With more and more stakeholders holding organizations accountable for their environmental impacts, the demand for employees who can navigate this complex landscape is rapidly rising. To address pressing global challenges, Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences has launched a new Sustainability and Climate Action minor and concentration aiming to equip undergrads across all majors with the essential skills and knowledge needed to integrate environmental sustainability principles into their respective fields.
“As climate change emerges as one of humanity's greatest threats, businesses are increasingly seeking leaders who not only possess technical expertise but also a strategic understanding of environmental frameworks,” says Biological and Biomedical Sciences Lecturer Robert Patalano, Ph.D., who helped develop the new curriculum with Biological and Biomedical Sciences professors Qin Leng, Ph.D., and Hong Yang, Ph.D., and clinical associate professor and department chair of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Jennifer Hurrell, PT, DHSc.
Patalano notes that company stakeholders have taken an interest in environmental impacts. For instance, all Nike’s North American operations are powered 100 percent by renewable energy, and they plan to extend this globally in 2025. Meanwhile, shareholders at HP have raised concern regarding the company's environmental practices, which prompted the organization to commit to eliminating 75 percent of its single-use plastic packaging and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent in 2025.
“By applying sustainability strategies to real organizational challenges, students will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for effective leadership,” Patalano says.
Between January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires and the life-threatening hurricanes that hit Florida and North Carolina in 2024, the gradual intensity of extreme weather is a glaring reminder of climate change’s increasing impacts.
Through Bryant’s new program, students will build a foundational knowledge in sustainability and climate action and cover topics such as emissions disclosures, greenhouse gas accounting, waste circularity, the pitfalls of greenwashing, and environmental, social, and governance standards. Undergrads will also apply sustainability concepts to real-life business challenges — which will enhance their primary field of study while fostering a commitment to environmental stewardship — and will engage in hands-on projects where they will develop innovative solutions to contemporary sustainability issues.
The new program will commence in the spring 2025 semester and will emphasize a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles and their implications for organizational practices.
“Our students will recognize the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems,” says Hurrell. “This perspective is crucial for making informed decisions that positively impact both business performance and environmental stewardship.”
Patalano adds that the curriculum is designed to instill strong ethical decision-making capabilities. Students will explore the ethical implications of business practices on climate and environmental health, which will prepare them to advocate for equitable and responsible sustainability initiatives. Additionally, undergrads will learn to measure and communicate the impact of sustainability efforts effectively. With a focus on data analysis and stakeholder engagement, they will be equipped to convey the value of sustainability initiatives to diverse audiences, thereby advocating for greater corporate accountability and community involvement.
“This program empowers students to examine critical sustainability issues across multiple sectors,” Patalano says. “It emphasizes the intersection of climate action and organizational practices, ensuring that our graduates are prepared to lead in a marketplace where sustainability is paramount. As businesses continue to evolve in response to climate challenges, this new program positions Bryant’s students at the forefront of this critical movement.”
