McCombs Alumni Network News

From McCombs TODAY

The 2nd annual UT Sustainable Business Summit drew hundreds of students and local business leaders to the McCombs School to showcase and discuss innovative new green business strategies during a series of panels and networking events Jan. 29-30.

Those in attendance said the current economic recession and individuals’ increasing consciousness of world environmental problems has made 2009 an especially important time to espouse practices that improve the world while helping the bottom line.

Conference attendees enjoyed two keynote speeches. Steve Bishop of IDEO, described how his company has made sustainability a priority in design of products from cars, to consumer products to medical devices. Ana Paula, deputy director of the Rainforest Alliance, who has had experience promoting biodiversity, sustainable forestry and renewable energy in Brazil and across Latin America, described how business leaders can promote their ideals across cultures and economies.

During one panel discussion, a group of about 75 students listened to local and national executives discuss why corporate leaders in the food and beverage industry should adopt sustainable business strategies. Michael Bescanon, senior global vice president of purchasing, distribution and marketing at Whole Foods Market, described how his company has set an industry standard of corporate social responsibility by getting rid of plastic grocery bags, offering green alternatives and launching campaigns to educate customers about the benefits of organic food products and environmentally sustainable packaging.

Andrew Gunther, program director of the Animal Welfare Approved Program, described how his organization sets rigorous rules for animal welfare standards at farms, holding local and national grocers responsible for the foods they sell. Each of the panelists and this forum debated how best to market a message of corporate social responsibility to individuals and corporations at a time in which people are feeling the strains of the global economic recession.

Other panel events included discussion on issues such as clean technology, environmentally sustainable start-up companies and how city and state governments can work to promote environmental issues.