What skills can I learn in sustainability courses?

Sustainability courses on Coursera cover a diverse range of essential skills including: Sustainable development principles Environmental impact assessment and management Energy resources, including renewable and non-renewable sources Climate change mitigation strategies and adaptation techniques Corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices Circular economy models and strategies Policy making and advocacy for sustainability Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management

Do I need prior experience in environmental studies to start these sustainability courses?

No prior experience in environmental studies is required to start beginner sustainability courses. The product offerings are designed to welcome learners from all backgrounds: Beginners can begin with the basics of environmental science and sustainability concepts. Intermediate learners could focus more specialized topics such as sustainable agriculture or urban planning . Advanced professionals can engage in complex discussions on global sustainability challenges and solutions.

What sustainability certifications and credentials are available?

Sustainability courses on Coursera offer a variety of credential options: Certificates that validate knowledge in specific sustainability areas like energy management or sustainable cities Professional certificates that showcase broad expertise in sustainability practices Specialized course certificates focusing on niche topics such as water resource management or sustainable tourism These credentials are valuable to help professionals demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in their careers.

What career opportunities are available with skills in sustainability?

Skills gained from sustainability courses can open doors to numerous roles in various sectors including: Sustainability Consultant Environmental Scientist Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer Urban and Regional Planner Policy Analyst specializing in environmental policy Energy Analyst focusing on renewable energy projects Professionals in these roles utilize their sustainability skills to enhance organizational practices, influence policy, and lead conservation efforts.

Can I take free sustainability courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning sustainability skills on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many sustainability courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in sustainability, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What is a sustainability reporting certification?

A sustainability reporting certification demonstrates your ability to measure, manage, and communicate an organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. It’s valuable for professionals in corporate responsibility, compliance , and strategy roles. Courses like Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity from Università Bocconi on Coursera cover key frameworks and reporting standards like GRI and SASB.

Best Sustainability Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Sustainability Course for Your Goals

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Environment, Water Resources, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Sustainability Standards, Sustainable Engineering, Water Resource Management, Social Sciences, Climate Change Adaptation, Economics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
IMD - International Institute for Management Development
Sustainability for Business: ESG Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Business, Sustainable Development, Business Ethics, Compliance Management, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Management Systems, Stakeholder Management, Governance, Climate Change Mitigation, Stakeholder Engagement, Case Studies, Leadership, Risk Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Change, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
93 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Sustainability Consulting
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Standards, Sustainable Development, Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Consulting, Business Consulting, Environmental Management Systems, Product Lifecycle Management, Environment, Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
92 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Business, Business Reporting, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Governance, Financial Reporting, Business Metrics, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Environmental Issue, Business Ethics, Compliance Reporting, Stakeholder Analysis, Risk Management, Performance Measurement, Corporate Strategy, Finance, Financial Services
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Multiple educators
Applied Sustainability for Technical Managers
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Business, Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Design, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Technologies, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Engineering, Sustainable Development, Energy and Utilities, Sustainability Standards, Business Reporting, Annual Reports, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Business Leadership, Product Engineering, Leadership, Environment, Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Engineering
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
112 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Sustainability Reporting: From Regulation to Implementation
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Business, Business Reporting, Data Storytelling, Compliance Reporting, Data Visualization, Performance Reporting, Sustainability Standards, Environmental Regulations, Stakeholder Communications, Strategic Communication, Return On Investment, Risk Management, Investment Management, Finance
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
Università Bocconi
Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Business, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Strategy, Business Transformation, Organizational Change, Stakeholder Analysis, Systems Thinking, Innovation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
926 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Program Implementation, Plan Execution, Sustainable Development, Business Planning, Data Analysis, Sustainability Reporting, Spreadsheet Software, Contract Management, Waste Minimization, Marketing and Public Relations, Analysis, Sustainability Standards, Policy Development, Annual Reports, Interactive Learning, Sustainable Business, Vendor Contracts, Goal Setting, Business Writing, Project Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
86 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of London
Business Sustainability in the Circular Economy
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Reverse Logistics, Sustainable Development, Business Ethics, Sustainability Standards, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Issue, Waste Minimization, Environmental Regulations, Logistics, Climate Change Mitigation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
259 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
IESE Business School
Strategy and Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Business Strategy, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Environmental Regulations, Sustainable Development, Strategic Decision-Making, Environmental Management Systems, Compliance Management, Stakeholder Engagement
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
566 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Starweaver
Gen AI For Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Responsible AI, Sustainable Development, Data Ethics, Generative AI, Sustainable Systems, Corporate Sustainability, Sustainability Reporting, Diversity and Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Case Studies, Business Ethics, Climate Change Mitigation, Environmental Monitoring, Supply Chain Planning, Problem Solving, Content Strategy
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Campus BBVA
The ABC of sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Business, Corporate Sustainability, Social Justice, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Environment and Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Finance, Economics, Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change Mitigation, Critical Thinking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
215 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks