Sustainability is a very dynamic and fast-paced field. A recent fundamental change to the sustainability landscape is the global emphasis on meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is further complicated by the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) global challenges shaping and informing sustainability practices in different contexts. Professionals in this space are required to make sense of these developments, and strategically reconcile the demands of sustainability with the quest for enhanced organisational performance. 

In 2018, The University of Edinburgh Business School, together with the Sustainability Business Initiative, created the Advanced Sustainability Programme (ASP), a dynamic 3-day programme designed to equip sustainability professionals with the knowledge and tools to both strategically and effectively deal with the challenges and opportunities that these new developments offer.

Because sustainability challenges encompass all areas of business and professionals across all sectors, ASP deliberately engages a number of purposely chosen faculty and industry experts to address the implications of the emerging trends in sustainability for:

–   Corporate strategy and governance   –  Public relations

–   Finance and investments                         –  Risk management

–   Corporate relations                                    –  Investor relations

–   Human resources management           –  Business development, sales and marketing

–   Community engagement                         –  Social innovation

–   International development

The programme aims to articulate strong business cases for sustainability by assessing and analysing the financial, social, and consumer markets to understand the challenges, develop solutions and create new opportunities for change.    It is not only essential to be able to identify and apply effective tools to these sustainability challenges, but to be able to effectively manage and communicate what sustainability means to a wide range of stakeholders.   Sustainability professionals need to feel confident and understand what it takes to lead both themselves and others, as well as initiate and drive change in organisations and society.  This is exactly what this programme delivers.

We asked the 2018 participants what the programme did for them, this is what they said:

“After searching for precisely this kind of dedicated programme I was impressed by the quality of teaching, wealth of relevant content and the thoughtful balance between academic rigour and real-life work.”   Director, Sustainable Energy Division (London), RBS

“Effective sustainability practice requires up-to-the-moment learning. That’s what this programme delivered.”   Head of Sustainability (Lagos), Access Bank Plc

“The genuine boost to my knowledge and skills will empower me during those crucial high-level conversations when the chance is there to begin aligning sustainability practices with corporate goals.”   Head of Audit (Accra), Minerals Commission 

“A huge plus for me was learning from other practitioners in different circumstances, and indifferent stages in their journeys. Uniting us is our opportunity to drive change. Through learning, debate and practice, this programme supports and empowers us to achieve these goals.”   Investment Manager (Edinburgh), Walter Scott & Partners

To find out more about ASP 2019 and to see if this programme is right for you then please visit our website or contact the Executive Development department on +44 (0)131 651 5245 or via email executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk.