Environment and Business degree | Undergraduate Programs

Sustainability meets profitability

Smart businesses know that sustainability must be a core part of their plan. In Environment and Business — the only program of its kind in North America — you'll develop an in-depth knowledge of environmental issues and the business world to better understand the risks that environmental challenges pose for businesses and the wider economy, and the opportunities that this understanding provides.

You'll get the foundations of a business degree with courses in economics, finance, marketing, and management, and you'll get an environmental education including field ecology and human geography. Plus, you'll learn how to integrate environment and business knowledge through specialized courses in corporate sustainability, social marketing, and more.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to make a difference, whether that’s developing business plans for renewable energy suppliers, analyzing the environmental record of a Fortune 500 company, or helping businesses reduce their ecological impacts.

What courses will you take in Environment and Business?

First-year courses

September to December

AFM 131 – Introduction to Business in North America
ENBUS 102 – Introduction to Environment and Business
ENBUS 103 – Economics and Sustainability 1
ENVS 195 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
ENVS 105 – Environmental Sustainability and Ethics

January to April

ENBUS 104 – Economics and Sustainability 2
ENBUS 112 – Operationalizing Sustainable Development within Business
ENVS 131 – Communications for Environmental Professions
AFM 123 – Accounting Information for Managers
One elective

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

Most of the classes you’ll take will be Environment and Business courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

ENBUS 203 – Green Entrepreneurship
ENBUS 308 – Sustainability Management Standards and Auditing
ENBUS 309 – Behaviour Change and Sustainability
ENBUS 409A – Environment and Business Project

Customize your degree

Popular minors for Environment and Business students include:

You can add additional expertise to your degree with the Sustainable Finance specialization within Environment and Business or by choosing one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Faculty:
Faculty of Environment

Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment and Business

Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Grow your own green business. Have an idea for an environmental business or social enterprise? Take a course in green entrepreneurship. Or drop by Entrepreneurship at Environment (E@E) to work on your business plan with one-on-one coaching from an experienced advisor.

20 months of job experience. You’ll get plenty of hands-on experience through 20 months of paid co-op work experience, plus a fourth-year capstone project where you’ll do sustainability consulting for real-world clients.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

Marketing and business development co-ordinator
Sustainability coordinator
Air quality and climate change coordinator
Research associate
Junior policy analyst

Corporate sustainability consultant
Environmental technician
Sustainability business outreach, education, and marketing coordinator

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

Year	September to December (Fall)	January to April (Winter)	May to August (Spring)
First	Study	Study	Off
Second	Study	Co-op	Study
Third	Co-op	Study	Co-op
Fourth	Study	Co-op	Co-op
Fifth	Study	Study	-

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Environment and Business?

Our graduates often pursue careers in health and safety, project management, and environment. They often work in consulting, banks, manufacturing, various levels of government, and more.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Sustainability consultant

Help organizations operate more responsibly, finding ways to balance environmental impact with business success. Analyze areas like energy use, operations, and supply chains to recommend meaningful, long-term improvements. This role is ideal if you enjoy problem-solving and guiding big-picture change.

Supply chain analyst

Examine how products are made and transported to find ways to reduce environmental impacts. You would track emissions, sourcing practices, and efficiency across the supply chain. It’s a strong choice if you enjoy working with data and systems thinking.

Green business entrepreneur

Start your own business focused on sustainable products or services, like eco-friendly packaging or renewable energy solutions. You would develop a business plan, secure funding, and bring your ideas to market. This path is perfect if you’re innovative and want to lead change directly.

Environmental policy advisor

Help businesses understand and respond to environmental laws and regulations. You would analyze policies, assess risks, and guide companies in staying compliant while remaining competitive. This role connects government policy with business strategy.

Sustainable finance analyst

Evaluate investments based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. You would help investors choose companies that align with sustainability goals. It’s a great fit if you’re interested in finance and want to influence where money is invested.

Energy efficiency advisor

Help organizations reduce energy use and save money through smarter systems. You would assess buildings, recommend upgrades, and track performance improvements. This role combines technical knowledge with practical business benefits.

Environmental compliance officer

Make sure companies follow environmental laws and regulations. You would conduct audits, prepare reports, and work with teams to fix any issues. This career is important for keeping businesses accountable and protecting ecosystems.

Sustainability reporting specialist

Guide companies toward ethical and sustainable practices, shaping how they contribute to society and the environment. Design programs and track progress to help ensure organizations meet their social and environmental goals while building trust with the public. It’s a great fit if you want to help businesses create a positive and lasting impact.

Product sustainability manager

Oversee how products are designed, produced, and disposed of to minimize environmental impact. You would collaborate with designers, engineers, and marketers to improve sustainability at every stage. It’s a great role if you enjoy working across different teams.

Carbon management specialist

Measure and reduce an organization’s greenhouse gas emissions. You would calculate carbon footprints and develop strategies like offsets or efficiency improvements. This is a meaningful path if you want to tackle climate change through business action.

Marketing and communications specialist

Promote eco-friendly products or services by communicating their benefits to consumers. You would create campaigns that highlight sustainability in a clear and engaging way. This role blends creativity with environmental knowledge and business strategy.

Sustainable procurement specialist

Decide what products and materials a company buys, focusing on environmentally responsible options. You would evaluate suppliers and negotiate contracts that align with sustainability goals. This career has a big influence on how businesses operate behind the scenes.

Eco-tourism manager

Manage travel experiences that protect natural environments and support local communities. You would balance business success with environmental conservation and customer satisfaction. It’s a great option if you’re interested in tourism and sustainability.

Learn about the future of careers in business.

"I really value the program’s flexibility and the skill set I’ll graduate with. While I’m a passionate environmentalist, I also value the practical business aspect of my program, which will open more job opportunities for me!" Michelle, second-year Environment and Business student

"I value knowing how to apply the theories learned in class to a working environment through co-op. Plus being involved in clubs lets you meet new people from different backgrounds. " Medha, Environment and Business co-op student

Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

Any Grade 12 U English (final grade of 70% is required)

Admission averages: High 70s

Recommended courses

one Grade 12 U Mathematics
one Grade 12 U Science
Grade 12M Principles of Financial Accounting
Analyzing Current Economic Issues (where offered)

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

Related programs

Sustainability and Financial Management

Geography and Environmental Management

Science and Business

Success starts at Waterloo

As home to Canada's largest faculty of environment and the world's leading co-op program, Waterloo is the only place where you can test drive up to five careers before you graduate.

*University of Waterloo Key Performance Indicators 2024

**for social science programs, which include programs within the Faculty of Environment

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Contact us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact Megan Muir, our Faculty of Environment recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.

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