INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT

COURSE BACKGROUND

As global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and resource depletion become more pressing, businesses are increasingly expected to adopt sustainable practices. No longer the domain of NGOs and environmentalists, sustainability has become a core business concern—key to ensuring long-term viability and profitability. The world is transitioning toward a green economy, and organizations that adapt early can gain a strategic advantage.

The Business Sustainability Management course offered by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership equips professionals across sectors with the practical tools, insights, and frameworks needed to integrate sustainability into core business operations. By taking a proactive approach, businesses can build resilience, unlock innovation, and deliver value for shareholders and society alike.

This eight-week online short course is rooted in the belief that sustainability is not the sole responsibility of one department—it must be embedded across the value chain and every business function. It is designed to support professionals in driving meaningful change, regardless of their industry or role.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand and articulate the core sustainability challenges facing modern businesses.
2. Make the case for sustainability from economic, social, and environmental perspectives.
3. Integrate sustainability into different areas of a business, from design to supply chains.
4. Develop and implement a practical, personalized action plan for sustainable transformation.
5. Communicate sustainability strategies effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
6. Identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation within and beyond their organization.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By completing this course, you will gain a solid understanding of how to embed sustainability into core business strategies and operations. Specifically, you will learn to:

• Identify key sustainability challenges facing businesses, including climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity.
• Articulate the business case for sustainability from environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
• Understand the global regulatory and policy environment influencing sustainable business practices.
• Integrate sustainability across the value chain—from production and procurement to design and marketing.
• Apply design thinking, innovative technologies, and long-term planning to drive sustainability.
• Communicate sustainability strategies effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build strategic partnerships and collaborate across sectors to advance sustainability goals.
• Develop a practical, personalized action plan to address barriers and seize opportunities for sustainable transformation in your own business context.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

(TBC)

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for professionals from all sectors who want to develop a deep understanding of sustainability management and its application in business contexts. It is especially valuable for:

• Mid- to senior-level professionals seeking to integrate sustainability into their organizations.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming to align operations with sustainability goals.
• Public and private sector leaders tasked with implementing ESG strategies.
• Individuals seeking to build their leadership capacity and become sustainability champions.

This course is ideal if you want to:

• Drive change by enhancing your leadership skills and articulating the business case for sustainability.
• Improve your business with a practical action plan to embed sustainability practices.
• Grow your network by engaging with an international cohort of like-minded professionals.
• Validate your knowledge with a certificate from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

TRAINING MODULES

No	Module	Details
1.	Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities	This module introduces the foundational concept of sustainability in the business context, exploring why global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and inequality demand a strategic response from companies. It positions sustainability as a key to resilience and long-term business success. Topics: Overview of global sustainability challenges The role of business in addressing environmental and social issues Key megatrends influencing sustainability in the private sector Opportunities arising from sustainability-driven innovation
2.	The Business Case and Leadership for Action	This module explores the economic rationale for sustainability and the leadership strategies required to embed it within organizations. It empowers professionals to advocate for change and align sustainability with core business goals. Topics: Making the business case for sustainability Strategic leadership and organizational change Embedding sustainability into corporate vision and culture Aligning sustainability goals with shareholder and stakeholder expectations.
3.	Regulatory Environment and International Policy	This module delves into the policy and regulatory landscape influencing sustainability in business. It discusses international agreements, national policies, and legal obligations that shape corporate sustainability strategies. Topics: Overview of international environmental and social policies Regulatory frameworks for corporate sustainability Compliance and risk management Navigating evolving policy trends
4.	Production and Consumption	This module examines sustainable production and consumption patterns. It focuses on supply chain impacts, resource efficiency, and how to transition to more sustainable business models across the product lifecycle. Topics: Sustainable supply chain management Circular economy principles Responsible sourcing and procurement Reducing environmental footprints in production
5.	Design, Technology, and Planning for Sustainability	Here, the focus shifts to how innovative design, digital tools, and strategic planning can be leveraged to achieve sustainability goals. This module highlights the role of creativity and technology in solving complex environmental problems. Topics: Sustainable product and service design Green technologies and smart systems Planning for long-term environmental and economic value Digital transformation for sustainability
6.	Communication and Marketing	This module explores effective strategies for internal and external sustainability communication. It emphasizes transparency, stakeholder engagement, and building brand value through authentic sustainability messaging. Topics: Communicating sustainability internally and externally Transparency and sustainability reporting Green marketing and consumer engagement Avoiding greenwashing
7.	Collaboration and Partnerships	This module underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving sustainability at scale. It explores partnerships across sectors, industries, and communities to unlock shared value and systemic change. Topics: Cross-sectoral and cross-industry collaboration Public-private partnerships for sustainability Community engagement and co-creation Building resilient networks
8.	Rewiring Your Business Approach	The final module brings together all learnings and guides participants in developing a practical action plan tailored to their organizational context. It supports participants in operationalizing sustainability across business functions. Topics: Building a customized sustainability action plan Identifying barriers and enablers for implementation Integrating sustainability into business strategy Measuring and tracking progress

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

9. GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.