Sustainability Leadership: People, Planet, and Profits

Upcoming Dates: March 7, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $1,420
Location/Format: UH Campus

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Note: This course can be taken either independently or as part of the Responsible Leadership certificate program. If participants choose to register in both this course and the “Ethical Leadership and Stakeholder Strategy” course, participants will earn a Certificate in Responsible Leadership.

In today's world, sustainability is more crucial than ever for all stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees, the community, and the environment. Challenges related to the environment, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) have become critical strategic issues for companies. As stakeholders are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability issues, business leaders must adapt quickly for the benefit of their organizations, stakeholders, and environment while also pursuing growth and profits. This course aims to provide strategic leaders and business professionals with a holistic understanding of the key concepts, frameworks, and principles associated with corporate sustainability and social responsibility. Participants will learn how to integrate sustainability/ESG issues into their organization. This course will be useful for those who aspire to become effective change agents and responsible leaders who want to develop critical thinking skills to address sustainability and ESG challenges in the 21st century.

• Module #1 Corporate Purpose and Sustainability Strategy

  Business managers and owners are facing increasing stakeholder demands to incorporate sustainability and ESG practices in their organizations. This session aims to introduce the fundamental principles of sustainability and ESG strategies. We will explore the "Triple Bottom Line" concept, which considers the impact of business activities on people, the planet, and profits. We will examine the arguments for and against pursuing ESG and sustainability activities and their critical impacts on a firm's financial performance, reputation, and innovation outcomes. By the end of the session, you will better understand the business case for sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

• Module #2 Enterprise-level Thinking and Social Driver of Sustainability

  In this session, you will learn about the strategic formulation and implementation process for corporate sustainability. You will learn to analyze sustainability and ESG issues at an enterprise-level. We will focus on the social aspect of ESG and discuss its implications for organizational performance by examining real business cases. You will also learn about effective strategies, precautions, controversies, and best practices in conducting social, community, and philanthropic initiatives for organizations.

• Module #3 Strategies for Tackling Environmental Challenge

  Environmental and climate change issues can significantly impact firms' business operations and long-term prospects. To become responsible future leaders, you will learn about the key trends, potential solutions, and responses to environmental, climate change, and biodiversity issues that affect business and society worldwide. You will gain fundamental knowledge of why we need to shift from a linear business model (take–make–waste) to a circular economy business model using tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This session will use real business cases to analyze different options firms can take when confronting environmental challenges.

• Module #4 Becoming a Sustainability Change Agent in Your Organization

  In our final session, we will discuss socially responsible investing (SRI) and its impact on businesses, society, and the environment. We will explore the issue of "greenwashing" and provide practical strategies to avoid it. You will also learn about various activities and tips to enhance ESG and sustainability practices to build a more sustainable organization. Lastly, we'll discuss the future of business, including sustainability-related careers and their implications for corporate managers, strategic leaders, and consultants.

By the end of the day:

Participants will have a greater understanding of the following:

• Key components in corporate sustainability and ESG.
• Major trends for the future of business in achieving sustainability.
• Strategies to enhance company response to social and environmental challenges.
• Learning practical tips to build a sustainability-focused organization.
• Learning effective business models and tools that support the success of ESG efforts and better organizational performance.

Who Should Attend

• Seasoned executives, directors, and strategic leaders who want to understand the impact of sustainability and the future trends in ESG.
• Middle managers who want to learn how to integrate sustainability and ESG efforts in their organizations.
• Individual contributors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to gain fundamental knowledge of developing an effective sustainability business model.

Instructor