• University of Leeds

Sustainability in Business: Building a Greener Future

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

1,503 enrolled on this course

Sustainability in Business: Building a Greener Future

1,503 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

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    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more
Overview
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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.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introducing and defining sustainability

    • Welcome

      Before you get started, take some time to meet your Lead Educators, Laura Smith and Jonathan Muir, who will guide you through the course. You will also have the opportunity to meet other learners and plan your learning journey.

    • Definitions of sustainability

      In this activity, you are introduced to key definitions, and explore the key factors and stakeholders who play a role in sustainability.

    • Models of sustainability

      In this activity you’ll start to explore some models relating to sustainability and hear from researchers at the University of Leeds about some of the sustainability challenges they think are key.

    • Sustainability approaches

      In this activity, you’ll explore some approaches to sustainability and examine their limitations. You’ll also reflect on what role businesses play in these approaches.

    • Summary

      In this final section, you’ll summarise your learning and look ahead to Week 2.

  • Week 2

    Sustainability as a business issue

    • About Week 2

      This week, you’ll learn about the role of business in society and the factors influencing how a business approaches sustainability strategies.

    • Sustainability as a business issue

      In this activity, you’ll examine the debate around the responsibilities of business in relation to sustainability and reflect on what the role of a business is.

    • What influences businesses in their approach to sustainability?

      In this activity, you will examine external and internal factors which drive businesses towards adopting sustainable practices and approaches.

    • Sustainability 1.0 to Sustainability 3.0

      In this activity, you’ll learn about sustainability categories which businesses might adopt in their drive towards sustainability, and you’ll use these categories to assess a business you are familiar with.

    • Summary

      In this final section, you’ll summarise your learning and look ahead to Week 3.

  • Week 3

    Business models for sustainability

    • About Week 3

      This week, you’ll learn about business models which organisations can adopt when developing sustainability approaches.

    • Sustainability and business models

      In this activity, you’ll consider traditional business models and how these have been adapted to incorporate thinking about sustainability.

    • How do these models work in practice?

      In this activity, you’ll consider some examples of organisational structures which enable sustainable approaches.

    • A business in transition

      In this activity, you’ll evaluate the example of Drax Power Station which claims to be adopting a sustainable approach to business.

    • Summary

      In this final section, you’ll summarise your learning and consider where your learning might take you next.

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. 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?

Dr Jonathan Muir

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.

Laura Smith

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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Choose the best way to learn for you!

Best Value - learn more, save more!

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

$54/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
Continue & Upgrade

Start learning today

Free

Try this course - with limits

  • Limited to 3 weeks

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

Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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

Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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  • 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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