Package Description

What You Will Learn

This course module is presented in seven sections, approximately one hour: 

• • 3.1 Introduction - Learn the difference between sustainability frameworks and principles, as well as understand the meaning of the UN’s Bruntland Commission 1987.
  • 3.2 Sustainability Frameworks - Learn what makes a sustainability framework effective, the definition of a good framework, and how practitioners can use frameworks in a synergistic way.
  • 3.3 The Natural Step - Discover the five levels of The Natural Step (TNS), a framework developed by Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt. 
  • 3.4 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Discover the 17 UN SDGs, which are social, economic, and environmental targets set to be achieved by 2030. 
  • 3.5 Triple Bottom Line - Learn about the 3Ps (People, Planet, and Profit) and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, as well as its strategic “recall” by creator John Elkington. 
  • 3.6 Sustainability Principles - Explore a range of foundation principles that serve as guidance for sustainability implementation for targeted situations. 
  • 3.7 Conclusion - Review module 3 concepts to understand the utility of frameworks and principles. 

Course participants will take one quiz at the end of this module, approximately 10 questions.

Who is This Course For?

The Sustainability Core Competencies course is designed for individuals who may be new to the sustainability field but who plan to incorporate sustainability concepts directly into their work. It could also be for individuals who want third-party certification of their knowledge of sustainability via the SEA credential or those with expertise in a sector of sustainability that desire a broader industry understanding.

Course Description

This module explains key sustainability frameworks and principles, which guide the ways economic and social activity can fit within a sustainable global environmental system. 

Over the years, professionals have crafted numerous definitions of sustainability that have created some confusion within the field. Therefore, this module provides familiarity with the range of definitions, so sustainability professionals can be conversant with commonly used sustainability frameworks and principles while being able to apply and adapt depending upon context.

The content of this video is based on Chapter 3 of the SEA Study Guide and can be used as preparation for the SEA exam. This course is a tool to help you study for the exam, but completion of the Sustainability Core Competencies course does not guarantee passing the SEA exam. [Read disclaimer.] 

Certificate

Following the successful completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion, indicating knowledge of core sustainability concepts and best practices. 

The completion of the full Sustainability Core Competencies course earns 5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) for SEA and SEP credential holders, and the completion of this module alone earns 0.5 CEU credits.

Directions for Access

Each module must be completed to unlock the next module. Click the title of the first module to launch the course.

Disclaimer

Upgrades to the ISSP course technology will occur Summer 2024. Please note this transition will result in the loss of any progress you make in completion of this course. All course users will be provided a minimum of 30-day notice prior to platform transition to complete course. Access will be granted automatically on the upgraded platform for future course use.