The Environment and Business (ENBUS) program produces knowledgeable and experienced graduates — people who can integrate the tools of business and sustainability and who have experience gained through paid co-op work terms.
Undergraduates learn the foundations of a business degree - economics, finance, accounting, management and marketing. Students also are provided with an environmental education including field ecology, human geography and environmental research techniques. Most significantly, integrated courses show how businesses can be both sustainable and profitable — a skill set that is crucial and sought-after in the growing green economy: "While specialized and highly technical roles may still be important, a growing number of green companies are clearly looking for staff who could bridge the gap between environmental expertise and business savvy" (ECO Canada, 2012).
In your final year, you'll work on a Capstone Project where you'll apply the knowledge and skills you've gained to a meaningful project in the business community. Working in small groups, you'll be matched with an industry partner and help them integrate sustainability into their organization.
ENBUS graduates go on to work with organizations across industries and government to help increase sustainability, profitability and environmental awareness. They work in areas such as environmental consulting, sustainability assessment, business analysis, project management, marketing and environmental affairs. For example:
- Sustainability Analyst, Sun Life Financial
- Social Compliance Coordinator, Hudson's Bay Company
- Environmental Health and Safety Consultant, Stantec Consulting
- Marketing Specialist, TELUS
- Environmental Protection Officer, Ministry of Environment, British Columbia
From the Waterloo Ready Environment and Business Live Chat: What to Expect: Live as an ENV Student (PDF)
Contact:
Cheri Oestreich
Program Administrator
Environment and Business (BES)