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5. EG1801: Introduction to Sustainability in Business

Course Fact File

Code	EG1801
Duration	8 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
NFQ Level	Level 7
Fees	€1,500 (80% Fee Subsidy Available) See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	31 July 2026
Venue	Blended delivery.
Credits	5
Start Date	17 Sep 2026

Outline

This programme will demystify key sustainability concepts and provide participants with an in-depth understanding of why sustainability is now a critical issue for all businesses (people, planet and profit). The course will explore key issues for sustainability in business, identify which issues to prioritise, and identify sustainability KPIs for their business (scorecard) which can be used for ESG and sustainability reporting. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be used as lens in which to frame sustainability in the company.

The programme enable students to root their learning in their jobs and companies through the use of case studies. Peer-to-peer learning from, and the development of an on-going support network, of like-minded sustainability champions and professionals is a key value-added of the course. University College Cork itself will act as a living laboratory of sustainability in action.

Each participant will undertake an assignment where they will map their organisation to the UN SDGs, conduct an in-company materiality assessment, and develop metrics for a sustainability scorecard benchmarked against similar companies in their sector.

Module Content: 

• Understanding and responding to the sustainability challenge
• What it means to be a sustainable business (key concepts and frameworks)
• SDGs and Business (incl SDGs game)
• Net zero: decarbonising business
• The circular business
• Nature positive organisation
• Social-ethical responsibility of business
• Stakeholder engagement and materiality
• ESG reporting o Sustainability scorecard

 

Practicalities

Teaching Methods: Hybrid

• 25 x 1 Hr(s) Lectures

Learning Methods:

• 25 Hr(s) Directed Learning
• 50 Hr(s) Autonomous Student Activities
• 25 Hr(s) Independent Enquiry

Continuous Assessment Details: 100 marks

• Attendance and Participation - 20 marks
• Assignment - 50 marks
• Presentation - 30 marks

Lecturers:

Dr Paul Bolger - UCC Sustainability Academy

Anna Ozolina, UCC Sustainability Academy

Cara O’Mahony, UCC Sustainability Academy

 

 

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the sustainability challenge and need for a comprehensive strategic response from their company.
2. Identify the relevant sustainability issues and stakeholders for their company through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Materiality Matrix.
3. Assess Scope, 1,2 and 3 emissions and pathways for decarbonisation towards zero-carbon.
4. Explore circular economy business models and potential opportunities for closing the loop on resource inputs and outputs in the company.
5. Evaluate the social responsibility of business to people and nature
6. Interpret relevant ESG reporting standards and ratings and how they apply to their organisation
7. Map their organisation to UN SDGs, carry out a materiality assessment, and develop a sustainability scorecard for their organisation

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age by the date of commencement of the programme;
• Hold a Leaving Certificate or QQI Level 5 qualification (or equivalent qualification);
• Have a minimum of 1 year’s professional experience in a business environment or currently work on a project team or hold a project administrator / junior project manager role.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €1,500

• Those eligible for funding will receive an 80% fee subsidy. Jobseekers and returners will be given priority.
• If awarded HEA funding, these applicants will need to pay the remaining 20% fee (€300) on registration (non-refundable). 
• If an applicant's organisation wishes to pay their fees in part or in full, the applicants must pay the 20% on registration and any arrange any reimbursement with their employer/organisation directly. 

How To Apply

• Apply for HEA funding, or
• Apply directly to the programme as a fee-paying applicant

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