PrintLesson 1 Overview
Summary
In this Lesson, we begin understanding the structure and overview of modern Corporate Sustainability, primarily through standardized filings and how organizations measure sustainability. During this exploration, we specifically seek to understand more about Planet-centric metrics and messages, and how organizations use them in Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSR). As I hope will be developed throughout the course, we will begin to see how relative definitions are in sustainability, and how even seemingly similar efforts can have drastically different metrics and underpinnings.
Arguably, one of the the most valuable attributes a modern participant in Sustainability can have is the ability to discern and differentiate facets of programs in order to evaluate efficacy. We will begin that journey in this Lesson.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- discern Planet-centric metrics and initiatives within a Corporate Sustainability Report;
- evaluate an organization's approach to Planet issues through the lens of their stated Vision, Mission and Values;
- compare established and emerging environmental standards and initiatives;
- appraise how sustainability may reduce the environmental risk profile of an organization;
- discern "badge proliferation" and marketing from meaningful third-party certifications.
Lesson Roadmap
| To Read | Chapters 1 and 2 (Keeley, et al.) Documents and assets as noted/linked in the Lesson (optional) |
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| To Do | Case Assignment: Patagonia and REI
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Questions?
If you have any questions, please send them to my axj153@psu.edu Faculty email. I will check daily to respond. If your question is one that is relevant to the entire class, I may respond to the entire class rather than individually.