The explosion of corporate social responsibility into mainstream business decision-making has been fueled by an unprecedented number of recent environmental, financial, legal, social and climate events. This broad overview course introduces, identifies, reviews and assesses the interrelated sustainability motivators, drivers, principles and practices that have become the new imperative for business and financial sense.

A new era of concern regarding the condition of the Earth's environment has generated a wave of legal, business, educational and social developments in reaction to these conditions. A general sense of urgency, and the realization that there is little time to waste, has given rise to a host of legislative and regulatory enactments. Review global and federal developments, with particular attention on developments in California. Since the signing into law of the "California Global Warming Solutions Act" (AB 32), many California public agencies and private businesses have sought advice on how to enhance community

All sustainable change begins with a strategy and framework for strategic problem solving. Making an impact in sustainability leadership requires systems thinking and a life cycle approach that can overlay every major business decision, bringing vision and knowledge, integrating corporate profitability with responsible actions that produce social value, and ensuring that goals and objectives of a sustainability initiative reflect the core values of the organization. The course will also provide an overview of the LEED system for sustainable construction; examine traditional professional and contract liabilities and how these liabilities and associated risks may be expected to play out in the new arena of sustainability. Applicable principles of contract law and professional liability will be reviewed.

Intended for both marketers and non-marketers, this course explores the broad marketing-related challenges that are increasingly affecting how business is conducted in an era of heightened awareness of environmental and social issues. Socio-economic, cultural and legislative pressures are creating an inevitable tide towards a future in which companies will be more socially responsible and provide cleaner and more efficient products and services that damage the planet less. Examine green marketing and consumer trends and analyze the implications for organizations, business and society at large.

Climate protection and environmental sustainability requires a systems engineering approach to develop and implement a Strategic Plan for climate protection and sustainable practices. In this course you will explore the forces driving sustainability change, the application of sustainable practices, and be guided through an analysis that will help you develop a vision and plan for implementation. Topics covered include: understanding the forces driving change, developing a Strategic Vision, identifying options and analyzing sustainability solutions, and developing and communicating a Sustainability, Climate Protection, or Impact Reduction Plan. Learn a systems approach to developing a sustainable business or community - whether to affect the bottom line for energy usage, develop new markets, or "Go Green".

This course introduces students to the typical drivers and stakeholders associated with sustainability programs; some of the available reporting protocols; factors to consider when selecting KPIs and metrics; and how to establish goals and describe performance on a quantitative or qualitative basis.

The social component is one of the most confusing aspects of sustainability planning. Review and analyze sustainability modeling from a social perspective and evaluate the dynamic interrelationship between social, economic and environmental components. Identify various social impacts as opportunities for adopting sustainable practices, including life-cycle analyses and community engagement strategies that will inspire your consumer base, adding value beyond direct Return-On-Investment (ROI). Develop strategies that avoid accusations of "green washing" that effectively incorporate the social component into a comprehensive sustainability plan.