ENV 490 Sustainability Innovation I
This course offers undergraduate students from all majors a hands-on opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, key concepts of sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through interactions with guest speakers and industry experts, students will gain up-to-date, experiential knowledge and valuable insights. We collaborate with local businesses that are passionate about nurturing the nest generation. These partnerships provide students the opportunity to develop unique, sustainable solutions that benefit businesses socially, environmentally, and economically. By the end of the course students receive a United Nations Certificate of Completion.
“This program sparks not only creativity and imagination but opportunities and connections”
Partner Organizations (Fall 2023)
“Design thinking with students has greatly benefited us, now a cornerstone for future initiatives.”
“This partnership has given me a clearer vision on what my brand could be & represent. ”
“I feel like I got a free class on sustainability:) I loved learning deeper on this topic!””
Sustainable Leaders, Industry Experts & CUH Faculty
Students have the opportunity to gain insight into the minds of these amazing guest speakers, engaging in discussions and learning from their unique stories.
Ian Kitajima - President Pichtr
Jeff Mikulina - Director Hawai’i Coalition
Donavan Kealoha - Co-founder of Purple Maia
Quinn Vittum - Executive Director at Reuse Hawaii
David Oyadomari - Founder of Ekklesia Capital
Nick Kuchar - Founder of Nick Kuchar
Tim Marr - Nutrex Hawaii Sales Specialist
Cort Isernhagen - Co-founder of Diamond Head Research
Jamie Lui - Co-founder of Diamond Head Research
Raul Boca - Owner of Boca Hawaii
Tony Silva - Host Da Draddhas Show
Robert Kinslow - Sustainability Consultant
Roy Panzarella - Director of Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
Dr. Guanlin Gao - Director, Economic Education Center for Excellence
Dr. Gail Grabowsky - Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Dr. Helen Turner - Research Director CIFAL Honolulu
Dr. Catherine Brockway - Sustainability Social Scientist
Kahoalii Keahi-Wood - Cultural Engagement Specialist
Student Feedback on ENV490 Sustainability Innovation I
“My time in ENV490 Sustainability Innovation I was transformative. The course provided a rich platform for hands-on learning, fostering creativity, and offering invaluable mentorship. The blend of theoretical knowledge with practical application enhanced my problem-solving skills and prepared me for real-world sustainability challenges.
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“The ENV490 Sustainability Innovation I course content was very engaging, and I think there is a lot of potential for the achievements this course can help students accomplish in the future.
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“I learned more about the environment than I have in any other class. I have learned skills and heard of opportunities that are at my fingertips that would not only benefit me but benefit our ocean and world today as a whole.
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“I really enjoyed this class and this probably was my favorite class that I have taken as a college student. I was able to gain so much experience and information on a variety of topics but most importantly, sustainability. The environment that was created within this course was just what I need to grow and mature on a professional level and I really glad that I chose to take this class.
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