Certificate of Environmental Sustainability
About the Program
 |
Environmental sustainability is a growing field, as businesses and organizations the world over recognize the need to balance economic, social and environmental issues. Organizations are increasingly being asked by their customers and communities to improve their environmental impacts. Entities implementing sustainability into their operations have realized short and long-term economic benefits through reductions in waste, energy and raw material consumption; all while improving marketability, employee morale and productivity, community support and customer approval. In order to continue these fundamental changes in our approach to "business-as-usual", organizations will need skilled people to help identify, monitor, and lead environmental opportunities.
In order to support businesses and organizations in their efforts to implement or improve sustainability programs within their operations, Drury University has developed a Certificate of Environmental Sustainability (CES). This is a unique, week-long, training program for working professionals and students. While participants will receive typical classroom instruction, the program will be oriented toward experiential projects. Not only will participants gain the knowledge, methods, and tools necessary to develop or improve sustainability programs, but they will also gain practical experience through the research and development of an environmental project/program for their organization or community.
As participants attend the training session, they will not only learn the principles and tools of implementing a sustainability program, but they will put those principles to practice through their individual projects. Prior to commencing the CES program, participants will propose a project for development, which must be approved by CES staff. Then, during the training session, participants will have the opportunity to discuss their project with other attendees and training session leaders. Upon completing the weeklong course, participants will return to their organizations and/or communities and have three months to complete and present their project proposals. During the research and development period, Drury CES staff will be available via phone and e-mail to work with participants on their project. A copy of the final project presentation will be submitted to Drury CES staff for approval. Once approved, the participant will receive a Certificate of Environmental Sustainability.
