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The HBA Sustainability Certificate is directed by Associate Professor Lara Liboni and is generously funded by RBC and the Chisholm Family Foundation. The Certificate empowers Ivey HBA students to build and lead more sustainable organizations. It includes a coordinated set of courses and experiences designed to provide a strong grounding in the principles and best practices of sustainability. The program positions students to begin their journeys as responsible C-Suite decision-makers, entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, and policymakers.

Associate Professor Lara LiboniWe are excited to welcome Associate Professor Lara Liboni as the new Director of the Certificate Program for 2025-2026. Lara’s expertise lies in strategy and sustainability, with a focus on how collaborations can influence strategic approaches to systems change. We look forward to the vision and leadership she will bring to the program!

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 HBA Sustainability Certificate program!

This year’s theme, “Come with Me – An Invitation to Systems Change”, calls for a shift from individualistic, competitive approaches to collaborative, regenerative leadership. In the face of complex global challenges, true transformation requires systems thinking—rethinking the structures, mindsets, and values that shape our world. Through cross-sector collaboration and purpose-driven action, we can co-create a thriving, sustainable future. Learn more

Read about five reasons why you should consider the HBA Sustainability Certificate program.

Here are a few good reasons why you should apply according to alumnus Nick Fox.

Nick Fox

Resources

Applications for the 2025/2026 cohort of the HBA Sustainability Certificate are open until the morning of April 29, 2025. Update: Applications have now been extended until September 8, 2025!

Sustainability Logowebsite2

Academic Requirements

0.5 required courses: To complete the Certificate, you must successfully complete HBA1 and one of the following HBA2 courses:

  • 4620 Impact Assessment (0.5 course)
  • 4424 Substantiating Sustainability (0.5 course)
  • 4666 Systems Thinking Strategies (0.5 course)
  • 4553 Social Enterprise (0.5 course) Not offered in 2025/2026

Please note: Should you wish to take more than one required course, one will count as required and the other(s) as an elective.

1.0 electives: In addition to the 0.5 required course, students must take 1.0 credits from the following. 

  • 4454 Operations Strategy (0.5 course) *
  • 4495 Building Consumer Brands (0.5 course) *
  • 4499 Research Project (0.5 course) *
  • 4558 New Venture Creation (0.5 course) *
  • 4564 Design-Driven Innovation (0.5 course) *
  • 4580 Reputation Management (0.5 course) *
  • 4596 Navigating Power Dynamics (0.5 course) **
  • 4619 The Performing Leader (0.5 course)
  • 4647 Technology and Humanity (0.5 course) *
  • 4654 Behavioural Economics (0.5 course) *
  • 4662 Case Writing (0.5 course) *
  • 4664 The Art of Social Entrepreneurship (0.5 course) *
  • 4668 Doing business in Africa (0.5 course) *
  • 4663Q Systems Thinking in an Age of Disruption (0.25 course) Not offered in 2025/2026
  • TRC-In-Action "Reconciling Business Schools workshop" (.25 course) Not offered in 2025/2026

Additional Notes for Certificate Electives:

For all * electives:
You must complete your final course assignment on a sustainability-focused brand or organization. Once completed, your assignment must be uploaded to the Certificate LEARN site for credit.

For all ** electives:
In addition to your regular course assignment, you must submit a separate sustainability reflection. Submit your course assignment through your course as usual, then upload the assignment with your added reflection to the Certificate LEARN site.

Engagement Requirements

Sustainability certificate students are expected to engage in 4 extracurricular events, two in September and two in March. Events are mandatory for all students, except for students with class conflicts who should attend class as scheduled and record their absence one week in advance (form will be provided). Students will also get exclusive access to optional speaker events throughout the year (not currently listed).

  • Live case: Rapid response to real-time dilemmas presented by the executive team of a large company (September)
  • Field Trip: On-site hands-on activities hosted by multiple leaders & organizations (September)
  • Worldchangers: A showcase of Ivey alumni who have started sustainable start-ups or are leading sustainability strategies (March)
  • Journey to Purpose (Graduation): A keynote presentation, the unveiling of the purpose statements for the graduating cohort, and networking with Ivey faculty, alumni and the incoming certificate cohort (March)

Purpose Statements

Students who are graduating will be asked to write and submit a brief (200 words maximum) purpose statement and an mp4 video recording of their declaration of purpose on LEARN by March (date tba), 2026. A short documentary feature combining all statements that will be released at our final event, Journey to Purpose. Preparation steps, including templates and worksheets will be available on LEARN.

Exchange

Students going on exchange in the second term must complete all core courses at Ivey but can substitute 0.5 electives with sustainability-related courses offered by your host institution. Students must obtain pre-approval from the Sustainability Certificate Program and the HBA Program Office for these substitutions before leaving on exchange.

Mentorship

Sustainability mentors, Ivey alumni working in sustainability-related fields or roles, many of whom are also alumni of the certificate program, will support students throughout the year.

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