About Us
The Business of Sustainability Initiative focuses on the business approach to sustainability that creates long-term value by embracing opportunities and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental, and social developments. We focus on student learning, thought leadership, and convening and outreach.
Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business is a natural fit. Among our faculty and programs — and collaborations across Georgetown’s renowned schools, we offer the right intersection of business, policy, and society to address these issues. Our global reach and D.C. location allow us to hone deep skills and natural affinity to tackle the business case for sustainability.
Student Learning
M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management
In August 2022, Georgetown University will enroll its first class of M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management students. A collaboration among the Georgetown Earth Commons Institute, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and the McDonough School of Business, the STEM-designated program leverages the university’s expertise in both environmental science and business. Over 11 months, a mix of courses and experiential activities prepare students to become leaders with the knowledge, skills, and determination to advance sustainable business and environmental practices.
Undergraduate Sustainable Business Fellow
Georgetown undergraduate students have a unique opportunity to join the Sustainable Business Fellows program. The purpose of the program is to equip students with knowledge and practical experience to lead and manage successful businesses with a deep understanding of the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
MBA Certificate in Sustainable Business
Georgetown McDonough MBA students have a unique opportunity to earn a Certificate in Sustainable Business. The undergraduate students have an opportunity to participate in the Sustainable Business Fellows program. The purpose of these offerings is to equip students with knowledge and practical experience to lead and manage successful businesses with a deep understanding of the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Thought Leadership
Several of our faculty are focused on conducting research to inform practice regarding challenges and issues in the context of sustainable business.
Convening and Outreach
We host multi-industry events along with corporations, policymakers, and NGOs to discuss common themes around business and sustainability.
Also, the initiative identifies alumni working in this space to build a community and connect students with professionals focused on the business of sustainability.
There are several areas related to sustainability where businesses can play an important role. This is why the Business of Sustainability initiative brings together different areas of Georgetown McDonough — marketing, finance, real estate, entrepreneurship, and more — to tackle these critical issues.
As the spring semester comes to a close, Georgetown McDonough is pleased to commemorate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting several of the exceptional students…
May 16th, 2025
Business of Sustainability Initiative Brings Leading Industry Voices to Campus
Industry experts who spoke at the Business of Sustainability Initiative spring Speaker Series share insights with the McDonough community.…
May 8th, 2025
Jamaica Gayle (ESM’25) believes in the power of mentorship and interdisciplinary learning to drive meaningful change. With a background in sustainability policy, she enrolled in Georgetown’s M.S…
March 31st, 2025
Driving Impact: How McDonough is Helping Me Bridge Sustainability and Small Business Support
Andrea Lizarzaburu (MS-ESM’25) is part of the Small Business Corps (SBC), a program facilitated by Georgetown’s Business for Impact that provides pro-bono consulting services to small businesses i…
March 27th, 2025