Foundations of Sustainability (badge credential)

What you'll learn:

Students will learn about sustainability’s three pillars (economy, society and environment), modern sustainability challenges and practical examples of how organizations are applying sustainability strategies for long-term success.

Learning objectives:

After completing this course's module presentations, assignments, and knowledge checks, you should have a working knowledge of:

• Sustainability definition principles and pillars.
• Why addressing sustainability issues are so challenging.
• How incorporating sustainability in organizational strategy can positively impact revenue and reduce risk.
• Sustainability strategy opportunities in your organization.

Modules:

1. Sustainability Visionary – Ray Anderson

Introduces sustainability leader Ray Anderson. Explores how his sustainability legacy at Interface continues today.

2. What is Sustainability?

Considers principles fundamental to defining sustainability.

3. Sustainability Perceptions and Realities

Covers beliefs and evidence about global sustainability and natural resources.

4. Why Sustainability Ideas are so Challenging

Explores the concept of wicked problems and factors influencing human behavior. Discusses the interconnectedness of the three pillars of sustainability – economy, society, and environment.

5. Organizational Sustainability in the 21st Century

Discusses how the modern era of organization sustainability evolved into a new discipline. Explores the role of public awareness, natural disasters, and regulation in the field of sustainability.

6. How Sustainability Grew Within Organization Strategy

Presents motivations for businesses and organizations to implement sustainability operationally.

7. Getting Started With Sustainability in Your Organization

Introduces steps to take as a change agent for sustainability in your organization – including figuring out what sustainability means in the context of your organization and establishing the business case.

8. Questions, Opportunities and Moving Forward

Pivots from the idea of sustainability as a set of challenges, to sustainability as a set of opportunities. Global Sustainable Development Goals are introduced.

9. Sustainability Competencies

Introduces the five sustainability competencies:

1. Systems Thinking
2. Anticipatory/Futures Thinking
3. Normative/Values Thinking
4. Strategic Thinking
5. Interpersonal/Collaborative Competence

Who this sustainability course is for:

This course is designed for busy professionals who are in or aspire to sustainability or corporate social responsibility roles.

What you'll receive:

Students will receive a badge for completing this course. Not interested in a digital badge? Students have the option of take the course without this credential here.

What is a badge?

A badge is an official digital micro-credential issued by ASU for acquiring knowledge through a short course or program to improve professional practice. Micro-credentials are an increasingly popular way to digitally represent an accomplishment or skill achieved that constitute less than a degree. Micro-credentials follow learners, often are displayed and on platforms such as on Linkedin, and are verifiable by employers through the issuing organization.