The Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, 2008

Defining Defining Sustainability,Sustainability,the Triple Bottom Line, the Triple Bottom Line, and the GRIand the GRI

Defining Defining Sustainability,Sustainability,the Triple Bottom Line, the Triple Bottom Line, and the GRIand the GRI

Paulette Stenzel

Professor of International Business Law

Eli Broad College of Business

Michigan State University

Presented: March 20, 2009

MALSB - Chicago, Ill.

Prepared by Professor Stenzel and Teaching Assistant Lindsay Allen

The Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, 2008

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

1. Defining Sustainability, Triple Bottom Line, and the GRI

2. AACSB’s developing accreditation standards regarding sustainability

3. Sustainability topis in specific legal studies coursesa) Professor Carol Miller, Missouri State Universityb) Professor Paulette Stenzel, Michgian State Universityc) Professor Linda Reid, University of Wisconsin-

Whitewaterd) Professor Janet Hale, Texas State University, San Marco

4. Overall perspectives: sustainability on campus and opportunities for legal studies curricula in interdisciplinary sustainability programs

a) Professor Janet Haleb) Professor Paulette Stenzelc) Professor Linda Reidd) Professor Carol Miller

5. Questions and Answers

3 The Eli Broad College of Business,

Michigan State University, 2008

What is Sustainability?What is Sustainability?

Sustainability refers to the ability of society to “[meet]

the needs of the present without compromising the

ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Source: Our Common Future – UN Brundtland Report - 1987

4 The Eli Broad College of Business,

Michigan State University, 2008

What is the Triple Bottom Line?What is the Triple Bottom Line?

A business perspective that looks at…

People, Planet, and Profit

Economy, [Social] Equity, Environment (Three E’s)

Corporate 3BL reporting is monitored by Global

Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Resource: The Triple Bottom Line by Savitz & Weber

5 The Eli Broad College of Business,

Michigan State University, 2008

Environmental Protection is Everyone’s ConcernEnvironmental Protection is Everyone’s Concern

Environmental protection- topic that breaks political boundaries

President Nixon founded the EPA

The Clinton administration was known as one of the strongest

supporters of environmental protection

Both Obama and McCain supported greenhouse gas emission

caps in the 2008 election

Sustainability is a sound business practice

Interface Carpets Case

6 The Eli Broad College of Business,

Michigan State University, 2008

Global Business Compact – Promotes MDGsGlobal Business Compact – Promotes MDGs

Goal: Responsible partnership with the UN

Means:

Work to implement MDGs

Supports UN Declarations on:

Human Rights, Labor, Environment, Anti-Corruption

See UN.org/millenniumgoals for details

7 The Eli Broad College of Business,

Michigan State University, 2008

The Millennium Development GoalsThe Millennium Development Goals

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development