BUS 662 - Greener and More Sustainable New Products & Services, 3 credit hours

Evolving principles of sustainable management will be applied to the critical task of designing, producing, marketing, servicing, and disposing of sustainable products and services. The course will create a learning laboratory for developing sustainable products and services, examining historic, current, and future examples of sustainable products and services - with attention to evolving definitions of sustainable products. Life Cycle Analysis, assessment and management of product supply chains, creation of environmental product differentiation with benefits to the consumer will also be a major area of emphasis. The course introduces a new and emerging discipline of looking to nature as a model for more sustainable and innovation. Biomimicry–the conscious emulation of life’s genius – is the basis for innovation inspired by nature, a new approach and mindset for creatively designing new and improved products and services. This class will explore past, present and future examples of biomimetic solutions to human problems. Lessons learned can then be used to improve on our own creative processes leading to a greener and more sustainable outcomes and inventions.