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.
Undergraduate Sustainability Courses
- Environmentally Sustainable Operations and Business Models (OPIM 271)
- ESG Investing (FINC 263)
- Moral Foundations of a Market Society (STRT 255)
Graduate Sustainability Courses
- Environmentally Sustainable Operations and Business Models (OPIM 571)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (STRT 610)
- Sustainable Business Practicum (OPIM 575)
- Impact Investing (MGMT 567)
- Understanding Social Innovation (MGMT 558)
- Business of Sustainable Energy and Technology (OPIM 572)
- ESG Investing (FINC 583)
- Social Entrepreneurship (MGMT 586)
- DEI for Managers (BADM 754)
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, finance, entrepreneurship, and more — to tackle these critical issues.
Founder of Nexus Discusses How Technology Can Transform the Energy Landscape
The Business of Sustainability Initiative at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business recently hosted Sargon Daniel (B’04), founder of Nexus Renewable Power, for the inaugural Business…
June 1st, 2023
The Edge: Bright Ideas for Emerging Markets
Amrita Kundu, assistant professor of operations and information management, explores how after-sales service increases overall customer satisfaction and helps drive technology adoption in emerging mar…
May 3rd, 2023
Celebrating Earth Day at Georgetown McDonough
Learn more about the Business of Sustainability initiative at Georgetown McDonough at https://businessofsustainability.geor… (new window)…
April 25th, 2023
Sustainability encompasses all aspects of business, and anyone — regardless of which function you hold within an organization or the industry in which you work — has the ability to lead with a sus…
April 5th, 2023