The Smeal College of Business announced plans to open the Center for the Business of Sustainability in 2020. It will tackle varying research topics, from the economic development impact of solar and wind to the relationship between globalization, international business, and environmental issues.  

The Center’s plan is to be “a top-10 business school in the area of sustainability through our teaching, research, and outreach,” according to its website. Through The Center, students will have access to special courses, industry projects, networking opportunities, internships, and mentoring projects. 

While many efforts to reverse climate change have been targeted at the environmentalist approach, the Sustainability Center will focus on the economic and business side of the issue. 

“The mission of the center is to accelerate the integration of sustainability in business. We aim to transform business practice and education by infusing sustainability across all curricula and for businesses across the enterprise,” Smeal’s director of sustainability, Erik Foley said in a release.

IBM and Verizon have joined the Center as founding members. University-affiliated groups, such as the Institutes of Energy and the Environment and the Sustainability Institute, will also partner with the Center.