X434 (1 semester unit in Natural Resources)

• 2 meetings
• Feb. 6 and 20: Sat., 9 am-5 pm (no meeting Feb. 13)
• Berkeley: 160 Dwinelle Hall, UC campus
• $395 (EDP 313445)

A requirement in the Professional Program in Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting

Study the value chain Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model. Examine sustainable management's impact on the development and use of green products and services. Learn practical tools of LCA, research methodologies, review real-world applications, and practice hands-on exercises. Evaluate business and operation plans based on the principles of natural capitalism and the natural step. Study innovative sustainable approaches to creating products and services. Understand green product and service supply chains and how to effectively ensure suppliers' compliance. Use LCA tools to optimize sustainable values in green procurement processes.

Products and services are the basis for commerce across stakeholders, including small businesses, corporations, NGOs, governments, and individuals. The life of a product begins way before it lands in the consumer's hand and typically lasts long after consumer is done. As principles of sustainability become pervasively adopted by major businesses, green compliance requirement for vendors is becoming increasingly important. Identify current green product and service certifications, examine different evaluation methodologies and criteria. Learn how to effectively apply LCA decision tools to manage green procurement processes and achieve sustainability goal: maximizing (sustainable) customer value while minimizing environmental impact.

This course is intended for professionals and business managers wishing to begin, advance or switch career tracks to business sustainability management, green purchasing, green product development, green manufacturing, green supply chain, sustainable services and green corporate management. Entrepreneurs, business owners, non-profits, government agencies and individuals interested in green product/service certifications, principles of LCA and sustainability management (Natural Capitalism, Natural Steps, supply chain evaluation) and increasing sustainable customer value in their businesses will find this course of value.

Prerequisites: Business writing and research skills are recommended.

To register for this course, click HERE.

Roberto Piccioni, M.S., is an environmental sustainability professional who has worked for Fortune 500 companies in his 22-year industry career. He has led sustainability management systems for employers and clients and teaches and practices concepts of corporate social responsibility and sustainability for a variety of clients and institutions.

Susan Sakaki, M.P.A., CHMM, is an environmental management and sustainability consultant with over 30 years of experience. She is owner of EnviroSystems Group and co-founder of Sustainable Earth Initiative.