Corporate leadership training
Leadership in Sustainable Business Training Course in Austria
Help leaders weave sustainability into the organisation’s DNA: read the data behind their impact, apply circular economy strategies, invest in renewable energy, manage an ethical supply chain, unlock growth and stay compliant and transparent, through practical, hands-on training.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including Austria - For owners, executives
and entrepreneurs
Course overview
What Is Leadership in Sustainable Business?
Leadership in sustainable business is the ability to see an organisation as part of a wider system and steer it so that profit, people and planet advance together. The course explores the triple bottom line, risk and opportunity assessment, renewable energy, ethical supply chain management, resilience, circular economy strategies, partnerships with stakeholders and the compliance and disclosure that build trust.
Interactive lectures, case studies and hands-on group activities let participants analyse a company’s sustainability data, uncover savings in energy and materials and rethink a business model, for organisations like those leaders in Austria run.
For business executives, sustainability managers, environmental consultants, policymakers and entrepreneurs, the course helps organisations in Austria, from multinational corporations to local start-ups, balance profitability with environmental and social responsibility.
Why it matters
Why Sustainable Business Matters in Austria
Organisations in Austria face pressure to balance profit with environmental and social responsibility. Leaders who read sustainability data, meet regulatory demands and build partnerships keep their organisations viable for the long term.
Resources are finite
Using energy and materials efficiently protects margins and the resources a business needs.
The climate is changing
Climate change is reshaping markets, and businesses must build resilience.
Stakeholders are watching
Customers, investors and regulators look for credible sustainability disclosure.
Shared prosperity
Responsible firms help Austria’s economy grow in step with society and nature.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
The course follows the loop a sustainable organisation runs, from analysing its impact through data to disclosing results, and tests every step for the growth it unlocks and the risk it mitigates.
Sustainable business in action
- 1. ImpactWhat do we affect?
- 2. PrioritiesWhat matters most?
- 3. InnovateHow can we do it better?
- 4. EngageWho must we work with?
- 5. MeasureAre we improving?
- 6. ReportAre we open about it?
Key benefits
Why Organisations Choose This Course
This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:
Lower Running Costs
Reveal savings in energy and materials through better data.
Reduced Business Risk
Mitigate legal, environmental and social risks through compliance.
Stronger Reputation
Gain credibility with investors, customers and regulators.
Resilient Supply
Manage an ethical supply chain built on lasting partnerships.
New Opportunities
Unlock growth through creativity and sustainable innovation.
Trusted Governance
Compliance and clear disclosure embedded in how leaders decide.
Have questions about this course?
Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.
Course curriculum
A practical and structured learning journey.
Twelve units in three stages run from seeing sustainability as a system, through data-led, circular operations, to the partnerships, compliance and disclosure that give it lasting credibility.
- Unit 1
Triple Bottom Line
- Analyse the interplay of environmental, social and economic factors.
- See the organisation as part of a wider system.
- Communicate why sustainability affects long-term viability.
- Unit 2
Development Goals
- Interpret the SDGs as a guide for corporate priorities.
- Locate where your industry has most influence.
- Weave sustainability goals into business planning.
- Unit 3
Impact Assessment
- Assess sustainability risks and opportunities in your industry.
- Analyse impacts at each link of the value chain.
- Interpret data trends to judge which impacts matter.
- Unit 4
Material Issues
- Position issues by stakeholder interest and business effect.
- Commit resources to the most material topics.
- Select KPIs that make each target trackable.
- Unit 5
Cleaner Energy
- Analyse energy data to locate waste.
- Examine renewable energy initiatives such as solar.
- Calculate the return on energy upgrades.
- Unit 6
Waste Reduction
- Apply circular economy strategies to prevent waste.
- Turn by-products into useful inputs.
- Recognise team ideas that reduce waste.
- Unit 7
Ethical Sourcing
- Define ethical supply chain standards for partners.
- Audit supplier practices consistently and fairly.
- Choose nearby suppliers when communities gain.
- Unit 8
Climate Resilience
- Use predictive analytics to anticipate climate risk.
- Prepare contingencies for energy and supply disruptions.
- Make operations and suppliers more resilient.
- Unit 9
Green Ventures
- Encourage creativity in search of greener offerings.
- Shape models where sustainability unlocks growth.
- Run small experiments before committing resources.
- Unit 10
Stakeholder Dialogue
- Identify NGOs, agencies and other key players.
- Resolve conflicts that arise in collaborations.
- Facilitate workshops where stakeholders co-create plans.
- Unit 11
Good Governance
- Navigate local and international sustainability rules.
- Implement compliance measures that limit legal risk.
- Involve the board in overseeing sustainability.
- Unit 12
Honest Reporting
- Manage sustainability data on technology platforms.
- Disclose results using frameworks such as GRI and SASB.
- Use feedback loops and audits to keep claims accurate.
Course agenda
Two-day course agenda.
A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.
Welcome, objectives and introductions
The triple bottom line
Morning break
Development goals
Lunch
Impact assessment
Material issues
Afternoon break
Cleaner energy
Day one reflection
Close
Recap and goals for the day
Waste reduction
Morning break
Ethical sourcing
Lunch
Climate resilience
Green ventures and business models
Afternoon break
Stakeholder dialogue and good governance
Honest reporting and action planning
Close
Participant resources
What participants receive.
A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.
Course Workbook
Content, summaries and activities for every unit.
Templates and Worksheets
Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.
Action Plan Template
Turn learning into clear next steps.
Job Aids and Quick Guides
Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.
Digital Resources
Additional materials to revisit after the course.
Certificate of Completion
Recognition of the training completed.
Practical application
From theory to real workplace impact.
Group activities make the concepts concrete: participants analyse a company’s footprint, audit a process for waste, rethink a business model and facilitate a co-creation workshop with stakeholders, the challenges leaders in Austria take on.
Impact Mapping
Analyse a company’s footprint across its value chain using its own data.
Waste Walk
Audit each step of a process to locate waste in energy and materials.
Model Redesign
Rethink a business model so sustainability fuels growth.
Stakeholder Forum
Facilitate a session where stakeholders co-create and own a plan.
Who should attend
Designed for leaders building responsible businesses.
Ideal for business executives, sustainability managers, environmental consultants, policymakers and entrepreneurs, whether they lead a multinational corporation or a local start-up, and for development staff and researchers in the field.
- Business OwnersWeave sustainability into the firm’s DNA.
- EntrepreneursGrow a start-up on sustainable lines.
- ExecutivesSteer strategy towards long-term viability.
- Public OfficialsSet rules that reward sustainable firms.
- Development StaffPartner with businesses for collective impact.
- ResearchersInterpret data to inform decisions.
Course format and delivery
Flexible options to suit your organisation.
Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Austria, online or a mix of both.
In-Person Training
Delivered at your organisation in Austria or at a suitable venue.
Virtual Training
Interactive, engaging live online delivery.
Blended Learning
A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.
Customised Training
Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training
- Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites and experience level.
No prior experience is required. The course suits people new to sustainability and experienced business leaders alike and works well for mixed groups.
No formal prerequisites
Open to anyone who wants to build a more sustainable business.
All experience levels
From students and researchers to senior executives.
Designed for mixed groups
Business, public and development staff learn together.
Ready to take part
Bring a product, site or process you want to improve.
Course framework
A structured approach to developing leaders.
The framework turns a feedback loop into a habit: grasp a concept, try it in a group activity, assess the outcome together and feed the lesson back into how your organisation plans and decides.
Practical and Actionable
Data tools and checklists ready to use at work.
Relevant to Austria
Applied to the organisations and industries participants lead in Austria.
Balanced Thinking
Environmental, social and economic factors seen as one system.
The sustainable business cycle
- 1. LearnCore leadership principles
- 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
- 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
- 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
- 5. ApplyReal-world projects
- 6. GrowMentoring and peer support
Key learning outcomes
From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- 01
Assess your impact
Assess an organisation’s sustainability risks and opportunities.
- 02
Set clear priorities
Select material topics and track them with clear KPIs.
- 03
Use resources well
Use circular strategies and data to cut waste and energy use.
- 04
Source responsibly
Manage suppliers to ethical standards.
- 05
Engage stakeholders
Build consensus and shared ownership with stakeholders.
- 06
Report honestly
Disclose performance accurately using recognised frameworks.
A business thrives longest when it grows in harmony with the planet and society.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Hands-on activities and analysis tools are applied to each participant’s own data, supply chain and sustainability disclosures.
Case studies and group activities reflect situations organisations in Austria may meet, from interpreting sustainability KPIs for a leadership team to running a workshop where stakeholders co-create a plan. Participants practise telling a compelling sustainability story, work through a conflict between partners and leave with next steps for their own organisation.
Materiality Matrix
Plot each topic by its relevance to stakeholders and to the company.
Energy Audit
Track a site’s largest energy demands.
Supplier Checklist
Turn ethical standards into supplier checks.
Greenwash Test
Audit a claim against the underlying data.
Assessment
Assessment and learning progress.
A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.
Before the training
Share your goals and team context.
Agree the objectives and focus areas.
Confirm the format, timing and group.
During the training
Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.
Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.
Group discussion and reflection.
After the training
A personal action plan for the workplace.
Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.
Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.
Workplace application
Relevant to your context.
Participants put the tools to work in companies and public bodies across Austria, from analysing the energy data of one site to setting sustainability KPIs for an entire organisation.
- Energy ManagementUse data to cut energy use.
- Waste ProgrammesApply circular strategies.
- Supplier SelectionPick ethical supply partners.
- Product DesignDesign for efficiency and reuse.
- Community ProjectsCo-create with local partners.
- Board ReportingGive directors clear KPIs.
Let’s discuss your requirements
Request a Customised Leadership Programme.
Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Austria or other locations worldwide.
- Share your priorities
- Receive a tailored proposal
- Explore delivery options
Adapting for Austria
Adapting the programme for Austrian organisations.
We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.
Local case studies
Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Austria.
Cultural awareness
Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.
Community focus
Projects that address real local and community issues.
Industry and organisation focus
Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.
Delivery worldwide
Flexible delivery across Austria and worldwide.
We deliver this programme in Austria and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.
- In-person
- Virtual
- Blended
At Your Workplace
In-house sessions at your office in Austria.
A Venue You Choose
Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.
Live Online
Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.
Across Countries
Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.
Client experiences
What our participants say.
Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews
Yes, the strategic frameworks shared are highly practical and worth learning for career growth.
Yes, particularly for beginners who need a clear, structured way to start organizing workplace information.
Yes definitely, since it teaches a fresh, highly constructive approach to problem-solving and team collaboration.
Yes, I definitely would. The program teaches you exactly how to approach closing deals and handle tough discussions with confidence.
Yes, because it helped me learn the basics of critical thinking to generate new ideas, analyze articles, and make arguments.
Yes, but you must come with an open mind to self-reflect.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
Leading a business as part of a wider system: analysing impact, choosing material topics, using energy and resources efficiently, managing an ethical supply chain, co-creating with stakeholders and staying compliant, for organisations in Austria.
What topics does the course cover?
Twelve units in three stages: understanding impact (triple bottom line, development goals, impact assessment, material issues), greener operations (cleaner energy, waste reduction, ethical sourcing, climate resilience) and strategy and trust (green ventures, stakeholder dialogue, good governance and honest reporting).
Who should attend this course?
Business executives, sustainability managers, environmental consultants, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development staff and researchers, from multinationals to start-ups.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Newcomers grasp how sustainability works as a system, and seasoned executives learn to lead it through data, partnerships and compliance.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
Practical throughout. Case studies and group activities have participants analyse footprints, audit waste, rethink business models and facilitate co-creation.
How long is the course?
The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Can the course be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.
Can we use examples from our own industry?
Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.
Can we combine this course with other topics?
Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.
Is this course available outside Austria?
Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.
What delivery options are available?
In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.
What kind of exercises and activities are included?
A data-led footprint analysis, a process audit, a model rethink, a co-creation workshop, a topic plotting grid, a site energy review, supplier checks and a claim audit.
Do participants receive mentoring during the course?
Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.
Will participants build a professional network?
Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.
How does the course support personal growth?
Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.
Is the course relevant to the Austrian context?
Yes. It is designed for leaders in Austria, with case studies and discussions that apply sustainable business practice to the organisations, industries and regulations participants work with.
Which cities in Austria can the course be delivered in?
We can deliver it in cities across Austria, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Villach, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Austria.
Can we download a course brochure?
Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.
How do we request a proposal?
Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.
Who can we contact about this course?
Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.
Next steps
From enquiry to delivery.
A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.
- 1
Enquiry
Share your training needs and priorities.
- 2
Consultation
We discuss and refine the scope with you.
- 3
Proposal
Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.
- 4
Confirm
Review, adjust and agree the details.
- 5
Delivery
We deliver the programme for your team.
Get in touch
Get in touch about this course.
Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Austria. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.
- Email us[email protected]
- Call us+65 6714 6663
- Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
- Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.
This course is customisable
We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training
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