Bainbridge Graduate Institute Offers Three New Sustainability Certificates

SEATTLE, Nov. 08 /CSRwire/ – The Bainbridge Graduate Institute, a pioneer in offering Sustainable MBA programs, announced three new certificate programs designed for working executives seeking to develop skills in the areas of three emerging markets: Sustainable Built Environment, Sustainable Food and Agriculture and Sustainable Energy Solutions.

These new programs expand the overall offerings of BGI to provide students with a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape and further prepare them to offer smart and sustainable business solutions in these three growing industries.

“BGI is tailoring these new programs for those currently working in these important sectors as well as aspiring entrepreneurs,” commented BGI Dean, John Gardner.  “These certificates distinguish themselves not only as the current state of the art – but importantly, they engage and guide students on how to design new business models that will enable breakthrough success”.

BGI crafted these four-quarter, one-year, graduate certification to stimulate innovation and creativity in the design and operation of businesses that pursue a more sustainable world.  Developing skilled, experienced managers with an integrated knowledge of sustainability is a core value that BGI brings to the business world.

BGI’s Certificate in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems will offer an integrated examination of food and agricultural systems in the U.S. and the broader movement toward sustainable practices, innovation and whole-systems development.  Students will benefit from integrated examination of food systems both globally and in the US, and examine business opportunities at a local, national and global level.

Students completing the Certificate in Sustainable Built Environment will learn how to create new products and services for the design and construction sector, as well as understand the development, finance and real estate sectors from a green perspective. The certificate will equip students with the knowledge required for a career in green building and development by exploring the systemic, philosophical and historical forces that have given rise to the field.  The program will also examine the technological, political and economic forces shaping its current and future development, providing a solid overview of the trends favoring a shift to a more sustainable built environment.

The Certificate in Sustainable Energy Solutions will teach students the necessary skills needed to manage and innovate in this sector including the structure and economics of the energy business, the promise and pitfalls of emerging renewable sources of energy, and how energy is consumed.  The course series provides an overview of the terms, concepts, the technologies and the framework needed to take a concept or idea for a new venture through the final steps to making the “pitch” in the sustainable energy marketplace.

Starting winter 2012, these twelve credit programs will be taught by the leaders and pioneers of each industry including Dr. Bryan Wilson, Jimmy Jia, Jason McLennan, Tony D’Onofrio and BGI Dean, John Gardner.

The Sustainable Built Environment program will be offered at the Gold LEED certified IslandWood campus located on Bainbridge Island and the Sustainable Energy Solutions and Food and Agriculture Certificate programs will be offered at the Seattle Learning Site, conveniently located in downtown Seattle and asynchronous distance learning between sessions incorporating a variety of learning methodologies.

About The Bainbridge Graduate Institute

The Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) was the first school to offer an MBA in Sustainable business. Founded in 2002, BGI offers evening and weekend MBA and Certificate programs that thoroughly integrate environmental and social responsibility into every subject of the traditional core business curriculum. BGI works to help other business schools become more sustainable.

For more information, please contact: Aly Tibbetss Director of Admissions and Enrollment (206) 780-6232.

I'm Live Blogging From BGI

I am live blogging from the BGI C.A.I.R. (Change Agents in Residents) program at IslandWood. I hope to bring this event to those who otherwise would not have access to this.

Sex Sells

When was the last time you saw a woman portrayed as a whole person? By whole person, I mean a complete, autonomous human being—not the archetypal damsel in distress, sexual object, etc. More often than not I see women portrayed as pieces. I’ll see eyes, lips, hips, breasts, or legs in isolation. What kind of message is this sending us?

When we look at a woman as disembodied pieces, we don’t equate her to a whole person. When we don’t see them as complete people, it becomes easier to objectify them, which can lead to all sorts of negative behaviors. As consumers, we need to become more aware of the roles that various forms of media affect our perception of people, and demand advertising and business practices that promote fairness and human rights. CEO’s respond most immediately to changes in consumer demands. As businesses, we need to respond to the growing body of knowledge at our disposal. Fostering a sense of shame, hatred, and objectification will not be a sustainable business practice as we move forward. Developing a community of stakeholders (not only shareholders) will.

Here's To The Crazy Ones

I chose to attend Bainbridge Graduate Institute without so much as a visit to the campus. I decided to apply based on the recommendation and support of three people I trust—three people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world. I did my research. I turned to LinkedIn and Quora to ask professionals what they thought about the school. Many had never heard of it. But the ones who did greatly respected the program and the citizens the learning community develops. Did I say citizens? Yes, I did. How can we expect businesses to be good corporate citizens, if the individuals who go into business don’t know how to be individual ones?

We often refer to ourselves as consumers. When we use language like this, we must be careful not to overgeneralize who we are as people. We are not consumers. We are people who consume. Consumers do not feel an obligation and responsibility towards fellow human beings. People do. I chose to attend BGI because I wanted to surround myself with a group of people better than me who want to use business as a tool to promote positive social and economic change. During orientation, I asked my Leadership and Personal Development professor Mary Kay why she chooses to teach at BGI.  You can watch her response here.

In just 37 seconds, Mary Kay reaffirmed why BGI exists and validated my decision. We exist because we want to be the change we want to see in the world. They might call us hippies. They might call us optimists. They might even call us crazy. But as they say, “The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”