Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Leading Sustainability Transformation

Unlock Your Potential to Lead the Sustainable Business Transformation

Leaders and managers across sectors are facing increasing demands to drive sustainability forward in their organizations and respond decisively to a growing global crisis. But how can we address sustainability proactively, integrating it strategically across the organization? How can we transition our organizations from businesses that address sustainability, to sustainable businesses? What can support us in making consistent progress in the face of mounting complexity and uncertainty within and outside of our organizations?

Why This Program Matters for Professionals and Organizations:

Designed for senior leaders and managers across industries, this program gives you the tools and skills to anchor sustainability as a strategic cornerstone in your organization. In this programme, you will:

  • Be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability’s strategic value and its integration into business practices.
  • Be provided with a practical toolkit of skills, tools, and frameworks to implement sustainability practices effectively within your organization as a foundation of your organization’s future growth strategies.
  • Cultivate a forward-thinking mindset that enables you to anticipate emerging trends, navigate complex challenges, and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
  • Create a dynamic and supportive learning environment where you can collaborate with experts, exchange ideas, and gain insights from diverse perspectives.
  • Be empowered to become a change agent and sustainability leader within your organization

Testimonials

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Rita on the CAS Leading Sustainability Transformation

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Maya on the CAS Leading Sustainability Transformation

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Tanguy on the CAS Leading Sustainability Transformation

“This CAS gave me a new perspective on how sustainability must become a core part of how we do business – across all dimensions. The inspiring exchange with professors, tutors, & peers made it a transformative experience that went far beyond theory.”
Peter van der Touw
Senior Strategic Advisor
van Irama GmbH
“As I worked through my business challenge, many concepts from the CAS came together, e.g. personal effectiveness, the IDGs, etc. It was through this reflection that the purpose and practical application of these ideas truly resonated.”
Agnieszka Godlewska
Product Manager Sustainability
USTER Technologies

The Program

This multifaceted program combines cutting-edge knowledge, hands-on learning, and collaborative networking opportunities to help you integrate sustainability into business practices effectively.
Whether you are a seasoned leader or transitioning into a sustainability-focused role, you will gain the skills to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change.

Module 1: Sustainability as a Success Factor (22. - 25.09.2025)

Build a robust foundation in corporate sustainability, governance and strategy critical for today’s fast-evolving business landscapes. Seminars and casework provide essential frameworks, and strategies for sustainability governance and strategy development.

Leading with purpose can positively impact both the planet and your business’s financials. In Module 1 you will develop a profound understanding of sustainability and its practical application in corporate settings. It combines expert facilitation and experiential learning to equip you to revisit your business strategy through a sustainability lens.

Module 2: Sustainability Metrics and Value Chain Mastery (28. & 29.10.2025, online)

Delve into the quantifiable aspects of sustainability with a focus on measurement, reporting standards, and supply chain optimization. This module is designed to empower you with the tools to assess and report on sustainability efforts effectively, and to manage the complexities of sustainable supply chain practices.

In Module 2, gain a comprehensive view of ESG reporting and the knowledge and skills needed to not only meet regulatory mandates but also leverage sustainability as a strategic advantage. Gain insights into how sustainability challenges impact value chains and learn collaborative principles and approaches to drive change.

Module 3: Sustainable Business Model Innovation (23. - 27.02.2026)

Explore the transformative power of business model innovation principles applied to sustainability-oriented solutions and collaboration across sectors. This module emphasizes designing business models for sustainability, entrepreneurial strategies for balancing profit and impact, and engaging diverse stakeholders for co-created solutions.

Dive deep into the world of business model innovation for sustainable businesses and ecosystems, exploring circular business models, frameworks, and practical tools. Unleash your imagination and strategic foresight to shape sustainable futures in Module 3. Engage in one of the three impact accelerator tracks focused on Circular Industries, Sustainable Services and Smart Sustainable Cities, interacting with experts and impact-driven enterprises of each sector. Explore the transition from sustainability to circular and regenerative practices and reflect on how they relate to your own business challenges.

Module 4: Leadership Skills and Mindsets for Sustainability (20. - 23.04.2026)

Embrace leadership that's grounded in core values and vision, vital for steering complex sustainability challenges towards actionable impact. This module provides the frameworks for leading with integrity, galvanising teams, and fostering collaboration, equipping you to be an effective change-maker within your organization and beyond.

Module 4 empowers you to become a change agent for sustainability, leading from your unique role within your organization and life. Activate ecosystems for sustainability, engage stakeholders, and leverage networks and collaboration to amplify your impact. Foster cross-sector cooperation, develop actionable roadmaps for your business challenges, and integrate sustainability into your daily work.

Program Information

Duration

15 days

Modules are also bookable individually. For pricing, see the brochure.

DegreeCertificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Dates

Module 1: September 22 - 25, 2025 (4 days)


Module 2: October 28 & 29, 2025 (2 days online)


Module 3: February 23 - 27, 2026 (5 days)


Module 4: April 20 - 23, 2026 (4 days)

LanguageEnglish
Price

CHF 16'750.-

Individual payment plan upon request.

ECTS Points10 (only for attending all 4 modules and submission and presentation of business case)
Application deadline August 1, 2025  

Participants ideally meet the below criteria to be admitted for the program:

  • Significant professional experience, ideally in a leadership role
  • Admission interview with the Program Director

Decisions regarding eligibility and / or individual exceptions will be determined by the Program Director

Are you interested in participating?

If so, please contact our Program Director Dr. Monica Barroso (monica.barroso@unisg.ch) or register directly on the following website: https://es.unisg.ch/en/executive-programme/cas-leading-the-sustainability-transformation/#intro

We also offer info events about the program. To find the dates and the possibility to register, please follow this link: Info-Event: CAS Leading Sustainability Transformation 2025 - Executive School of Management, Technology and Law (ES-HSG)

Interested? Get in touch!

Claire Born

Program Manager & Events Coordinator

Monica Barroso

Ph.D.

Head of Executive Education

ITEM-HSG
Dufourstrasse 40a

9000 St Gallen
north