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363-0387-00L 3 Credits BSC , DS , MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MTEC , D-ARCH , D-MAVT , D-GESS , D-USYS , D-ITET
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Corporate Sustainability

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Volker Hoffmann, Prof. Dr. Catharina Bening-Bach, Dr. Nicola Ursina Blum, PD Dr. Johannes Meuer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:49:08

Abstract

The lecture explores current challenges of corporate sustainability and prepares students to become champions for sustainable business practices. In the beginning, traditional lectures are complemented by e-modules that allow students to train critical thinking skills. In the 2nd half of the semester, students work in teams on sustainability challenges related to water, energy, mobility, and food.

Objective

Students - assess the limits and the potential of corporate sustainability for sustainable development - develop critical thinking skills (argumentation, communication, evaluative judgment) that are useful in the context of corporate sustainability using an innovative writing and peer review method. - recognize and realize opportunities through team work for corporate sustainability in a business environment - present strategic recommendations in teams with different output formats (tv-style debate, consultancy pitch, technology model walk-through, campaign video)

Content

In the first part of the semester, Prof. Volker Hoffmann and Dr. Johannes Meuer will share his insights on corporate sustainability with you through a series of lectures. They introduce you to a series of critical thinking exercises and build a foundation for your group work. In the second part of the semester, you participate in one of four tracks in which SusTec researchers will coach your groups through a seven-step program. Our ambition is that you improve your analytic and organizational skills and that you can confidently stand up for corporate sustainability in a professional setting. You will share the final product of your work with fellow students in a final puzzle session at the end of the semester. http://www.sustec.ethz.ch/teaching/lectures/corporate-sustainability.html

Resources

Lecture Notes

Presentation slides will be made available on moodle prior to lectures.

Literature

Literature recommendations will be distributed during the lecture

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DS , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
open book, all materials
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
The examination will account for 50% of the grade and will be conducted electronically. The exam questions will be only in English. The use of a paper-based dictionary is permitted. The group exercises (sustainability team phase) counts as a compulsory continuous performance assessment (obligatorisches Leistungselement) and counts with 50% to the final grade. During the course, students participate in an online (anonymous) reflection journal exercise that focuses on critical thinking skills and peer feedback. Completing the reflection journal (incl. five entries and five feeback loops) on time offers the opportunity to earn a bonus of 0.25 points to the exam grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Corporate Sustainability
The course combines online learning elements and live sessions, some of which are recorded. Several course sessions require live attendance. Details are provided on the moodle course page.
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (HG E 21)
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (HG E 22)
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (HG F 3)
  • Wed 16:15-18:00 (ML E 12)
  • 20.10 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG E 21)
  • 20.10 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG E 22)
  • 20.10 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG E 23)
  • 20.10 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG F 26.1)
  • 20.10 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG F 26.3)
  • 20.10 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG G 26.3)
  • 03.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG D 5.3)
  • 03.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG E 23)
  • 03.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG F 26.1)
  • 03.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG F 26.3)
  • 03.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (ML H 43)
  • 03.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (ML J 34.1)
  • 17.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG D 5.3)
  • 17.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (HG F 26.3)
  • 17.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (LEE C 104)
  • 17.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (LEE D 105)
  • 17.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (ML H 43)
  • 17.11 Date 16:15-18:00 (ML J 34.1)
2 h weekly

Offered In