SUST907
Green Economy Frontiers and Opportunities
Savvy communities and the organizations, businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs of which they are composed recognize that our global environmental crises present tremendous new business and economic development opportunities.
In this course, you’ll explore green economy frontiers and opportunities and delve into how communities can strategically develop and expand a green economy sector.
Venture capital investing in firms that are developing environmentally-friendly technologies in the energy, agriculture, information technology, transportation, and other sectors has surged in recent years. The “restoration” economy is another frontier that includes 12 largely untapped growth sectors based on renewing natural, built, and social environments that together have an estimated worth of over $1 trillion annually.
Sustainable communities are those that will comprehend and strategically position themselves to take advantage of these new green frontiers and opportunities in ways that support prosperity and livability. Municipalities, economic development entities, businesses, investors, and regulators will play a role in and benefit from tapping into green economy opportunities.
Related program(s)
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUST907-VA1151 | 2 | Friday–Saturday Spring 2015 9 am–5:30 pm |
Van | Alexis Morgan Bruce Irvine Emmanuel Prinet Stacey Corriveau Rex Weyler Toby Barazzuol, chair, Strathcona BIA |
$650 | Closed |
* This course is available as part of the Sustainable Community Development Certificate (elective course) and on an individual basis.
What will I learn?
In this course, you will do the following:
- Describe the societal trends and drivers of the green economy (e.g., climate change, ecosystem decline, sprawl, consumer preferences, financial indexes, etc.)
- Understand green economy opportunities and emerging frontiers in key sectors—energy, environmental technology, brown fields, transportation, etc.
- Learn strategies to tap into green economy opportunities for community economic developers, entrepreneurs, regulators, and investors
- Review new environmental and social venture funds and learn how to find information to find either investment opportunities or venture capital
- Analyze case studies of green economy successes for businesses and communities
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Case studies
- Small group discussions and exercises
- Group presentations
Who should take this course?
- Planners, architects, and landscape architects
- Engineers, developers, builders, and real-estate professionals
- Elected officials
- Transportation professionals
- Staff of non-profit organizations
- Biologists, agrologists, and other environmental professionals
- Local, provincial, and federal government administrators and project managers
- Lawyers, financiers, and community advocates
- Current and future leaders committed to creating positive change
How will I be evaluated?
Your grade will be based on a take-home assignment.
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide custom course materials.
Professional development credits
- AIBC 14 NCLU
- PIBC and BCSLA can self-report
Partners/Sponsors
SFU Centre for Sustainable Community Development