Schaltegger, et al. (2013)[1] observe that “Sustainable development is a complex challenge, which cannot be achieved through political means only but requires learning processes towards sustainability in companies and other organizations …” Our work, informed by this insight, addresses two related themes: 1, the unique role of green business in achieving corporate sustainability goals; and 2, the importance breaking down barriers between business and environmental science communities if we are to engage with corporate, academic and community stakeholders.

The main difference between traditional and Green Business is that the latter primarily responds to sustainability. The Urban Sustainability Program, in a new course in Green Business, explores both “Accountability for Sustainable Business" and "Sustainable Business Marketing,” explaining how (strategic) planning and marketing cascade from sustainability-centered visions and missions.

In a related project, we are collaborating with faculty at two other CUNY campuses (CCNY in Manhattan and Lehman College in the Bronx) to identify economic and social science methods that students in environmental engineering and science should master. We are proposing a series of modules that can be linked in a single, for-credit graduate course or taken as individual certificate programs. The target audiences for these programs include graduate students at CUNY campuses, distance learners, and mid-career professionals who would like to improve their skill sets in sustainability studies.

[1]  Schaltegger, S., Beckmann, M., & Hansen, E. G. (2013). Transdisciplinarity in corporate sustainability: mapping the field. Business Strategy and the Environment, 22(4), 219-229.