ASU announces SWSIE workforce challenge to accelerate sustainability in the Southwest

the phoenix valley and mountains in the distance

The Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), led by Arizona State University, is at the forefront of creating a sustainable future for Arizona, Nevada and Utah. With the support of a $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), SWSIE equips organizations and communities to solve environmental challenges — water security, renewable energy and carbon reduction — through collaborative innovation. 

Now, ASU is inviting SWSIE partners to join this vital movement by participating in the SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Challenge — an opportunity to upskill employees, and drive sustainable solutions for the future.

Building a more resilient Southwest

According to the NSF, temperatures in cities like Phoenix are projected to regularly exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit within the next decade. As the Southwest faces growing challenges, SWSIE is bringing together business, government and academic leaders to create solutions. 

As a global leader in sustainability education and research, ASU’s vision for the Southwest is clear: to transform the region into a hub for innovation, where sustainable technologies, governance and workforce development come together to shape a brighter, more resilient future. By partnering with SWSIE, your organization can make this vision a reality. 

Boost your team’s skills and lead in sustainability 

The SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Challenge offers a powerful way for organizations to contribute to regional sustainability while investing in their talent. Starting today, SWSIE partners will receive a free voucher code for their employees to access a wide range of sustainability courses at no cost. 

Courses cover essential topics like ESG Reporting, Sustainability Challenges for the Planet and Employers, and Supply Chain and Sustainable Materials—all designed to equip employees with the skills necessary for solving some of the region’s most pressing climate challenges. Courses are free for SWSIE partners, easily accessible online and designed to meet the evolving demands of business.  

By participating, organizations can educate their workforce on how to create a more sustainable future and position themselves as leaders. ASU will recognize organizations with the highest number of course completions with SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Awards, showcasing those organizations’ commitment to sustainability leadership.

“The Southwest is a proving ground for sustainability innovation,” says Brian Sherman, CEO of the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine. “The challenges we face — rising temperatures, water scarcity and carbon reduction — are also opportunities to drive real change. Through this challenge, we’re equipping companies and their employees to be part of the solution and ensuring that sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.”

Join ASU as a leader in sustainability 

By joining the SWSIE Workforce Development Challenge, your organization can lead the way in addressing critical environmental challenges while also enhancing your competitive edge. The skills your employees gain are directly aligned with the future of business in the region, helping your organization stay ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes.

“Sustainability is a shared challenge,” says Meredyth Hendricks, Associate VP of Career and Professional Learning for ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “The SWSIE initiative provides the perfect platform for organizations to join forces with top innovators. Together, we can accelerate solutions that benefit not only businesses but the entire Southwest region.”

The SWSIE portfolio offers a diverse range of courses, empowering employees with the knowledge they need to drive sustainability efforts. Highlights include:

  • Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals Specialization
  • Fundamentals of ESG Reporting
  • Smart Communities: Definitions, Myths, History & Future
  • Urban Climate: Keeping Cities Livable with Climate Research

Employees should enroll using their work email, and each completed course counts toward the organization’s total. The more courses your team completes, the closer your organization gets to winning the SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Challenge.

How to participate in the SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Challenge

  1. Head to the website to learn more. Encourage your organization’s talent to sign up for courses and boost your team’s sustainability skills.
  2. Partner employees can access courses at no cost using their work/corporate email address when enrolling in SWSIE Portfolio courses.
  3. Compete to win: The partner company with the most employee enrollments through 11:59pm on January 31, 2024 will win one of three SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Awards. The winners will be announced no later than February 15, 2025.

The more courses your team completes, the higher your chances of winning a SWSIE Sustainable Workforce Award.

Interested in becoming a SWSIE Partner? Submit a request form here.