• University of Leeds
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Sustainability in Business: Building a Greener Future

Discover how sustainable business practices shape a greener, more resilient future.

330 enrolled on this course

Sustainability in Business: Building a Greener Future

330 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Master sustainable business strategies for real environmental and social impact

This course explores the essential principles of sustainability in business and how companies today can adopt environmentally and socially responsible strategies.

Divided into three key sections, it empowers you to understand, implement, and lead effective sustainable business practices across various industries.

Start by diving into the core concepts of sustainable development and the global trends shaping business, from climate change and demographic shifts to resource management.

You’ll learn about the crucial balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship and social justice, understanding why sustainability is now vital for lasting business success.

The role of businesses in sustainable development

Next, explore the essential role businesses play in building a more sustainable world. You’ll examine factors driving companies to adopt sustainability initiatives, including internal motivations and external pressures.

You’ll assess how a business can embrace an approach to sustainability which directly addresses the economic, social and ecological challenges facing humanity.

Practical applications and sustainable business models

Finally, you’ll learn how to apply sustainable business models in real-world scenarios. Case studies, such as Drax Power’s shift to renewable energy, showcases how businesses are adapting.

You’ll also evaluate a business using the Triple Layer Business Model Canvas (TLBMC), a framework designed to integrate economic, environmental, and social goals.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to make meaningful contributions to a greener and more resilient business landscape.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 0 seconds The world is at a tipping point, facing urgent challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change and the scarcity of clean water and sanitation. Now, more than ever, businesses and leaders must drive the transition to a sustainable future. At the University of Leeds, academics from the Business School and the School of Earth and Environment have collaborated to create an innovative online course designed to equip you with the tools you need to make a real difference. The course also offers an insight into our Sustainable Business Leadership degree program, and are your first steps towards tackling real world sustainability challenges.

Skip to 0 minutes and 39 seconds In this online course, you’ll gain critical insights into the sustainability challenges facing society and the vital role businesses can play in addressing these issues. You’ll explore different levels of sustainability related practices and examine contemporary case studies that showcase effective approaches organisations can take to enhance their sustainability credentials. Join us on this online journey and take the first steps towards making a lasting impact on the future. Sign up today and be part of the change.

What topics will you cover?

  • Key trends and challenges for the planet and society
  • Models and approaches to sustainability
  • Responsibilities of businesses in relation sustainability
  • Organisational factors influencing sustainability in businesses
  • Business models and sustainability, and the triple layered business model canvas
  • Sustainable business models in practice

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the concept of sustainability, its component parts and the sustainability challenges facing society.
  • Summarise and assess the role businesses can play in meeting the sustainability challenge along with the factors contributing to the adoption of sustainable practices by businesses.
  • Describe and evaluate the different levels of sustainability related business practices.
  • Through reviewing contemporary case studies, demonstrate awareness of the approaches to sustainability taken by a variety of organisations operating in different sectors.
  • Identify the actions organisations can take to further their sustainability credentials.

Who is the course for?

This course is an ideal taster for anyone curious about sustainable business practices or considering the University of Leeds; Online Masters in Sustainable Business Leadership. It offers an engaging introduction to sustainability concepts, making it perfect for future leaders looking to drive positive change within organisations.

Who will you learn with?

Jonathan is currently the Programme Leader for the University’s online MSc in Sustainable Business Leadership. He is also the Director for Online Programmes at Leeds University Business School.

Lecturer in Sustainability and Business in the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds. For more information see: https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/9734/dr-laura-smith

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 13 Feb 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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