Experiential / Reality-based Learning / November 3, 2016

Students Talk Sustainability with Deloitte

The Robert H. Smith School of Business held its second Sustainability Lunch and Learn session on Thursday, Oct. 20, giving MBA students the opportunity to engage with Maureen Johnson, Global Internal Sustainability Manager at Deloitte. The session was hosted by the Center for Social Value Creation.

As the largest consulting company in the world, Deloitte provides services to a breadth of clientele, including 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. “Our clients are everybody,” Johnson said, “and our purpose is to make an impact that matters.”

In her role, Johnson accelerates and scales-up corporate responsibility and sustainability operations across the network’s 46 member firms by identifying and spearheading environmental initiatives and responsible business practices. On a daily basis, Johnson interfaces with key stakeholders to improve their understanding of the impacts, risks and opportunities associated with environmental and social issues.

Johnson faces a unique challenge in managing sustainability initiatives across Deloitte’s decentralized structure. Deloitte allows its global network of member firms to operate independently to better serve the unique needs of local markets. While beneficial for consultants who can craft stronger solutions for clients, it leaves Johnson in a challenging position. Each firm has a unique view on sustainability, and due to their independent legal status, Deloitte cannot mandate company-wide initiatives like many other large firms.

For Johnson, this means she spends much of her time championing the merits of sustainability and social issues. “All I do is sell sustainability in my job!” she teased.

Finding creative solutions to measure impact is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of Johnson’s work. When sustainability initiatives have natural measurements, for example, Deloitte’s CO2 footprint from frequent air travel, quantifying the impact is relatively straightforward. Computing the intangible benefits, such as the impact of educating analysts on environmental issues, is much more nuanced and requires innovative thinking. A ubiquitous problem in the social impact space, Johnson and MBA students then engaged in a lively discussion of innovative ideas and solutions.

Johnson and her team also work toward aligning Deloitte’s sustainability initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They publish regular reports highlighting Deloitte’s accomplishments and outlining strategic initiatives. You can find the latest report here.

Johnson’s overall message was clear: Consistent, across-the-board strategies result in a powerful force of people rallying behind the same goal. Building collaborative networks across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors is crucial to finding practical and efficient solutions. Johnson values Deloitte’s approach to transparency and responsibility in their sustainability initiatives. She also realizes the tremendous opportunity for Deloitte to scale their efforts and make an “impact that matters” not only for their clients but also for the world.

Issues associated with sustainability and how corporations can work to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily operations will continue to be discussed at Smith’s third and final Sustainability Lunch and Learn session, Nov. 10 with Indian multinational conglomerate Tata Group Inc. The first session featured Denise Naguib, Marriott's Vice President of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity.

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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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