Sustainability Consulting

Sustainability Consulting is an introductory course designed to provide learners with a practical understanding of how sustainability consultants support organisations in achieving environmental and sustainability goals. Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and taught by Dr. Jonathan Tomkin, the course introduces the tools, techniques, and career pathways associated with sustainability consulting. It focuses on how consultants work with companies, governments, and other organisations to evaluate sustainability performance, improve decision-making, and align practices with recognised standards and frameworks.

Core Content

Delivered across six modules, the course explores core consulting concepts such as life-cycle thinking and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), with a focus on applying these approaches to products, processes, and supply chains. Learners examine how to analyse and interpret LCA reports produced by others and critically evaluate sustainability certifications and standards. The course also reviews common sustainability consulting practices, including ESG analysis, footprinting, and the role of systems such as LEED and other sustainability standards in shaping organisational sustainability strategies.

Key Skills

Participants develop foundational skills in product lifecycle management, sustainability standards, environmental management systems, ESG analysis, sustainable development, and business consulting. These competencies help learners understand how sustainability data and assessments are used to inform strategic recommendations and operational improvements.

Target Learners

This course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience in sustainability or consulting. It is ideal for students, early-career professionals, and career switchers interested in sustainability consulting, ESG advisory roles, or corporate sustainability support functions. The content is also relevant for professionals seeking to better understand how consultants assess sustainability performance and certifications.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online through Coursera, the course combines expert-led video instruction, practical examples, and four structured assignments. Learners can complete the programme in approximately six hours and progress entirely at their own pace. The modular format allows participants to engage flexibly while building a clear understanding of consulting tools and methodologies.

Additional Benefits

Upon completion, learners receive a shareable certificate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which can be added to professional profiles and LinkedIn. The course provides a strong introduction to sustainability consulting practices and equips learners with the foundational knowledge needed to engage with sustainability assessments, standards, and advisory work in professional settings.

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