Sustainability Leadership Program

Become a Sustainability Leader in Your Community

Gain knowledge and tools to drive real change

Apply today to be considered for the 2026 cohort:

March–May 2026

Available to participants across Colorado. Application deadline is February 1st.

Graduates of the first sustainability leadership program

Communities Need Leaders in Sustainability

A significant majority of people are concerned about the environment. Yet who will take action to implement change and educate people about environmental issues? Communities need people like you to lead the way.

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77%

are interested in learning how to live more sustainably

73%

expect corporations and governments to act on environmental issues

Study by Southern Cross University

Sustainability Leadership Program participants listening to a presentation

Transformative Learning for a Better Future

Learn how business can thrive and grow while simultaneously solving some of the world’s biggest challenges—and how you, as an individual, can make a difference.

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What You'll Learn

• Business Models

Understand and analyze the business models that drive change.

• Communication

Communicate the competitive advantages of being a purpose-driven leader to management, leadership, and other key stakeholders.

• Collective Efforts

Explore why collective efforts matter and how business can be a catalyst for system-level change in the face of significant global issues, such as climate change and income inequality.

• Context

Examine the broader environmental, political, and social landscape in which you operate, including the role of government, suppliers, and customers.

• Engagement

Engage in meaningful thought partnerships on shared problems and opportunities.

• Career goals

Determine what you can do in your career to become a purpose-driven leader.

Industry-Leading Presenters

Our program presenters are selected for their proven track record as engaging, relevant and cutting-edge Sustainability Leadership Providers from across Colorado.

Collectively, this array of thought leaders and practitioners will inspire, challenge, and prepare participants to rise to the critical leadership demands to successfully integrate sustainability into business.

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A meeting with a man making a presentation.

Our presenters come from these leading organizations

Program Structure

The Sustainability Leadership Program consists of a combination of virtual and in-person trainings, consisting of 40 hours of content. Our thought provoking presenters take you through 20 engaging sessions over a three-month period from March through May

2026 Course Schedule

Segment

Driving Change

Orientation
What is the triple bottom line and why does it matter?
Pursuing purpose in addition to profit
Frameworks for leadership

Segment

Resource Management

Energy and efficiency
Waste reduction
Water in Colorado
Leadership values

Segment

Policy & Action

Policy and advocacy for business
Sustainability through wetlands
Moving towards a regenerative model
Local governments addressing energy issues

Segment

Equity & Analysis

Advancing racial equity
ROI and cost benefit analysis
Engaging stakeholders
Tour of Rawhide Power Plant

Segment

Goals & Strategies

ESG management systems
Colorado’s roadmap to GHG reduction
Sustainable business approaches
Managing a machine or leading in a living system

Segment

Coming Full Circle

The environmental movement in sustainability
Conservation Leadership
A regenerative mindset evolving inherent potential
Graduation

Who Will Benefit?

This program is for those who wish to integrate sustainable management into business strategy and become a leader in a field that is fundamental to business success across all industries

Purpose-Driven Professionals

Learn how businesses can effect change, and how you can influence others using a values-driven approach

CSR Professionals

Identify strategic opportunities and articulate the business case for sustainability to achieve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals within your organization

Leaders & Entrepreneurs

Take a values-driven approach to business and learn how you can succeed financially while also playing a role in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Participants of the Sustainability Leadership Program on a tour of the Colorado State University Powerhouse

Program Details

How much does it cost?

The tuition for this program is $750

When is the deadline for applying?

The application deadline is February 1st

What are the requirements?

Fill out and submit the online application and email us a copy of your current resume. Enrollment eligibility is confirmed within one week of application.

How many people are allowed in the program?

The program is limited to 20 participants each year. Applications are reviewed as they are received. We encourage you to submit your application early during this competitive process

What are the dates for the classes?

Orientation will be held virtually on Thursday, March 5th. Classes will be on Thursdays as scheduled. A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of the program. See our 2026 course schedule.

What time are the classes?

Virtual classes meet on Thursdays from 9:30–11am as scheduled with three in person days from 9am–4pm

Still have questions?

We Understand Your Commitment to Sustainability

Your passion for the planet deserves effective tools. Our program provides training that will set you apart. You’ll walk away with the ability to overcome barriers and seize opportunities associated with operating a sustainable business.

5 Prestigious Awards

Recognized for our impactful programs and initiatives

Leader in Environmental Education

Delivering quality education for over two decades

What Participants Are Saying

96%

gained a deeper understanding of the Triple Bottom Line and how to implement it

96%

said their ability to promote the case for sustainability was enhanced

98%

said the program provides information that can be directly applied to their organization

100%

would recommend this program to colleagues

"This is a program that not only elevates one's skills and level of awareness, but provides inspiration and value along the way."

Shelley Bayard de Volo

Environmental Coordination Specialist, Larimer County

"This program has left me with a long list of initiatives that I am excited to take back to my company to get us to a new level of eco-consicousness. Both the people and the program have been truly inspiring!"

Jacob Sanchez

Sustainability & Compliance Program Manager, Hewlett Packard

"This program provides a great opportunity to step away from your day to day job duties, reflect on how sustainability topics overlap with your responsibilities, and develop strategies on how to champion sustainability efforts within your organization."

Elliot Dale

Senior Buyer, City of Fort Collins

"Sustainability needs to assume its proper place in business and our personal thought processes and this program can help spur it."

Steve Roalstad

Communications & Marketing Manager, Platte River Power Authority

"The Sustainability Leadership Program is an opportunity to learn about various and diverse perspectives regarding sustainability, which helps broaden our minds and goals in terms of how we can make a difference either in our careers or in our personal lives."

Laura Quattrini

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

"The Sustainability Leadership Program was a fascinating dive into applying the triple bottom line to inform real world solutions. The content is expertly curated, delivered by professionals in their far-ranging fields, and unifies seemingly disparate industries with the core tenet of sustainability. I came away from the program with tools that will continue to help my organization’s sustainability efforts and priceless connections to the other participants."

Cat Zummer

Training & Development Specialist, Organic India (B-Corp)

"This program is wonderful. If you want to learn more about sustainability for yourself or your organization, this is a holistic way to learn all the different aspects of the triple bottom line. Very informative and serveral takeaways from every class!"

Kaitlin Swift

Program Manager, Otterbox

"The Sustainability Leadership class was instrumental in helping the City pilot and improve its 'Triple Bottom Line Scan' tool through a meaningful service project. We are excited about future opportunities to partner with the leadership program participants on other timely issues as well, to capitalize on their expertise and support sustainability in our community."

Jackie Kozak Thiel

Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Fort Collins

"This program renewed a passion in me to be a strong advocate on behalf of social and environmental sustainability movements. It can be wearing to face constant opposition to a cause that I truly believe in. Having gone through the course, I met a lot of great people, picked up some useful tools and I have been re-energized in my beliefs."

Todd Parker

Director of Development, Brinkman (B-Corp)

"The Sustainability Leadership Program is a very insightful program that breeds discussions on how to improve business practices and drive impactful change."

Aubrey McCormick

Vice President, Sustainable Business Consulting

View Past Participants

3 Simple Steps to Empower Your Leadership

Take the next step in learning powerful new strategies for enacting leadership that positions sustainability as a driver of organizational engagement, innovation, and change

Apply

Applications and resumes are REVIEWED AS THEY ARE RECEIVED. You are encouraged to submit your application early during this competitive process that is LIMITED TO 20 SPOTS. Teams are encouraged.

Get Approved

ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY is confirmed within one week of application. We review your resume and answers to the essay questions. Once accepted, please submit tuition payment of $750.

Join Our Community

This three-month program will meet on Thursdays in VIRTUAL CLASSES from 9:30-11am as scheduled, with THREE IN PERSON DAYS from 9am-4pm. A GRADUATION CEREMONY will be held at the end of the program.

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Make a Real Difference for Our Planet

Everyday we face challenges that threaten our environment. The Sustainable Living Association provides the opportunity to learn how to influence management and other key stakeholders on the competitive advantages of being a purpose-driven business, and how to integrate your values into your work so that you can help transform business into catalysts for change.

Individuals like you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities needed for impactful change in the climate crisis. By enrolling in our training, you’ll connect with a vibrant community of local leaders who share your vision for a sustainable future. Together, we can tackle climate change head-on and foster a healthier planet for generations to come.

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Participants of the Sustainability Leadership Program on a tour of the Rawhide Power Plant