Online Class: Sustainable Development for Business

This course looks at sustainable development as it applies to business, and how it can be integrated into existing business practices.

$70.00
no certificate
- OR -
$95.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$95.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 94
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Change and adaptation are requirements of survival in the business world that many companies fail to meet. It is not because they do not want to change or that they necessarily fail to act in time-although that is a possibility that all businesses should keep in mind. A business might be able to successfully keep up with the demands of their customer base, and yet still find themselves struggling to consistently make ends meet. Is it just a matter of poor decision making? Marketing issues? Or is due to their practices and actions as an entity as a whole?

What the business world is starting to learn is that many of the old methods of adaptation that have worked for years are no longer enough. There is more to their survival than just maintaining their bottom line and the quality of their product-they need to pay attention to what their impact on the world is on a much larger scale. Namely, their physical impact on the world and the potential effects it can have for future generations.

This course looks at sustainable development as it applies to business, and how it can be integrated into existing business practices. In this first lesson, you will be introduced to the concept of sustainability and what it actually involves in business and in general. The purpose that it can serve, its key areas of focus, and the basics of sustainability will also be explored.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(54 votes)

Lesson 1: An Introduction to Sustainable Development Within Business

Change and adaptation are requirements of survival in the business world that many companies fail to meet. It is not because they do not want to change or that they necessarily fail to act in time-although that is a possibility that all businesses should keep in mind Additional lesson topics: Sustainable Development; The Politics of Sustainability; The Several Pillars of Corporate Sustainability; The Inevitability of Sustainability Politics, Technology and Management; The Definition of Sustainable Business Practices; The Three Pillars Of Sustainability; What Is Sustainable Development and Why Does It Matter? 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: My Interest in Sustainable Business Development...
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Terminology of Sustainable Development

As sustainability can be a rather complex concept that encompasses a variety of areas, it is not uncommon for someone to struggle to understand what is all involved with it. The application of sustainable development into different areas of society often shifts the focus and factors involved. Additional lesson topics: Biodiversity and Human Well-being; What Is A Carbon Footprint?; What Is Climate Change?; What Does Organic Mean?; What Are Climate and Climate Change?; Greenwashing; Sustainable Land Management; Preventing Overshoot and Collapse: Managing The Earth’s Resources; Organic 101: What The USDA Organic Label Means; What Are Carbon Emissions And Why Do They Matter? 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: History of Sustainable Development

Developing an understanding of something often requires looking at how it came to be and how it has evolved over time. History is often one of the best ways to learn about something, and it can help put it into perspective. Additional lesson topics: Backgrounder on the Three Mile Island Accident; KP Introduction; First Direct Proof of Ozone Hole Recovery Due to Chemical Ban; The 200-Year History Of American Employee Rights; An Oral History of An Inconvenient Truth; SD Timeline PDF ; The Gruesome Amoco Cadis Oil Spill Incident; Industrial Revolution; How A Burning River Helped Create The Clean Water Act; Environmental Defense Fund EDF ; Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of ; Arab Spring; Understanding the Controversy and Science of GMOs; Global Warming Controversy; The World Meteorological Organization in a Changing World; The First American Settlers Cut Down Millions Of Trees to Deliberately Engi; The Story of Silent Spring; World of Change: Antarctic Ozone Hole; Sustainability and the EPA, Chapter 2: History of Sustainability; The Limits to Growth; What is the WTO? 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Misconceptions About Sustainable Development

Regardless of how much information there is about a particular topic, it is not uncommon for misinformation and misconceptions to still be paraded as fact. Often, this can negatively impact how the public views that topic and their support of it. Additional lesson topics: Myths About Sustainability; Common Myths About ‘Sustainability’; Capitalism v Environment: Can Greed Ever Be Green?; Let’s Be Honest: Real Sustainability May Not Make Business Sense; Three Misconceptions About Environmental Sustainability In Higher Ed; The Seven Myths Of Sustainability; What Are The Most Common Misconceptions About Sustainability? 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Benefits and Advantages to Business

Knowing about something and what it can entail is not always enough for a person to form an opinion about it. There is often more that they would like to know into order to make a formal decision on whether or not it is something that they should direct their attention to. Additional lesson topics: Effects of Sustainability on Stakeholders; The Business Benefits of Sustainability Partnerships; The Business Benefits of Sustainability; Environmental Law Violations; More Reasons Companies Should Care About Sustainability; What Are The Benefits Of Going Green For A Business?; Benefits of Becoming a Sustainable Business; Energy.gov Tax Credits, Rebates and Savings; Five Benefits of Embracing Sustainability and Green Manufacturing; Business Benefits of Sustainability 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Obstacles and Disadvantages to Business

Nothing is really perfect, even the things that seem like there's nothing that can ever go wrong with them. There can still be problems that arise no matter how great or beneficial something is. Additional lesson topics: Ten Reasons Why Businesses Aren’t More Sustainable; The Troubling Evolution of Corporate Greenwashing; The Disadvantages of Going Green For A Corporation; Business Risks of Sustainability Marketing; Sustainability Challenges In Business; How Can Consumers Find Out If A Corporation Is “Greenwashing” Environmental; Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporations Going Green; Why You Shouldn’t Have A Sustainability Strategy 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: The Potential Risks for Businesses That Forgo Sustainable Development

As popular as sustainability and sustainable development have become, there are still those in the business world who have not gotten involved. It's possible that they did consider it at one point, but ultimately decided to pass. Additional lesson topics: Clean Energy Is Building A New American Workforce; The Drastic Consequences of Unsustainable Development; Can You Afford Not Being Sustainable? Part III ; Sustainability – The Resilient Business Risk; When It Comes to Sustainable Development, The U.S. Is Failing By A Lot ; Environmental Issues That Affect Business; Black Lung: Why Respirators Are Not A Solution; Renewable Resource; Major Criminal Cases 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: The UN-Sustainable Development Goals

International focus on sustainable development has been around since the United Nation's initial report on the subject. Since then, the UN has included sustainability in their global efforts in some way. Additional lesson topics: UN – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; UN – Responsible Consumption and Production; UN – Clean Water and Sanitation; UN – Affordable and Clean Energy; Paris Agreement Signing Ceremony; UN – Reduced Inequalities; UN – Sustainable Cities and Communities; UN – Gender Equality; UN – Decent Work and Economic Growth 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Environmental Sustainability

Lesson 9 Addressing sustainable development within business sometimes require taking an in depth look at certain areas. The three key concepts--environmental, societal, and economic sustainability-can all impact a business in their own unique way. Additional lesson topics: Air Pollution; Breathtaking Facts About Deforestation; Desertification; Becoming A Role Model For Sustainability; Introduction to the Importance of Environmental Sustainability; Interesting Facts About Water Pollution; Sustainability Role Models: Why Do We Need Them?; Interesting Facts About Water Pollution That You Should Know; Shocking Facts About Air Pollution; The Business Case For Environmental Sustainability; Climate Change: Signs of the Planet’s Deterioration; Pollution; Deforestation: Facts, Causes and Effects 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Economic Sustainability

Unlike with environmental sustainability, there are some aspects that people do not associate with sustainable development. Aside from a market built upon sustainable products and services, most people to not think sustainability and the economy have anything in common. Additional lesson topics: Poverty; Nonrenewable Resource; Economic Bottom Line; Non-renewable Energy; Key Steps to A More Sustainable Economy; Facts About Global Poverty; Sustainability Makes Business Sense; Growing A Sustainable Economy 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Social Sustainability

The social elements of sustainable development are some of the most crucial, both in and out of the business world. Social sustainability presents its own set of rules and issues that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to sustainable development within business. Additional lesson topics: Immigration, Poverty, and Socioeconomic Inequality; What Is the Difference Between A Human Right and a Civil Right?; Human Rights and Sustainability; The Triple Bottom Line; Education and Sustainable Development; What Is Social Sustainability? A Clarification of Concepts; Sexual Exploitation Law and Legal Definition; Sustainability in the Workplace; Social Sustainability; Leading Companies Demonstrate Social Sustainability Inside and Out; Violence – UNICEF Data 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Implications of Sustainable Development

Due to its history and the sheer amount of attention that it has received over the years, there are some conclusions that the business world has naturally reached on the subject of sustainable development. Additional lesson topics: Stakeholder Relationships: Key to A Sustainable Enterprise; Business Strategies For Sustainable Development PDF 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Sustainable Development Practices and Strategies

When introducing something new, there are often a particular set of rules in which changes can be made. This provides consistency and helps in avoiding mistakes. However, some concepts are designed to have flexibility in the manner in which they can be implemented and used. Additional lesson topics: Sustainable Business Practices; Engaging Employees to Create A Sustainable Business; How to Start An Office Recycling Program; What Makes a Product ENERGY STAR?; Recycling At Work; Key Considerations For A Sustainable Business Strategy; Examples of Business Sustainability; Best Practices In Sustainability: Ford, Starbucks and More; What Is Renewable Energy?; Starting At The Source: Sustainability In Supply Chains; Sustainable Business Practices Examples – Are You Doing Your Part? 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Integrating Sustainable Development Into Your Business

Implementing sustainable development into your business involves more than you realize. You cannot simply decide that you or your business is going to be more eco-friendly and just have it magically happen without doing anything to make sure that it will work. Additional lesson topics: Steps to Implementing Change In The Workplace; The Seven Steps to Implementing Change in Business; Five Ways For Businesses to Integrate Sustainable Practice Into Their Opera; How to Implement and Manage Successful Change Programs; Simple Ways Companies Can Integrate Sustainable Development Goals; Steps to Implementing Successful Organizational Change 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Marketing with Sustainable Development

There are parts of the business that you might not take into consideration when implementing sustainable development practices. If implementation and integration were done successfully, then there should be noticeable changes made to how the business operates. Additional lesson topics: The Evolving Relationship Between Sustainability and Marketing; Organic Labeling; Short Guide: What Is Greenwashing and How to Avoid It; Organic Labeling Standards; What Is Sustainable Marketing?; Types Of Sustainability Marketing Tactics Corporate Execs Need to Understan; Tips to Avoid Greenwashing; Why Transparency In Marketing Is Key For The Customer Experience 99 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
239
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Determine what sustainable development within business means.
  • Describe the terminology of sustainable development.
  • Summarize history of sustainable development.
  • Identify misconceptions about sustainable development.
  • Identify benefits and advantages to business.
  • Describe obstacles and disadvantages to business.
  • Describe the potential risks for businesses that forgo sustainable development.
  • Describe the un-sustainable development goals.
  • Describe environmental sustainability.
  • Describe economic sustainability.
  • Describe social sustainability.
  • Describe implications of sustainable development.
  • Describe methods for integrating sustainable development into your business.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Sustainable Development for Business
Course Number: 9770575
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (54 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated: March 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $95.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$70
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "Great course, highly recommend it to others." -- Alexander M.

Related Courses