Beyond buzz words: how top business schools are embracing the green business movement
Sustainability isn’t a buzz word. It’s a personal and professional priority, and it’s become an integral part of our collective consciousness. A 2023 Student Voice survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse reveals that nearly half of the students surveyed (45%) considered environmental sustainability in their college enrollment decision. As the urgency to address environmental challenges grows, campuses are listening and tuning into the needs of incoming students. Progressive institutions understand the vital role they play in shaping future leaders who can drive sustainable change. Below, MBAchic is exploring the remarkable sustainability efforts taking place on the campuses of some of the most esteemed business schools across the country, highlighting their innovative initiatives and commitment to creating a more sustainable world. Through action and transformative change, these business schools are paving the way for a greener, more equitable tomorrow.
Stanford Graduate School of Business: Driving Change through Innovative Programs
The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is taking bold steps in its commitment to sustainability. Through new classes, groundbreaking faculty research, and impactful programs, the GSB is at the forefront of driving meaningful change. Notably, in collaboration with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the GSB is launching the Stanford Ecopreneurship program, empowering students to establish organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors that can effectively scale sustainability solutions.
The program offers a range of valuable elements to its participants. Graduating students embarking on high-impact ventures that address pressing environmental needs receive one year of funding and advising support, enabling them to make significant progress in their endeavors. Additionally, through the Summer Entrepreneurial Immersion opportunities, students can commercialize new technologies emerging from the renowned Stanford School of Engineering. This integration of innovative technologies with entrepreneurial expertise equips students with the tools to develop sustainable solutions that can be effectively brought to market.
In 2023, Stanford Climate Ventures classes are set to undergo significant expansion in capacity and programming. These classes have already proven to be a launchpad for innovative ventures focused on diverse areas such as geothermal projects and natural hazard risk mitigation. By doubling their capacity and broadening their programming, the GSB ensures that even more students can access valuable resources, guidance, and mentorship to transform their sustainability-focused ideas into scalable businesses.
Miami Herbert Business School: Embracing the ESG Approach
Miami Herbert Business School has embraced the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach as a guiding principle. By incorporating ESG considerations into their curriculum and research, the school equips students with a holistic understanding of sustainable business practices. Professor of Economics and director of the school’s MS in Sustainable Business program, Dave Kelly, says Miami Herbert Business School gets a lot of interest from business students who are motivated by more than money, and want to make a positive impact on the corporate world.
“We focus on utilizing environmental and social projects to enhance both the world’s well-being and firm value, including profits and long-term growth prospects,” Professor Kelly tells MBAchic. “For instance, an airline reducing fuel consumption through engine washing saves money, boosts profits, and benefits the environment. We teach sustainability by emphasizing win-win scenarios, where improving the bottom line coincides with enhancing the environment and providing social benefits.”
With a focus on sustainable investing, responsible business leadership, and corporate governance, Miami Herbert Business School prepares its graduates to become effective change agents who drive social and environmental progress. Kelly serves as a co-chair of the The Sustainable Business Research Cluster (SBRC), an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at fostering and advancing research in sustainable business practices. He tells MBAchic that students across industry focuses are getting involved in their SBRC to create more impact in their professional paths.
“Corporations are now the ones driving change, whereas in the past, governments were responsible for policy changes. Given the dysfunctionality of governments today, students realize that corporations are taking the lead and want to be part of that movement,” Kelly explains. “It’s not just business students; we also have science and engineering students who possess scientific knowledge but are unsure how to apply it in the real world.”
Berkeley Haas School of Business: Empowering Sustainable Business Research
At Berkeley Haas School of Business, sustainability is a top priority. Haas recently launched a sustainable business research prize program, aimed at promoting impactful research in the field. By providing financial support and recognition, these initiatives encourage scholars and students to delve into sustainable business practices, seeking solutions to pressing environmental and social issues.
The new $20,000 prize seeks to recognize the most significant research papers that hold the most potential to catalyze immediate change in business management practices. Additionally, the prize aims to motivate thought leadership globally and add to the body of knowledge and intellectual capital in the role of business in society.
As Dean Ann Harrison explained in a press release, the initiative reflects the three strategic priorities for the Haas School: sustainability, entrepreneurship, and diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB).
“The Haas Sustainable Business Research Prize seeks to address this challenge in translating cutting-edge academic research into action in the face of the climate crisis,” Harrison said.
Emory Goizueta Business School: Integrating Sustainability In Class
Emory Goizueta is leading the way in integrating sustainability into its curricula. Recognizing the importance of preparing students for a future that demands a deep understanding of sustainable practices, this business school has incorporated courses on topics like sustainable supply chains, social entrepreneurship, and environmental management. By equipping their students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of sustainability, Goizueta is empowering future leaders to drive positive change.
In 2023 Goizueta is offering a new course – Sustainability Measurement & Reporting by Professor Usha Rackliffe. The course covers the importance of sustainability in creating long term value for companies, ESG risks and opportunities, challenges in sustainability practices, measurement, reporting standards, and likely actions of corporations in the next few years. For anyone curious about sustainability, Goizueta encourages interested students to dive into their top readings, podcasts, and videos #OffTheSyllabus.
UVA Darden School of Business: Ambitious Carbon Footprint Goals
Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia has made remarkable strides in sustainability, earning recognition in the Financial Times’ Global MBA Ranking 2023. Darden was at the top of the “Best for Carbon Footprint” category, commended for its effective measures in tackling emissions. The school achieved carbon neutrality by guaranteeing payments for clean electricity generation, including the supply from a new solar plant. Darden school professor of practice, Carolyn Miles, tells MBAchic that the school believes they can achieve even more progressive goals, preparing MBAs to tackle difficult climate change issues.
“In 2021, we rolled out a set of new sustainability goals for 2030 that represent how we live (operational goals) and how we learn (research and teaching goals),” she explains.
On campus, Darden prioritizes waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and the adoption of greener building systems. Inside the classroom, educators are actively expanding the range of sustainability-focused courses and integrating sustainability themes into the core curriculum.
“Our Sustainability Advisory Council, which includes faculty, staff, students, and alumni, has been pivotal in developing strategies for implementing projects in support of the 2030 goals,” Miles adds.
The Kelley School of Business: Catalyzing Change Through a Dedicated Institute
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University has taken a significant step towards sustainability by launching the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability. This initiative serves as a hub for research, education, and collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to addressing environmental and social challenges. By engaging students, faculty, and industry partners, the institute acts as a catalyst for innovative solutions that combine business acumen with sustainable practices. According to News at IU, Kelley has 45 professors involved in environmental and social sustainability research.
In the 2022-2023 school year, the Kelley School of Business held a meeting where they decided sustainability would be the main goal for the institute. According to the school, enrollment in an undergraduate course on sustainability law and policy has tripled since 2017. New courses in climate law and policy — at both the undergraduate and MBA level — and another on business and poverty alleviation have been introduced in recent years, and more new courses are under development. Kelley also offers a co-major in sustainable business at the undergraduate level.
Yale School of Management: Fostering Sustainable Leadership
Yale School of Management understands that sustainability coursework is the foundation of real-world development and high-level decision making once students go out into the corporate environment. That’s why Yale’s sustainability program offers a comprehensive curriculum that spans across both the first and second years of study. In the first year, students participate in the Colloquium on Sustainability Leadership, a series of engaging discussions with influential leaders, including CEOs, policymakers, and innovators who are at the forefront of shaping the field. This unique opportunity allows students to gain insights into the latest trends and big ideas in sustainability, while also expanding their professional network by connecting with classmates from various backgrounds and expertise.
During their second year, students get the chance to really dive deeper into sustainability and expand their knowledge and skills. They can choose from a wide range of advanced business and management courses that focus on sustainability, allowing them to explore different aspects of this field in greater detail. These specialized courses are taught by renowned experts not only from the School of Management but also from other parts of the university, including the prestigious Yale School of the Environment. This collaborative approach capitalizes on the long-standing partnership between SOM and YSE, exemplified by the Center for Business and the Environment at Yale, which serves as a hub for research and collaboration in the field of sustainability. By offering a well-rounded curriculum that combines practical insights from industry leaders and expert instruction from various disciplines, Yale’s sustainability program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders in the realm of sustainable business and environmental stewardship.
Building Greener Futures
Business schools making concerted efforts to prioritize sustainability offerings across the country continue to exemplify their commitment to shaping a better future. By integrating sustainability into their programs, supporting research, and implementing sustainable campus practices, these institutions inspire and educate the next generation of leaders. By empowering their students to drive positive change, a ripple effect extends far beyond campuses, influencing the business landscape as a whole. Together, these schools provide the essential tools that the business leaders of tomorrow (yes, we’re talking about you!) need to weave environmental stewardship and social responsibility into daily operations. Haven’t joined our MBAchic community yet? Inside MBAchic, find fellow MBAs and professionals, at all stages of their careers. Find people in your area to talk sustainability business practices, or meet your future co-founder on the other side of the globe. Everyone here is investing in their education, careers and lives. Join us and help shape the future of this powerful global community.
Photo from Asia Chang
