The MBA of the Future: How Sustainable Business Will Save the Planet

What can we do about the negatives of capitalism?

It’s no secret that “business as usual” is destroying the planet. From climate change and mass extinctions to deforestation and ocean acidification, a profit-first mindset has driven many of Earth's vital ecosystems –on which human life and human well-being depend – to the limit, and in some cases, beyond.

Yet, the reality is undeniable: there are 8 billion people on this planet, half of whom live on less than $10 a day, each striving for a better quality of life. While education can raise awareness about sustainability and government policies can set important rules, business remains the core mechanism through which humanity meets its needs.

This reality underscores the urgent need to radically reimagine the way business operates. Companies must transform how they produce and deliver goods and services, achieving dramatic—truly radical—reductions in environmental impact and embracing circular production models. At the same time, they must reinvent their approach to people, treating workers, communities, and suppliers with justice and respect. After all, no company can lead on environmental sustainability without also being socially responsible.

But is this transformation possible? Can we shift from a profit-first paradigm to a system rooted in sustainable enterprise? Most importantly, how can you become part of this revolution?

The path forward requires shifting from a profit-driven model to one that centers on sustainable business.

BUSINESS FOR THE BETTER

Section 1

What is sustainability in business?

Bard's definition of sustainability is a simple one: "shared well-being on a healthy planet." Apply that to business, and it means conducting operations in a manner that takes into account the well-being of the environment, society as a whole, and the economy both in the present and for future generations.

The core idea is that through radical, often ecologically inspired design, companies can develop business models that both reduce pollution and promote social justice, making money while doing so.

The conventional perspective argues that sustainability in business is unrealistic—that any company aiming to reduce pollution or improve worker treatment would inevitably lose money. The sustainable business approach challenges this, treating pollution and social exploitation as design flaws, rather than unavoidable costs.

By rethinking these challenges, businesses can drive solutions through innovation, resource efficiency, circular production, sustainable finance, and stakeholder engagement. Organizations that creatively address environmental and social problems don't just avoid costs can actually lower costs—they lower expenses, increase revenues, and outcompete top polluters.

For sustainable businesses, profit isn’t the enemy; it’s just not the only goal. Their success stems from solving real-world challenges, with financial viability as a natural outcome. Regardless of their structure—nonprofits, B Corps, family-owned businesses or even large corporations—sustainable enterprises are united by a shared commitment: purpose first.

VIDEO

Labor Rights

Even as it has become easier to get products and goods from all over the world, it has also become more difficult to ensure that the workers who make the consumer-focused, 21st century economy possible are being treated fairly. With pressure from consumers and the occasional major media story, companies are realizing that the working conditions of the people who create their products matter. Global low-wage industries like the garment and agricultural industries are particularly notorious for exploiting women and children, forcing workers to work many hours past legal limits, creating intolerable working conditions, and paying workers unfairly. Consumers are refusing to purchase products that are created based on the abuse and exploitation of others.

VIDEO

Transparency in Supply Chains

In our globalized economy, the products that end up at consumers’ doorsteps have typically involved labor or materials from all parts of the world. Every company has an environmental and social footprint, made up not only of their own activity but also of the activity of the entire supply chain that participated in the production and distribution of the item. Consumers are beginning to hold companies responsible for asking tough questions about the environmental and social impact of each step along their product’s supply chain journey. This kind of transparency is needed in order to help consumers feel confident that they are not participating in unethical or unsustainable practices and to keep companies honest with themselves about their legacy and impact.

VIDEO

Environmental Issues in Business

Many companies, both those that are explicitly creating environmentally friendly products and those that are not, are conscious of the fact that consumers care about what they consume and want to learn more about ways they can reduce their ecological footprint. For all companies, this concern is about more than the consumer; they are also are keenly aware of increasing resource scarcity and the financial benefits that come from resource conservation and innovation.

In ad campaigns, businesses are specifically addressing environmental crises like climate change, water conservation, and social responsibility. Although we are a long way from a sustainable, circular economy, the awareness that is generated when big brands are willing to deliver a tough message on climate change is valuable.

Section 3

The role of business in social change

Consumers are more informed than ever before. After all, this is the information age, and the computer in our pockets can tell us if a company’s biodegradable fabric lives up to the hype. It can locate a nearby small farm where we can buy our milk directly, rather than pay into Big Dairy. And the news doesn’t stop; we can follow workers’ strikes on our phones, boycotting their company until they get paid a fair wage.

Organizations are slowly realizing that consumers care about the social and environmental impact of the products they buy, which is leading to companies becoming more sustainable. Public perception affects their success in the 21st-century economy. While that awareness has been growing for some time, especially as Millennials and Gen Z have become an even larger chunk of the world’s workforce and purchasing population, the increased interest in sustainability from mainstream investment firms is a major driving force.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS

Creating a more sustainable supply chain

Across a variety of industries, one thing is true: if there’s a product involved, there’s a supply chain that needs an infusion of environmentally and socially responsible practices. From planning and procurement to sourcing and then all the way through distribution and disposal, a sustainable supply chain creates shared value by minimizing negative impacts on the planet and the people on it.

Sustainable consulting

Sustainability consulting primarily focuses on providing external expertise and guidance to organizations on how to integrate sustainability into their operations and practices. Consultants in this field work with clients to develop sustainability strategies, implement sustainable practices, and measure and report on the environmental and social impacts. Sustainability consultants often have a goal to help organizations improve their sustainability performance and achieve specific objectives.

Sustainability management

Sustainability management involves the development and execution of sustainable practices, policies, and programs to drive environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term economic viability within an organization internally. Though there are a variety of different roles and titles, those who work in sustainability management are responsible for overseeing and coordinating sustainability efforts, engaging internal stakeholders, and integrating sustainability into the organization’s overall strategy and operations.

Working at a nonprofit

If you’re seeking purpose-driven work, a collaborative environment, and the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, working at a nonprofit can be an excellent path toward contributing to a sustainable future. Nonprofits are at the forefront of tackling pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges, offering employees the chance to be part of meaningful initiatives that drive positive change. Whether it's through advancing environmental conservation, supporting community development, promoting social justice, or addressing global health issues, nonprofit work is rooted in the commitment to making a real difference.

Green manufacturing

Green manufacturing is the process of producing goods in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainability throughout the production cycle. This approach incorporates eco-friendly practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, the use of renewable materials, and technologies that lower emissions and pollution. By prioritizing these sustainable practices, companies can create products more responsibly, reduce their ecological footprint, and support environmental conservation.

Renewable energy and climate change

Working in renewable energy and climate change offers a unique opportunity to be part of a global movement towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, and to drive positive change in mitigating climate change impacts.

Sustainable investing

Sustainable impact investing combines financial acumen and decision-making with a commitment to sustainable development, providing a platform for investors to make a positive impact.

Director, Natural Climate Solutions Strategy at National Audubon Society National

With over 15 years of experience spanning corporate sustainability, consulting, and nonprofit sectors, Meghan has developed and implemented impactful strategies at leading organizations including The Estée Lauder Companies, PepsiCo, and BSR. Her expertise covers GHG emissions reduction, sustainable agriculture, responsible sourcing, and human rights. A trusted advisor known for translating complexity into actionable results, Meghan brings a systems-thinking approach and a passion for cross-sector collaboration.
LinkedIn>>

National Audubon Society National

Who They Are: A leading bird conservation organization working across the Americas to protect birds and the ecosystems they rely on.
What They Do: Through science, advocacy, and community action, Audubon works to “bend the bird curve” by halting and reversing the decline of bird populations.

Senior Director of Impact & Sustainability at Etsy
With over a decade at Etsy and a career spanning international development, renewable energy, and economic policy, Chelsea has built a reputation as a mission-driven leader committed to driving meaningful environmental and social change through business.
LinkedIn>>

Etsy

Who They Are: Etsy is a global online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, specializing in unique, handmade, vintage, and creative goods.
What They Do: The company champions responsible commerce by prioritizing sustainability, supporting small businesses, and fostering human connection through creative entrepreneurship.

Vice President of Corporate Clients at ING Americas

An operations specialist and sustainability ambassador, Nour Shaikh has over a decade of experience driving cross-functional projects that enhance operational efficiency and promote financial inclusion. With a passion for building credible systems and fostering strategic opportunities, Nour works at the intersection of business and impact to create a more equitable, sustainable world.
LinkedIn>>>

ING Americas

Who They Are: ING Americas is the U.S. arm of ING, a global financial institution headquartered in the Netherlands.
What They Do: Provides wholesale banking services—including lending, advisory, and sustainable finance solutions—to corporations, institutions, and investors across North and South America.

Founder and Owner of Nneji

Beatrice Ajaero is an entrepreneur and advocate committed to using food, culture, and business to strengthen communities and promote cross-cultural understanding. With a background in law and sustainability, she creates ventures that celebrate heritage, foster economic empowerment, and offer wellness through thoughtfully curated products and meaningful, community-rooted experiences.

Nneji

Who They Are: Nneji is a West African culinary and cultural space in Astoria, Queens, offering small-batch, nutrient-rich soups, stews, and specialty products that honor traditional recipes and ingredients.
What They Do: Rooted in sustainability and community, Nneji fosters cross-cultural connection through food, conversation, and heritage-inspired goods.

US Head of Sustainability & ESG Advisory at SLR Consulting

A sustainability and ESG strategist, Cory has over a decade of experience helping global companies embed impact into business strategy. As US Head of Sustainability & ESG at SLR Consulting, she has led initiatives for clients like Amazon, Nike, Abbott, and Verizon, advancing circularity, climate action, and social responsibility. Her work bridges corporate value creation with systems change—driven by a passion for wild places, backyard fires, and really good coffee.
LinkedIn>>>

SLR Consulting

Who They Are: SLR Consulting is a global environmental and sustainability consultancy that partners with organizations to deliver practical, science-based solutions for complex environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges.
What They Do: With expertise spanning industries and geographies, SLR helps clients integrate sustainability into core business strategy, operations, and impact measurement.

Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice at BSR
Jarrid Green supports global companies and philanthropic organizations in advancing inclusive practices, navigating social and policy trends, and driving strategic community impact. With a background in philanthropy, research, and policy, he brings deep expertise in racial equity, sustainability, and civic justice.
LinkedIn>>>

BSR

Who They Are: BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) is a global nonprofit organization that works with companies and partners to build a just and sustainable world.
What They Do: Through consulting, collaborative initiatives, and research, BSR helps businesses integrate sustainability into strategy and operations across issues like climate, human rights, equity, and supply chain responsibility.

Director of Climate Partnership Lending at Amalgamated Bank

A mission-driven leader with over 15 years of experience advancing sustainable finance, energy equity, and climate-focused lending. Emily Robichaux is currently leading capital mobilization for Amalgamated Bank’s participation in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and has played a key role in securing billions in funding for community clean energy projects. With a background spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Emily brings deep expertise in strategy, stakeholder engagement, and building impactful climate finance programs.
LinkedIn>>>

Amalgamated Bank

Who They Are: Amalgamated Bank is a mission-driven financial institution committed to social, economic, and environmental justice.
What They Do: Provides banking and lending services with a focus on supporting organizations, individuals, and projects that advance climate action, workers’ rights, and equity.

Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility Director at the New York Road Runners

A sustainability and corporate social responsibility leader with over a decade of experience advancing environmental impact in both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Aly is currently guiding sustainability initiatives at New York Road Runners, she has led major efforts to reduce environmental footprints across large-scale events, including the NYC Marathon, and has been recognized by GreenBiz as a 30 Under 30 honoree.
LinkedIn>>>

New York Road Runners

Who They Are: A nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages and abilities through running.
What They Do: Best known for organizing the TCS New York City Marathon, New York Road Runners (NYRR) provides races, community programs, and youth initiatives that promote health, fitness, and inclusivity across New York City and beyond.

Designer of Circular Capabilities and Acumen at Target

Lindsay is a design strategist and educator specializing in circular and sustainable product development. With over a decade of experience across industry and academia, she brings a uniquely collaborative yet decisive approach to creative problem-solving. Currently at Target, Lindsay leads initiatives in circular capabilities and responsible design.
LinkedIn>>>

Target

Who They Are: Target is a leading American retail corporation offering a wide range of affordable and well-designed products, including apparel, home goods, electronics, and groceries.
What They Do: With nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and a strong digital presence, Target is known for combining style, value, and convenience while advancing commitments to sustainability and community impact.

Manager of US Sustainable Sourcing at McDonald's

Jordan is a sustainability leader specializing in responsible sourcing and climate strategy at McDonald’s, where she advances resilient supply chains and supplier climate accountability across key food categories. Passionate about collaboration and impact, Jordan brings sharp communication, data, and stakeholder engagement skills to every project she leads.
LinkedIn>>>

McDonald's

Who They Are: McDonald’s is one of the world’s largest and most recognizable fast food chains, serving millions of customers daily with a core menu of burgers, fries, and beverages.
What They Do: With locations in over 100 countries, McDonald’s focuses on consistency, convenience, and evolving its offerings to meet changing consumer preferences and sustainability goals.

VP of ESG, Investment Bank Origination & Advisory at Deutsche Bank

A sustainability and ESG strategist with deep expertise in the net zero transition, sustainable finance, and climate-focused capital markets. Emma has worked across the financial sector to help institutions reduce financed emissions, set science-based targets, and incentivize ambitious climate transition plans. Her background spans ESG advisory, stakeholder engagement, and governance—guided by a long-standing commitment to equity and environmental justice.
LinkedIn>>>

Deutsche Bank

Who They Are: Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank and financial services company headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, with a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
What They Do: Provides a wide range of services including corporate banking, investment banking, asset management, and private banking, supporting clients in navigating global markets and complex financial challenges.

Sustainability Manager at Calvin Klein

A sustainability leader and design strategist with a background in sustainable materials, circularity, and ESG compliance. As Sustainability Manager at Calvin Klein, Kirby brings experience in raw material sourcing and supply chain traceability. She is passionate about using design, data, and industry collaboration to drive meaningful climate action and social impact across the fashion sector.
LinkedIn>>>

Calvin Klein

Who They Are: A globally recognized fashion brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and iconic designs in apparel, and accessories.
What They Do: The brand creates modern, sophisticated styles for men and women, and operates under PVH Corp., reaching consumers worldwide through retail, e-commerce, and licensing.

ESG Research Associate Team Leader at Bloomberg

A sustainability and finance professional, Melanie is dedicated to advancing ESG research and nature-related financial analysis. As a Senior ESG Research Associate at Bloomberg Intelligence, she assesses the materiality of ESG risks—such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, and water scarcity—across sectors including energy, chemicals, and consumer goods. Melanie blends geospatial data, financial modeling, and market insight to help investors navigate complex sustainability challenges.
LinkedIn>>>

Bloomberg

Who They Are: A global financial technology and media company that delivers real-time data, news, and analytics to business and financial professionals.
What They Do: Best known for the Bloomberg Terminal, it also offers software solutions, market intelligence, and journalism that power decision-making across the finance, government, and corporate sectors.

Section 5

Creating companies that help the environment

Businesses need to find a way to not just “reduce harm” to the planet and the people on it but also positively impact both. While corporations are moving slowly in the right direction, they are handicapped by a lack of vision.

A company can, of course, develop programs and initiatives to eliminate waste, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life for their employees and community. However, most corporations have not yet understood one fundamental truth: sustainability is not something they can attach to their corporate strategy as an afterthought, but something they have to place at the core of their mission.

Committing to corporate sustainability is the most responsible, most profitable path forward for companies. The evidence emerging in the last few years suggests that the companies that are thinking long-term and embracing sustainability as a core value are thriving, offering all their stakeholders—from corporate shareholders to the planet—a return on investment.

Ultimately, these corporate efforts are limited because of a big knowledge gap—and an even larger leadership gap. Traditional ways of thinking about the bottom line, a lack of knowledge about sustainable management, and an emphasis on short-term gains are holding back the business leaders of today and creating boundless opportunities for smart, business-savvy, sustainability experts whose skills are now desperately needed.

This is where you come in.

Section 6

More than sustainability strategy—what to look for in an MBA

Bard's MBA in Sustainability is the product of a single question we have asked ourselves: How should we be training leaders to help run for-profit or non-profit purpose-driven firms?

Based on what we’ve heard from today’s young leaders and what we’ve seen over decades of experience teaching leadership, business, economics, and sustainability, here’s what a cutting-edge, 21st-century MBA program should have or ought to be focused on in order to meet the global challenges we face.

Tackling injustice (and why it’s important in business)

Tackling injustice in business is both an ethical and strategic necessity. Companies that prioritize inclusivity drive innovation, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance performance. Diverse leadership leads to better decision-making by challenging groupthink; while increasing the representation of women ensures more holistic and effective initiatives. Promoting equity involves supporting diverse voices and equal opportunities, helping businesses better serve a diverse customer base and attract top talent. Ultimately, addressing injustice makes companies more adaptable, innovative, and resilient.

At the Bard MBA, we educate leaders to bring social and environmental justice to business – but we also practice what we teach.

Sustainability that’s baked-in, not bolted on

A sustainability concentration just isn’t enough.

At Bard, sustainability and mission-driven business are deeply embedded into the core MBA program, not just as an add-on. Through courses in Operations, Strategy, and Finance, students learn how to leverage business tools to create companies that aim to address social and environmental challenges. The program also offers optional concentrations, such as Circular Value Chain Management and Impact Finance, for those seeking to deepen their expertise.

An accessible program structure

Struggling to find an MBA program that fits your busy lifestyle? Low-residency models offer a flexible solution that bridges traditional in-person programs and fully online courses. With the demands of modern life, finding time for a full-time, on-campus MBA can be challenging.

Bard’s low-residency structure is designed with this in mind, featuring monthly in-person weekend residencies. These are complemented by online classes two nights each week, making it easier to balance education with your busy schedule.

Learn more about the low-residency model

A well-rounded curriculum

When selecting an MBA program, the curriculum is essential. Bard’s program stands out by integrating core business skills with innovative strategies for sustainable business management and an impact-focused approach.

The curriculum features core courses in leadership, economics, data analytics and finance – with sustainability embedded throughout each course. Electives, such as Circular Value Chain Management and Non-Profit Management, provide students the opportunity to specialize and become experts in their chosen fields.

Experiential learning

Experience is essential in sustainability, which is fundamentally a problem-solving discipline. In business, it means identifying profitable opportunities where others see social and environmental costs, persuading stakeholders to support these ideas, and guiding teams to execute sustainable solutions effectively.

At Bard, 25% of the curriculum is dedicated to experiential learning. This includes the unique opportunity to take part in a year-long sustainability consulting course, called NYCLab, with real-world clients.

Students also complete a mentored capstone project, which could involve starting a business, leading change strategies as high-level consultants, or making a career transition. These hands-on experiences are key reasons why Bard is consistently ranked among the best sustainability MBA programs.

Career focused

The reason most people pursue an MBA is to elevate their careers and open doors to impactful opportunities.

At Bard, our MBA in Sustainability is designed to help you advance your career and secure roles where you can make a meaningful impact quickly—because urgent action is needed. Through our Individual Career Planning process, students meet with career planning staff at least once each semester to develop and implement their career strategies. Students build their resumes and gain real-world experience through internships, consulting positions, certifications, case competitions and the capstone project—preparing them for leadership roles that drive change.

The Bard difference

The Bard MBA in Sustainability is one of a select few graduate programs globally that fully integrates sustainability into a core business curriculum. It's one of the reasons we've been ranked the #1 Green MBA four years in a row and #1 among all US MBA's for non-profit management.

At Bard, students work in collaborative teams learning how to build businesses and not-for-profit organizations that combine economic, environmental, and social objectives into an integrated bottom line. This approach not only creates healthier businesses but also a more sustainable world.

Graduates of the Bard MBA transform existing companies, start their own, and pioneer a new paradigm of doing business that meets human needs, protects and restores the Earth's systems, and treats all stakeholders with justice and respect.

We focus our efforts around three verticals:

Purpose and Planet: Redefining Sustainable Business for a Better World

What can we do about the negatives of capitalism?

Section 1

What is sustainability in business?

Section 2

The state of sustainable business in 2025

Clean energy

International commitments

Sustainable technology

Sustainable water resources management

Sea level rise

Waste reduction and transitioning to sustainable resources

VIDEO

Labor Rights

VIDEO

Transparency in Supply Chains

VIDEO

Environmental Issues in Business

Section 3

The role of business in social change

Section 4

Business and sustainability jobs

Creating a more sustainable supply chain

Sustainable consulting

Sustainability management

Working at a nonprofit

Green manufacturing

Renewable energy and climate change

Sustainable investing

Section 5

Creating companies that help the environment

Download the Guide

Learn More About Bard's Approach to Sustainable Business

Section 6

More than sustainability strategy—what to look for in an MBA

Tackling injustice (and why it’s important in business)

Tackling injustice (and why it’s important in business)

Sustainability that’s baked-in, not bolted on

Sustainability that’s baked-in, not bolted on

An accessible program structure

An accessible program structure

A well-rounded curriculum

A well-rounded curriculum

Experiential learning

Experiential learning

Career focused

Career focused

Section 7

Getting your sustainable business degree at Bard

The Bard difference

SUSTAINABILITY VISION

LEADING CHANGE

BUSINESS MASTERY

Request more information

Learn more about Bard's sustainable business degree