The Business School Alumni Network (BSAN) and the Sustainable Business Advisory Council recently hosted “Empowering Businesses to Make the Climate Transition”, a webinar to address how businesses making the climate transition can drive growth, enhance resilience, and foster a positive impact on both climate and society. .
The panel, led by Robert Hobbins, Assistant Professor of Sustainability at the CU Denver Business School, included Jennifer Leitsch, MS ‘04, Managing Director for Climate Change and Sustainability at EY , Clint Hughey, Director of Impact at Snooze Eater, and Matt Rush, MBA ‘04, Director of Federal Business Development at NORESCO. Each had a unique perspective on responsible business practices. Together, they explained businesses’ imperative role in reducing carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050—ambitious targets set by the Paris Agreement.
“The time for action is now. Businesses must step up to the plate and lead the charge in sustainability, not just for the planet’s sake but for the sake of their future,”
said Hobbins.
The panel discussed a host of strategies, including enhancing energy efficiency, transitioning to electric vehicles, investing in renewable energy, minimizing food waste, and implementing sustainable packaging solutions. They also highlighted the vital role that government policies had on business operations, as well as their role in improving sustainability.
The job market is ever-evolving, and supporting a low-carbon emission economy is becoming exponentially favorable. The panel sees a future where opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability would replace dated traditional fossil fuel jobs.
The group discussed challenges in implementing sustainable practices by small businesses; as Huey expressed, “In the face of climate change, every business, big or small, has a role to play. It’s about finding creative solutions and taking collective action.” The panel suggested actionable solutions such as forming partnerships amongst other smaller businesses or a more established enterprise, leveraging research, pursuing financial incentives, and demonstrating that all businesses, big or small, can participate in sustainable practices.
Tackling strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and innovative solutions can be the way forward to foster a sustainable future. Attendees left with a clear message: businesses of all types have the power to lead the charge in environmental stewardship and must rise to the challenge of creating a more sustainable world.
If you missed the event, you can watch the full webinar online.
Interested in more sustainable business education? The CU Denver Business School now offers a Master’s in Sustainable Business. Learn More.
