Environmental Science and Policy

Current ESP 209 forum FALL 2009:

Green business and environmental business strategy

The Environmental Science and Policy group at Scripps invites you to enroll in its 1-credit fall seminar: SIO 209 (Special Topics: Green Business/Environmental Business Strategy).

Classes will be on Thursdays from 12:00-2:00 in Speiss 330.

This student-led seminar, co-sponsored by Dr. Clark Jordan from the Rady School of Management, will focus on the ways different businesses incorporate concern for environmental issues into their business models, from addressing environmental concerns as part of risk-management to the invention of more environmentally friendly products and services. Using case studies, we will discuss different categories of green business, identifying examples of "green washing" versus sustainability, and discussing sectors devoted to creating an environmental good (i.e. renewable energy). We will also look at how financial companies are addressing issues such as carbon pricing or investment in clean technology.

In each discussion, we will encourage students to consider the role of scientists in developing green business and providing legitimacy to claims of environmental responsibility. During each class, 1-2 students or guest speakers will give short presentations on a particular company or industry and provide questions to guide discussion and debate for the remainder of the class. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Kirtland at skirtlan@ucsd.edu.