Mason School of Business among nation’s most environmentally aware

Good to be Green Thanks to efforts by faculty, students and staff — as well as the thoughtful construction of Miller Hall — the Mason School of Business was recognized as one of the 10 Environmentally-Aware Business Schools. Photo by Stephen Salpukas

by Staff | February 4, 2013

The Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary was recognized for being one of the nation’s “10 Environmentally-Aware Business Schools,” according to a ranking released by MBAPrograms.org.

The ranking cited a 2011 McKinsey & Company survey that found more companies are integrating sustainability principles that could improve processes, promote growth and value to their names beyond reputation alone. In short, green business is good business.

The ranking focuses on 10 business programs that “are doing their part” for sustainability and how many are training the next generation of leaders to push for a more eco-focused business culture. And according to MBAPrograms.org, the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary is among the very best at spreading this new way of thinking, both in the minds of the students and in the structure of the building in which the instruction takes place.

“We feel that this ranking is an affirmation of our effort to create a culture of stewardship for generations to come. I commend our faculty, staff, and students on this achievement,” said Dean Lawrence B. Pulley.

The ranking detailed how Alan B. Miller Hall is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the nation to house a business school. Miller Hall’s prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification is a true honor recognizing its energy and water savings, while after the building was completed, 70 percent of the site with native or adaptive plant species were restored to the site.

“New architecture blends with the historic environment of the Williamsburg, VA, campus, integrated with a landscaping design concept from Thomas Jefferson,” read the ranking statement.

MBAPrograms.org also noted that in 2011, the Mason School of Business’ undergraduate program was ranked #1 for its sustainability efforts by Businessweek, thanks to courses like “Green Supply Chain” and “Environmental Consulting.”

The complete ranking can be seen here: http://www.mbaprograms.org/news/10-green-business-schools.html