Course:FRE521F
| FRE 521F: ESG in Global Food Systems: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities | |
|---|---|
 | |
| FRE 521F | |
| Section: | |
| Instructor: | Mehta, Sid |
| Email: | sid.mehta@ubc.ca |
| Office: | |
| Office Hours: | Fri 10-12 pm via Zoom |
| Class Schedule: | Jan 6 to Feb 14
Thur 10:00 to 1:00 pm' |
| Classroom: | MCML 154 |
| Important Course Pages | |
| Syllabus | |
| Lecture Notes | |
| Assignments | |
| Course Discussion | |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
FRE 521 introduces the core principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and their vital role in shaping sustainable business strategies across agriculture, food systems, and resource management sectors. The course explores how global frameworks guide national policies and industry practices, helping businesses align operations with environmental regulations while pursuing long-term growth.
Designed with a focus on practical application, this course equips students with the tools to develop ESG strategies applicable across a range of organizations—from food producers, retailers, and processors to supply chain managers. Students will gain valuable skills for creating ESG plans that support sustainable practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, improving environmental and social outcomes, and driving business value.
Through real-world case studies, interactive activities, and guest lectures from industry experts, students will learn to navigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating ESG principles into business operations. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to apply ESG strategies in any organization working toward sustainability goals, making them well-suited for strategic roles across agribusiness, food systems, and resource management industries.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understanding ESG Principles
- Explain the basic concepts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and their importance in sustainable business practices.
- Identify key environmental, social, and governance responsibilities within food systems.
- Recognize differences in ESG practices between two specific countries or sectors.
- Use examples to understand how companies integrate ESG principles in agrifood operations.
2. Exploring Global Sustainability Frameworks
- Describe how global sustainability goals, such as the UN SDGs, influence government policies and business decisions in food systems.
- Understand how countries develop commitments for global frameworks like Paris agreement, Biodiversity desertification and how these shape agribusiness policies and practices.
3. Learning ESG Reporting Standards
- Explore the main ESG reporting frameworks, such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, and SBTi, and understand their role in the food sector.
- Identify the challenges and benefits of these frameworks and how companies use them to report on sustainability efforts.
4. Recognizing Emerging ESG Trends
- Explore new trends in ESG, such as regenerative agriculture and the use of digital technologies in food production.
- Discuss how these trends impact business strategies and sustainability goals.
5. Developing Practical ESG Strategies
- Create a simple step-by-step plan to help a business integrate ESG into its operations.
- Learn how businesses can align their strategies with both government policies and global frameworks.
6. Engaging with Industry and Government Expert
- Participate in discussions with industry leaders and policymakers to gain insights into real-world ESG opportunities and challenges.
ASSESSMENT
| Activity | Percent of the Grades |
|---|---|
| Report & Presentation | 25% |
| Assignments | 20% |
| Seminar and In-Class participation | 25% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |