Fundamentals of Sustainable Business
Gain a foundational understanding of the business case for sustainable development
Program Information
Date:
May 12–14, 2025
Breakfast: 8–8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
Program Fees:
$3,450

Location:
Business Learning Community
Athens, GA
Athens, GA
Who Will Benefit
- Professionals anticipating the future of sustainable business or those with an interest in driving the adoption of sustainable practices at their workplaces
- Individuals responsible for strategic planning, operations, or corporate social responsibility who want to integrate sustainability into business processes
- Emerging sustainability officers seeking to drive strategic transformations that enhance sustainability, gain competitive advantage, and cultivate a positive brand perception among stakeholders
- Corporate executives looking to manage risk and align sustainability with company strategy and growth goals
Takeaways
- Introduction to common corporate sustainability challenges and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Conversant knowledge of environmental terminologies, measures, and reporting
- An understanding of the short- and long-term economic benefits of sustainable practices
- Tools for applying sustainability initiatives, including making business cases for sustainability improvements
- An understanding of how to apply systems thinking, values thinking, and strategic thinking to sustainability challenges and manage change within the organization
Program Schedule
Day 1
Understanding the Need for Sustainable Business Practices
Includes Welcome Reception
Sustainable Development
Tyra Byers, Odum School of Ecology
Waste Reduction
Evan White, New Materials Institute
Business Case for Sustainability
Neil Bendle, Terry College of Business
Circular Economy
Tyra Byers, Odum School of Ecology
Day 2
Sustainability in Action
Includes UGA Sustainability Walking Tour (optional)
Climate Change
Marshall Shepherd, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Understanding and Internal Reporting of Impact
Nathan Stuck, Terry College of Business
Water Stewardship
Seth Wenger, Odum School of Ecology
Corporate and Community Partnerships
Jim Berry, Terry College of Business
Day 3
Leadership and Implementing Sustainable Practices
Includes Program Closing
Strategic Decision Making
Mike Pfarrer, Terry College of Business
Leading and Managing Change
Stacy Campbell, Terry College of Business
Inclusive Workplace Culture
Dawn Bennett-Alexander, Terry College of Business
Sustainability Managers Panel and Eco-Design Discussion
Tyra Byers, Odum School of Ecology (Moderator)
What’s Included?
- Interactive instruction from world-class experts representing multiple colleges, disciplines, and specialties within the University of Georgia
- Immersive learning experience at the Terry College of Business and other locations on the main campus of the University of Georgia
- Certificate in Fundamentals of Sustainable Business from the Terry College of Business/Odum School of Ecology for those who satisfy attendance and learning requirements
- Networking, collaborating, and sharing ideas with leaders from various industries who are navigating sustainable business challenges
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day, welcome reception, guided campus walking tour to point out campus sustainability practices, and all program materials
Want to Learn More?
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about Fundamentals of Sustainable Business or other programs provided by the Terry College of Business Office of Executive Education.
- Associate Director of Open Enrollment Programs & Conferences, Executive Education