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Introducing the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Leeds is committed to shaping future business leaders for sustainable and impactful careers. In that spirit, the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) has updated its executive education program with a new name but the same vision: preparing tomorrow’s decision-makers to drive solutions to corporate environmental and social challenges. The Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate aligns with the values and passions of our professional community, covering areas like environmental sustainability; ESG reporting; diversity, equity and inclusion; ethical AI; impact finance; policy advocacy and corporate philanthropy.

“It’s our responsibility to help develop leaders with business expertise complemented by an understanding of sustainability and social impact issues and opportunities.” - Kathryn Wendell, executive director of CESR

Sustainability is important to Leeds, CU Boulder and the broader community. Chancellor Justin Schwartz recently launched an initiative to establish CU Boulder as a national and global leader in sustainability. This includes hiring a vice chancellor for sustainability, implementing an ambitious decarbonization and clean energy plan, and augmenting expertise in climate science research.

“Aligning our program with Chancellor Schwartz’s vision of our university as a global leader in sustainability is important to our mission at CESR and at Leeds as a whole,” said Kathryn Wendell, executive director of CESR. “Leeds, CU Boulder and our Boulder partners are all committed to driving innovative solutions to the tough environmental and social challenges facing our world today. It’s our responsibility to help develop leaders with business expertise complemented by an understanding of sustainability and social impact issues and opportunities.”

Environmental sustainability is a critical concern for business, whether in the form of adapting to climate change, managing carbon emissions, complying with regulatory requirements, risk management or addressing community concerns. Social impact is also an opportunity to strengthen companies and organizations by leveraging diverse perspectives and investing in the communities where employees live and work. Leeds and CESR will continue to empower business and nonprofit leaders to catalyze positive change in these areas.

The certificate program is offered during spring and fall semesters, with 14 live, 2.25-hour online sessions. The course features both an afternoon and evening cohort, allowing students to choose the option that best fits their schedule. The curriculum is refreshed every semester based on the latest trends, information, news and scientific research.

Over the past seven years, this program has educated more than 600 professionals to become environmental sustainability, social responsibility and impact business leaders. Previously known as the Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and the Certificate in ESG Strategy, the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate reflects the most current curriculum and aligns our program with important industry trends.