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Sustainable Business

Big Issues, Big Changes

John Byrd and Kenneth Bettenhausen

This is class 3 in the MOOC specialization, Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent.

This class looks at the big issues companies are fixing - climate change, water, worker satisfaction and supply chain issues.

You will learn tools to help your company address these issues intelligently.

The class ends with an assignment to set a science-based carbon reduction target for a small company. Tis is absolutely cutting edge material. Only about 300 companies in the whole world are doing this as of July 2017. You could put your company in the elite group!

Read more

This is class 3 in the MOOC specialization, Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent.

This class looks at the big issues companies are fixing - climate change, water, worker satisfaction and supply chain issues.

You will learn tools to help your company address these issues intelligently.

The class ends with an assignment to set a science-based carbon reduction target for a small company. Tis is absolutely cutting edge material. Only about 300 companies in the whole world are doing this as of July 2017. You could put your company in the elite group!

With the knowledge and tools you have acquired from the 3 classes in this specialization you are well on your way to making a difference in your company, and making the future brighter for everyone.

Thank you for being part of this program!

Enroll now

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What's inside

Syllabus

Climate and Carbon Footprinting
Context-Based Sustainability and Science-Based Targets
Water and Energy
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes organizational sustainability, equipping learners to address climate change and other environmental issues within their companies
Provides hands-on experience through an assignment that involves setting a science-based carbon reduction target for a small company
Led by recognized subject matter experts, John Byrd and Kenneth Bettenhausen, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content
Part of a specialization, offering a comprehensive learning path in sustainable business transformation
Focuses on cutting-edge topics like science-based carbon reduction targets, making the course relevant to industry practices

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Reviews summary

Practical tools for sustainable business change

According to learners who have taken the course "Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes", this class is considered a valuable third step in the specialization. Many found the content on climate change, carbon footprinting, and science-based targets particularly relevant and well-explained. The practical assignment on setting a science-based target is frequently highlighted as a major strength, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge material. While some noted the importance of completing prior courses in the specialization for full context, the class is generally perceived as informative and actionable, equipping students with tools to drive real change in their companies.
Best taken as part of the recommended sequence.
"This is class 3 in the MOOC specialization, Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent."
"With the knowledge and tools you have acquired from the 3 classes in this specialization you are well on your way..."
"To fully understand this course and all its valuable insights, you need to follow the specialization."
Covers critical and timely issues in depth.
"The topic of Science Based Targets for GHG Reduction is crucial for any business today."
"This course provides important, relevant and useful information about key sustainable business issues."
"Big Issues, Big Changes is a valuable course that delve into some of the critical issues of our time, climate change, supply chain, workplace satisfaction, etc."
"The content on climate and carbon footprinting, including science-based targets, was highly relevant."
"I found the sections on climate change and science-based targets particularly informative and current."
Highly practical and valuable hands-on task.
"The assignment about science-based target is a major strength of the course, as it makes it very practical."
"Setting a Science-Based Target assignment was particularly useful part of the course. It helps understand this challenging cutting edge concept."
"I have gained practical knowledge in the application of Science-Based Targets and I feel very prepared to initiate the process at my workplace."
"The SBT assignment provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge material."
"The most valuable part for me was the assignment on setting a science based target."

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: Big Issues, Big Changes with these activities:
Compile Course Materials
Reinforces learning by organizing and reviewing course content.
Show steps
  • Download and organize all course materials.
  • Review the materials regularly.
  • Create a study guide or summary of the key concepts.
Practice Carbon Footprint Calculation
Improves your understanding of how to calculate your company's carbon footprint.
Browse courses on Carbon Footprint
Show steps
  • Use an online carbon footprint calculator to calculate your company's footprint.
  • Identify three ways to reduce your company's carbon footprint.
Read: Measuring the Real Success of Sustainable Business
Provides a comprehensive guide to measuring your company's sustainability progress.
View The New Sustainability Advantage: Seven... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and first three chapters.
  • Identify three key takeaways from the book.
  • Discuss the book with a colleague or mentor.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Network with Sustainability Professionals
Connects you with professionals who can provide insights and support.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and conferences.
  • Join professional organizations related to sustainability.
  • Reach out to sustainability professionals on LinkedIn.
Develop a Sustainability Communication Plan
Helps you develop a plan for communicating your company's sustainability initiatives to stakeholders.
Browse courses on Sustainability Communication
Show steps
  • Identify your company's key sustainability stakeholders.
  • Develop key messages for each stakeholder group.
  • Create a communication plan that outlines how you will reach each stakeholder group.
Attend a Sustainability Workshop
Provides an opportunity to learn from experts and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Research and identify a sustainability workshop that aligns with your interests.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
Complete a Science-Based Target Assessment
Helps you understand your company's greenhouse gas emissions and set targets for reduction.
Browse courses on Science-Based Targets
Show steps
  • Gather data on your company's energy use, emissions, and waste generation.
  • Use the Science Based Targets website to calculate your company's emissions and set reduction targets.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their environmental and social performance. This course can help build a foundation for a career in sustainability consulting by providing an overview of the major issues that companies are facing, such as climate change, water scarcity, and supply chain sustainability. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and implementing sustainability strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help build a foundation for a career in environmental science by providing an overview of the major environmental issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for conducting environmental research and developing evidence-based solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Corporate Sustainability Manager
Corporate Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for their organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a career in corporate sustainability by providing an overview of the major sustainability issues that companies are facing. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and implementing sustainability strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts analyze environmental and social data to help organizations make informed decisions about their sustainability performance. This course can help build a foundation for a career in sustainability analysis by providing an overview of the major sustainability issues that companies are facing. The course also provides tools and frameworks for analyzing sustainability data and developing evidence-based recommendations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst
ESG Analyst
ESG Analysts analyze environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data to help investors make informed decisions about their investments. This course can help build a foundation for a career in ESG analysis by providing an overview of the major ESG issues that companies are facing. The course also provides tools and frameworks for analyzing ESG data and developing evidence-based recommendations.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst
Climate Change Specialist
Climate Change Specialists develop and implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This course can help build a foundation for a career in climate change by providing an overview of the science of climate change and the major impacts that it is having on the world. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and implementing climate change strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Specialist
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Managers develop and implement strategies to manage water resources sustainably. This course can help build a foundation for a career in water resources management by providing an overview of the major water resources issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and implementing water resources management strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course can help build a foundation for a career in supply chain management by providing an overview of the major supply chain issues that companies are facing. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and implementing supply chain strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in environmental law by providing an overview of the major environmental issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for understanding environmental law and developing legal strategies to protect the environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in environmental engineering by providing an overview of the major environmental issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for designing and implementing environmental engineering solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts develop and analyze public policies. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in public policy analysis by providing an overview of the major public policy issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and analyzing public policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers lead nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in nonprofit management by providing an overview of the major issues facing nonprofit organizations. The course also provides tools and frameworks for managing nonprofit organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs develop and implement solutions to social problems. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in social entrepreneurship by providing an overview of the major social issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for developing and implementing social entrepreneurship solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur
Sustainability Educator
Sustainability Educators teach about sustainability. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in sustainability education by providing an overview of the major sustainability issues facing the world today. The course also provides tools and frameworks for teaching about sustainability.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Educator
Sustainable Business Consultant
Sustainable Business Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their sustainability performance. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career in sustainable business consulting by providing an overview of the major sustainability issues that businesses are facing. The course also provides tools and frameworks for advising businesses on how to improve their sustainability performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Business Consultant

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 Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes.
Cover image
The New Sustainability Advantage
Save
Provides a business case for sustainability. It useful resource for businesses looking to make the case for sustainability to their stakeholders.
The New Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business...
Paperback
$$
The New Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Cradle to cradle : remaking the way we make things
Save
Introduces the concept of cradle-to-cradle design, which way of designing products and materials to be sustainable throughout their entire life cycle.
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Cradle to Cradle: Einfach intelligent produzieren...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Upcycle
Save
Builds on the concept of cradle-to-cradle design and provides a framework for businesses to design for abundance.
The Upcycle
Paperback
Check
The Upcycle
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Natural Capitalism
Save
Argues that businesses can achieve both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. It useful resource for businesses looking to develop a sustainable business model.
Natural Capitalism
Paperback
Check
Natural Capitalism
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Blue Economy
Save
Introduces the concept of the blue economy, which way of thinking about economic development that is based on the principles of sustainability.
The Blue Economy 3.0: The marriage of science,...
Paperback
$$
Blue Economy-10 Years, 100 Innovations, 100 Million...
Paperback
$$
The Blue Economy: 200 Projects Implemented US$ 4...
Hardcover
$$
(Italiano) Blue economy 2.0. 200 progetti implementati, 4...
Paperback
$$$
Blue Economy byPauli
Paperback
$$$
The Blue Economy/version 2.0: 200 Projects...
Hardcover
$$$
The Blue Economy 3.0: The Marriage of Science,...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Wonderful Circles of Oz
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the circular economy, which way of thinking about economic development that is based on the principles of sustainability.
The Wonderful Circles of Oz
Paperback
$$
The Wonderful Circles of Oz: A Circular Economy...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Greener Marketing
Save
Provides seven rules for sustainable marketing success.
Greener Marketing
Paperback
$$
Greener Marketing
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Beyond Shareholder Primacy
Save
Argues that sustainability should be a core business strategy for businesses of all sizes.
Beyond Shareholder Primacy: Remaking Capitalism for...
Hardcover
$$
Beyond Shareholder Primacy: Remaking Capitalism for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Environmental Social Governance
Save
Provides a framework for measuring and reporting on social, environmental, and economic performance.
Environmental Social Governance
Paperback
$$$
Environmental Social Governance: Managing Risk and...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructors
John Byrd
Kenneth Bettenhausen
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a collection called Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Capstone: Creating A Sustainability Proposal
  2. First Steps in Making the Business Case for Sustainability
  3. More on Change and Sustainability
  4. Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes organizational sustainability, equipping learners to address climate change and other environmental issues within their companies
Provides hands-on experience through an assignment that involves setting a science-based carbon reduction target for a small company
Led by recognized subject matter experts, John Byrd and Kenneth Bettenhausen, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content
Part of a specialization, offering a comprehensive learning path in sustainable business transformation
Focuses on cutting-edge topics like science-based carbon reduction targets, making the course relevant to industry practices
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