As 2023 concludes, we at the Institute for Environmental and Social Sustainability (IESS) at the Kelley School of Business reflect on our inaugural year, a period brimming with vibrant activities, engaging discussions, and distinguished speakers, all centered around our commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
A Promising Beginning
IESS’s establishment, aligning with Earth Week 2023, was more than a ceremonial milestone; it was a profound statement of our intent. The excitement and enthusiasm of nearly 50 Kelley faculty from diverse disciplines joining the institute reflect a shared dedication to create meaningful change through research, teaching, and outreach.
Cross-Disciplinary Synergy
Our faculty, representing a spectrum of business disciplines, engaged in an innovative mapping of our research to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strategic initiative has not only facilitated interdisciplinary collaborations but also enriched the academic discourse with diverse perspectives. For more details, visit our Institute’s research webpage.
A Confluence of Minds and Ideas
The “Innovations to Tackle Global Sustainability Challenges” Conference in mid-September brought together thinkers and leaders, sparking dialogues critical for addressing global sustainability issues. This event underscored our role as a hub for progressive ideas and solutions.
This momentum continued with two significant events. On October 14, 2023, the “Symposium on Environmental and Social Sustainability in Supply Chains,” hosted at the Walton Center for Planetary Health and co-organized with the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, provided a vital platform to examine sustainable supply chain management’s challenges and opportunities.
Subsequently, on October 30, 2023, the “Focused Field Workshop on the Environment, Energy, and Entrepreneurship” at the Kelley School of Business explored the complex, contemporary environmental and energy issues.
Engagements with Thought Leaders
The fall semester was further enriched by interactions with prominent leaders in sustainability and climate change. Nobel Laureate Lars Hansen’s visit on September 29, 2023, Kelly Carmichael, VP Environmental of NiSource, on October 9, 2023, Professor Michael Oppenheimer on October 25, 2023, and Auden Schendler, SVP Sustainability of Aspen Skiing Company, on November 6, 2023, provided our community with invaluable insights. Their educational and inspirational talks motivated us to engage proactively with environmental issues.
Looking Ahead to 2024
As we step into 2024, IESS remains committed to advancing our goals in sustainability research and education. We are poised to build upon this year’s achievements and continue our journey towards making a significant impact in the field of environmental and social sustainability.
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