• Learn to identify a sustainability problem of practical import to the university
• Learn to articulate a realistic work plan to address that problem
• Learn to develop and foster strategic partnerships between CBS and the private-sector
• Learn to work effectively with other members of a group to fulfill that work plan
• Learn to work effectively with a “client” from the organization
• Learn about the role of the university in achieving operational sustainability
• Develop an understanding of the campus as living lab approach to university sustainability, its potential and limitations
• Develop substantive knowledge in one area of operational sustainability at the university
• Provide a finalized report to CBS Campus Development and Campus Services

Overview: 

Sustainability is a growing priority for universities all over the world. Many are developing strong operational sustainability goals and targets, and are giving increasing emphasis to teaching and research on sustainability issues. Yet few have committed at the executive level to integrating academic and operational sustainability in the context of treating their campus as a living laboratory of sustainable practice, research and teaching. Arguably, it is such living lab approaches that offer the largest potential for universities to play a significant role in the sustainability transition. This course will explore and apply the living lab concept, with a particular focus on how best to deepen the role of the private sector with regard to operational sustainability at Copenhagen Business School. We will begin by looking at the literature on university sustainability and the living lab concept. The bulk of the course will involve undertaking an applied research project defined by the CBS Campus Development office, on ways of developing innovative and dynamic initiatives between specific private sector organizations and some aspect of campus sustainability. The students will work in close partnership with operational staff at Copenhagen Business School. Students will develop an understanding of business/university partnerships and the skills needed to work across disciplines and fields of study, and with non-academic partners.

Project examples include:

• Mobility plan - Solberg Campus
• Waste management - avoiding food waste.
• Define CBS official sustainability definition
• Optimization of the buildings on the CBS Campus – minimal land use

Organization:

This course will put students to work on exploring the business models and partnership opportunities for involving the private sector in operational sustainability projects identified by the staff working in or with the Sustainability Office at the Copenhagen Business School. Students will be organized into groups, each of which will be assigned one project, to be overseen by one or more CBS staff members. The bulk of the course will consist of developing proposals for how CBS can best develop partnerships with business to address sustainability issues on campus. Each group will produce a mid-term and final report, give a mid-term and final presentation, and submit one 360 review.

The first two weeks of the course will be devoted to providing background on the concept of university as a living lab of sustainability, and meeting with CBS staff to choose group project topics.

In session 1, there will be a lecture on campus as a living lab (CLL) and the role of the university. Background readings will be assigned, and a list of proposed projects will be introduced and distributed. Students will choose their preferred topics before the next class.

In session 2, students be divided into groups and assigned to specific projects. They will be introduced to their staff “clients” and each group will make arrangements for regular meetings with them. Much of the class will consist of a presentation on, and discussion of, how to work effectively as a group, and with an external “client”.

Subsequent weeks will consist of regular meetings with assigned staff and periodic check-ins with course instructors. Each group will be expected to meet weekly with their “client”, unless another arrangement is made. These meetings will occur outside class at a time and place to be arranged with the client. Each group will also meet as a group during class time. The instructor and the Campus Development Liaison will be available at those times and each group will be expected to meet with one or the other at last once every two weeks during class time, to check-in on progress on their project.

A crucial aspect of this course is the ability of students to work collaboratively together in a group environment, and to work effectively with a university staff person acting as a “client” for their work. Students will be provided with a Handbook outlining information on working in groups and the focus of the class in the second week will be on this issue

A note on professionalism: whether in draft or final form, work plans, interim reports and presentations that are distributed to the professor and client are expected to be of professional quality.  This includes an expectation of superior intellectual ideas, writing, formatting and presentation of products. Remember that an important aspect of successful interactions includes the way in which you prepare, rehearse your material, look and sound when you communicate with clients and staff in their organizations. Please note that client satisfaction throughout the term will inform their assessment of your work. 

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