Please note:

To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.

Business | Beedie School of Business Simon Fraser University Calendar | Summer 2024

Corporate Environmental and Social Sustainability

Certificate

Limitations

This certificate is available to students in a business major, joint major, honours, or joint honours program and to students in a bachelor of environment program.

Students may complete either the certificate in corporate environmental and social sustainability or the sustainable business joint major program, but not both the certificate and the joint major program.

Grade Requirements

In addition to normal university grade point average requirements, the Beedie School of Business requires a minimum 2.30 overall SFU Business course grade point average for entry into all 300 and 400 division business courses.

For a course to be accepted as fulfilling a prerequisite, or for a lower division requirement, or for a core course to be accepted in a student's program in business, a student must have obtained a minimum grade of C- (C minus).

A minimum grade point average of 2.00 calculated on all courses applied towards the certificate is required for graduation from a business certificate.

Program Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 27 units.

Core Courses

BUS 275 - Business in a Sustainable Society (3)

Businesses and business leaders have a key role to play in supporting a sustainable future. In this course, we examine what it means to be a responsible business and how businesses can do their part to be a catalyst for system-level change. We will also consider our own roles in supporting the necessary transition to a more regenerative and reconciled economy. Prerequisite: 12 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D202 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
BUS 303 - Business, Society and Ethics (3)

Examines the context of business in society and the paradigms, frameworks, and theories that shape how we think about business ethics and make ethical decisions. Incorporates recent cross-disciplinary research in the development of reflective practice, moral literacy, and decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, ambiguity, complexity, and diverse competing interests. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D300 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or REM 320W - Ethics and the Environment (3)

An introduction to the field of environmental ethics. Addresses questions such as what obligations we have to future generations and the natural world, as well as the extent of these obligations. Prerequisite: 45 units. Philosophy Majors and Minors may not take this course for credit towards their major or minor degree. Students who have taken PHIL 333-3 or ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Ethics" prior to or in 2011 and students with credit in ENV 320W or PHIL 328-3 may not enroll in this course for further credit. Writing.

BUS 393 - Commercial Law (3)

Common law, equity, and statute law; contracts, agency, and negotiable instruments; partnership and corporation law; international commercial law. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D202 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
E100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or REM 319 - Environmental and Planning Law (3)

Provides a practical introduction to the legal system governing the use and protection of the environment and planning and land use law in Canada. A central theme is the difference between the law on paper and the law in practice. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Law" in 2012 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ENV 319 or PLAN 319 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Devon Page
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
EVSC 100 - Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Anna Hippmann
TBD
B101 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
B102 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B104 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
B105 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B106 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B107 May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or GEOG 111 - Earth Systems (3)

An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.

and one of

GEOG 100 - Our World: Introducing Human Geography (3)

A geographical introduction to how humans shape our world, with attention also given to how it shapes us. Themes may include: culture, economic activities, environmental change, globalization, politics, population, resources, and urbanization. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Leanne Roderick
Online
REM 100 - Global Change (3)

The Earth is experiencing the most dramatic environmental changes it has for thousands of years. How did we end up here? Provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the forces behind our ever-increasing environmental footprint. Highlights how ideologies and societal structures have shaped how we interact with the environment and explores the necessary changes for a more sustainable future. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Sessional Instructor
Alexander Cancelli
Frank Gobas
Online

and two of*

BUS 449 - Ethical Issues in Marketing (3)

A critical examination of topics such as consumerism, marketing ethics, and social responsibility, efficiency of marketing or ecological marketing. The particular emphasis may vary depending on the interests of the class and instructor. Prerequisite: BUS 343, 360W, both with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

BUS 453 - Sustainable Innovation (3)

Challenges associated with continuing innovation are examined and students work to generate innovative solutions by challenging existing economic models. Students learn about sustainable opportunity, recognition, and screening, and understand how great ideas to 'save the planet' can get off the ground. Prerequisite: BUS 360W (or another upper division Writing (W) course) with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Recommended: BUS 338. Students with credit for BUS 494 when offered as Sustainable Innovation may not complete this course for further credit.

BUS 475 - Sustainable Operations (3)

Examines key challenges and opportunities organizations face in integrating sustainable business practices within corporate strategy. Identifies organizational capabilities needed to support existing sustainable commitments and strategies to allow for innovation. Prerequisite: BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with credit for BUS 49X Selected Topics (Sustainable Operations) may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BUS 489 - Management Practices for Sustainability (3)

Businesses are realigning and in some cases, reinventing their organizations toward more sustainable business models. Management systems and initiatives will be examined that enable organizations to reduce their firms' negative environmental and social impacts while, in many cases, increasing profits and competitive advantage. Prerequisite: BUS 360W and (BUS 381 or BUS 374), all with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students who have taken BUS 457 cannot take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and a minimum of two of the following non-business elective courses**

ARCH 386 - Archaeological Resource Management (3)

Surveys the origins, implementations, and need for archaeological heritage legislation on an international and national scale. Topical issues associated with contract archaeology, public archaeology, native heritage, and avocational societies are incorporated. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.

CMNS 311 - Topics in Communication and Social Justice (4)

Topics pertain to issues of inequality, resistance and activism with a focus on entanglements with media and communication. Explores how relations of power are shaped and contested through media and communication. Topics include: racial justice, environmental policies, globalization, social activism, and labour. This course can be repeated once for credit (up to a maximum of two times). Prerequisite: 17 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 45 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shane Gunster
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D200 Victoria Thomas
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D201 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D202 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D203 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D204 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
ENSC 412 - Technologies, Cultures and a Sustainable World (3)

Technology issues relevant to global sustainable development are considered from engineering, historical and anthropological perspectives. Topics include hydroelectric dams, alternative power generation systems, and the science of climate change. In-depth case studies emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of these themes. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 units. Students may take only one of SD 412, ENSC 412 or ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Science.

or SD 412 - Technologies, Cultures and a Sustainable World (3)

Technology issues relevant to global sustainable development are considered from engineering, historical and anthropological perspectives. Topics include hydroelectric dams, alternative power generation systems, and the science of climate change. In-depth case studies emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of these themes. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 units. Students may take only one of SD 412, ENSC 412 or ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Science.

GEOG 221 - Economic Worlds (3)

The fundamentals of economics geography, the study of the forces that shape the arrangement of economic activity in the real world. Prerequisite: GEOG 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 321 - Geographies of Global Capitalism (4)

Examines the historical development, spatial organization, and social impact of market function, firm structure and operation, economic policy, and regulation and deregulation at various scales from local to global, from a geographical perspective. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 325 - Geographies of Consumption (4)

Spaces, places, landscapes, and scales of consumption emphasizing commodity cultures, marketing, retail, ideology, subjectivity, objects, technology, and tourism. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

PHYS 346 - Energy and the Environment (3)

The physical principles and limitations of renewable energy source utilization and energy conversion. A quantitative introduction to energy conversion and storage systems, including solar power and heating; wind, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear power, hydrogen technology, electrical and mechanical energy storage. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 121; PHYS 102 or 121 or 126 or 141; MATH 152 or 155; all with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

POL 452W - Energy Policy (4)

Examines the politics and policies of energy, including historical and technical perspectives. Topics include alternative energy, climate change, regulatory policy, and the economics of energy, as well as practical case studies. Students who have completed POL 459 in 2009 and 2010 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.

REM 350 - Energy Management for a Sustainable Climate and Society (4)

An interdisciplinary approach to transforming energy systems in pursuit of sustainable climate and society. Perspectives include thermodynamics, resource potentials, technological potentials, economic evaluation, implementation of transformative public policies, political-economy assessment of policy constraints, national and sub-national governance options, behavioural change potentials, global diplomacy, and pursuit of greater equity within and between countries. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Will Niver
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
REM 412 - Environmental Modeling (4)

Students receive hands-on experience in the construction and analysis of computer simulation models of environmental and ecological systems and problems. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; BISC 204 or GEOG 215 or REM 211; STAT 201 or STAT 203 or STAT 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent; and 60 units. Recommended: REM 225. Quantitative.

SD 281 - Introduction to Sustainability (3)

Introduces the challenges and opportunities for developing sustainable communities and a sustainable world, through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and alternative perspectives around sustainability (e.g. Indigenous, just sustainabilities etc.). Students will also learn from the practical experience of diverse experts and sustainability professionals. Conventional approaches to sustainable development will be critiqued to ensure considerations for equity and social justice. Highlights will be showcased from the Global North and Global South. Students with credit for REM 281 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Tammara Soma
Online
SD 381 - Building Sustainable Communities (4)

Engages students in understanding how to plan and cultivate sustainability at the community and city level, taking into consideration the environmental, economic, and social aspects of development. Explores and analyzes policy instruments, planning tools, and strategies from around the world for engaging people and institutions in building sustainable communities. Prerequisite: One of PLAN 100, PLAN 200, REM 100, or SD 281; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 381 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Laura Tate
Online
SD 401 - Sustainable Development Studio (4)

Engages students in creating innovative solutions to real-world challenges of sustainability and development, using studio-based approaches. Explores mechanisms for effective social and environmental change and develops policies and strategies for implementing sustainability in different locations and at different scales. Prerequisite: SD 281; one of SD 381 or SD 481; and 75 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Tammara Soma
TBD

and completion of a minimum of one of the following approved experiential or service learning components

  • co-operative education work term focused on areas related to corporate environmental and social sustainability
  • 25 hours minimum of voluntary or salaried work within a social enterprise, charitable organization, company, corporation, or non-profit organization in a role related to corporate environmental and social sustainability
  • 25 hours minimum as a research assistant for a professor focusing on areas related to corporate environmental and social sustainability
  • 25 hours minimum in other business faculty-approved activity areas related to corporate environmental and social sustainability

Before beginning this requirement, it is recommended that students seek prior approval from the Beedie School of Business' Area Coordinator of Business & Society by submitting a detailed outline of their activity.

Upon completion of the experiential component, students will submit to the Area Coordinator of Business & Society:

  • a description (written by either the student or the organization) of the organization and the student's role in the organization, signed and validated by the employer/supervisor
  • a reflective 500 word essay about the student's work/volunteer experience that identifies key corporate environmental and social sustainability experiences and how that influenced their current thinking about the implications of business practice on society and the environment. The essay will be graded pass/fail.

* Enrollment in upper division business administration courses required for this certificate are open only to approved BBA students or Faculty of Environment students who are enrolled in this certificate.

** Substitutions with appropriate course content may be possible with permission from the Beedie School of Business.