Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers (Coursera)

Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers (Coursera)

This course builds on the foundational knowledge gained in the first course in the series. Learners will continue to shape their understanding of global problems like climate change while developing their skills in using sustainability indicators, managing waste streams, addressing challenges, and providing green building recommendations.

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Mixed modalities continue to be used to provide text, video, interactive activities, and peer reviews so all learners can add to their knowledge around sustainability issues. Content overviews and instructional lecture videos produced with ASU School of Sustainability professors are the cornerstones of the content presented in this course.
Topical and practical knowledge is the central combination of elements driving this course. Through interactive learning objects and peer-reviewed submissions, learners have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive feedback from experts and their fellow learners. Learners also participate in regular knowledge checks throughout the course, with mid-course and final assessments to evaluate their overall learning.
This course uses interactive activities, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to build tools like checklists and memo templates to help learners gain confidence in their skills and support their entry into the workforce. Building on the skills they have learned in the first course, this learning experience provides learners with more specialized knowledge while still tying it to real-world scenarios and skills that they will need when they get into the field as sustainability analysts.

Course 2 of 3 in the Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to sustainability challenges
Welcome to the next course in your journey toward becoming a sustainability analyst! In this course, you will learn about the challenges that face the planet and employers. These challenges include waste streams, identifying sustainability indicators, and finding green practices to implement in different types of organizations.
Planetary challenges
What is the scope of sustainability issues? Engage with the materials in this module to find out more about the global nature of sustainability activities and your role in mitigating the large-scale challenges we all face.

WEEK 2
What are sustainability indicators?
As you know, sustainability goals need to be measured in order to be effective and sustainability indicators are one of the main ways that measurement is done. In this module, you'll learn more about what a sustainability indicator is and how it supports progress towards sustainability goals when used appropriately.

WEEK 3
Common sustainability challenges faced by businesses
Businesses face many challenges when they try to implement sustainability initiatives, and you will need to be aware of those challenges to help your organization overcome them.

WEEK 4
What is waste stream management?
Depending on which sector you work in, waste streams may be more or less critical to your role as an analyst. However, it’s valuable to understand how waste stream management works and how to evaluate waste streams for potential improvements.

WEEK 5
What primary green building practices should all analysts be familiar with?
When constructing or remodeling a building, many companies are moving towards green building practices to ensure that they are supporting a sustainable environment for their employees and the community

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