and review course materials

Show steps

Organizing and reviewing course materials will help you retain the knowledge and concepts taught in the course, improving your overall understanding and performance.

Show steps

Review lecture notes and slides
Complete practice problems and assignments
Create a study guide or summary

Pitch your business idea to investors

Show steps

Pitching your business idea to investors will provide you with valuable feedback and help you refine your presentation skills, which are essential for attracting funding and growing your business.

Browse courses on Investor Pitch

Show steps

Develop a compelling pitch deck
Practice your pitch
Present your pitch to investors

Career center

Learners who complete Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. They may also work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as robotics and automation. Students in this course may learn how to analyze mechanical systems, design mechanical components, and troubleshoot mechanical problems. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in mechanical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants. They may also work on the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. Students in this course may learn how to analyze chemical processes, design chemical plants, and troubleshoot chemical problems. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in chemical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and equipment. They may also work on the design of prosthetics, implants, and other medical technologies. Students in this course may learn about engineering concepts in development of medical technology, how to analyze biomedical systems, and design biomedical devices. This course provides foundational knowledge that would likely be valuable for those interested in a career in biomedical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. They may also work on water and wastewater treatment systems. Students in this course may learn how to analyze structural integrity, manage construction projects, and design sustainable infrastructure. This course provides a foundational framework for the sector and could be helpful for those interested in a career in civil engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems. They may also work on power generation, distribution, and utilization. Students in this course may learn how to analyze electrical circuits, design electrical systems, and troubleshoot electrical problems. This course should be useful to those interested in a career in electrical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems for managing industrial production and operations. They may also work on the design of factories, warehouses, and other industrial facilities. Students in this course may learn how to analyze industrial processes, design industrial systems, and troubleshoot industrial problems. This course provides a helpful framework for the industry and may be helpful for those interested in a career in industrial engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers acquire and develop land for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. They may also manage the construction and marketing of new properties. Students in this course may learn how to analyze market trends, identify potential development sites, and secure financing for new projects. This course should be useful to those interested in a career in real estate development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop and test new materials. They may also work on the production and processing of materials. Students in this course may learn how to analyze the properties of materials, design new materials, and troubleshoot materials problems. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in materials engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the impact of humans on the natural environment. They also develop and implement solutions to protect the environment. Students in this course may learn how to analyze data, conduct research, and develop environmental policy. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in environmental science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. They may also work on the production and transportation of oil and gas. Students in this course may learn how to analyze petroleum reservoirs, design petroleum wells, and troubleshoot petroleum problems. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in petroleum engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers help businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce waste, furthering environmental goals. Students enrolled in this course may learn how to develop and implement plans that reduce operational costs while promoting environmentally friendly practices. This course provides a broad overview of the sustainability industry and might supplement a role in sustainability management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers design and develop methods for extracting minerals from the earth. They may also work on the processing and transportation of minerals. Students in this course may learn how to analyze mineral deposits, design mining operations, and troubleshoot mining problems. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in mining engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, build, and maintain nuclear power plants. They may also work on the development of nuclear weapons. Students in this course may learn how to analyze nuclear reactions, design nuclear reactors, and troubleshoot nuclear problems. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in nuclear engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Architectural Drafter

Architectural Drafters create technical drawings and plans for buildings. Students in this course may learn how to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed drawings. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in architecture or engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Drafter

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. They may also work on the management of construction budgets and schedules. Students in this course may learn how to manage construction projects, coordinate with contractors, and resolve construction disputes. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in construction management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship.

Energy Intermittency

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the current state of renewable energy and its potential for the future.

Energy Intermittency

Kindle Edition

$$$

Entrepreneurship

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of entrepreneurship theory and practice. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about how to start and run a successful business.

Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Green building + renewable entrepreneurs

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses