A Business Strategy Approach to Sustainable Development

A recent study by Ivey Business School Professor Tima Bansal showed that 45 of the 50 largest companies in the S&P index now report their carbon disclosures to the Carbon Disclosure Project and 31 of the 50 have committed to net zero carbon emissions. However, making such commitments doesn’t necessarily mean that companies know what to do and how. 

In this virtual Bootcamp, leveraging a business case/videos and short lectures, Professor Bansal will lead executive teams in examining: 

• What does sustainable development mean for your business?
• What can your organization do to tackle sustainable development?
• How can you assess the success of your initiatives?

Day 1 SEE YOUR LOCAL TIME  March 2, 9am-11am EST | 3pm-5pm CET | 6pm-8pm GST

In the first session, you will learn about the big issues, such as the climate crisis, social movements and pandemics, that are part of every sustainability challenge and why they are important, and yet seemingly so intractable. By working in teams, you will take the role of a decision maker in one of a few real companies (e.g. Cooperators in insurance; Triovest in office space). You will be asked to decide what levers you would use to address the climate crisis. Through this simulation, you will learn more about the climate crisis and the available measures. You will also learn about systems and why systems have been so stable for so long, and why things feel so different now.

Day 2 SEE YOUR LOCAL TIME  March 3, 9am-11am EST | 3pm-5pm CET | 6pm-8pm GST

During the second 2-hour session of the bootcamp, we will dive into the “how to solve” aspects, looking at the carbon capture and sequestration decision that Suncor, Canada’s largest oil and gas company, needs to make. The CEO must decide whether to invest in a technology to reduce greenhouse gases where the investment is significant, the technology uncertain, and the political environment is volatile. Yet, this technology (carbon capture and sequestration) offered one of the best options available to Suncor at the time to address climate change. This case study will reveal some of the difficulties in addressing environmental issues to meet societal expectations and to do the right thing, while also maintaining the long-term viability of the business. It shows the everyday realities of integrating purpose and profit. We will start to explore some of the issues covered in this article.

If your organization is trying to establish or fine-tune its business strategy approach to sustainable development, don't miss this executive education opportunity.