On October 6, 2025, the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability (IESS) at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business hosted its signature Focus Field Forum, with this year’s theme on “Innovative and Sustainable Pathways to Reduce Environmental Footprints.” The forum drew an audience of business leaders and academics from a variety of disciplines across IU campus. What set this year apart was real-world sustainability in action: professionals with decades of industry experience, professors whose research has direct commercial application, and entrepreneurs working at the frontier of renewable technology. The full program can be found here.

Held in a hybrid format, the forum attracted participants across multiple time zones, including faculty and researchers from Stanford University, Columbia University, the University of California at Irvine, the University of Melbourne, Boston University, the University of Stirling, Purdue University, the University of Washington, Duke University, IESE Business School, Carnegie Mellon University, Western Sydney University, among others.

IESS Focused Field Forum on Innovative and Sustainable Pathways to Reduce Environmental Footprints

The forum opened with remarks from the organizer Owen Wu, Director of the IESS, who highlighted the value of bringing together experts from diverse industries and disciplines to tackle sustainability challenges through dialogues and collaboration. Associate Dean Rebecca Slotegraaf welcomed all the participants and stressed the importance of such cross-sector conversations and thanked Professor Wu for his leadership and dedication in organizing an event that bridges research and real-world problems and impact.

The morning session opened with a set of presentations that explored the intersection of industrial competitiveness and clean energy future. Energy consultant Anees Azzouni set the stage with a careful examination of the pressures facing manufacturing in an era of climate policy volatility. He explained that federal and state energy regulations, international trade developments, and the rising cost of electricity are reshaping how manufacturers allocate capital and plan long-term sustainability strategies. In Indiana, where manufacturing contributes nearly a third of the state’s GDP, aging infrastructure and inconsistent policy make the transition even more complex. Azzouni argued that companies must adapt through disciplined strategic review, reassessing their exposure to regulatory risk, their fuel procurement methods, and the practical boundaries of their decarbonization ambitions. Sustainability, in his view, succeeds only when it accounts for both policy turbulence and operational realities.

Following him, Joseph Rompala, Director at Lewis Kappes and an energy lawyer, brought a legal and policy perspective to the same set of challenges. He noted that Indiana’s electricity demand is expanding rapidly as data centers, electric vehicle manufacturers, and heavy industries compete for power. Utilities are projecting system loads that could double within only a few years, a scale of growth unseen in decades. In response, policymakers have favored a supply-oriented approach, extending coal operations, exploring small modular nuclear reactors, and building new gas generation. While such measures safeguard reliability, Rompala observed that they risk slowing innovation and complicating the integration of renewables. His conclusion was clear: regulatory reform is essential if the state is to invite private-sector participation and joint ventures that can sustain both reliability and competition in a changing energy market.

Next, Hong Chen, President of H2NEXUS and Professor, Associate Dean, and Director of the Center for Clean Energy and Carbon Neutral Development at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), delved into hydrogen’s role in the clean-energy transition. He described the bottleneck in storage and transportation that has long limited hydrogen’s promise, then introduced the Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology, a chemical process that stores hydrogen safely by transforming it into a stable “hydrogen oil.” This substance resembles cooking oil, is nonflammable, and can be easily transported. When needed, it can be reconverted to release hydrogen without the safety hazards or costs of traditional methods. Chen emphasized that this innovation could make large-scale storage viable for intermittent renewables like solar and wind. The technology may also offer an efficient solution for power-intensive facilities such as data centers, which face steep increases in energy consumption from AI-driven operations.

The discussion of hydrogen continued with Neil Banwart, Managing Director at Energy Systems Network (ESN) and Chief Integration Officer of Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2). The alliance, covering Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa, was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of seven regional clean-hydrogen hubs. Banwart outlined how MachH2 will produce green, blue, and pink hydrogen, creating a network of refueling and production sites linking Detroit, Indianapolis, and Chicago. The initiative, structured through a four-phase cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy, is expected to generate thousands of jobs while reinforcing the Midwest’s energy security and industrial competitiveness. For Banwart, the hydrogen hub represents not just an energy project but a model of cross-state collaboration in building a clean energy future.

Jim Wade, Chairman of Agresti Energy, shared his two-decade journey transforming an engineering concept into a renewable-fuel enterprise. Wade’s company has developed a gravity-driven wet oxidation process that converts biomass and waste into renewable fuel with remarkable efficiency. By sending organic slurry two thousand feet underground, the process uses pressure and oxygen to trigger controlled oxidation, breaking down cellulosic material and produce renewable fuels. The system operates with components common to wastewater treatment plants, making it both practical and scalable. Wade noted that the process eliminates hazardous chemicals such as PFAS. For him, the challenge now lies not in engineering but in attracting investors who recognize that waste can be a perpetual and profitable energy source.

The first panel brought together Azzouni, Banwart, Wade, and Tim Gawne from Rio Energy International. Gawne described how projects in the U.S. Southeast are shifting from biofuels toward power generation in response to soaring electricity demand from data centers. He emphasized that carbon capture and storage will be essential to make these ventures both environmentally credible and financially viable. The panelists then discussed the barriers for adopting sustainable energy solutions and ways to overcome these barriers, as well as the proper role of government in guiding the transition. Some favored clear national carbon targets, others preferred market-based experimentation. Despite differences in emphasis, the discussion revealed a shared confidence that progress is possible through collaboration. In closing, the panelists shared what keeps them optimistic. Azzouni found optimism in global awareness and private initiative, Banwart in cross-sector innovation and collaboration, Wade in biomass scalability and economic realism, and Gawne in resource abundance and community revitalization. Moderator Owen Wu remarked that the very act of holding this forum was, in itself, a reason for optimism.

Panel Discussion on Sustainable Energy Future with Jim Wade, Neil Banwart, Anees Azzouni, and Tim Gawne (left to right), moderated by Owen Wu

The afternoon session shifted the lens toward corporate sustainability and global supply chains. Colinne Bartel, the owner of Truffle Time in Germany, drew on her European experience to illuminate how the textile sector is reinventing itself under new environmental expectations. Fast fashion, she reminded the audience, is one of the planet’s most polluting industries, notorious for waste and exploitative labor. Recent European Union regulation now obliges textile producers to manage their own waste and disposal, forcing a shift from linear production to circular supply chains. Bartel explained how eco-labels such as Fair Wear, Grüner Knopf, and Down Codex have become signals of accountability, shaping consumer behavior and creating new forms of employment, from recycled down processing to repair-oriented retail. She argued that the notion of ESG as a financial sacrifice is obsolete; sustainability has become a marker of quality and an essential element of brand value.

Jason Katz, Vice President of Co-Manufacturing at Danone, offered a grounded account of how one of the world’s largest food companies integrates sustainability into its operations. Danone, he noted, is both a Public Benefit Corporation and one of the largest certified B Corporations globally, guided by the principle that a company’s responsibility extends beyond its factory walls. Katz described the Danone Impact Journey, which centers on promoting health through food, empowering communities, and preserving and regenerating nature. He highlighted initiatives to cut methane emissions, expand regenerative agriculture, reduce waste, and protect biodiversity and water systems. For Katz, sustainability is best understood as risk management. In a world shaken by geopolitical disruptions and supply-chain shocks, sustainable practices ensure business resilience. Policy shifts come and go, but corporate discipline and long-term planning remain the true drivers of progress.

Brijesh Krishnan, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Strategy at Cummins Inc., provided an inside view of a company historically synonymous with diesel engines but now redefining its role in the energy transition. Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy commits the global manufacturer to achieve net-zero emissions through innovation in hydrogen, hybrid, and electric power systems. Krishnan explained that Cummins’ products account for roughly three percent of global carbon emissions, giving the company both a moral and an operational obligation to act. He described how the firm is investing in remanufacturing, mineral recovery, and cross-industry partnerships while training engineers to be “future-ready.” The transformation, he acknowledged, will be complex and uneven, but he framed it as a necessary evolution for an industry that intends to lead rather than follow.

These themes converged in the day’s second panel, featuring Bartel, Katz, Krishnan, and Wade, moderated by Professor Rodney Parker from the Kelley School of Business. The discussion explored where the motivation for sustainability originates—whether from founding vision, shareholder pressure, regulation, or consumer demand. Krishnan traced Cummins’ ethos to the legacy of J. Irwin Miller, whose community-centered leadership in the mid-twentieth century embedded social responsibility into the company’s identity. Wade reflected on how his commitment to renewable fuels began as an engineering challenge and evolved into a broader mission to turn waste into opportunity. Katz explained that for Danone, sustainability began with the ideal of “health through food” but is now reinforced by retailers and consumers who insist on proof rather than promises. Bartel added that in Europe, ESG has shifted from moral appeal to structural expectation, driven by legislation and finance as much as by conscience. The discussion closed on a reflective note: Sustainability lasts when belief meets accountability.

Panel discussion on Corporate Sustainability and Global Supply Chains with Rod Parker (moderator), Jason Katz, Jim Wade, and Brijesh Krishnan (left to right) and Colinne Bartel (remote)

As the forum drew to a close, the tone was neither idealistic nor pessimistic but resolutely pragmatic. The day’s conversations—from hydrogen technology and biomass fuels to textiles, food systems, and industrial decarbonization—underscored a shared belief that sustainability is achieved through steady innovations and collaboration. The Focus Field Forum served not only as a platform for ideas but as evidence of a broader cultural shift. The Forum reaffirmed that the path to a sustainable future is not an aspiration but a work underway, shaped by those willing to combine scientific rigor, business acumen, and collective will.

On August 12, the Center for Responsible Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business and the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business co-organized the second webinar in the series “Rewriting the Rules: Global Trade, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Research.”

In the first segment, two distinguished guests, Timothy Richards, the Morrison Endowed Chair of Agribusiness at ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business, and Doug Baker, Vice President of Industry Relations at FMI (The Food Industry Association), unpack what is at stake in food and agribusiness supply chains:

Timothy Richards, Arizona State University

Doug Baker, FMI (The Food Industry Association)

Climate Change: Heterogeneous Impacts on Global Yields
Climate change is fundamentally altering how food is grown worldwide, leading to heterogeneous impacts on agricultural yields globally. In the U.S., average yields are expected to be roughly 10% lower by mid-century, varying by crop. A crucial effect is the increased volatility of crop yields and prices globally. This creates a cascading effect for retailers and manufacturers, shifting them from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” inventory systems, leading to higher costs due to carrying multiple sources of supply. Innovations like vertical farming are emerging but are not a complete solution due to high energy demands and limited crop diversity.

Farm Labor Shortages and Rising Costs
The agri-food sector faces persistent farm labor shortages: the H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa program has seen an explosion in usage since the mid-2010s, providing nearly 400,000 workers annually. This labor shortage has led to wage increases, directly contributing to consumer food price inflation as labor accounts for roughly 60% of costs in labor-intensive crops. Retailers face higher commodity prices and rising labor costs within their own operations, driving efforts to reduce expenses through means like self-checkouts, despite potential public criticism. If costs continue to rise, smaller and independent grocers may go out of business.

Tariffs and Trade: A Shifting Global Landscape
The U.S. agricultural trade balance is at a turning point, with our trade deficit accelerating as the U.S. produces less and imports more, losing export markets to other countries. For retailers, ambiguity in trade policies is often more challenging than the tariffs themselves, though the USMCA has provided some stability. It is becoming harder to conduct agriculture in the U.S. due to factors such as labor costs, regulatory burdens, water costs, pests, urban encroachment, and land costs. The idea of friend-shoring is gaining traction, particularly in packaging and manufacturing, as companies explore ways to avoid tariffs, though protectionist activities can have a pernicious effect by shielding inefficient industries and potentially reducing long-term productivity.

Food Waste: A Global Imperative for Efficiency and Sustainability
Over $300 billion worth of edible food wasted annually. This waste also squanders 20% of fresh water and 300 million barrels of oil annually, and if food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, behind China and U.S.  The food industry association (FMI) recommends re-framing food waste as “merchandise loss” to emphasize its commercial impact. Innovations are emerging such as Flashfood and Too Good To Go, which connect consumers to discounted surplus food, and R4, which directs surplus produce to consumers in need, including SNAP users. Companies like Imperfect Foods and Misfit Markets buy imperfect or excess produce directly from farms, demonstrating significant economic opportunity in reusing waste. Retailers also contribute by donating two-thirds of the food used by U.S. food banks, a win-win that reduces waste and food insecurity while offering tax savings and avoided tipping fees (waste disposal fees).

GLP-1s: Reshaping Food Consumption and Retail Strategy
The emergence of GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic and Wegovy) for weight loss is poised to create a sea change in how people consume food and how the industry responds. GLP-1 users tend to shift consumption toward healthier options like vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, and away from fried foods, sweets, and snacks. Food manufacturers and retailers are responding by reformulating products and introducing GLP-1-friendly product lines. This trend could indirectly impact non-users in the same household if the primary cook is on GLP-1s. While smaller portion sizes might reduce food waste and obesity, they could also lead to a reduction in overall retail volume as GLP-1 users consume fewer calories per day, potentially impacting food growth and agricultural intensification. For retailers, there’s a silver lining as the categories favored by GLP-1 users (fruits, vegetables, fish, meat) are typically their highest-margin items. This trend, combined with state-based SNAP reform efforts pushing beneficiaries towards healthier food choices, could lead to a broader shift toward healthy food consumption, potentially changing store formats and leading to convenience and dollar stores adapting to offer healthier assortments.

Doug Guthrie, Arizona State University

In the second segment, Doug Guthrie, Professor of Global Leadership and China, Executive Director of China Initiatives at ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, brings a rare combination of academic depth and executive experience, having spent much of his career studying Chinese political economy, global strategy, and organizational development. Notably, he also served as a Senior Director at Apple in Shanghai, where he led Apple University’s efforts to shape leadership and organizational learning in the region.

Apple’s supply chain strategy, significantly shaped by Tim Cook’s operational genius starting around 2001, established an amazingly innovative and profitable global network deeply embedded in China. Cook built relationships with 1,600 Chinese suppliers, fostering industrial clusters around thousands of iPhone components and modules, leading to Apple controlling about 30% of the smartphone market share but taking 92% of the profits at one point.  Apple’s supply chain managers transferred extensive tacit knowledge to Chinese suppliers, helping them scale up to world-class manufacturing standards. Suppliers often accepted thin margins because of Apple’s volume, prestige, and the value of knowledge. The complexity of these manufacturing supply chains, built over decades, means Apple is “married to China,” and the idea of easily reproducing production in places like Chennai or Texas is not feasible and would take decades to rebuild efficiently. Currently, Apple navigates U.S.-China geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and trade wars by operating under the principle of shareholder value, with Tim Cook aiming to comply with the current administration’s demands while ensuring continued operation in China. However, this tension also carries risks, as Chinese consumers’ perception of American products like iPhones could be negatively affected, potentially leading to a decline in demand if local alternatives, whose capabilities have improved due to knowledge spillover, are seen as comparable.

The webinar is co-hosted by Karen Donohue, a professor at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, and Owen Wu, a professor at IU’s Kelley School of Business.

Webinar “Rewriting the Rules: Global Trade, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Research”

Find the webinar slides here.

Click here for the first webinar in the series “Rewriting the Rules: Global Trade, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Research.”

Recent global trade policy shifts and escalating sustainability concerns are reshaping the landscape for businesses worldwide, raising urgent questions for supply chain management professionals and researchers. On June 10, a webinar co-organized by the Center for Responsible Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business and the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, brought together leading experts to discuss these vital topics. More than 300 participants from 35 countries registered for the event.

Cori Masters, Gartner

Cori Masters, a Senior Director and High-Tech Supply Chain Analyst at Gartner, kicked off the discussion by outlining current sustainability macro trends and the complex tariff landscape. She detailed the “Four B’s” driving U.S. tariffs—balancing trade, bringing back manufacturing, bolstering US borders, and building revenue—and emphasized the volatile nature of global trade policies, necessitating continuous scenario planning for businesses and advancing supply chain optimization.

Jan Fransoo, Tilburg University

Jan Fransoo, Professor of Operations and Logistics Management at Tilburg University, argued that the perceived “deglobalization” might primarily be a U.S. phenomenon, with global trade continuing to grow, particularly with emerging forces like India and Africa. He highlighted the inextricable link between global trade and sustainability, suggesting that increased information technology leads to greater transparency and, in turn, higher accountability pressures. Fransoo posited that we might be at a “tipping point” for sustainable supply chains.

Panos Kouvelis, Washington University in St. Louis

Panos Kouvelis, Emerson Distinguished Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, reinforced the idea that tariff uncertainty could be the “new normal,” necessitating fundamental changes in supply chain contracts and financial hedging. He urged practitioners and researchers to rethink supply chain strategy not just as a sourcing portfolio but also as a product and market portfolio. Kouvelis also emphasized the booming potential of reverse logistics and circular economy, as new inventories become more expensive due to tariffs.

Christopher Tang, UCLA

Bringing a new dimension to the conversation, Christopher Tang, UCLA Distinguished Professor, exposed the “covert weaponization of supply chains.” He described how actors might use supply chains for illicit activities, presenting serious risks to global security and economic integrity. This troubling reality raises an urgent question for research: how can emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and forensic science be most effectively leveraged to identify, track, and disrupt the movement of illicit materials across global supply chains?

The webinar underscored that global supply chains are entering an era of unprecedented complexity and uncertainty. The future demands not only traditional risk mitigation but also innovative approaches to supply chain sustainability, financing, and security, driven by advanced data and technology.

The webinar is co-hosted by Karen Donohue, a professor at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, and Owen Wu, a professor at IU’s Kelley School of Business.

Webinar “Rewriting the Rules: Global Trade, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Research”

Find the webinar slides here.

Register for the next webinar on August 12, in which we will take a closer look at two industries that sit at the center of today’s global trade and sustainability debates: agribusiness and consumer electronics.

By Stephanie Wang

Indiana University, Bloomington

This May, we had the immense pleasure of welcoming scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to Bloomington, Indiana, for the 2025 “Innovations to Tackle Global Sustainability Challenges” conference. I had the privilege of founding the conference and chairing the program for the past two years, and this year, it was meaningful to share the role with Joel Gehman of George Washington University. We are also incredibly thankful to the Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs) at Indiana University, George Washington University, and Georgia Tech University for their generous support. Their commitment to advancing global business education and sustainability research was instrumental in making this conference possible.

A Community of Changemakers

From the moment our guests arrived for the campus tour on May 15, meaningful conversations had already begun. We were honored to begin the conference with Welcome and Opening Remarks facilitated by Sreeni Kamma, Associate Dean for Academics at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. His remarks set a thoughtful tone for the days ahead, emphasizing the importance of academic inquiry in addressing global sustainability challenges. Over the next two days, Hodge Hall was filled with thoughtful discussions about the challenges and opportunities in global sustainability.

Our panels featured visionary thought leaders whose work is transforming how we understand and act on sustainability. We were honored to host scholars such as Kylie Heales (Miami University), Wesley Longhofer (Emory University), and Garima Sharma (American University), who explored the implications of polarization and stakeholder governance. In our technology panel, Nardia Haigh (UMass Boston), Shon Hiatt (USC), and Jeff York (University of Colorado Boulder) examined the transformative potential of satellite data, AI, and blockchain. These thought leaders didn’t just present research—they challenged us to think differently, to collaborate boldly, and to innovate with purpose.

Furthermore, since the inaugural conference, we have aimed to establish a platform that serves as a meaningful bridge between academia and practice. This year’s practitioner panel exemplified that goal, featuring industry leaders Brijesh Krishnan (Cummins), Matthew Rubin (True Essence Foods), and Kyle Kerber (Cook Medical). Each shared practical insights from their experiences implementing sustainability strategies within their organizations. Their presentations offered attendees a grounded perspective on how sustainability challenges are being addressed in real-world contexts, effectively complementing the theoretical and empirical discussions presented throughout the academic sessions. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to Zolboo Dashmyagmar (Indiana University), who thoughtfully organized and skillfully chaired the session.

Finally, the conference featured a compelling interdisciplinary panel consisting of Donald Young, Mathias Kruttli, Kenneth Richards, and Nikos Zirogiannis—all from Indiana University. Drawing on expertise from accounting, finance, environmental policy, and economics, these scholars brought diverse academic lenses to the conversation. This interdisciplinary approach is essential, as sustainability represents a grand challenge that demands cross-disciplinary dialogue, integrated perspectives, and coordinated action. Kudos to Owen Wu (Indiana University) for his leadership in organizing and moderating such a meaningful session.

Highlights from the Program

Our paper presentations showcased cutting-edge research on refugee entrepreneurship, emissions efficiency, and sustainability in global supply chains. I was especially moved by the diversity of perspectives—from the Midwest to India, from carbon markets to blockchain sustainability.

We were also proud to recognize outstanding scholarship through our conference awards, which celebrate innovative research and meaningful contributions to the field of sustainability:

🏆 Young Scholar Best Paper Award:

• Supplier Networks, Knowledge Absorption and Environmental Practice Adoption: An Examination of Apple’s Global Supply Chain
  Kijong Kim, Sali Li, Sjoerd Beugelsdijk, and Keith Skowronski (University of South Carolina)

🏆 Best Phenomena-Based Paper:

• Do Firms Reduce Emissions Efficiently?
  Angelyn Fairchild (Indiana University)
• Refugee Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: Evidence from the Midwest
  Andrea Contigiani (Ohio State University), Fabrizio Dell’Acqua (Harvard University), Spencer Long (Nationwide Children’s Hospital), Arati Maleku and Sehun Oh (Ohio State University)

🏆 Best Conference Paper:

• Creating MNE Competitive Advantage in the Face of Geopolitics: The Role of Environmental Engagement
  Yuxi Cheng (University of Liverpool), Anupama Phene and Reid Click (George Washington University)

These awards reflect the depth and diversity of research presented at the conference, and we congratulate all the recipients for their exceptional contributions. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Research Award Committee, chaired by Juan Bu, with members Aurora Genin, Hyewon Ma, and Jingyuan Li (all from Indiana University). A special thank you to Dan Li for presenting the awards, and to Evelyn Theinart from the Jacobs School of Music for a stunning musical performance that closed the evening on a high note.

During lunch on Friday, we were also privileged to hear from Erik Gonzalez-Mulé, Chair of the Management & Entrepreneurship Department, whose welcome remarks underscored the department’s commitment to supporting impactful research and dialogue. On Saturday, our lunch featured a compelling presentation by David Phaho, Director of the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School and former CEO of Tshumisano Trust. His talk, “Just Energy Transition and Climate Change: A Southern Africa Perspective,” offered a powerful reminder of the global dimensions of sustainability and the need for inclusive, regionally informed solutions.

A new feature of this year’s conference was the Paper Development Workshop, designed specifically to support doctoral students and early-career scholars. Led by Jose Uribe (Indiana University), the workshop provided a collaborative environment for participants to receive constructive feedback on their research from senior faculty and peers. With a diverse set of topics ranging from blockchain sustainability and circular innovation to strategic alliance dynamics and cross-border acquisitions, the workshop fostered scholarly development and encouraged meaningful dialogue across institutions and disciplines.

Bringing Bright Ideas Together at the Kelley School of Business

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the conference, I’m filled with gratitude—for our speakers, our attendees, and our generous sponsors. Most of all, I’m grateful for the spirit of collaboration and curiosity that defined every session. The energy in the room was not just academic—it was aspirational. We came together not only to share research, but to build a community committed to advancing sustainability through rigorous inquiry and meaningful action.

A final special thank you goes to our Organizing Committee—Teresa Crafton and Christine Everett (Indiana University), Alexis Gaul and Anna Helm (George Washington University), and Jim Hoadley and John McIntyre (Georgia Institute of Technology)—for their tireless efforts behind the scenes. Their attention to detail, coordination, and dedication were essential to the success of this event.

It is both humbling and rewarding to see how this conference has grown—from a simple idea into a vibrant platform that now connects over 50 scholars and practitioners annually from around the world, spanning disciplines, sectors, and geographies. Each year, the expanding reach and depth of participation reaffirm the importance of creating spaces where diverse perspectives can converge to address the complex challenges of global sustainability.

I believe our conference embodies the spirit of ‘a drive to seize new opportunities to better our world,’ as outlined in one of the fundamental principles of the Indiana University’s 2030 goals. May every moment we share during this conference spark momentum for meaningful change.

A team of undergraduate students from the Kelley School of Business earned first place at the Fall 2024 Smeal Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition, hosted by the Center for the Business of Sustainability at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. The two-round competition featured strong entries from across the country, with only six teams advancing to the final round.

Kelley Team Takes First Place at Smeal Sustainability Case Competition.

The challenge invited students to propose innovative strategies to reduce food waste. Kelley School’s team—Crossroads Consulting, consisting of Pallevi Pillai, Rikin Patel, Shreya Goda, and Kirtee Ayitha—presented a data-informed plan grounded in behavioral insights and stakeholder coordination.

The team’s participation was generously supported by the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability (IESS), which provided faculty coaching and sponsored the trip. Their success reflects the value of experiential learning and demonstrates IESS’s commitment to fostering applied sustainability leadership.

We also greatly appreciate the Center for the Business of Sustainability at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business for hosting this competition.

By Abigail Garrison and Kyle Springer, Class of 2025

Every year, IU sends a delegation of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students to attend the Conference of Parties (COP) hosted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). For the Fall 2024 semester, the 29th COP was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Week One IU student delegates in Baku: Valerie Grau, Kathleen Suelzer, Declan Gallagher, Kyle Springer, Abigail Garrison, Khoi Hua, Daniel Farrell, and Madison Harris.

Each student prepares a research proposal and investigates their selected topic by attending negotiations, listening to panels, and interviewing experts. The delegation consists of students from a wide range of disciplines who have interests in climate change and sustainability.  

Before attending the conference, all students take part in a course that educates them on the inner workings of the UNFCCC. Much of this study focuses on the Paris Agreement, which is largely regarded as a guiding framework for future conferences to aspire to keep global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.  

An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to combat climate change, and every job is or will soon become a climate job. Examples of research topics from Kelley students Kyle Springer and Abigail Garrison include quality considerations of climate finance with a focus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and the decarbonization of the maritime sector.  

This year was deemed the “Finance COP” because negotiations centered around the NCQG, which sets a financial goal of $300 billion annually to contribute to climate change. Along with overall quantity, quality was a major concern. While speaking to national representatives of climate funds from all around the world, Kyle was able to gain insight into the most pressing needs in climate finance, including debt-free financing, equitable accessibility to finance, and standardized reporting frameworks.  

The maritime sector is considered a hard-to-abate industry. This means that it is difficult for the maritime sector to reach carbon neutrality. During COP29, Abigail was looking at how this sector can reach the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. She spoke to a multitude of different individuals focused on the private sector and alternative fuels, and those from small island states. Many of the events she attended were about a carbon tax on the sector and how to scale up alternative fuels.  

This research opportunity was a life-changing experience for those passionate about solving the climate crisis. It was motivating to witness so many people doing great work to limit global temperature increase. This was a reminder that companies and governments need students who are passionate about climate change as it’s a global issue that goes beyond borders.  

Kyle and Abigail are extremely grateful for the financial support they received for this experience from the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability. Additional support for all participants was received from the Hamilton Lugar School, O’Neill School, College of Arts and Sciences, Kelley School of Business, School of Social Work, Ostrom Workshop, Integrated Program on the Environment, Environmental Resilience Institute, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Russian Flagship, Political and Civic Engagement, Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), and IU Housing.  

As the world faces the intensifying effects of climate change, the role of infrastructure investment and innovation in building resilience has never been more critical. On November 13th, 2024, the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability (IESS) hosted a focused workshop that brought together experts from diverse sectors to explore solutions to this urgent challenge. Held at the Kelley School of Business, the event featured discussions on decarbonization strategies, alternative energy sources, utility transformation, and the intersection of market dynamics and renewable energy integration.

The full program of the event can be found at this link.

Frameworks and Policies for Decarbonization

The morning session kicked off with a focus on decarbonization frameworks and policies, which are at the heart of the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. Heavy industries, often responsible for significant emissions, are key targets for policy intervention. Experts emphasized the importance of institutional frameworks and public policies in steering these industries towards cleaner, more sustainable practices. With the evolving social cost of carbon, the need for strategic investments in renewable energy was also highlighted, positioning it as a crucial driver of climate resilience.

• Anees Azzouni explored the challenges of decarbonizing heavy industries, emphasizing their significant energy use, high emissions, outdated processes, and the costs of transitioning to cleaner technologies. He highlighted the role of public policy in influencing industrial decarbonization, discussing the intersections of climate, industrial, and trade policies, as well as regulatory and corporate frameworks. Key obstacles include weak institutional frameworks, conflicting policy objectives, and hesitant adoption of new technologies by industries. The discussion underscored the need for cohesive strategies, stronger corporate commitments, and targeted policies to effectively align industrial efforts with global climate goals.

• Tom Palley explored the implications of the social cost of carbon (SCC) on renewable energy investments and policy. SCC, representing the economic damages of emitting one ton of CO₂, is challenging to estimate due to wide-ranging and uncertain forecasts. By modeling SCC’s evolution stochastically, his research examines how utilities adjust renewable energy investments under different scenarios and how policymakers might influence learning about SCC over time. The study underscored the role of SCC in shaping regulations and utility planning, despite the absence of a federal carbon tax.

Alternative Energy Sources in Transition

As the energy sector grapples with its transition away from fossil fuels, exploring untapped sources of alternative energy becomes essential. Wood fiber, an American energy resource often overlooked, was presented as a potential contributor to the renewable energy mix. Additionally, renewable natural gas (RNG) emerged as a key player in this transition, showcasing its ability to reduce emissions and provide reliable energy.

• Tim Gawne discussed challenges and opportunities in utilizing timber residuals for biofuels and biomass energy, driven by an oversupply of timber in the U.S. Southeast. While projects like biofuel and wood pellet production show potential, high costs, regulatory hurdles, and competition with cheaper energy sources, like natural gas, pose significant challenges. He highlighted the need for government policies, carbon capture technologies, and holistic industry collaboration to address sustainability and resource management, emphasizing the economic and environmental complexities of transitioning to biomass as an energy solution.
• Anita Doyle discussed renewable natural gas (RNG) as a sustainable energy solution derived from organic waste, such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants. Highlighting its environmental benefits, the presentation emphasized RNG’s ability to capture methane emissions and its versatile applications in transportation, industry, and electricity generation. Despite its higher costs compared to fossil natural gas, demand for RNG is growing due to ESG commitments, government incentives, and its compatibility with existing infrastructure. The speaker underscored RNG’s role in the energy transition while acknowledging challenges like scalability, economics, and regulatory support.

Utility Transformation and Community Development

The transformation of electric utilities was another central theme of the workshop. With the rapid evolution of technology and energy needs, utilities must adapt to innovate while ensuring they support community development. Discussions on how companies like Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity are partnering to address housing and energy needs in local communities underscored the importance of such collaborations in building resilient, sustainable systems that meet both environmental and social goals.

• Ed Coleman shared insights from his involvement in the energy sector, particularly the electric utility industry’s transition to net zero. He highlighted the industry’s focus on safety, reliability, customer affordability, and clean energy. Utilities have reduced carbon emissions by 41% since 2005, driven by ESG goals, investor demands, and regulatory shifts, but face challenges like demand growth, aging infrastructure, and transmission hurdles. Innovation in energy generation, grid modernization, financing stranded assets, and balancing local versus large-scale energy solutions are critical to achieving net zero by 2050, all while navigating political and social complexities.

Ed Coleman speaks on electric utility transformation and innovation

• Wendi Goodlett, Rosa Skinner, and Beat Stocker highlighted Whirlpool Corporation’s impactful partnership with Habitat for Humanity over the past many years, emphasizing their joint commitment to sustainability, affordable housing, and energy efficiency. The “BuildBetter with Whirlpool” program has focused on creating climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes, addressing global challenges like rising energy costs and environmental impacts while contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Energy Challenges and Transition

The afternoon sessions delved into the specific energy challenges faced by states like Indiana, with a focus on how emerging electricity issues could shape the future of energy transition. Experts discussed the timing of this transition, stressing that the question is not if but when energy systems must change to address climate impacts.

• Sunil Maheshwari shared insights into the energy industry and the challenges of forecasting electricity demand in Indiana. Reflecting on their extensive career in energy utilities, wholesale trading, and retail electricity markets, they emphasized the importance of accurate demand forecasts for effective resource planning, particularly in the context of data center growth and increasing electrification. They highlighted the role of econometric models, evolving industry trends, and the regulatory complexities utilities face, such as balancing customer affordability with infrastructure investment. They also discussed broader industry issues, including hedging practices, carbon regulation impacts, and the dynamic nature of energy markets, encouraging students to develop strong quantitative skills to address future energy challenges effectively.
• Stephanie Wang presents her research on energy transition from a temporal perspective, focusing on how firms manage the shift toward renewable energy. She discusses two papers: the first examines firms’ energy transition patterns using a framework that looks at strategic purpose and scope. The second paper explores how firms deal with regulatory uncertainty through time-calibrated responses, emphasizing the role of time in shaping compliance. Wang concludes by highlighting the importance of aligning managerial attention with transition goals.

Global Investment, Pollution, and Climate Uncertainty

The complexities of global investment, pollution, and the uncertainties surrounding climate change were also examined. The intersection of multinational investments, environmental pollution, and the race to innovate in the face of extreme weather events presented a multifaceted view of how global forces influence local and regional energy transitions.

• Juan Bu presents a study on the impact of environmental pollution on multinational firms’ foreign investment. The paper challenges the “race to the bottom” theory, suggesting that pollution havens may incur significant reputational and operational risks, leading firms to reduce investments in these countries. Bu introduces the concept of “pollution cost,” consisting of reputational and operational risks, and examines how firms’ environmental capabilities and transgressions affect their investment decisions. The study finds that firms with higher environmental capabilities are more likely to scale back investments in polluted countries, reflecting growing concerns over sustainability.
• Sumudu Watugala presents research on how extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes, influence uncertainty and firm returns. She explores the impact of extreme weather on firm-level uncertainty, specifically using changes in stock option prices around US hurricanes to measure uncertainty. The study finds that extreme weather leads to substantial uncertainty, with option prices increasing by 20%, and that uncertainty remains high for up to three months. Additionally, the paper shows that investors underreact to the uncertainty caused by these events, leading to pricing inefficiencies that are corrected after major incidents like Hurricane Sandy.

Market Dynamics and Renewable Integration

The final session explored the dynamics between competitive markets, capital investment, and the integration of renewable energy. Discussions focused on the role of renewable, flexible, and storage capacities, raising important questions about their compatibility and the challenges involved in optimizing these resources to ensure reliable and sustainable energy systems.

• Madeline Yozwiak’s research explores the impact of market structure on electricity generation investment in the US, particularly in the context of competitive reforms. She finds that deregulation leads to a substantial reduction in capital investment in fossil power plants, without negatively affecting operational efficiency, suggesting that prior investments were likely excessive. The study highlights that the decrease in investment could lead to cost savings for consumers. Maddy also suggests that similar effects could occur with future renewable energy investments, pointing out that deregulation may play a role in reducing infrastructure costs during the transition to clean energy.
• Owen Wu’s research explores how utilities should balance investments in battery storage, solar energy, and dispatchable generation (like natural gas). Using optimal control theory, the study evaluates when to charge or discharge batteries to maximize cost efficiency. The results show that solar and batteries can either complement or substitute each other, depending on the availability of renewable energy. For instance, excess solar energy can be stored in batteries for later use, while in cases of insufficient renewable generation, batteries might use natural gas. The research highlights the complex interplay between these resources and suggests that optimizing their use can inform investment decisions for utilities transitioning to cleaner energy.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The workshop underscored the critical need for collaboration across sectors—government, business, and communities—to drive meaningful progress in addressing climate change. From innovative energy solutions to market transformations, the discussions highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment and forward-thinking policies in shaping a resilient future for all. It is clear that as the challenges of climate change grow, so must our commitment to finding innovative, sustainable solutions that can withstand the test of time.

Written by Ling Li, PhD student, Kelley School of Business

On October 19, 2024, the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University collaboratively hosted the Third Annual Symposium on Environmental and Social Sustainability in Supply Chains. Building upon the success of the previous two symposiums held in 2022 and 2023, this symposium convened distinguished academic scholars and industry practitioners to deliberate on innovative advancements, disseminate critical insights, and emphasize the imperative for collaborative endeavors to address pervasive sustainability challenges on a global scale. Click here for the full program.

The Symposium on Environmental and Social Sustainability in Supply Chains, cohosted by the UW Foster School of Business and the IU Kelley School of Business

Making Hard Decisions in Sustainable Operations
Professor Charles Corbett explored the intricacies of sustainable decision-making, demonstrated by three recent projects. The first project delved into how context effects, such as attraction and compromise effects, influence decisions based on information from life-cycle assessments (LCA) studies. The second project examines how procurement managers think about trade-offs between reducing carbon footprint or water usage in their supply chain, and whether that interacts with a preference for environmental burdens to be local or far away. The third project is a survey of Los Angeles homeowners highlighted that those who took a satisficing approach were more likely to install rooftop solar panels compared to those aiming to optimize every detail. Overall, he emphasizes the research opportunities in understanding how people make sustainability-related decisions and how people should make such decisions.

Charles Corbett, Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles

Bridging the Gap: Making Sustainability Good Business

Samantha Wai, Assistant Vice President, Global Sustainability & Compliance group, Costco Wholesale

Applying Design Thinking to Enhance Best Practices in Sustainability

Aleda Roth, Clemson University

ESG Regulatory Requirements and the New World of Double Materiality, Social Due Diligence and Remedy
Professor Anita Ramasastry examined the evolving landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulations, with a particular focus on mandatory human rights due diligence within global supply chains. She discussed the transition from voluntary compliance to mandated regulations, especially under emerging European Union directives that require corporations to identify, prevent, and mitigate social and environmental risks associated with their operations. Furthermore, Professor Ramasastry introduced the concept of “double materiality,” wherein organizations must evaluate both financial and societal impacts, presenting novel compliance challenges. She advocated for the development of comprehensive frameworks to guide corporations through these complexities, emphasizing the necessity for standards that bridge the governance gap in human rights and sustainability.

Anita Ramasastry, School of Law, University of Washington

Modeling Strategic Sustainability in Supply Chains
Professor Jeannette Song investigated the strategic integration of sustainability within multi-tiered supply chains, emphasizing efficiency, compliance, and resilience. She contrasted traditional supply chain models, which prioritize cost minimization and demand fulfillment, with contemporary frameworks that incorporate environmental and social responsibilities. Professor Song’s research highlighted the role of advanced data-driven and digital solutions in reducing waste and optimizing processes. She discussed practical applications such as blockchain technology for fresh produce tracking and smart contracts to minimize waste, alongside the challenges of ensuring supplier compliance with safety and labor standards. Ultimately, Professor Song proposed that sustainable supply chains necessitate adaptive compliance frameworks supported by third-party verifications, tailored scorecards, and tier-specific investment strategies to foster long-term sustainability.

Jeannette Song, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

Net Zero by 2040: The Roadmap to Net Zero at Alaska Airlines

Scott Coughlan, Environmental Sustainability Program Manager, Alaska Airlines

Competitive Industry’s Technological and Market Response to Environmental Taxation
Professor Anton Ovchinnikov investigated the effects of environmental taxation on the adoption of green technologies within competitive markets. His research challenges the conventional assumption that environmental taxes uniformly encourage the uptake of sustainable technologies. Instead, Professor Ovchinnikov found that under certain conditions, particularly in markets with high demand elasticity, increased taxes can inadvertently favor less sustainable alternatives. This occurs because the substantial fixed costs associated with cleaner technologies become a barrier when demand decreases due to higher taxes. To address this issue, he recommends a strategic combination of taxes and subsidies, tailored to the specific market dynamics and demand responsiveness.

Anton Ovchinnikov, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University

Panel: Charting the Uncharted

Panelists: Charles Corbett, Anton Ovchinnikov, Aleda Roth, Jeannette Song.

In this panel, the discourse centered on the evolving challenges and opportunities within the field of operations management. Panelists underscored the critical importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry by engaging practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders early in the research process to ensure that studies are aligned with real-world issues. Moreover, they emphasized that operations management research must balance academic rigor with accessibility, relevance, and practical impact. Additionally, the panel explored the role of technology and artificial intelligence in advancing research, while cautioning against potential ethical and environmental concerns, such as the sustainability of data centers and the concealed labor involved in AI development. Overall, the discussion highlighted the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative dissemination methods, and responsiveness to societal needs to maintain the field of operations management as both impactful and forward-looking.

The Third Annual Symposium on Environmental and Social Sustainability in Supply Chains facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas among scholars and industry professionals. As sustainability remains a pivotal concern for global supply chains, such collaborative platforms are indispensable for driving meaningful progress and fostering innovation.

In September 2024, the Kelley Institute for Environmental & Social Sustainability (IESS), in collaboration with Kate Gaertner, founder and CEO of TripleWin Advisory, will launch Cultivate: Personal Sustainability for Professional Growth.

This 10-week online course begins with a discussion on how we understand and define personal sustainability, identifying personal values and linking them with sustainable action. It includes consideration of how we talk about successful behavior change to help us rewire our thoughts and actions in order to embrace sustainable living as an everyday norm. The course ends by emphasizing action — at home, with friends and family, and in our work and communities. As Gaertner says, “Scale of action is important, but we must embrace a sustainable mindset in ourselves before we can affect change in our systems of operating economically, culturally, politically, and industrially.”

Between those bookend considerations are modules on the significant areas of sustainable impact. This includes travel, how we source and use energy, the food we eat, and how and what we buy, both consumable and durable. Participants are challenged to think about consumerism and their waste streams, with a particular emphasis on plastics and personal electronics. The course also addresses water use and impacts on the built environment, as well as land and biodiversity.

Cultivate will welcome faculty and corporate experts for live sessions and recorded interviews. They will share how personal sustainability extends to what we do in our professional lives and in our communities.

This fall, we are pleased to welcome Helen Colby, Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Kelley School of Business and an expert on successful behavior change within organizations; Kelly Carmichael, a veteran leader in energy, with over 25 years of experience in advancing corporate and non-profit organizations to the forefront of environmental and sustainability leadership; Jackie Suggitt, the vice president of Business Initiatives & Community Engagement at ReFED, who has spent over 10 years working in sustainable food systems; Mary Embry, Senior Lecturer in the renowned Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture & Design, an expert on sustainability in the fashion industry whose teaching focuses on community engagement and fair trade; Meredith Soward, a Global Plastic Policy Specialist at World Wildlife Fund; Thomas Landis, Senior Lecturer at Kelley, discussing sustainable living within our communities, including lessons from a current house rehab project; and Kelly Bousman, senior vice president of Marketing and ESG at AVI-SPL, a global collaboration technology company with 4,000+ employees and 65 offices worldwide. Bousman spearheaded AVI-SPL’s sustainability journey by creating its multi-year ESG roadmap.

Kate Gaertner is the author of the award-winning book Planting A Seed: Three Simple Steps to Sustainable Living. This is the foundational text for the course. Kate is also a contributing author to BF Nagy’s book Proven Climate Solutions: Leading Voices on How To Accelerate Change, a collection of essays on best sustainable practices.

Kelly Eskew is a Clinical Professor of Business Law & Ethics and the Director of Education for IESS. Her teaching addresses sustainability, climate change, human rights, and poverty law. She has received numerous teaching awards, including the John Bonsignore Memorial Award for Excellence, a national honor for teachers whose teaching or research is interdisciplinary, demonstrates critical thinking skills, and reflects humanitarian concerns.

In addition to earning a professional certificate upon completion of this program, you will also earn a digital badge to showcase your skills on platforms like LinkedIn. These credentials show your network the concrete and in-demand skills you earned from taking this Kelley program.

For more information, visit the Kelley website and register for Cultivate: Personal Sustainability for Professional Growth.

Chengcheng Zhai, a Kelley School PhD student with a deep personal connection to rural life, has spent her academic career focused on addressing inequities in resource allocation, particularly in rural areas of developing countries. Growing up in a remote village called GanQiKa in Inner Mongolia, China, Zhai experienced firsthand the stark contrasts between rural and urban living conditions. “My first elementary school had latrines, no running water, and families took turns donating coal to heat the classrooms,” she recalled. These experiences, contrasted with later years spent in Beijing where her school had bathrooms, running water, and central heating, ignited her interest in addressing disparities in resource access.

Chengcheng Zhai, Ph.D. in Operations Management, Kelley School of Business, 2024

Zhai successfully defended her dissertation in May 2024, a culmination of years of research into drinking water access issues in Africa. She is joining the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame as an Assistant Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations. Her dissertation committee members include Kurt Bretthauer and Jorge Mejia, Faculty Fellows at the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability.

Her dissertation is a comprehensive investigation into how NGOs operating in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) can improve their operational decisions regarding the location of new water points, the maintenance of existing water points, and the fundraising strategies to boost donations. As Zhai emphasizes, “Worldwide, over 700 million people still lack access to clean drinking water, with more than half living in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.” This global challenge is a focus of one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working tirelessly to improve water access.

Ethiopia, January 2020. A public stand-tap in Tigray, Ethiopia. Typically, a community member, usually a woman, manages the opening and closing of the water site and collects fees from those who come to fetch water.	Ethiopia, January 2020. People use jerrycans to store water. Each jerrycan holds 20 liters and weighs about 45 pounds. People carry jerrycans on their shoulders or heads, while wealthier families may use donkeys to transport water.

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