Creating Truly Sustainable Businesses and Organizations

Description

The twentieth-century business model has given rise to complex and interrelated challenges. These include a global water shortage, rapid resource depletion, climate change, and growing social dis-ease. Largely in response to these pressures, more and more businesses have launched sustainability initiatives. Despite the increased activity, most experts would agree that progress toward sustainability has been, at best, modest.

How do we drive businesses (and thereby society) faster towards true sustainability? Is the twentieth-century business model still valid? Are there other models that are better suited to address the challenges of the 21st century? What skills and capacities are needed today(and tomorrow) in order for us to succeed?

Throughout this program students will explore different human and social capabilities in the business context including moral and ethical leadership and communicating a positive vision of change.  Students will also look at a variety of analytical and strategic planning tools such as systems mapping, life-cycle cost analysis, climate action plans, and the Environmental Management System (EMS).