FØS8301 Sustainable business development

Contents and structure

The purpose of the course is to increase knowledge about sustainability, so that one is better equipped to face the risks and make use of the opportunities that the green transition entails. The aim of the course is to enable the individual to prepare a quality-assured sustainability strategy, as well as implement this in the business in a constructive and efficient way that creates commitment and action.

Session 1 - The big, green picture

What is happening in the world related to sustainability? And what does this entail in terms of risks and opportunities for the individual business? We primarily go through what sustainability is and why businesses should work strategically with it. It provides, among other things, an insight into the planet's tolerance limits, green growth, the Paris Agreement, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the circular economy and the EU's taxonomy.

Session 2 - Mapping of the current situation and most important priority areas

Basic introduction to externalities, businesses' sunny and shady sides, and the maturity model for sustainability. Review of what stakeholders and materiality analysis are, as well as how the latter is carried out.

Session 3 - Green growth stairs

How to integrate sustainability into the business? We go through the six steps of the Green growth ladder to sustainability. This leads us to topics such as energy and resource use, environmental management systems, green procurement and sustainable business models.

Session 4 - Climate accounting, measurement and sustainability reporting

How can we know that we are contributing sufficiently to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals? And how can we know that we are taking action where it makes the most difference? Basic introduction to what, among other things, climate accounting, scope, science-based climate targets and the three-part bottom line are. An insight is also given into two of the many standards for sustainability reporting.

Session 5 - Communication, nudging and green synergies

How can we communicate about sustainability in a way that creates positive engagement and leads to action? And how can we avoid greenwashing? We take a closer look at what nudging is and how we can use it as an effective communication method. We also go into more detail on Sustainability Goal 17, Collaboration to achieve the goals, which is crucial to achieving all the other sustainability goals. How can we create greater, green synergies between actors? Among other things, we get an insight into what industrial symbiosis is and take a look at good examples of this.

Learning Outcome

The student gains knowledge of what sustainability is, why it is important to work strategically with it, as well as how to do it.

Skills

The student acquires skills that enable the student to prepare a quality-assured sustainability strategy, as well as implement this in the business in a constructive and efficient way that creates commitment and action.

General competence

The student learns about sustainability as a possible competitive advantage, and will acquire knowledge that enables one to work with sustainability in a strategic way that can increase competitiveness.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

A few years of work experience is an advantage.

Teaching methods

Teaching consists of assemblies with a focus on a large degree of interactivity. The teaching will consist of a combination of lectures, conversations/discussions and assignments. Various science-based methods, models and tools are used.

Compulsory learning activities

Compulsory attendance

Assessment

Written individual or group assignment with up to three participants in each group.

Passed/Not passed

Examination support material

All supporting materials allowed.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• FØS8305 - Berekraft i praksis - Reduction: 2.5 studypoints