HTTPS
The Business Sustainability Unit, also known as the Corporate Sustainability Unit, is dedicated to studying activities that contribute to the success and long-term sustainability of businesses. This includes managing environmental, social, and financial concerns to ensure ethical and sustainable success. Contrary to popular belief, a focus on business sustainability does not mean sacrificing financial profitability for environmental or social impact. In fact, many companies gain financial advantages by adhering to sustainable practices.
Today, many investors rely on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria to evaluate the ethical impact of corporate practices. They assess elements such as carbon footprint, spending efficiency, optimal resource use, community development efforts, board diversity, and more.
Research shows that companies with high ESG ratings benefit from reduced debt and equity costs. Moreover, sustainability initiatives can enhance financial performance and public support. According to McKinsey's 2017 report, key reasons companies adopted a sustainability mindset included:
Sustainability impacts all business management activities and is a key consideration in stakeholder relationships—whether in adopting socially responsible approaches with customers, defining environmental regulations with suppliers, or safeguarding shareholders through better decision-making.
To address these needs, the Business Sustainability Research Unit forms interdisciplinary research groups that collaborate across the university and with external partners to produce high-impact research that contributes to business sustainability.
The unit brings together broad expertise across various areas, including:
