New course on Sustainable Accounting and Social Finance gives students insight to an emerging field for a better world
This winter, Sprott School of Business students have the opportunity to learn about a new field that delves into sustainability, impact and responsibility in the world of business.
“I think it’s really important to get into that sustainability mindset early,” said Leanne Keddie, Sprott assistant professor of accounting and co-instructor for this new course. “As business schools we haven’t always had a great track record of focusing on things other than profit. That has had really harsh consequences for our society, and our planet, that I think we need to undo. In order to do so, we need to think about profit in a different way.”
“And, the earlier we start thinking about the ways we can be more sustainable in business the more creative solutions we’re going to find.”
Open to all Carleton students with at least second-year standing, Sustainable Accounting and Social Finance (BUSI 4901 D) offers several avenues for in-depth exploration in sustainability accounting, impact measurement and social finance. (Social finance is an investment management approach that generates a positive social and/or environmental impact, in addition to financial returns.) Through the semester students will be able to learn about different topics related to responsible business, such as the UN SDGs, sustainable corporate governance, impact investing, and responsible and ESG investing.
Because the field of social finance and sustainable accounting is still being developed, Leanne says it provides opportunities for new ideas, change, and “for students to get involved and really make a difference today.”
The course is being taught by leaders in the field. In addition to Leanne, who is a scholar in sustainability accounting, students will also learn from Kate Ruff – Sprott assistant professor of accounting and a leading expert in impact measurement – and Tessa Hebb, distinguished research fellow with the Carleton Centre for Community Innovation, whose research area focuses on responsible investment and impact investing.
Students have until January 24 to register for winter-term classes at Carleton. For students interested in BUSI 4901 D, please contact Professor Keddie at Leanne.Keddie@carleton.ca if you have questions about the course.