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351-0387-00L 3 Credits
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Corporate Sustainability and Technology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Volker Hoffmann
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:59:50

Abstract

The lecture "Sustainability and Technology" describes environmental and social challenges for companies and identifies practically relevant recommendations for action. A special focus is put on the key role of technology and its sustainability-oriented design. The lecture will be interactive and includes presentations by guest speakers, case studies, and practical examples.

Objective

- Understanding sustainability and, as a consequence, recognizing the need of societal action in the light of current ecological, social, and economical trends - Getting to know the basic ideas and models how companies and society are connected - Recognizing the meaning of sustainability for companies; understanding their strategies regarding sustainability and developing example strategies - Getting to know and applying the concepts and tools for implementing sustainability

Content

Introduction to sustainability: Why Sustainability, Historical Review, Swiss Aproch to Sustainability, Strong and weak conceptions, Macro-indicators and Problems; Corporate Sustainability: Corporate citizenship, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate governance, Corporate sustainability, Shareholder vs. Stakeholder, History of corporate approaches to envrionmental issues; Sustainability & Markets: Greening Goliaths vs. Multiplying Davids; From Eco Niche to Mass Market; Sustainability & Technology: End-of-pipe versus integrated environmental protection, Industrial Ecology, Innovation and relation to sustainability, Life Cycle Analysis, Design for Environment Sustainability & Management Systems Sustainability & Finance

Resources

Lecture Notes

Presentations can be downloaded from our homepagewww.sustec.ethz.ch

Literature

Literature recommendations will be distributed during the lecture.

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Corporate Sustainability and Technology
  • Wed 15:15-17:00 (HG E 1.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In