Sustainability at Smeal

Sustainability is a strategic priority for the Penn State Smeal College of Business and a topic that permeates the educational experiences, research activities, and practices across our community. At Smeal, we are working to deepen understanding of the ways in which sustainable business practices shape the world around us.

Education

Our commitment to sustainability is apparent throughout the college's curricula. Educational experiences and coursework in this area are used to frame business challenges and solutions, enhance understanding, and prepare students to apply important sustainability concepts in the workplace. Concepts learned in the classroom are also being applied through the activities of student organizations such as Net Impact at both the undergraduate and MBA levels.

Events and Activities

The Smeal College of Business is in its eighth year of integrating sustainability into its teaching, research and outreach missions. Read more about the 2016 MBA Sustainability Case Competition!

Research

Sustainability-related issues are also addressed through research initiatives, both within Smeal and collaboratively across the University. Research centers at Smeal pursue a variety of projects and studies centered on efforts related to sustainability, and Smeal faculty members are exploring topics around sustainability and its tie to economic development, social responsibility, supply chains, and innovation.

Outreach

Through various outreach initiatives and events including speaker series, case competitions, and volunteer opportunities, members of the Smeal community work with industry and government to provide thought leadership in understanding and implementing sustainable business practices. Activities within our own community also demonstrate the importance of these practices and how they can lead to organizational success.