vcc.ca
OPMT 4220: Sustainable Supply Network Design and ESG Strategy
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Global Supply Chain Management
School
Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
Description
This course provides a strategic and analytical examination of sustainable supply network design and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy within global supply chains. Students evaluate frameworks and quantitative tools used to reduce environmental impact, manage social and ethical risks, and enhance governance transparency across extended supply networks. Emphasis is placed on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions management, life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy models, responsible sourcing, and sustainable logistics optimization. The course integrates sustainability performance measurement, regulatory compliance, and ESG reporting standards to align supply chain design decisions with long-term enterprise resilience, stakeholder value, and competitive advantage. Through applied case analysis and project-based work, students design sustainable supply network strategies that balance cost, risk, environmental performance, and social responsibility.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
4th Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Evaluate sustainable supply chain and ESG frameworks within global supply networks.
- Analyze the strategic and financial implications of sustainability integration across extended supply chains.
- Design sustainable supply network strategies that balance cost, risk, service, and environmental performance.
- Evaluate ESG regulatory, disclosure, and governance requirements impacting global supply chains.
- Design responsible sourcing and supplier risk management frameworks incorporating ESG criteria.
- Model and optimize logistics and distribution networks to minimize carbon emissions and environmental footprint.
- Apply life cycle assessment (LCA) and circular economy principles to redesign products and supply networks.
- Assess circular economy principles to reduce waste and promote recycling
- Develop and justify ESG performance measurement systems and sustainability KPIs aligned with enterprise strategy.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lectures and presentations, Case studies, Group discussions, Problem-solving scenarios, Group projects
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10-20 |
Two or more quizzes |
|
Assignments |
10-20 |
Two or more group assignments |
|
Project |
20 |
Group project based on a case study |
|
Midterm Exam |
20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
Course topics
- Introduction to sustainability and principles of sustainable supply chain The environmental impact of supply chain operations and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption The ethical considerations involved in supply chain management - e.g. fair labour practices and ethical sourcing Environmental and Sustainability regulations and standards Sustainable procurement and supplier selection Green logistics, renewable energy, and transportation Circular economy, sustainable packaging and waste reduction Sustainable product design and life cycle assessment (LCA) Sustainability reporting and metrics Social Responsibility in Supply Chains
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.