Sustainable Business

1. Foundation of Sustainable Business

Foundation of Sustainable Business workshop series are designed for small business owners and their functional employees to gain a brief understanding of the concepts, principles, and practices of sustainable business, achieving financial performance of their business balancing the environmental and social goals for the community and stakeholders.

This program will focus on the specific challenges and opportunities managing sustainable business, including green supply chain, sustainable business model, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership skills required to create sustainable and impactful ventures. workshops aim to provide small businesses with the basic knowledge and understanding of sustainable business practices, while learners can apply those knowledge into their practices for long-term organizational success.

· Module 1.1: What is Sustainable Business? - Maria

Description: This workshop is suitable for small business owners and their employees to gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of sustainable business while sustaining financial viability. This workshop will explore the following key concepts:

· Environmental stewardship

· Social responsibility

· Community and Stakeholder engagement

Key questions to be addressed:

· How sustainable businesses benefit small businesses?

· Why is it beyond Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Application action: Examine one social and environment issue relating to your business and how addressing the issue can contribute to your company bottom line.

Outcome: By understanding and integrating these pillars, businesses can create long-term value while positively impacting their bottom line, stakeholders, and their business community.

· Module 1.2: Sustainability Strategy and Implementation - Mengsteab

Description: This workshop is suitable for small business owners and their employees to explore different strategies and frameworks for implementing sustainability initiatives in business operations. Gain practical techniques applicable across all aspects of business, from supply chains to stakeholder engagement.

Key concept: Circular Economy Models, renewable energy solutions, responsible resource management

Learn:

· How to implement circular economy models in small businesses.

Application action: Apply Circular Economy model to identify a waste reduction opportunity in your company’s operation.

Outcome:

· Module 1.3: People Management at Future Workplace - Sue

Description: The workshop is suitable for small business owners and their human resource managers to explore the crucial aspects of building a sustainable and successful organization by focusing on the interplay between people, organizational dynamics, and workplace safety. This module integrates key elements of people management in small businesses, including leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), employee engagement, development, and well-being.

Learn:

how diversity recruiting, employee well-being programs can benefit small businesses;

Act: Identify

· Module 1.4: Green Marketing & Branding - Ebru

How to identify market opportunity, how to get yourself seen with your sustainability element.

Description: This workshop equips the students with tools to develop and implement sustainable marketing strategies that promote ethical and environmentally responsible products and services. Learn to align brand values with sustainability, emphasizing authenticity and credibility. Explore techniques for conveying your commitment to the environment while fostering customers’ and partners’ trust. Key concepts include eco-friendly product positioning, communicating sustainable practices, and leveraging social and environmental impact for compelling narratives. Students will learn to elevate the marketing approach to contribute positively to the planet while enhancing brand reputation and consumer loyalty.

· Module 1.5: Green Supply Chains - Saeede

Description: Gain insights into building eco-friendly supply chains that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and profitability. This workshop focuses on reshaping your supply chains for a sustainable future, aligning your business with environmentally conscious practices while fostering resilience and competitiveness in the industry.

Key concept: Responsible sourcing, waste reduction, transportation optimization

Act:

· Module 1.6: Triple Bottom Line Accounting and Reporting - Gerry

Description: This workshop introduces the pivotal role of accounting in quantifying and communicating sustainability performance through the Triple Bottom Line Accounting and Reporting. Students will learn the intricacies of measuring success not solely by financial gains, but also by social and environmental impact. This workshop delves into sustainable reporting frameworks, including the globally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Key concepts encompass quantifying social and environmental contributions, stakeholder engagement, transparent reporting, and integrating sustainable financial practices.

Expected hours to complete: 4-6 hours

 

Module 2.2-3: Sustainability Analytics (Cost & Benefit Analysis) - Xu

Explore the importance of sustainability analytics in driving strategic decision making and the role of data in measuring, tracking, and reporting social and environmental sustainability performance. Participants will learn practical tools and techniques to establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustainability, conduct data analysis for impact assessment, identify areas for improvement, and drive positive change within their organizations.

 

2.2 Environmental impact assessment: Product Life Cycle Assessment (PLCA)

 

2.3 Social impact assessment: Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA)