Sustainable Business CertificationSustainable Business Certification (SBC)• A comprehensive, intensive offering that brings the corporate

professional or executive up to date on a global basis• The certification gives credibility to newly formed businesses that

support sustainability• Serves as top ranking certification in the field of sustainable

business worldwide

Sustainable Business Certification

Factors driving demand• Macro environment• Global standards• Business• Corporate “need to know”• Government and regulation• Consumers

SBC - SWOT

• Strengths:– USQ has the expertise– Partnership has ‘mix’ of

theory & practice– SB Center

• Weaknesses:– “Untested” field– Standardization– Varying standards,

laws, & local issues

• Opportunities:– First to market with

global certification– USQ has the expertise– Local & global offerings

• Threats:– No global standards– Green fatigue / Fad– ACMI (AU Cleantech

Mgmt. Institute)

Sustainable Business Certification

• Sustainable Business Modules1. Environmental Responsibility

– The new (green) economy– Carbon Foot Print

2. Sustainable Accounting– Triple bottom line

3. Sustainability Business Opportunities4. Social Responsibility with Marketing5. Education & Behavioral Responsibilities6. Capstone Module (final session to qualify for SBC)

– Responsibilities of Global Citizenship, Leadership & Ethics

Sustainable Business Certification

Details:• The certification is sponsored by The Centre

• Individual ‘modules’ are offered via The Institute or another vehicle offering ‘intensives’ for the corporate consumer & can stand alone

• Modules are a minimum 8 hour day up to a 2-3 day weekend offered over 1 year

• Certification could be offered in 1 captive weekend

• Subsequent ‘continuing education credits’ or updates would be offered annually to keep the certification ‘fresh’

• Pricing is what the market will bear – approx. $5K pp per module

Conscious Consumers care

Survey Data

80% of teens are concerned about the environment and the role of the US in causing pollution. JWT 2007

In fact, 76% of consumers, assuming no difference in quality or cost, would switch to a brand with a good cause.” Environics International Survey

Erik Sass, Media Daily News 2007 

Studies by three independent surveys found:

College students ranked social responsibility higher than celebrity endorsement for brandHarris Interactive 2006

Investor PressureShareholders -

– Many institutional investors are pushing companies to address climate change in their business strategies.

– First CF for Mutual Fund released July 22nd

CARBON DISCLOSURE PROJECT

– CDP asked for info from the largest 2,000 companies including the world’s 500 largest public companies3

– Those asking the questions about climate change represent over $55 trillion in assets. For comparison, US Economy=$12T

Management Knows it’s Important Climate Change is a top 3 priority

Regulation is Coming

Unpredictable Policy Environment– International (Kyoto): Copenhagen Dec. ‘09– G8: 50% reduction of global emissions by 2050– Federal : Cap and Trade Legislation Passed in June– EPA 13,000 largest emitters (> 25,000 MT CO2e) report in ‘11

Other Regulation• Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards at 35.5 mpg• Renewable Portfolio Standards – 28 states • E-Waste Laws – 10 cities• Toxic Waste Limits – REACH ACCORDS• Others ……

…and greater reporting

•Calvert, DJSI SAM’s, Domini, Social Funds

Equity Investing•I

SO 14001 & ISO 26000

EMS

•SA 8000

Workers

•AccountAbility 1000

Governance

•GRI, Climate Registry, CR Reporting Awards

All

•IFC Funding, Equator Principles

Debt/Multinational

•Climate Counts, EPA Climate Leaders, Corporate Register, CERES

Climate

•Green Seal, FSC, B Corp

Labeling & 3rd party Verification

Sustainable Business CertificationSummary:

• SBC revenues allow for 1/3 of income to cover cost of expert panel members

• 1/3 income to support certification platform– Marketing– Corporate entertaining– Travel expenses

• Remaining 1/3 to split between the Uni partnership or prorated

Questions?