The Erb Institute at the University of Michigan

Fostering sustainability through interdisciplinary education and research

About the Institute

The Erb Institute at the University of Michigan fosters global sustainable enterprise through interdisciplinary research and education programs Our three endowed joint-professorships between the Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources and Environment, is unmatched by any other institution. This Erb Core Faculty is supported by a capable mix of professional management, administrative staff, research scholars and a powerful network of affiliate faculty, allowing the institute to lead the way in Sustainable Business Research and education.

Sustainability Education

The Institute's world-renowned MBA/MS Program offers a fully integrated, interdisciplinary experience involving a challenging blend of coursework, projects and research related to business, the environment and sustainability. The Program develops sustainability-oriented leaders who are widely respected as content experts, holistic thinkers, community builders and catalyzing agents of change within large corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies and Erb Institute Alumni regularly bring cutting-edge knowledge and leadership skills to organizations throughout the world. Corporate executives can benefit from Erb Institute educational programs by recruiting MBA/MS students and through our Executive Education Collaboratory.

Research and Outreach

The research of Erb Institute faculty members is directed toward institutional design, strategy and decision-making as it pertains to sustainability. The specific set of issues upon which the Institute focuses changes over time in response to global developments. However, five issues currently occupy much of our research effort:

Alternative Energy and Clean Technology

Mega-city Mobility and Accessibility

Green Buildings and Development

Climate Strategy and Carbon Policy

Base of the Pyramid and Social Enterprise

Erb Institute Sustainability Conferences bring together academics, business executives, members of non-governmental organizations, and policymakers. Our conferences seek to fulfill two primary objectives. First, they convene researchers and practitioners from around the world to frame sustainability challenges and inform research agendas for the future. Second, they serve as a means to educate the broader public in regards to the research activities of the institute.

The Erb Institute Colloquium, an informal bi-weekly gathering open to students and faculty, allows for the discussion of the latest faculty and doctoral level research in sustainable enterprise from both within and outside the University.

Contact Information

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise
at the University of Michigan
Phone: 734/647/9709
Email: erbinstitute@umich.edu
MBA / MS Program Coordinator: Cyndy Cleveland