Leading the Charge

Our North Carolina Sustainable Business Certification offers an affordable, online process with hands-on consultation from the North Carolina Sustainable Business Council's sustainability team. This program delivers strategies to reduce your company’s environmental impact and gives your business the recognition it deserves.

Whether your business is just starting to implement sustainable practices or is looking to enhance its existing efforts, the North Carolina Sustainable Business Certification provides a custom toolkit full of best practices and ideas. These strategies can positively impact your bottom line by focusing on energy consumption, water conservation, waste diversion, pollution prevention, transportation emissions, and stormwater and wastewater management.

Get Certified

Empowering Businesses to Achieve Sustainability Goals

This course is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and business leaders aiming to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. The program provides actionable insights and strategies for building more environmentally and socially responsible businesses while improving long-term profitability and competitiveness.

Why This Course?

Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a competitive necessity. Our course equips businesses with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable business. Learn how to turn sustainability into a strategic advantage and unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and customer loyalty.

Course Format:

Virtual Sessions: Every other Tuesday, January 7 – March 18, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
In-Person Networking (TBD): Three exclusive events across the state for participant engagement and networking

Course Highlights:

Expert Instructors & Guest Speakers: Engage with sustainability leaders, including executives, founders, public sector officials from the Department of Commerce, and renowned academics. Learn directly from those shaping the future of sustainable business practices.
Practical Case Studies: Discover real-world examples of how businesses are succeeding through sustainability and explore Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting as a critical framework.
Interactive Learning: Collaborate with peers in group discussions, work on scenario analyses, and receive guidance on applying sustainability to your specific business context.

Ready to Build a More Sustainable Business?

Enroll today to join an exclusive cohort of forward-thinking business leaders. Let’s shape the future of sustainable business together.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.ncsbcouncil.org/sustainable-business-course or contact us at vlparker@ncsbcouncil.org.

Introduction to Sustainable Business (January 7, 2025)

Understand the foundational concepts and principles of sustainability. Explore the “Triple Bottom Line” and learn how economic, environmental, and social governance can drive business success.

The Business Case for Sustainability (January 21, 2025)

Discover why sustainable practices lead to better financial performance, competitive advantage, and customer loyalty. Discuss how sustainability can transform your business strategy and apply business models that create multiple values.

Case Studies and ESG Reporting (February 4, 2025)

Learn from North Carolina-based business leaders about unique sustainability implementations and explore the value of ESG reporting for measuring sustainability impacts.

The Profit Case (February 18, 2025)

Explore how sustainable practices lead to profitability through efficiency, cost savings, and attracting investors. Brainstorm ways to align environmental initiatives with business growth.

Goal Setting and Strategic Action (March 4, 2025)

Create clear, actionable sustainability goals tailored to your business. Develop strategies for engagement with stakeholders and set measurable targets for sustainable business practices.

Metrics & Measurement for Sustainability (March 18, 2025)

Prepare for long-term sustainability success by learning how to measure progress, analyze impact assessments, and implement sustainable business practices that lead to meaningful results.

Invited Guest Speakers:

Guest speakers span a variety of experience and expertise across sectors, including public sector professionals from the Department of Commerce (DOC), academics specializing in sustainability, and industry professionals such as executives and founders leading in sustainability.

Nancy MacCreery, Expert in Marketing Practices
Kim Wright, Founder, CuttingEdge Law Enterprises
Emma Browning, Founder & Managing Director, Paradox Consulting Partners
Linden Thayer, PhD, Co-Founder, Food Insight Group
Beth Katz, PhD, Co-Founder, Food Insight Group
Christina Marie Noel, Founder & Principal, Noel & Co.