Welcome to the course where you learn to launch a new business in the energy, finance, real estate, design, engineering, or environmental sectors, while also helping you create positive environmental and human health impacts around the world.
We will integrate tools, trends, and tips from the field of entrepreneurship as a career path for making a difference and generating wealth in the renewable energy and green building sectors.
This is not a course about theory. Instead, we focus on real world application, step-by-step advice, and case studies.
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Define key business opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions in the renewable energy and green building sectors.
- Analyze a successful business in renewable energy or green building.
- Identify 2 to 3 problems you might solve with either renewable energy or green building products or services.
- Plan for engaging with investors who might finance a new business.
- Take real world first steps towards launching a new business or corporate initiative, by applying the 1-page business idea summary template and the Business Model Canvas to generating and refining your own new business ideas.
I’m so excited that you’re joining me for this adventure. My goal is to make the course real and tangible, with practical action items and case studies of success. In this introductory module, you will get to meet the instructor from Duke University and have a brief overview of the course. More importantly, have fun!
What's included
2 videos2 readings
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 6 minutes
Course Trailer•1 minute
Introduction•5 minutes
2 readings•Total 15 minutes
Welcome to the Course!•5 minutes
Report a problem with the course•10 minutes
Get Inspired — The Power of 3: Entrepreneurship + Green Building + Renewable Energy
Module 2•6 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will reviews case studies of three award-winning examples of renewable energy and green building, including onsite videos. We discuss how entrepreneurship is a path for solving big problems that matter. Lectures illustrate that entrepreneurship is NOT just about startups -- it’s also about internal innovation at larger organizations. We also dive into some of the many business opportunities in renewable energy and green building.
Intrapreneurship: Innovation from Within•12 minutes
Opportunities in Green Building Design•10 minutes
Financial Opportunities in Renewable Engery•8 minutes
Green Building Case Study: Cherokee Investment Partners•13 minutes
Renewable Energy Case Study: Strata Solar•7 minutes
Green Building Case Study: Nicholas School of the Envrionment•6 minutes
6 readings•Total 130 minutes
Welcome to Week 1 of the “Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship”•3 minutes
The Importance of Entrepreneurial Thinking for the Green Building Industry•7 minutes
The Rise of The Intrapreneur•12 minutes
[References]: Green Building Global Status Report and World Green Building Trends 2016•60 minutes
[References] Renewable 2019: Global Status Report•45 minutes
Green Features Tour: Duke University Environment Hall•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Week 1 Quiz•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Analyze a Business in Renewable Energy or Green Building•120 minutes
Dive into Business — Real Opportunity. Real Challenges.
Module 3•6 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, the instructor explains reasons for the significant growth in the renewable energy and green building sectors. We describe challenges and criticisms of both sectors, along with counterpoints and solutions. Finally, we discuss some of the struggles of entrepreneurship that must be overcome on this path of innovation and making positive impact at scale.
What's included
6 videos5 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 63 minutes
The Logic Behind Green Building•12 minutes
The Logic Behind Renewable Energy•9 minutes
Inside Entrepreneurship: Benefits and Examples of Entrepreneurship•11 minutes
Inside Entrepreneurship: Criticisms of Green Building•10 minutes
Inside Entrepreneurship: Criticisms of Renewable Energy•14 minutes
Inside Entrepreneurship: Challenges in Entrepreneurship•8 minutes
5 readings•Total 119 minutes
Welcome to Week 2 of the “Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship”•1 minute
[References] The Business Cases for Green Building•70 minutes
Additional Resources of Logic Behind Renewable Energy•10 minutes
Entrepreneurship: A Working Definition and More•30 minutes
The Top 10 Challenges Faced By Entrepreneurs Today: Solved•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Week 2•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Identify 2-3 Problems to Solve•120 minutes
Blast Off — Moving from Ideas to Business Implementation
Module 4•6 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, the instructor provides tangible steps for generating, refining, and launching new business ideas, including tips for website, logo, advisory boards, and using helpful tools, such as the popular and dynamic planning and strategy tool called the Business Model Canvas. We also discuss how to think about building a team, because without one, your startup is just another job, not an enterprise.
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.7
2,874 reviews
5 stars
75.46%
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19.93%
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3.23%
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0.59%
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Reviewed on Apr 3, 2020
This course is very helpful for all the beginners and gained a huge amount knowledge which was not thought any where. By this course we can make use of renewable energy in day to day life.
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4·
Reviewed on Aug 13, 2020
Extremely happy to be a part of it! An extraordinary course with mindblowing concept which mainly helps the humankind in the future !Thanks to Duke University for this amazing course !
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5·
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2020
it was a very great experience learning the course at coursera. it is a great platform where you can find answers for your doubts too. i'll recommend all my friends to join coursera.
We will use short videos, readings, quizzes, reflection questions, and forums to digest, retain, and act on what you will learn. Most importantly, this course offers 3 different tracks from which learners can choose:
Audit Track: You will have access to all the videos, readings, reflection questions and discussion forums. This will allow you to master basic course concepts. Passing the graded quizzes is not required.
Certificate Track: In addition to the learning elements in the audit track, you will need to pass the graded quizzes in order to earn the certificate. The quizzes will allow you to test your mastery and understanding of the course knowledge.
Honors Track with Recognition Certificate: In addition to everything in the Certificate track, there are additional readings and three small peer-reviewed projects. In these projects you will be asked to:
1.Describe a business in renewable energy or green building
2.Identify 2-3 problems to solve in these sectors
3. Summarize your new business using the 1-page template
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.