Fundamentals of Sustainable Business

Gain a foundational understanding of the business case for sustainable development

Terry College of Business Executive Education, University of Georgia logo
Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia logo
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia logo
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Program Information

Date:
May 12–14, 2025
Breakfast: 8–8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
Program Fees:
$3,450
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Location:

Program Overview

The Fundamentals of Sustainable Business certificate program empowers individuals to drive sustainable transformation in their organizations by understanding the complex economic issues around better business.

As businesses navigate growing environmental challenges, social concerns, and governance pressures (ESG), this program equips participants with a foundational knowledge of sustainability challenges that influence corporate decision-making, risk management, and opportunity identification. Such considerations likely affect corporate decision-making and the choices of business leaders. The course’s learning is grounded in the tools and applications needed to implement initiatives aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

What You’ll Learn

The Fundamentals of Sustainable Business certificate is uniquely designed to help you:

  • Recognize, measure, and report the impact of sustainability practices across the organization
  • Understand how to build a corporate brand with policies that support sustainable practices and positive community impact
  • Develop a foundational understanding of environmental challenges affecting business operations, including climate change, water conservation, waste reduction, and recycling
  • Establish and prioritize sustainability goals and strategies
  • Overcome barriers to improvement through effective leadership and change management strategies
  • Promote organizational behavior that supports the success of sustainability initiatives

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.

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Headshot of Jordan King
  • Associate Director of Open Enrollment Programs & Conferences, Executive Education