UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Business Sustainability Management

Stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape by implementing integrated sustainability strategies in your business.

Duration

8 weeks, excluding
orientation

Effort

8–12 hours per week,
entirely online

Learning Format

Course modules
released weekly

Other Detail

Flexible payment
options available

This course is for you if:

  • You want to expand your knowledge of sustainability across various organisations, industries and practices; including business, consulting, environmental, social and governance (ESG), and energy sectors
  • You want to stay relevant and leverage new market opportunities amid rapid industry changes
  • You’re looking to start a business, shift career paths or broaden your skill set within your current role
  • You’re in a management role or leadership position and want to lead the sustainability transition within your team and organisation

This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.

Course curriculum

Module 1 Sustainability challenges and opportunities
The global state, what needs to change, and how to bridge the sustainability gap through rewiring the economy.

Module 2 The business case and leadership for action
Why sustainability is good for business, and the importance of good leadership in achieving change.

Module 3 Regulatory environment and international policy
Policy instruments, international agreements, and the role of business and civil society in shaping a zero-carbon economy.

Module 4 Production and consumption
The value chain: Implementing business models and processes for sourcing, producing, and consuming sustainably.

Module 5 Design, technology and planning for sustainability
The role of innovative design, planning, and technology in facilitating sustainable business.

Module 6 Communication and marketing
How to effectively communicate sustainability strategies and goals to internal and external stakeholders.

Module 7 Collaboration and partnerships
How businesses can work together with corporate, government, and non-profit actors to bring about large-scale change in the sustainability space.

Module 8 Rewiring your business approach
Learn how to be an effective change agent, overcome barriers to change, obtain networking support, and create a personalised sustainability action plan.

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

1

A comprehensive understanding of the impact of current global economic, social and environmental pressures on business.

2

An action plan for integrating sustainability across your organisation’s value chain.

3

The skills and knowledge to apply design, innovation and leadership competencies within your team or organisation.

4

A digital certificate of completion from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, validating your expertise in sustainability management.

Accreditation Logo

This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 100 hours of learning.

Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.

Your Course Convenor

Martin Roberts

Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Roberts joined CISL as a programme director in 2008. He is an expert in strategic thinking, sustainability, and business leadership, having helped companies across sectors in Africa, Asia, and Europe develop their own solutions to natural resource challenges. Roberts is responsible for digital learning at CISL, and has a keen interest in using technology to create impactful educational opportunities, democratise learning, and promote change. By heading the design and delivery of CISL’s popular portfolio of online courses, Roberts has equipped thousands of business leaders to reshape their organisations and apply the innovative business models of the future.

“This online course has been a great experience. I've learnt so much and it's driven me to learn more about my company's sustainability credentials. It has motivated me to network at work, and over the last eight weeks, I've gone from a guy in a bank that's passionate about sustainability, to someone who's actively involved in driving CSR initiatives that could help make a real difference. Module 8 is a great way to end as it sets you up to continue your journey and achieve your goals.”
– Tom Dunham, Risk Data Steward, BNP Paribas

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is an institution within the University of Cambridge. Its mission is to empower individuals and organisations to take the lead in tackling critical global challenges. By offering supported, interactive online short courses, CISL is able to share its knowledge and purpose with a worldwide audience.
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An online education that sets you apart

This University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:

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Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time

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Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step

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Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones

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