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- How to build a sustainable business model – Free course
Curriculum
- 11 Sections
- 43 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Introduction1
- Module 1: Introduction to Sustainability in Business7
- 2.1Exercise 1.1: Create your own business model
- 2.21: What is sustainability and why is it important?
- 2.32: Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- 2.43: The business case for sustainability: economic, environmental, and social benefits
- 2.54: Examples of successful sustainable business models
- 2.6Exercise 1.2
- 2.7Learning assessment 16 Questions
- Module 2: Integrating Sustainability in the Ideation Phase6
- 3.15: Assessing the sustainability potential of business ideas and solutions
- 3.26: Identifying market opportunities and customer demands for sustainable products or services
- 3.37: Conducting a sustainability SWOT analysis
- 3.48: Creating a sustainability-focused value proposition
- 3.5Exercise 2
- 3.6Learning assessment 25 Questions
- Module 3: Understanding Economic Models for Sustainability4
- Module 4: Sustainable Business Planning and Strategy6
- 5.111: Developing a sustainability-focused business model canvas
- 5.212: Defining sustainability goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- 5.313: Incorporating sustainability into the business strategy and vision
- 5.414: Stakeholder engagement and collaboration for sustainable outcomes
- 5.5Exercise 4
- 5.6Learning assessment 44 Questions
- Module 5: Sustainable Operations and Sustainable Supply Chain Management6
- Module 6: Marketing and Communication for Sustainability5
- Module 7: Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Performance6
- Module 8: Integrating Sustainability into Organisational Culture5
- 9.126: Developing a sustainability-focused organizational culture
- 9.227: Leadership and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives
- 9.328: Training and capacity building for sustainability awareness
- 9.429: Fostering innovation and continuous improvement for sustainability
- 9.5Learning assessment 84 Questions
- Module 9: Case Studies and Best Practices5
- Feedback1
Introduction

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Course Introduction
This course is designed to introduce early stage startups, who may not be familiar with sustainability, to the concept of embedding sustainability in the business model and idea-phase solutions. It will provide a comprehensive understanding of why sustainability is crucial for businesses, the benefits of being a sustainable business, and practical strategies for implementing sustainability throughout various phases of the business process.
What makes this course important for early-stage startups?
In today’s business landscape, the concept of sustainability has gained immense significance, cutting across all industries and sizes of enterprises. The term “sustainability” refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It encompasses a wide array of factors, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for both our businesses and the planet.
For early-stage startups, understanding and integrating sustainability into their business operations is of paramount importance because the world faces urgent global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. By embracing sustainable practices and incorporating them into their business models, startups can play a vital role in addressing these issues and making a positive impact.
This course is specifically designed and developed for early-stage startups, recognizing their unique position and offering them a comprehensive understanding and practical tools for effectively integrating sustainability into their business design and planning. Early-stage startups have the advantage of being able to build their foundations on sustainable principles from the start which can help them differentiate themselves in the market and position themselves as leaders in the growing sustainable business landscape. By incorporating sustainability into their business models and operations early on, startups can establish;
- A strong competitive edge,
- Attract investors and customers who prioritize sustainability, and
- Create a positive brand image.
Integrating sustainability into the core values and strategies of an early-stage startup sets the stage for long-term success. By adopting sustainable practices from the outset, startups can;
- Achieve efficient and resource-conscious operations,
- Save cost,
- Improve productivity, and reduce waste,
- Enhance the overall viability and business resilience.
By developing innovative and sustainable solutions to address societal and environmental challenges, startups can tap into emerging markets and meet the increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and services. This can allow them to establish a loyal customer base and achieve organizational growth in a rapidly evolving sustainable business landscape.
Moreover, integrating sustainability into the ethos of an early-stage startup can attract and retain top talent. Many individuals, particularly the younger generations, are seeking meaningful work that aligns with their values. By emphasizing sustainability in their operations, startups can attract employees who are passionate about making a positive impact, and foster a culture of social and environmental responsibility.
Course Objectives
- Understand the importance of sustainability in today’s business landscape.
- Recognize the benefits and competitive advantages of being a sustainable business.
- Explore the different phases of the business process and identify opportunities for integrating sustainability.
- Develop the skills and knowledge required to implement sustainable practices in a startup or idea-phase solution.
- Create a sustainability-focused business model and action plan for long-term success.
Duration, method, and tools
- 6 hours (maximum) to complete
- 9 modules – 3 to 4 sections
- Quizzes in each section for learning assessment on modules
- Input for business plan/canvas in each section
- Pre-coaching task and Coaching sessions (6-7) including the sharing experiences of national and international companies and founders and researchers.
End of the course
- Certificate
- Sustainable Business Model Canvas template
- Sustainability assessment tools
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Sustainability in Business
- What is sustainability and why is it important?
- Current environmental and social challenges and their impact on businesses.
- The business case for sustainability: economic, environmental, and social benefits.
- Examples of successful sustainable business models.
Module 2: Integrating Sustainability in the Ideation Phase
- Assessing the sustainability potential of business ideas and solutions.
- Identifying market opportunities and customer demands for sustainable products or services.
- Conducting a sustainability SWOT analysis.
- Creating a sustainability-focused value proposition.
Module 3: Understanding Economic Models for Sustainability
- Doughnut Economy: Concepts, framework, and Importance for Sustainability
- The Circular Economy in Practice: Driving Sustainability, Economic Growth, and Social Benefits
Module 4: Sustainable Business Planning and Strategy
- Developing a sustainability-focused business model canvas.
- Defining sustainability goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Incorporating sustainability into the business strategy and vision.
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration for sustainable outcomes.
Module 5: Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Implementing sustainable practices in operations and production processes.
- Resource efficiency and waste reduction strategies.
- Sustainable sourcing and supply chain management.
- Green procurement and vendor selection.
Module 6: Marketing and Communication for Sustainability
- Communicating the sustainability story effectively.
- Building a green brand and engaging customers in sustainability initiatives.
- Green marketing strategies and campaigns.
- Transparency and authenticity in sustainability communication.
Module 7: Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Performance
- Introduction to sustainability reporting frameworks and standards (e.g., GRI, SASB, SDGs).
- Key metrics and indicators for measuring sustainability performance.
- Reporting on progress and achievements.
- Engaging with stakeholders through sustainability reporting.
Module 8: Integrating Sustainability into Organizational Culture
- Developing a sustainability-focused organizational culture.
- Leadership and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives.
- Training and capacity building for sustainability awareness.
- Fostering innovation and continuous improvement for sustainability.
Module 9: Case Studies and Best Practices
- Examining successful sustainable startups and idea-phase solutions.
- Learning from real-world examples of embedding sustainability in business models.
- Analyzing challenges and lessons learned.
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