November 4, 2021

Medicine Hat College’s new Sustainable Innovation program, which launches in Fall 2022 with majors in business and science, provides learners with career paths that will lead change, drive new ways of doing business, and create a future that is prosperous in response to the United Nation’s Global Sustainable Development goals.  

“The term sustainability is often associated with climate change, but it involves so much more. Sustainability recognizes that economic, social, and environmental hardships naturally coincide with strategies that improve health, education, equality, innovation, economic growth, and environmental systems.  Modelling these integrated systems will drive sustainable innovation,” says Clayton Bos, dean for the School of Arts, Science & Education at MHC.

He goes on to explain that businesses, and society as a whole, acknowledge that it is no longer acceptable to look only at the bottom-line, but instead understand it is imperative that we consider the impact our decisions have on future generations.

This two-year diploma, the first of its kind in Canada, will teach students how to take a holistic approach in measuring sustainability with the use of the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit – and  implement creative solutions in a strategic manner. They will also be prepared to research, analyze, apply and communicate new practices that can change the status quo of an organization.

Business majors will dive deeper into developing their entrepreneurial, intrapreneurial and global mindset, while science majors will learn about the ecosystem and the application of data modelling techniques to support the creation of new systems, products, and services that promote the responsible use of resources.

“This program really is the future of the workforce. For individuals who are passionate about social responsibility and want to make a difference in the world, this curriculum will challenge them to broaden their perspective and provide opportunities to make an impact,” says Timothy Spielman, dean for the School of Business and Continuing Studies.

“There is a shift happening in the way that industry operates and our learners can be at the forefront of that change. This is the first Sustainable Innovation diploma in Canada and we are very proud of the potential this education can offer our students and society.”  

Business related careers range from business analyst, where graduates will be responsible for identifying and managing opportunities and requests for systems and process change; to innovation specialists, where students will support projects that enhance a company’s competitiveness and evaluate the impact and experience provided to customers and the community.

Science focused positions may include environmental sustainability specialist, focused on developing policies, programs, and community partnerships to achieve a community’s climate action and ecological health goals; to sustainability analyst, where graduates will provide technical assistance to develop documentation and deliver key LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and sustainable projects.

For more information on the Sustainable Innovation diploma visit www.mhc.ab.ca, or connect with an academic advisor at info@mhc.ab.ca.