Virtual Planetarium: the first in a global network of planetaria for teaching sustainability “on location.”

Despite an impressive rise in global living standards since World War II, the scientific consensus is that humankind is on an unsustainable course. Why? Because much of this growth has come at the expense of the natural systems on which our economic system depends. Business is a major part of the problem, but also, an indispensable part of the solution. In the simplest of terms, business may pursue a “weak” sustainability strategy, or a “strong” sustainability strategy. The weak sustainability strategy is the minimal “do no harm” strategy. It’s about achieving growth and profitability objectives without causing harmful externalities—such as air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity and soil fertility. The strong sustainability strategy goes further, by being “regenerative.” It’s about innovating in ways that heal the planet and improve lives for generations to come. Our vision is of a world where strong sustainability strategies are the norm and where commerce aligns with the long-term public interest.

Hands-on experiential learning takes two forms. First, there’s consulting projects with external clients, such as Quantum Sails, supplier to the America’s Cup, and Space for Giants, an African conservation NGO. Second, we run two in-house ventures: Waste Stream 2, which upcycles local waste streams into new products, and the Cofan Women’s Association, which sells 100% sustainably-made handicrafts, donating all proceeds to indigenous artisans in the Amazon. 

The Sustainability Stakeholders & Agendas class has taught me about the guidelines that governance systems and corporations can adhere to in order to practice sustainability. Through the guest speaker presentations and articles we’ve read for class, I’ve had the opportunity to learn how sustainable practices are put into action and the lasting impact these decisions can have on the future. After everything I’ve learned from this class, I want to commit to choosing more sustainable products as a consumer. As an MBA student, I want to keep the principles learned in this class front of mind so that I can incorporate sustainable practices in my future career and contribute to preserving the Earth’s resources for a better tomorrow.”
– Isabella Brito ’23 | MBA

Thanks to the generosity of the Baxa Family Foundation, a limited number of prestigious $1500 scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students on a competitive basis. Contact Dr. Giles Jackson for details: gjackson@berxwedan.net.  

Companies around the world are seeking qualified interns who can help them integrate sustainability into their business processes, from managing customer sustainability communications to utilizing sustainability software for reporting metrics. Students can make a real impact by helping with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Over 1000 new jobs for “Sustainability Manager” are posted on LinkedIn every month. Sustainability managers identify and assess sustainability requirements, risks and opportunities, develop and implement programs to reduce, offset and reverse adverse environmental and social impacts, and communicate progress to stakeholders. Salaries typically range from $75,000-150,000/year depending on education and experience.

In 2021 more Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) were hired than in the previous five years combined, according to Harvard Business Review. CSOs are tasked with ensuring regulatory compliance, monitor and report on ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) performance, oversee the entire portfolio of sustainability projects, manage stakeholder relationships, build organizational capabilities, foster internal cultural change, scout for new ideas and experiment, and embed sustainability into decision making at all levels. Salaries typically range from $60,000-$200,000/yr depending on education and experience.

Overall, I have learned that it is important to manage our resources sustainability for humanity’s longevity.  This is not only a moral prerogative, but a practical prerogative.  If we continue to abuse the resources we rely on, we may deplete them.  Even if that depletion does not occur in our lifetime and production is not halted in our lifetime, it may happen in the future if kept on the same path and affect future generations’ quality of life, ability to produce, and inhibit economic growth.  More businesses would benefit from implementing a sustainable triple bottom-line.  However, there are barriers to such implementation, and in the U.S. in particular, there may be a cultural resistance to what is perceived as sacrificing commerce and prosperity for a future that is not immediately profitable.  That is why we must work to educate businesses about sustainable development.”
– Azriel Lee ’24 | BBA with Marketing concentration

Our innovative curriculum was designed with input from leading experts such as Dr. Alix Willimez, a recent graduate of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Each course includes appearances by leading practitioners and thought leaders.

Overall I could not have asked for a better class or professor. I learned so much from this class that I never knew before about strategy and governance in business. Most of all, I will be able to carry this information into the next chapter of my life as I enter the business world. I would recommend this class to my teammates and peers because it will expand their knowledge the same way it has expanded mine. You are a great professor and I am glad this sustainability program has been implemented at Shenandoah!”
– Connor Naugle ’23  | BBA 

Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors, graduate degrees, minors or certificates

• Environmental and Sustainability Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Business Administration
• MBA