ERB THOUGHT LEADERSHIP A big, bold mission deserves an audacious strategy! In 2015, Erb launched its Strategic Plan 2015--20, with our sights raised high: To cultivate bold business leaders who adeptly transform companies, industries, and entire economies for systemic sustainability. But where to begin?
RESEARCH & EDUCATION The Erb Institute conducts both scholarly and applied research.
is intentionally broad, and includes issues such as energy and climate
Our scholarly work pushes the envelope on sustainability science,
change, water security, land use and ecosystem services, among others.
while our applied research drives impact here and now through practical toolboxes, case studies, and management approaches.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: Today’s companies are complex,
To deepen our impact on both fronts, we work across four
global systems of owned operations, contracted supply chains,
priority research areas:
and often many tiers of subcontracted suppliers. We aim to
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: Erb Institute researchers are looking closely at the role the private sector can play in turning the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—which include social, environmental,
understand how corporate culture, investment and decisionmaking strategies, radical transparency, and the ever-present risks of corruption affect performance. CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION: We examine the role of the consumer
and economic progress—into reality. GLOBAL CHANGE: Erb Institute researchers are studying the role that businesses may play in reducing the risks society faces from global environmental change. Here, our focus
RESEARCH & EDUCATION
in advancing sustainability, particularly in the realm of purchasing decisions, and how these may be better informed in the interest of greater social and environmental good.
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT We insert Erb students into the global dialogue on business sustainability in real time. We bring business leaders to campus to share their ideas and experiences, and we send our students
ROSS BUSINESS IMPACT GROUP: Sponsored by the Erb Institute, BIG is the Ross student club focused on social and environmental impact through startup and early-stage social enterprises.
out into the companies, nonprofits, and government agencies that
In 2016, Ross and Erb students worked with an agribusiness startup
are leading the charge on sustainability.
in Peru’s high Amazon to provide field insights, business plans,
In addition to our co-curricular opportunities—like Erb Seminar, student
and stakeholder engagements.
competitions, and Cool Projects—the Institute also engages with com-
DOW SUSTAINABILITY FELLOWS PROGRAM: This University of
panies across a number of platforms throughout the year. For example:
Michigan partnership with Dow Chemical supports graduate students
CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS: Erb convenes small invitation-only events, large public conferences, and student-facing workshops that address the “Erb business sustainability cycle”—from stakeholder engagement and strategy, to materiality, metrics, and reporting.
20
who are committed to finding interdisciplinary sustainability solutions on local to global scales. The tight network of fellows across campus brings together diverse interests related to climate change, energy, water, health, consumption, transportation, built environment, and public policy, among others.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S ERB INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE ERB.UMICH.EDU