Academic Background

Academic Background

This course is part of Sustainable Sports: Values and Practices of a Club Specialization

Instructor: Marisa Sáenz

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

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This course is part of the Sustainable Sports: Values and Practices of a Club Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of sustainability and their relationship with sport in the context of today’s global challenges. Through conceptual frameworks and examples from the international sports ecosystem, learners will explore how environmental and social crises have driven the emergence of sustainable development and how these principles are applied in the world of sport today. From understanding planetary boundaries and social inequalities to examining the role of sport in human development, the course connects the theoretical foundations of sustainability with the reality of the sports sector.

Throughout the lessons, you will discover the main international frameworks guiding global action, including the Sustainable Development Goals and international climate agreements. You will also learn how different actors in sport, such as federations, leagues, clubs, and major international events, are integrating sustainability commitments into their strategies. By the end of the course, you will understand the challenges, opportunities, and limitations of sustainability in sport, developing a critical perspective on how the sector can contribute to a broader transformation toward a sustainable future.

Discover the fundamental concepts driving sustainability in sport, from environmental crises to social inequalities. This module establishes the theoretical foundation by exploring planetary boundaries, ecological footprints, and how sustainable development principles provide a roadmap for addressing these interconnected challenges.

What's included

6 videos4 readings3 assignments

6 videosTotal 39 minutes

Understanding Planetary Boundaries: The Safe Operating Space for Humanity5 minutes
The Ecological Footprint: Measuring Humanity's Demand on Nature6 minutes
The Inequality Paradox: How Social Disparities Shape Access to Sport6 minutes
Sport, Health, and Education: Powerful Levers for Human Development11 minutes
Sustainable Development: Origins and Foundations of a Global Framework6 minutes
The Donut Theory: A Compass for 21st Century Sustainability6 minutes

4 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Welcome Reading10 minutes
complementary readings on Background: The environmental crisis30 minutes
complementary readings on Background: Social issues30 minutes
complementary readings on The answer: sustainable development30 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Key sustainability concepts30 minutes
Key sustainability concepts30 minutes
Key sustainability concepts30 minutes

Examine the international frameworks and governance structures that guide sustainable development in sport. This module covers major global initiatives like the SDGs and climate agreements, alongside sport-specific frameworks and the IOC's leadership role in promoting sustainability across the Olympic movement.

What's included

6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 34 minutes

The Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Framework for Change5 minutes
International Climate Agreements: Shaping Global Action for a Sustainable Future5 minutes
Sport for Climate Action & Race to Zero: Global Climate Frameworks for Sports4 minutes
Voluntary Standards and Regulatory Requirements: ISO 20121 and CSRD in Sports9 minutes
The Evolution of Sustainability in the International Olympic Committee5 minutes
The IOC's Sustainability Strategy: Five Pillars for 20306 minutes

3 readingsTotal 90 minutes

Complimenraty readings of Major international frameworks for sustainable development30 minutes
complimentary readings of International sustainability frameworks applicable to sport30 minutes
complimentary readings of The International Olympic Committee's role in sustainability30 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

International governance for sustainable development30 minutes
International governance for sustainable development30 minutes
International governance for sustainable development30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

International governance for sustainable development10 minutes

Analyze how different sports stakeholders are implementing sustainability commitments across the industry. This module explores the roles and responsibilities of international federations, professional clubs and leagues, and major sporting events in driving sustainable practices and creating lasting impact.

What's included

6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 34 minutes

The Strategic Role of International Federations in Sustainable Sport5 minutes
National Federations: Bringing Sustainability to the Local Level5 minutes
Corporate Social Responsibility in Sports Clubs: A Framework for Sustainable Impact8 minutes
Professional Leagues: Driving Sustainability Across the Sports Sector5 minutes
The Evolution of Sustainability in Major International Sporting Events5 minutes
Paris 2024: Setting New Standards for Olympic Sustainability5 minutes

3 readingsTotal 90 minutes

complimentary readings of The role and commitment of sports federations30 minutes
complimentary readings of The role and commitment of professional clubs and leagues30 minutes
complimentary readings of Major international sporting events30 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Sustainability commitments by sports stakeholders30 minutes
Sustainability commitments by sports stakeholders30 minutes
Sustainability commitments by sports stakeholders30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Sustainability commitments by sports stakeholders10 minutes

Develop critical evaluation skills to assess the limitations and contradictions within current sustainability approaches in sport. This module examines issues like greenwashing and sportwashing while exploring pathways toward genuine systemic transformation and alternative models for a truly sustainable sports future.

What's included

6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 34 minutes

The Growth Paradox: Economic Models vs. Ecological Limits in Sports6 minutes
Ethics and Integrity: The Foundation of Sustainable Sport10 minutes
The Hidden Agenda: How Brands Use Sport as a Greenwashing Platform5 minutes
The Price of Gigantism: Sports Business and Environmental Contradictions5 minutes
Beyond Greenwashing - Alternative Models for a Truly Sustainable Sport5 minutes
Building a Sustainable Future for Sport - Key Issues and Success Factors4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 90 minutes

complimentary readings of The limits of current frameworks30 minutes
complimentary readings of Greenwashing and Sportwashing30 minutes
complimentary readings of Towards systemic transformation30 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Critical approach and limits30 minutes
Critical approach and limits30 minutes
Critical approach and limits30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Critical approach and limits10 minutes

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Instructor

Marisa Sáenz

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea

56 Courses7,704 learners

Offered by

Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea

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