Improving Sustainability Ratings

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  • 3 hours
  • English
  • Certificate
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Course overview
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, also for retailers: Sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also influences the image and success of companies.

After this e-learning course, you will know what types of sustainability ratings there are, on what basis the ratings are made and how companies can proceed to improve their sustainability ratings.

  • E-Learning Course
  • Certificate: Improving Sustainability Ratings

What you can expect

Expert Knowledge

Gain comprehensive and excellent know-how, presented in a clear and accessible way.

High Flexibility

Learn where and when you want, at your own pace—whether during lunch breaks or after work.

Practical Approach

Acquire practical knowledge through real-world business examples and learn how to apply it effectively.
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Target group

This course is aimed at:
  • Mid-level management leaders
  • Specialists and project managers
  • Team leaders from various departments
  • Individuals interested in the retail industry
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Learning Objectives

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  • Importance and Role of Sustainability Ratings
  • Fundamentals of Sustainability Ratings Evaluation
  • Key Internal and External Stakeholders
  • Types of Sustainability Ratings and Their Relevance
  • Strategies for Improving Sustainability Ratings

Course Content

In this comprehensive eLearning course, you will gain in-depth knowledge about sustainability ratings in commerce. You will begin with an introduction to the basics and significance of sustainability ratings. The next section covers the relevant rating types, strategies, and best practices. Finally, you’ll learn a step-by-step guide for successfully improving and implementing sustainability ratings in your company. This course provides you with an extensive overview, in-depth insights, and actionable recommendations to help you achieve your sustainability goals effectively and future-proof your business.

01 Basic Knowledge

In the Basic Knowledge section, you will learn the fundamentals of improving sustainability ratings in retail. Discover the relevance of these ratings for retailers and how to strategically implement them. The focus is on involving internal and external stakeholders and considering regulatory frameworks. Additionally, you will discuss the opportunities and risks of sustainability labels and explore practical applications for developing these ratings.

  • Key Sustainability Concepts
  • Definition of Sustainability Labels
  • The Role of Stakeholders
  • Key Regulations
  • Opportunities and Risks in Using Sustainability Labels

02 In-Depth Knowledge

The second section provides an overview of various types of sustainability ratings and their relevance for your business. You will learn about the data collection methods used by different rating agencies. Discover the key factors that influence a strong sustainability rating and how they interrelate.

  • Sustainability Profiling and ESG Strategy
  • Types of Sustainability Ratings
  • The Most Important Ratings
  • Rating Process Flow
  • Ensuring ESG Strategy Success

03 Practical Insight

The Practical Insight section covers setting sustainability goals using the Triple Bottom Line approach, selecting relevant stakeholders, choosing the right rating type based on stakeholder needs, and developing a deeper understanding of how to choose effective sustainability measures.

  • Situation Analysis
  • Prioritization of Action Areas
  • Setting Sustainability Goals
  • Planning Sustainability Measures
  • Implementing Sustainability Measures
  • Managing Pitfalls and Challenges

Author: Prof. Dr. Thomas Rudolph

Thomas Rudolph is a full professor of Marketing and International Retail Management at the University of St.Gallen. For over 20 years, he has been teaching and researching in the fields of consumer behavior, digital marketing,    e-commerce, and strategic retail management.

In 2006, he founded the Retail Lab, a partnership program with international retail companies. As the director of the Institute of Retail Management at the University of St.Gallen (IRM-HSG), he leads numerous research projects and studies that have contributed to the institute's prominence. Prof. Rudolph is also the author of more than 11 books and over 400 articles on marketing and retail topics.

Start now and become an expert in

Sustainabiliy Ratings!