Business Sustainability Essentials
Business Sustainability Essentials focuses on the core aspects of sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic dimensions, equipping managers with the knowledge, expertise, skills and tools necessary to foster a sustainable business model.
Business sustainability practices encompass a wide range of strategies and activities aimed at minimising negative impacts on the environment while promoting economic and social well-being. These practices include reducing waste and emissions, conserving resources, ensuring ethical supply chain management, and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. To effectively adopt, practice, and manage sustainability within business operations, organisations must strategically allocate, manage, and reorchestrate resources. Additionally, companies need to reinvent their institutional frameworks (i.e., re-institutionalise), embedding sustainability into the fabric of their business practices. This transformation involves not only revising existing procedures and standards but also fostering a culture of innovation and creativity that prioritises long-term environmental, social, and economic health of business outcomes over immediate gains. Companies adopt these measures not only to comply with regulatory standards but also to enhance their brand reputation, secure long-term profitability, and respond to the increasing consumer demand for responsible business conduct. By integrating sustainability into their core operations, businesses can achieve a competitive advantage, drive innovation, and contribute positively to the global challenge of sustainable development.
Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case-studies and practical applications, participants will learn to develop and implement effective sustainability strategies, ensure operational integration, and enhance corporate reporting and communication.
Key Takeaways and Benefits
The programme prepares managers to lead in a resource-constrained world. Business Sustainability Essentials promotes innovation and responsiveness to emerging sustainability trends, making it invaluable for forward-thinking business leaders.
The Business Sustainability Essentials programme unpacks the critical aspects of business sustainability and equips you with the practical skills and insights to implement these concepts effectively.
On this programme you will;
- Define sustainability in the context of business, covering its economic, environmental, and social pillars, and analyse the regional sustainability challenges and evaluate their impact on businesses.
- Comprehend and develop strategies that incorporate sustainability in a way that aligns with the company’s mission and objectives. In this context, enhance skills necessary for promoting and implementing sustainability initiatives effectively within the organisation and among stakeholders.
- Apply techniques for integrating sustainability practices across various business functions, including supply chain management, production, and marketing. In this context, examine case studies from leading companies to understand the application of successful sustainability practices (such as circular economy and regenerative economy).
- Identify best practices for building an inclusive green environment and encourage employee green behaviors. Participants will learn to craft effective communication strategies to convey the company’s sustainability efforts to various stakeholders.
- Explore role of digital technology within sustainability landscape to prepare for future sustainability trends and anticipate potential regulatory changes to stay ahead in sustainability efforts.
Participant Profile
This course is suited to personnel at all levels who are keen on understanding the fundamentals of sustainability and integrating sustainable practices into their organisation and corporate strategies.
This programme is expertly delivered online from our live, interactive classroom by our expert faculty Professor Shuang Ren.
Our Clinton Leadership Institute Learning Management System will support your learning throughout with videos, podcasts and reading materials.
October 2025 Dates |
Time |
Module |
Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/10/2025 | 09:30-13:00 |
Module 1: Sustainability Fundamentals |
Online |
| 08/10/2025 | 09:30-13:00 |
Module 2: Sustainability Practices – Resource Orchestration and Re-institutionalisation |
Online |
| 15/10/2025 | 09:30-13:00 |
Module 3: Greening the Workforce |
Online |
| 22/102025 | 09:30-13:00 |
Module 4: Digital Sustainability - Role of Emerging Technologies |
Online |
What are past participants saying about this programme?
I would highly recommend the Business Sustainability Essentials Programme at all levels for people who are interested in integrating sustainable activities into their organisation. Shuang was passionate & knowledgeable and encouraged excellent discussions between participants. The programme breaks down all aspects of business sustainability, allowing you to gain the skills to implement concepts effectively. Stacey McCullough - Office Manager, Troup Bywaters + Anders LLP
The Business Sustainability Essentials course at the William J Clinton Leadership Institute, led by Shuang Ren, has significantly expanded my understanding of sustainable business practices. Shuang’s knowledge of the subject as well as the way she breaks down complex topics was impressive. The course content was spot on, and the breakout sessions were a great way to connect with other businesses in NI and discuss everyone’s opinions. I'm looking forward to putting what I've learned into action and driving our sustainability goals. Fran Coyle - Compliance Manager, MCS Group
I recently completed the Business Sustainability Essentials course at the Leadership Institute, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The programme was incredibly insightful and engaging, offering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable business practices. The content was well-organised and covered key areas such as the circular economy, sustainable supply chains, and the latest in ESG strategies—essential knowledge in today’s business world. One of the standout aspects of the course was the opportunity for group discussions. These sessions were invaluable, allowing us to exchange ideas and perspectives with peers from different industries. The connections I made with other professionals were a real highlight, and I’ve already found those relationships to be beneficial beyond the course itself. Cherith Simpson - Lecturer in Sustainable construction and CAD, Northern Regional College
A very thought provoking and interesting course. The conversations in break out rooms were very enjoyable. All in attendance got involved in feeding back and were encouraged to share opinions. Shuang’s knowledge was very impressive and the delivery of the course should be commended. The content of the course was covered well within the 4 days. Lynn Hanna Short - Quality Systems Engineer, Survitec Group LTD
Professor Ren is a Professor and researcher at Queen’s Business School, where she is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. She gained her PhD at the University of Melbourne.
Shuang’s research is at the intersection of sustainability, human resource management and leadership. She takes a multi-level multi-stakeholder approach in investigating how to transform organisations towards sustainability.
She undertakes qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research. She has taught her research fields to both undergraduates and postgraduates and as part of executive education programmes. Shuang is a keynote speaker and authority on sustainability, green workforces, digital transformation and their impact on people management.
Professor Ren is the Editor in Chief, British Journal of Management; Associate Editor, Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology; Editorial Board Member, European Management Journal; Editorial Board Member, Asia Pacific Journal of Management; Editorial Board Member, Journal of Vocational Behaviour.
We have a range of package options to support your Senior Executive experience with executive coaching and mentoring. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements. Please email: Sue.Burns@qub.ac.uk
QUB Executive Coaching Brochure