Sustainable consultation for companies and sustainable, innovative business models

In the studies of Sustainable consultation for companies and sustainable, innovative business models you will deepen your understanding of sustainable development, sustainability consultation, energy wisdom, business design as well as sustainable and innovative business models. The training aims to increase the knowledge of the commercial and technical development of clean transition among professionals working in the export sector.

Content areas:

• Sustainability consultation
• Sustainable development
• Energy wisdom
• Sustainable and innovative business models
• Business design

Implementation

The studies can be completed nationwide, alongside work, mainly as e-learning, regardless of time and place. However, a few training days are offered on-site in Valkeakoski. Orientation Day will be organized hybrid on the 2nd of December from 9 am to 3 pm. The studies are being held in English.

Courses

Sustainable Development.Now (2 credits)

In the online course of Sustainable Development.Now you will learn the basics of sustainable development and understand how sustainability is visible in different industries. In addition, you will learn what it takes to achieve a sustainable future.

By the end of the course, you will have deepened your knowledge and understanding of sustainability. Sustainability skills are the most important skills for the future. By acting in an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable way, we can make a decisive contribution to the fight against climate change.

Sustainability Consulting for Companies (3 credits)

This course equips students with the main notions every sustainability consultant work towards and deals with. The aim is to provide the essential skills to navigate complex client relationships and effectively convey sustainability concepts. The course delves into the nuances of building trust, managing expectations, and tailoring communication strategies for diverse stakeholders. It also provides tools for analysis and evaluation of client’s needs, expectations and resistance.

Moreover, students will find an opportunity to apply the art of translating technical sustainability information into compelling narratives, learn to design impactful presentations, and develop strategies for facilitating organizational change. With a focus on ethical considerations and practical application, this course prepares consultants to guide clients through sustainability transformations while maintaining integrity and objectivity. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and hands-on exercises, participants will emerge with the confidence and competence to influence decision-makers and drive meaningful sustainability initiatives in various organizational contexts.

Sustainable, innovative business models and Business Design (3 credits)

This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply sustainable business modeling techniques to real-world businesses, helping to develop solutions to the ecological, economic, and social challenges faced by current and future organizations. Students will also explore how a sustainable business culture influences organizational strategy and drives innovation. Additionally, the course will teach students how to use sustainability as a tool for value creation and how sustainable business design can serve as a foundation for business innovation.

The course aims to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable business principles.
• Equip students with tools use in the evaluation, design and implementation of sustainable business models.
• Foster critical thinking skills for addressing complex sustainability challenges.
• Enhance students' ability to lead organizational change towards sustainability.

Energy Wisdom in Industries (3 credits)

This course introduces students to comprehensive energy management and eco-design practices, fostering a more sustainable future. By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses the entire product lifecycle, from early stages to industrial production, usage, and end-of-life treatment, we can effectively address the growing scarcity of resources and environmental challenges.

The course aims to

• Equip learners with practical tools and strategies for implementing energy-efficient and sustainable practices within their industry.
• Teach the design and optimization of energy and material streams to contribute to a greener and more resilient future.
• Introduce methodologies for fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation.
• Promote the application of energy wisdom and eco-design principles in real-world scenarios.
• Encourage the development of sustainable practices that can be integrated into various industries.

Sustainable Energy Production and Storage (5 credits)

In this course, you will dive into the energy markets, sustainable energy production and energy storage. Students go through the current challenges of energy systems and find out in which direction they are being developed. With the help of literature, you consider what sustainable energy development and energy transition means and what goals are taken into account in them. Students will also find out what current reforms and demands will be imposed on the energy sector in the near future and how it is possible to respond to them.

ECO informed material choice (5 credits)

On this study section, you will explore the whole process of product life cycle all the way from sourcing and choosing of materials to the end of product life. You will learn how to apply science-based methods for making sustainable and practical material choices in product design. After the study section, you will be able to compare sustainability of different products and materials throughout their life cycle and know the background of life cycle assessment. The study section is especially suited for students having interest in materials science and engineering but will be eye opening also for those who make the decisions and design products.