Web-based resources
Below are several web-based resources that we can all access to learn about, and stay up to date on sustainable business practices
- Net Impact : A global community of students and professionals committed to making a positive impact on the world through business. They offer resources, events, and networking opportunities.
- The GreenBiz Group : Provides news, tools, and resources for sustainable business, including webinars and reports.
- Sustainability at Harvard : Offers various resources and case studies related to sustainability, particularly in a business context.
- Sustainable Brands : A platform focusing on sustainability in branding and business, offering articles, reports, and webinars.
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): An organization promoting sustainable business practices with a wealth of resources, including publications and case studies.
- B Lab : Information about B Corporations, which are companies committed to social and environmental responsibility.
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : A hub for information on the SDGs and how businesses can align their practices with these global goals.
- GreenBiz 350 Podcast : A podcast discussing sustainability trends and practices in the business world.
- MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative : A resource hub for sustainability research, events, and courses.
- Sustainable Business Network : Focused on the New England area, it offers resources and events for sustainable businesses.
- Sustainability Resources from UC Berkeley : Provides a variety of resources for students interested in sustainability.
- Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) : Offers resources for businesses on how to integrate sustainability into financial reporting. SASB covers 77 Industries aligning material ESG issues for companies within each industry sector.
- The Anthropocene
- Alliance for Research on Corporate Sustainability (ARCS)
- Aspen Institute
- Breath Project (Local/Regional Air Quality Issues around Pittsburgh)
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
- EPA SmartWay (Supply Chain Management)
- Forbes | Current Climate
- Future Earth
- GreenBiz
- International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)
- McKinsey
- Network for University Business Sustainability (NBS) Sustainable Centers Community
- Penn Environment
- Responsible Research in Business & Management (RRMB)
- Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
- Sustainable Pittsburgh & CEOs for Sustainability
- UN Environmental Program (UNEP)
- UN Global Compact (UNGC) >14,000 Corporations have signed on
- UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI)
- UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (UNPRME)
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Best Practices
How Business Programs are Integrating Sustainability into Curriculum
Jobs at the Intersection of Business and Sustainability
Harvard Business Review “Saving the Planet is a $12T Opportunity by John Elkington
How can we create $12 trillion a year in market opportunities by 2030? By meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. And a recent report concludes that meeting the goals in just four out of 60 sectors (food and agriculture, cities, energy and materials, and health and wellbeing) can open up market opportunities worth up to $12 trillion annually in less than 15 years.
What part of this multi-trillion dollar opportunity will you be part of?
Below, is information about the kinds of jobs you can look for when helping companies to develop and deliver more sustainable business practices: i.e., reduce waste, become energy efficient, meet goals for carbon neutrality, or decarbonization, be part of circular economies, help with greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, developing annual sustainability reports, aspects of the renewable energy sector, more sustainable supply chains, high-performance buildings, sustainable agriculture, sustainable community development, and many more options.
We hope this list can jump-start your thinking about careers, inform your search for jobs, and open up new possibilities for business students to contribute to larger global goals for more sustainable development. All of these jobs are available in the Pittsburgh region.
Examples of the kinds of jobs that business undergraduate and graduate students can pursue if they want to work in the industry while focusing on sustainable business practices include but are not limited to the list below. These jobs align well with our University level mission and vision, our diverse programs, and ways in which we already leverage Chatham’s expertise in sustainability programs and business programs.
- Sustainability Analyst/Consultant: business students can work as sustainability analysts or consultants. They assess a company’s environmental impact and recommend strategies to reduce it. This role often involves conducting sustainability audits and advising on sustainable practices.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: These professionals work to integrate sustainability into a company’s operations and culture. They oversee CSR programs, ensuring that the organization complies with ethical and sustainable standards.
- Sustainability Project Manager: with some experience and more aligned with MBAs, graduates can manage projects aimed at improving sustainability within an organization. They coordinate initiatives such as renewable energy projects, waste reduction programs, and sustainable supply chain improvements.
- Supply Chain Sustainability Manager: This role focuses on making supply chains more sustainable. Professionals work to reduce emissions, improve supplier sustainability, and ensure ethical sourcing of materials.
- Environmental Compliance Manager: These managers ensure that a company complies with environmental laws and regulations. They work on reducing the environmental impact of business operations.
- Renewable Energy Analyst: Graduates with an interest in energy systems can work as renewable energy analysts, evaluating the feasibility and impact of renewable energy projects.
- Sustainability Data Analyst: Data analysis plays a crucial role in sustainability efforts. Graduates can work as analysts to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to sustainability metrics and performance.
- Sustainability Marketing Specialist: This role involves promoting sustainable products and initiatives to consumers. It requires a strong understanding of sustainability messaging and consumer behavior.
- Environmental Policy Analyst: Graduates can work on shaping environmental policies at governmental or non-governmental organizations. They influence regulations that impact businesses’ sustainability practices.
- Sustainable Agriculture Consultant: If students have an interest in sustainable agriculture, they can become consultants who help farmers adopt environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.
- Green Building Consultant: For those interested in high-performance buildings, this role involves advising on the design and construction of eco-friendly and energy-efficient structures.
- Sustainability Educator/Trainer: Graduates can teach others about sustainable practices, either within organizations or as educators at universities or training institutions, and NGOs.
This lists changes when looking for jobs with more of a corporate social responsibility CSR) focus…
- CSR Manager/Director: This role becomes more prominent in CSR-focused industries. CSR managers oversee all aspects of a company’s social responsibility initiatives, including philanthropy, community engagement, and ethical business practices.
- Community Relations Specialist: Professionals in this role focus on building positive relationships between the company and the communities in which it operates. They may lead community outreach programs and partnerships.
- Social Impact Analyst: These analysts assess the social impact of a company’s activities and help develop strategies to enhance its social contributions and address societal issues.
- Ethics and Compliance Officer: Ensuring ethical behavior within the organization is a crucial part of CSR. These officers are responsible for developing and enforcing ethical policies and practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement Manager: CSR often involves engaging with various stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors. These managers facilitate dialogue and collaboration between the company and its stakeholders.
- Philanthropy Manager: In industries with a strong CSR focus, philanthropy managers coordinate charitable giving and community investment on behalf of the company.
- CSR Communications Specialist: Professionals in this role specialize in communicating the company’s CSR initiatives to the public, employees, and stakeholders. They craft messages that emphasize the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
- Human Rights Specialist: In CSR-focused industries, these specialists ensure that the company respects human rights in all aspects of its operations, including supply chain practices.
- CSR Auditor: CSR auditors assess the company’s adherence to ethical and CSR standards, conducting internal audits to ensure compliance.
- Sustainability and CSR Consultant: Consultants in this field advise companies on both sustainability and CSR strategies, helping them integrate ethical and sustainable practices into their operations.
These are just a few examples of the diverse career paths available in the field of sustainable business practices. The exact job opportunities can vary depending on the level of education and specialization, but the demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability continues to grow as more businesses prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss trends and what is happening in sustainable business practices, ask your faculty.