Appreciation Series: Awareness of Basic Sustainability

Understanding Sustainable Consumption

In the "Appreciation Series: Awareness of Basic Sustainability" course, participants will explore the critical concept of sustainable consumption and its profound impact on the environment, economy, and society. This module provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability, highlighting the drivers of overconsumption, the principles of the circular economy, and key sustainability initiatives shaping the corporate world. Through this foundational understanding, learners will be better equipped to appreciate the global urgency for responsible consumption practices and their role in addressing environmental challenges.

Promoting Responsible Consumption for a Sustainable Future

Participants will gain valuable insights into practical solutions for mitigating environmental challenges by adopting sustainable consumption models. The course examines innovative business models, operational strategies, and global trends that support sustainability, emphasizing their potential to create a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. By the end of the program, learners will be empowered to advocate for and implement responsible consumption strategies within their personal and professional spheres, driving meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future.

By the end of this workshop, learners will be able to:

• Understand Sustainable Consumption: Gain a clear understanding of sustainable consumption, including the factors driving overconsumption and the foundational principles of the circular economy.
• Apply Sustainability Solutions: Develop problem-solving skills by exploring practical solutions such as carbon capture, industrial symbiosis, and sustainability hierarchy frameworks to address environmental challenges.
• Drive Organizational Change: Learn how to leverage leadership and innovative strategies to promote sustainability within organizations and inspire positive change.
• Navigate Business Models and Trends: Understand sustainable business models, global trends, and the challenges associated with transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
• Enhance Financial and Strategic Acumen: Build financial acumen by analyzing the economic implications of sustainability initiatives and identifying opportunities for responsible consumption to benefit businesses and the environment.

• Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs: Individuals seeking to integrate sustainability into business strategies, build sustainable ventures, or enhance operational efficiencies while aligning with global sustainability trends.
• Government Officials and Policymakers: Officers in public and private institutions, including treasury, finance, and investment sectors, who aim to develop and implement impactful sustainability policies and initiatives.
• Trainers, Consultants, and Aspiring Leaders: Professional service practitioners, committee members, and managers tasked with leading sustainable projects or those exploring new career paths in sustainability-focused roles.

"Dwight is knowledgeable and highly engaging. He covers the basic concept of business sustainability and the relevance to Singapore and its government policies which are beneficial for me."

– Gabriel Leow, Senior Officer, SUSS (2024)

"The instructor is patient and clear in his explanation. He uses useful and easy-to-understand examples to illustrate his points."

– Sylvia Sim, Senior Manager (Strategic Engagement), Elections Department

Dwight Nuwan Fonseka: Expert in Sustainability, Data Analytics, and Organizational Transformation

Dwight Nuwan Fonseka is a versatile educator and consultant with an interdisciplinary background spanning biology, data analytics, and organizational governance. With a Master’s in Education from NTU and over a decade of experience in teaching and corporate roles, Dwight specializes in translating complex sustainability concepts into actionable strategies for organizations. His expertise in data analytics, including machine learning and predictive modeling, enhances his ability to craft solutions that address environmental impacts, optimize resource utilization, and support long-term sustainability goals.

In roles such as Data Governance Officer at Plano Pte Ltd, Dwight has aligned data management and compliance with sustainable business practices, demonstrating how analytics can drive impactful change. As an adjunct lecturer at Aventis and other institutions, Dwight delivers engaging training sessions on data visualization, predictive analytics, and design thinking, all framed within a sustainability context. By combining practical insights, real-world case studies, and an engaging teaching style, Dwight empowers professionals across sectors to adopt global sustainability standards and foster meaningful organizational transformation.