What is Sustainability?

The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development offers the most oft-quoted definition of sustainability:

"sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." 

Sustainability recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental welfare and social and economic equity. It emphasizes the need for acknowledgment of the complexities and a systematic approach.

In business, economics, and policy, sustainability seeks to maintain processes over a long period while preventing the depletion of resources, natural or man-made. In recognizing the growing need for sustainability, businesses have embraced "green investments" and adopted the ecologically conscious goal of reducing their carbon footprints. This, in turn, positively impacts economic sustainability and calls for sustainability-centric leadership.

Why Is Sustainability Important?

Today, integrating sustainability into business operations is no longer optional; it is vital to the survival and growth of organizations across sectors. Research shows that investing in sustainability boosts profitability and ensures a brand's long-term success. This is substantiated through a McKinsey study which reports that companies scoring high on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics are strong performers and exhibit consistency in their operations.

Sustainability in business is a gratifying practice. First, it helps mitigate risks, especially those related to media and public relations. Second, it keeps the focus on the core performance of the company. Third, implementing sustainable strategies goes a long way in preventing disasters and protecting brand reputation.

Over a period, sustainability results in a purpose-driven and motivated workforce, leading to higher financial gains and employee satisfaction. Also, growing environmental consciousness in the general population expands the market for sustainable businesses and can help attract new customers.

Lastly, it takes a village. Driving meaningful change is not a standalone job. It is only possible when powerful brands collaborate and work towards a shared vision. In short, sustainability does not entail putting profitability on the back burner. In fact, it encourages and ensures long-term prosperity on all fronts.

How can I learn about sustainability?

Several insightful resources are available for professionals who infuse their business strategy with sustainability practices. Well-researched publications, seminars, conferences, and public forums offer an in-depth overview of the field while delving into specifics.

Online sustainability courses have recently garnered immense popularity due to their affordability, structure, and other advantages. They are conducted by industry experts from some of the world's most renowned institutions. In addition, they are self-paced to cater to learners across the board. Most of them also offer certification, which is an added advantage.

What are the careers in the field of sustainability?

Educating oneself in sustainability is the first step towards building a career in the field. Applying to the right company, learning about its vision and existing policies, and identifying your potential role in driving sustainable change can help establish a long and meaningful career.

An organization's executive-level and higher management roles are responsible for sustainable policy-making and implementation. In this regard, sustainability specialists must imbibe business strategy with sustainability and communicate the same to internal and external stakeholders.

Sustainability is especially invaluable in supply chain management. Because of this, companies need engineers and technical specialists who can develop sustainable solutions focused on renewable energies. Moreover, the need to evaluate the supply chain's architecture, design, and structure also creates opportunities for professionals with a technical background to build a career in sustainability.

How valuable is an online sustainability certificate?

A certificate proves that one deeply understands sustainability as a practice, its fundamentals, and the more advanced concepts. In addition, online sustainability courses offer certification to highlight that a job-seeker is duly qualified and motivated to learn. Demonstrating such qualities provides a considerable boost to one's employability.

Why take an online course at Emeritus?

Each Emeritus online course is designed keeping key learning outcomes in mind by a team of experts. We use the backward design methodology to develop instruction for learners of all ages. This enables us to craft unique, interactive, learning experiences that include a combination of assessments, hands-on activities, skill application, and more.

Emeritus also collaborates with the best universities and faculty around the world to curate the course curriculum that can effectively tackle present challenges in the industry, while preparing you for the trends and risks in the future. Our courses consist of assignments, exams, capstone projects, networking opportunities, a fine balance of practical and theoretical concepts, and the opportunity to learn from top minds in the industry. This adds to the holistic experience we try to provide for each learner.

We are also focused on providing courses that are standardized in quality. This is done by adhering to standards set by a global organization called Quality Matters which is focused on providing quality standards for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. The rigorous criteria ensure all our learners invest in quality education which is easily accessible and affordable.