Course Overview
Citizens, consumers, regulatory agencies, NGOs, and employees are increasingly demanding change in the social and environmental impacts of businesses and organizations. Business has entered a new era where success is based on the value returned to all stakeholders. As a result, businesses are building social equity and planetary boundaries into their strategy and business models. This course provides students with foundational knowledge of sustainable business theory and practices. It covers the core functional areas of a business (accounting, management, marketing, and operations). Students learn how these core functions are transforming to address the sustainability imperative.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
4.0
Domestic fees
$653.75 - $667.12 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define sustainability and explain its relevance to business.
- Evaluate business sustainability claims and commitments.
- Explain corporate social responsibility (CSR); environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG); stakeholder theory; and planetary boundaries.
- Articulate the role of private sector leadership in global collective action problems.
- Explain the corporate governance mechanisms that ensure sustainable business practices.
- Distinguish between sustainable performance and legal frameworks.
- Understand commonly accepted global frameworks and reporting standards (e.g., SDGs, GRI, B Corp) and the role of reporting in achieving transparency.
- Explain the role of risk management, supply chain management, business operations in sustainable business.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2021
Related Programs
Introduction to Sustainable Business Management (BSUS 1110) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Event Marketing and Management Strategy
Certificate Part-time
- Financial Management (Finance Option)
Certificate Part-time
- Financial Management (Professional Accounting Option)
Certificate Part-time
- International Trade and Transportation Logistics
Certificate Part-time
- Leadership
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Marketing Management
Certificate Part-time
- Marketing Management (Professional Sales Option)
Certificate Part-time
- Operations Management (Materials Management Option)
Certificate Part-time
- Quality and Process Management
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of BSUS 1110 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 67655
Dates
Apr 07 - Jul 04 Loading
- CRN 67655
- $653.75 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07 - Jul 04 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
Adrienne Petersohn
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Students must submit email address when registering. To be successful in our online courses, plan to spend 7-10 hours per course each week on your studies, starting Week 1. Our courses are paced and highly interactive with participation requirements weekly. Frequent contributions to asynchronous (not real time) online discussions is required to achieve a passing final grade. Is online learning for you? Please take a look at our FAQ pages www.bcit.ca/distance/faq.shtml and www.bcit.ca/distance/foryou.shtml
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of BSUS 1110 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 49346
Dates
Sep 09 - Dec 02 Loading
- CRN 49346
- $667.12 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 09 - Dec 02 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:50 | Online |
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
Meredith Hannen-Tugwete
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- *****Please note that all classes will be held online. There will be no on campus classes***** This is not a self-paced course. You will be expected to be available and online on the posted days and times shown on your registration schedule. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Course content, type and quality of assignments, and general standards for this online course are the same as classroom courses. To be successful in this online course, plan to spend 7-10 hours per week on your studies starting Week 1. Important course information will be sent to your myBCIT account prior to your course start date. For details on technology requirements, please refer to www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/bcit-sobm-byod.pdf.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.