Winning Sustainability Strategies

The Winning Sustainability Strategies course, offered by IMD Business School, is a 5-week online program designed to help business leaders and professionals embed sustainability into their organization’s core strategy. This program equips participants with practical frameworks and tools to develop sustainability plans that enhance competitiveness and drive lasting change. Accessible globally with no specific prerequisites, it is ideal for executives, strategists, and sustainability practitioners aiming to align business objectives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course requires 4–6 hours of study per week and costs CHF 1,950, with the next session starting November 3, 2025.

Core Content

The curriculum is structured around five units, covering key sustainability concepts and their strategic integration into business operations. Learners explore how to assess organizational sustainability performance using tools like the sustainability scoresheet and apply “vectoring” to develop actionable sustainability plans. Topics include purpose-driven organizations, materiality analysis, robust sustainability reporting frameworks, and transformation toward a circular economy. Real-world case studies, such as those from McDonald’s and DSM, illustrate how to address opportunities and threats in sustainable practices, with a focus on embedding SDGs and leveraging stakeholder partnerships.

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to evaluate and enhance their organization’s sustainability performance, create high-level action plans, and integrate SDGs into core strategies. The course equips learners to apply double materiality, design circular economy solutions, and use strategic tools like vectoring to drive innovation. Through individual assignments and coaching, participants gain practical experience in crafting sustainability strategies that improve competitiveness and mitigate risks, preparing them to lead transformative change in their organizations.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for business executives, including C-suite leaders, strategy practitioners, and sustainability professionals, who are involved in strategy development or driving sustainability innovation. It is particularly suited for those seeking to integrate ESG principles or SDGs into their company’s strategy and enhance their organization’s competitive edge. The program’s diverse participant selection ensures a rich learning experience with global peers, making it ideal for professionals worldwide committed to sustainable business transformation.

Learning Format

Delivered through IMD’s online platform, the course is self-paced, featuring asynchronous videos, readings, individual assignments, group discussions, and weekly one-on-one coaching sessions via video, phone, or written feedback. Spanning 5 weeks with 4–6 hours of weekly study, it includes interactive elements and real-world case studies for practical application. Learners receive personalized support from an executive coach to consolidate their learning. Upon completion, participants earn an IMD certificate, enhancing professional credentials. The application deadline is seven days before the session start.

Additional Benefits

The course delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to create sustainability plans that drive performance, innovation, and stakeholder buy-in. Backed by IMD’s world-renowned faculty, including Program Director Benoit Leleux and sustainability expert Jan van der Kaaij, it offers cutting-edge insights informed by research and real-world applications. Learners join a global community of sustainability leaders, gaining access to IMD’s network and resources. The certificate strengthens career prospects in strategy, sustainability, and leadership, equipping graduates to transform their organizations into purpose-driven, future-ready entities.

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