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 and increased consumption. 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.

Sustainable business considers pollution and social exploitation to be technological and social design problems, rather than negative externalities. As such, these challenges can be solved through business model innovation. Rather than facing higher costs, the sustainable business view is that organizations that creatively address environmental and social problems can actually lower costs, increase revenues, and outcompete those top polluting companies.

The triple bottom line approach

The triple bottom line approach is a framework that expands the traditional focus on financial performance to include social and environmental considerations. It emphasizes three interconnected dimensions: people, planet, and profit.

People: the social impact of business—taking into consideration the overall health and well-being of a business’s employees, customers, communities, and other stakeholders. In practice, this may look like promoting and maintaining fair labor practices, supporting diversity, engaging in community initiatives, and philanthropy.

Planet: the environmental impact of business—minimizing the negative effects a business has on the environment but going further, too: ensuring there are only positive effects on the environment. In practice, this looks like adopting sustainable practices like net-zero emissions, conserving resources, curbing pollution, and promoting renewable energy sources.

Profit: the economic impact of business—even though the triple bottom line approach expands beyond financial considerations, this framework still recognizes the importance of profitability. The goal is to still generate economic value all while taking into account social and environmental impacts.

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.

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.

Sustainable real estate

Do you want opportunities to contribute to a more environmentally conscious built environment, drive positive change, and create value by aligning real estate practices with sustainable goals? Then sustainable real estate might be right up your alley.

Down to Earth Markets

Who they are: A certified B-Corp, Down to Earth Markets envisions a strong regional food system built by independent farms and food businesses that provides everyone with an alternative to industrial food.

What they do: Connect cooks and eaters with regional farms and food producers through community farmers’ markets.

Visit the site >>

Gabriela Mateo-Saja, MBA ‘23 Market Operations Assistant
Marketing Operations Assistant

Gabriela is passionate about building sustainable and equitable food systems and a regenerative economy through circularity, corporate sustainability, food distribution, and supply chain innovations.

LinkedIn >>

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Who they are: A private college founded by Peter Cooper in New York City and inspired by the government-supported École Polytechnique in France. The school is dedicated to the vision that fair access to an inspiring free education and forums for courageous public discourse foster a just and thriving world.

What they do: Sustain itself as a free center of learning and civic discourse that inspires inventive, creative, and influential voices in architecture, art, and engineering to address the critical challenges and opportunities of our time.

Visit the site>>

Jamal Bdeir, MBA ‘23
Project Consultant (Contract)

Jamal is an experienced consultant with a demonstrated history of working in management consulting, fast-moving consumer goods, digital marketing, and higher education. At Cooper Union, he is working on the creation and implementation of a sustainability plan, which includes benchmarking, facilitating stakeholder engagedment, and crafting recommendations for an initial list of focus areas, goals, and a roadmap.

LinkedIn>>

Lafayette College

Who they are: Chartered in 1826 and inspired by the Marquis de Lafayette and his service during the American Revolution, Lafayette College was established with an unwavering tradition of academic excellence and community spirit that has flourished for nearly 200 years.

What they do: Provide a liberal arts education (undergraduate only) that meshes with their nationally recognized engineering program

Visit the site>>

Delicia Nahman, MBA ‘23
Director of Sustainability

Delicia Nahman is a senior sustainability strategist with 20 years of experience catalyzing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Net Zero and Nature-positive thought leadership and facilitating organizational change management. In her current role, she guides progress towards the goal of carbon neutrality by 2035 across scopes 1, 2 and 3 and fully integrates sustainability efforts across the enterprise. She approaches her work with a focus on managing systemic climate risk and assessing dynamic materiality.

LinkedIn>>

JSTOR

Who they are: A digital library for the intellectually curious. They help everyone discover, share, and connect valuable ideas.

What they do: Provide access to more than 12 million journal articles, books, images, and primary sources in 75 disciplines.

Visit the site >>

Stacy Burnett, MBA ‘23
Manager

Stacy works with higher education providers and government agencies to make JSTOR available to people in prison in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Australia.

LinkedIn>>

Creative Metal Fabrication

Who they are: A full-service company led by a team of skilled craftspeople and designers, turning this firm into a leader in the architectural and ornamental fabrication industry.

What they do: Provide clients with the highest quality of service and precision fabrication, as well as expert design. They tailor a unique approach for each project, working closely with architects, contractors, artists, and end-user clients.

Visit the site>>

John Murray, MBA ‘22
Owner and CEO

John founded Creative Metal Fabrication (CMF) in 2010 in Brooklyn, New York. CMF is a full-service architectural and ornamental fabrication company specializing in fine-art metal work with precision fabrication and expert design. We work closely with architects, contractors, artists, and end-user clients to help realize any metal project’s full potential.

LinkedIn>>

SunCommon

Who they are: A solar company and certified B-Corp with a purpose beyond profit. Founded to address the climate crisis, SunCommon was built on the pillars of community organizing and activism. It’s their mission to break down the barriers to renewable energy, and we know that our role goes beyond just installing solar panels.

What they do: Help thousands of families and businesses go solar while also leading the industry and pushing for progressive solar legislation.

Visit the site>>

Gabriela Mateo-Saja, MBA ‘23 Market Operations Assistant
Marketing Operations Assistant

Gabriela is passionate about building sustainable and equitable food systems and a regenerative economy through circularity, corporate sustainability, food distribution, and supply chain innovations.

LinkedIn >>

YourStake

Who they are: From proposal generation to values alignment tools and access to Direct Indexing, YourStake serves as an all-in-one solution for Advisors of all sizes.

What they do: Provide top-rated tools financial advisors need to help provide personalization to their client's investments using OCR and AI technology.

Visit the site>>

Michael Amoroso, MBA ‘22
Client Success Manager

Michael is a purpose-driven leader that seeks to be, know and and create the change he wants to see in the world by helping members of his community redirect capital toward a shared well being on a healthy planet. In his career in impact investing, he is seeking roles that will facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, eliminate social inequities and increase the transparency and access to data that accurately informs the implicit risks firms face.

LinkedIn>>

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

Who they are: NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets.

What they do: Operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. They care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. They look after 666,000 street trees, and five million more in parks. They are New York City's principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs and also home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.

Visit the site>>

Adam Engel, MBA ‘22
Project Development Coordinator - Innovation and Performance Management

Adam’s interest in sustainability includes more niche topics like healthy cities, green infrastructure, and circularity—all areas he gets to impact in his role at NYC Parks.

LinkedIn>>

Wright Companies

Who they are: A family of brands committed to excellence in design and sustainability. Since 1986, Wright Companies has designed, built, and managed real estate assets in the New York City metro area.

What they do: Assist clients during the acquisition, community engagement, approval, financing, commissioning, and management phases of projects. They leverage their expertise in sustainability and experience in the real estate market to turn their client’s visions into reality.

Visit the site>>

Sonia Lemus-Wright, MBA ‘22
President

Sonia is the President of Wright Companies and a Green/Sustainable Design Expert. She has extensive architectural experience that spans a range of project types: from renovations and implementation of sustainable systems to the design and administered construction of apartments, brownstones, mixed-use projects, and much, much more. She is a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor and has also completed studies on Solar Electric Design and Installation, as well as Battery Based Systems.

LinkedIn>>

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 crippling the business leaders of today and creating boundless opportunities for smart, young, business-savvy, sustainability gurus 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 managers 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)

From diversity in the boardroom to more women in sustainability.

Read the Jedi + Anti-Racism Accountability Report

An integrated bottom line approach

Sustainability that’s baked-in, not bolted on

An accessible program structure

Bard’s MBA is fully online.

Learn more about the low-residency model

A well-rounded curriculum

Experiential learning

25% of Bard’s curriculum is devoted to experiential learning.

Career focus

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 three years in a row and #2 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

MBA IN SUSTAINABILITY

A well-rounded curriculum

What can we do about the negatives of capitalism?

Table of Contents

Section 1

What is sustainability in business?

The triple bottom line approach

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

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

Sustainable real estate

Down to Earth Markets

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Lafayette College

JSTOR

Creative Metal Fabrication

SunCommon

YourStake

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation

Wright Companies

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)

An integrated bottom line approach

An accessible program structure

An accessible program structure

A well-rounded curriculum

Experiential learning

Experiential learning

Career focus

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

LEARN MORE

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