Sustainable Marketing and Consumer Trends

University of Colorado Boulder and Siemens via Coursera

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Overview

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Offered as the second course in the Transformative Leadership in the Circular Economy specialization, Sustainable Marketing and Consumer Trends examines how marketing serves as a critical driver of sustainable transformation. As circular business models and ESG expectations reshape competitive landscapes, marketing leaders must navigate new pressures to communicate responsibly, build trust, and align with shifting consumer values. This course examines the evolving role of marketing in driving environmental and social impact, from foundational principles of sustainable marketing to strategic brand alignment, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. Through real-world case studies, emerging market trends, and interactive assignments, you will learn how to craft credible, values-driven messaging and identify opportunities where marketing can accelerate sustainable business transformation. Topics include greenwashing, the say-do gap, ESG communication, circular marketing, regulatory influence, and digital traceability tools. The course prepares learners from all backgrounds to lead ethically, navigate complexity, and connect sustainability to consumer value. This course was developed in collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries Software and is part of the "Design for the Circular Economy" collection. Learners who complete and pass the course can receive an industry-recognized digital badge. The “Design for the Circular Economy” microcredential and graduate certificate are developed around the educational goals of providing technical, business, and leadership knowledge and skills that inspire the transformation towards a more circular economy. This includes gaining technical knowledge to apply circular economy principles in product design, minimizing waste and maximizing impact; developing business acumen to implement innovative circular economic models that prioritize sustainability and resilience; and acquiring leadership strategies to communicate effectively and inspire change within an organization. This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

Syllabus

Sustainable Marketing

Welcome to Sustainable Marketing and Consumer Trends! This first module introduces the principles of sustainable marketing and explores how businesses can respond to rising consumer expectations around sustainability, ethics, and transparency. You will learn how marketing strategies can support both environmental goals and business value through consumer engagement, circular business models, and value-driven messaging. Topics include sustainable consumer behavior, ethical consumption, greenwashing, and marketing’s role in promoting circular practices like reclaim, repair, and reuse. Through readings, interactive activities, and real-world case studies, you will evaluate brand strategies and create your own sustainable marketing ideas.

Marketing Strategies for Sustainable Products

This module explores how businesses can understand and engage eco-conscious consumers through data-driven insights and ethical marketing practices. You will examine consumer behavior trends, segmentation strategies, and how sustainability can be authentically integrated into the marketing mix. The module also introduces best practices in digital marketing and social media engagement to build trust, avoid greenwashing, and promote long-term brand value.

Branding, Engagement, and Corporate Strategy

This module explores how sustainability becomes not just a message - but a business driver. You will examine how companies define their sustainability identity through branding, how they design communication and engagement strategies to influence customer behavior, and how consumer expectations are shaping the future of corporate sustainability. Through real-world examples and interactive assignments, you will examine how values, messaging, and market pressure all work together to move sustainability from promise to practice.

Policy, Market Dynamics, and Future Trends

This module explores how external forces like regulation, emerging technologies, and shifting market expectations are reshaping the way companies communicate their sustainability efforts. You will learn how policy creates both constraints and opportunities for marketers, and how data-baked tools like digital product passports are becoming essential for building trust and credibility. Through case-based learning, trend analysis, and real-world examples, you will practice turning complex sustainability requirements into clear, customer-facing messaging strategies.