RMIT’s Online Offering Setting Up Next Generation of Sustainable Entrepreneurs

This is a sponsored article by RMIT University.

Leading Australian University RMIT is now offering a new qualification focussed on sustainability in the workplace that looks to empower business professionals with the knowledge necessary to innovate or lead new sustainability initiatives.

For students studying the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, RMIT looks to create a pioneering class of sustainability leaders – empowered with a diverse range of domain expertise and practical sustainability knowledge – so that they can use their skills to help shape the face of sustainability in modern Australian enterprises.

For those outside of corporate Australia, the concept of sustainability can often seem foreign. Let’s explore the idea of sustainable enterprises – what they are, how they influence business operations, and how this qualification will empower a new generation of entrepreneurial innovation that looks at more than just profits.

Sustainable Enterprise – The Triple Bottom Line

A sustainable enterprise can sometimes seem like a difficult concept to grasp, but simply put, it’s a way to run a business that considers more than just profitability. In economics, this concept is known as the triple bottom line – the idea that there should be three instead of just a financial bottom line – focusing on the planet, people, and profit holistically.

In recent years, organisations that have failed to meet community expectations have come under fire – for practices such as greenwashing, tax evasion, or simply the poor treatment of staff. By aligning with community values, a sustainable business can aim to succeed in a way that is about more than just making money.

One such example of a sustainable enterprise that has seen great success in recent years has been the consumer staples firm, Who Gives A Crap. Founded in 2012, the company sells toilet paper and other household items, such as tissues and paper towels, by utilising sustainable manufacturing processes, including making toilet paper out of recycled paper and bamboo, as well as committing half of all profits to support impoverished communities by building toilets and water infrastructure.

The Course Syllabus

At RMIT, a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise empowers students who want to pursue a business career and are interested in sustainability and its application to contemporary business operations.

Over eight months, students will develop their knowledge around a range of concepts related to sustainability, such as corporate and social responsibility, innovation, and design thinking. They’ll be exposed to how sustainability is more than just how a business operates – with topics exploring how concepts related to sustainability can be found throughout the operating models of modern businesses, from financial reporting to reporting obligations on issues such as fair labour and modern slavery.

Upon completing the Graduate Certificate, a student will have developed the skills necessary to understand how businesses operate within sustainability frameworks. They’ll be able to think critically and interpret how businesses operate in terms of sustainability practices, have the skills necessary to present to stakeholders, advocate for change, and find ways to monitor that a company is meeting its sustainability obligations.

Why Is Sustainability So Important?

The world is changing – from the rapid proliferation of technologies such as artificial intelligence to the catastrophic impacts of climate change on industries from agriculture to consumer goods; every industry is beginning to face unique challenges that threaten its ability to operate consistently.

At the same time, ordinary Aussies are also feeling the pinch. Whether they’re facing bushfires in Eden or floods in Kensington, they’re likely experiencing similar pressures to what many businesses are currently facing. As a result of this, consumer behaviour is beginning to change – with consumers taking an active interest in not only what they’re purchasing but also how it is produced and manufactured.

A genuine attempt to work towards sustainability is vital for businesses, enabling them to align with society’s values. Take, for example, Australian mainstays such as Qantas, who have come under fire in recent years for being out of touch with the public interest. Perhaps, if they had understood sustainable business practices a little bit better, perhaps their reputation wouldn’t be as under fire as it is today.

Preparing for New Career Opportunities

By studying a course in sustainability, you’re not only preparing yourself for roles that exist today but also opening the door to new opportunities that will arise as businesses focus more on their sustainability obligations.

As sustainability roles become increasingly embedded throughout the workforce, expect new opportunities to become available in fields such as supply chain management, and financial reporting. New reporting obligations, such as issues around climate-related financial disclosures, will continue to bring sustainability to the spotlight.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in sustainability, remember – a qualification isn’t just about preparing you for one job – it’s about empowering you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in various fields.

If you’re looking to leap into a career with a sustainable focus, maybe it’s time to speak to a careers advisor. Who knows – maybe one small conversation could kickstart a whole new career in sustainability.

This is an article by RMIT University. The views and opinions we express here don’t necessarily reflect our organisation.