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.

MS-ESM Students Tackle Sustainability Projects Through Partnerships With Earth Commons Greece

The Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM) program at Georgetown University recently strengthened its global reach through the Earth Commons Institute for Environment …

December 10th, 2024

Business of Sustainability Initiative Explores the Energy Transition During Annual Summit

Students, business leaders, and sustainability experts gathered at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business to discuss the energy transition during the second annual Leadership and Innov…

December 9th, 2024

The Death of In-Person Shopping? Georgetown Professors Weigh In on Consumer Behavior and Sustainability this Cyber Monday

Luc Wathieu, professor of marketing, and Vishal Agrawal, co-academic director of the M.S. in environment and sustainability management program, share their perspectives on buying habits, consumer beha…

December 2nd, 2024

Donald Trump’s Call For ‘Energy Dominance’ is Likely to Run Into Real-World Limits

“The mandate for the energy council is U.S. dominance globally, but what’s more American than American solar and American wind?’’ asked Safak Yucel, associate professor at Georgetown University’…

December 2nd, 2024