The "Sustainability in Coffee Shops" course offers a comprehensive exploration of sustainable practices specifically tailored for the coffee industry. It begins with an introduction to the concept of sustainability and the environmental impact of coffee shops, highlighting the carbon footprint associated with the coffee supply chain and daily operations. Students will gain an understanding of how coffee shops can reduce their environmental impact through better sourcing, waste management, and operational efficiency.

The course delves into sustainable sourcing, focusing on the importance of fair trade and ethical sourcing practices. It explores the impact of coffee farming on local communities and provides insights on how to select sustainable coffee beans that support both environmental and social responsibility. Additionally, the course addresses waste reduction strategies, including managing coffee grounds, minimizing single-use plastics, and reducing food waste in coffee shops.

Energy efficiency is another key area of focus, with lessons on improving energy use within coffee shops and adopting sustainable water practices. The course also covers sustainable building practices to create energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly coffee shop spaces. Students will learn how to educate customers on sustainability, create loyalty programs that promote sustainable choices, and collaborate with eco-friendly suppliers to enhance the business’s sustainability efforts.

The course emphasizes the importance of tracking and measuring sustainability success through the establishment of sustainability goals, regular audits, and continuous improvement. Case studies of successful sustainable coffee shops provide valuable real-world examples and insights into overcoming common challenges in implementing sustainability. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge needed to implement sustainable practices in their coffee shop and become leaders in sustainability within the coffee industry.