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Curated experts in sustainability fields who can thoroughly elaborate their view based on their accumulated knowledge and experience

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Christopher Marquis

Professor
University of Cambridge

About

Christopher Marquis is the Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School and the author of the award-winning books Better Business: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism and Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise.

Chris has written over 20 peer-reviewed academic articles and published over 50 Harvard Business cases. He received a PhD in Sociology and Business Administration from the University of Michigan and served as Vice President and Technology Manager at JP Morgan Chase before returning to academia.
Passionate about how academic research can help people around the world address our most significant challenges, he examines how some of the biggest crises of our day —climate change, inequality, and racism — are intimately connected with how our current form of capitalism has prioritized accumulating and concentrating wealth for the few affects the concerns and needs of everyone and everything else. His research and writing focus on the need to rebalance the interactions between corporations, governments, and civil society to deliver socially and environmentally beneficial outcomes to all. 

March 14, 2025

Beyond the Bin: Rethinking Plastic Reduction


The global plastic crisis continues to challenge businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. It is a systemic crisis that demands public accountability and action. But this has been obscured by greenwashing from many fronts including the plastics industry and packaging and beverage companies, which focuses on convincing us that recycling is the answer which only directs attention away from their own culpability.

While we must demand more from policy makers, companies can also play a role in spurring this change. This week’s featured article highlights Grove Collaborative’s longstanding journey to eliminate plastic waste which shows the challenges of being a leader in a space where there are significant vested interests standing in the way of change. 

Governments worldwide need to step up efforts to curb plastic pollution, and unfortunately this can be a challenge in today's environment where industries have power over politics. There is back and forth on this topic, from California’s delayed producer responsibility law to Egypt’s upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Other developments from around the world reflect that we need to continue to push for systemic solutions that extend beyond individual responsibility.

In the research corner, a new study from Manufacturing & Service Operations Management examines innovative business models for ocean-bound plastic recycling. It explores tradeoffs in integrating plastic offsets and recycling efforts when aiming to balance profitability with environmental impact. The findings emphasize the role of corporate responsibility and strategic collaboration in tackling plastic waste effectively.

Featured Article:

Rethinking Plastic: Grove Collaborative’s Sustainability Journey

Grove Collaborative has long been a leader in sustainable consumer products, with an ambitious goal of becoming 100% plastic-free by 2025. However, as CEO Jeff Yurcisin recently shared with me, the complexity of the plastic crisis has made achieving this target within the original timeframe a greater challenge than they originally anticipated. A big issue related to the industry not moving fast enough in eliminating plastics, including a lack of scalable alternative materials, limited corporate and governmental incentives, and the need for greater consumer awareness. In the face of these challenges, Grove has recalibrated its goals to focusing on preventing 15 million pounds of single-use plastic waste by 2030 while maintaining its plastic neutrality commitment.

This strategic shift highlights an essential lesson for sustainable businesses: progress requires both ambition and adaptability. In areas with entrenched systemic barriers, business can only do so much. But this does not mean they should not strive to do the right thing and aim to lead industry to a better place. Grove remains committed to driving industry change through its innovative product offerings, a transparent Impact Tracker, and collaborative efforts with brands and policymakers. Yurcisin’s reflections underscore the importance of persistence, transparency, and also the need for industry-wide commitments in tackling systemic sustainability challenges.

Read more: Lessons Learned: Grove Collaborative's Commitment To Reducing Plastic Waste

Essential Reads:

Plastic Law Delay

California missed its deadline to implement the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which aims to cut plastic waste by 23 million tons in 10 years. Gov. Newsom ordered a regulatory redo due to cost concerns, sparking criticism from environmental groups. Advocates fear delays may weaken the law’s impact on pollution and public health.

Read more: California fails to meet deadline to implement landmark plastic reduction law

Plastic Reduction Push

Environmental advocates are renewing efforts for New York’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which aims to cut plastic packaging by 30% over 12 years. The bill would charge companies for excess packaging, funding local municipalities. Supporters highlight persistent plastic waste issues, urging legislation to shift responsibility from consumers to corporations.

Read more: Environmental advocates renew push for NY plastic reduction bill

Plastics & Climate Action

Scientists from RMIT University call for nations to include plastic-related emissions in their climate plans before COP 30. With plastic production expected to triple by 2050, its lifecycle emissions contribute heavily to global warming. Despite this, only 11 out of 194 countries address plastic waste in their NDCs, leaving a major gap in climate policies.

Read more: Time to count plastics in climate action and counter Trump effect

Recycling Barriers

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Boston Consulting Group highlight the challenges in achieving a circular economy for plastics. Issues include lack of waste segregation, poor infrastructure, high recycling costs, and weak regulations. Their latest Solution Model Playbook focuses on basic mechanical recycling to extract value from plastic waste and promote sustainable waste management.

Read more: Alliance to End Plastic Waste & BCG: Barriers to Recycling

Egypt’s Plastic Policy

Egypt will enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic shopping bags under Decision 662/2025, requiring producers to pay fees for waste disposal. Set to take effect on June 3, 2025, the move aims to curb plastic pollution and ensure accountability. Greenpeace MENA praises the decision as a model for global action ahead of INC5.2 negotiations.

Read more: Greenpeace MENA Commends Egypt’s Decision to Introduce Fees on Producers to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags

Plastic-Free Dining

Mount Prospect’s Single-Use Plastic Utensil Reduction Program (S.U.P.U.R.) launches March 14, with 20 businesses committed to reducing plastic waste. Restaurants will only provide utensils upon request, changing the automatic distribution habit. The initiative partners with local businesses, promoting sustainability and cost savings while encouraging eco-conscious dining habits.

Read more: Mount Prospect program aims to reduce single-use plastics

Research Corner:

Published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, a recent study explores innovative business models aimed at reducing ocean plastic pollution while balancing profit, environmental, and social impact. The research examines firms that sell plastic offsets and segregated plastic, partnering with local recycling supply chains. It highlights the role of additionality—the requirement that offsets represent newly recycled plastic—and its complex effects on firm performance. The findings suggest that integrating both business models can significantly enhance environmental and social impact. The study provides valuable for businesses and policymakers looking to develop effective solutions for ocean-bound plastic waste.

Read more: Innovative Business Models in Ocean-Bound Plastic Recycling

Quick Takeaways:

  • Plastic Law Delay: California’s plastic-reduction law delayed, raising environmental concerns.

  • Plastic Reduction Push: NY bill aims to hold corporations accountable for packaging waste.

  • Plastics & Climate Action: Scientists urge including plastics in global climate action plans.

  • Recycling Barriers: Poor infrastructure, high costs limit effective plastic recycling.

  • Plastic Bag Ban: New Mexico considers banning plastic bags in retail to cut waste.

  • Egypt’s Plastic Policy: Egypt introduces producer fees for plastic bag disposal to curb pollution.

  • Plastic-Free Dining: Illinois town shifts to providing plastic utensils only upon request.


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March 7, 2025

Sustainability on Tap: Brewing Better for the Planet


Sustainability is becoming a defining force in the brewing industry, pushing companies to rethink their operations from grain to glass. Breweries worldwide are taking important steps to reduce their environmental footprint, integrate local sourcing, and invest in their communities. This shift is exemplified by Allagash Brewing Company. From cutting water usage to diverting nearly all waste from landfills, Allagash sets a precedent for responsible brewing. This week’s Featured Article explores how the company balances craft and sustainability to lead the way in regenerative brewing.

Across the industry more broadly, brewers and beverage companies are embracing sustainable practices. The Brewers of Europe are pushing for better financing and policy support to advance sustainability in agriculture. SweetWater 420 Fest showcases how events can integrate green initiatives, while HEINEKEN Cambodia’s farmer training program strengthens climate resilience in the supply chain. Meanwhile, India’s whisky market is booming with an emphasis on premiumization and eco-conscious production, signaling a broader shift toward sustainable spirits.

In this Research Corner, we look at how the craft beer resurgence in the Netherlands exemplifies institutional regeneration. A study in Administrative Science Quarterlyreveals how traditional brewing, once nearly lost to industrialization, was revived by reconnecting with historical practices. This blend of restoration and innovation demonstrates how industries can evolve sustainably by revisiting their roots and adapting to modern realities.

Let’s dive in and explore how regenerative thinking is reshaping the brewing and beverage industries.

Featured Article:

Brewing Sustainability at Allagash

In this Forbes article, I explore how Allagash Brewing Company is setting a new standard for sustainability in the beer industry. The Portland-based brewery recently achieved B Corp recertification with a 20-point increase in its Impact Score. This milestone reflects its dedication to environmental responsibility, from water conservation and waste reduction to local sourcing and community engagement. Founder Rob Tod and Sustainability Manager Zoe Malia share insights on how Allagash integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

A standout initiative is its efficient resource management—using nearly half the industry’s average water per gallon of beer and diverting 99.8% of its waste from landfills. The brewery also prioritizes local ingredients, sourcing close to 2 million pounds of Maine-grown grain annually. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Sebago Clean Waters reinforce its environmental commitment.

Beyond its environmental efforts, Allagash invests in its employees and community by offering competitive wages, generous benefits, and unique incentives like paid educational opportunities and trips to Belgium for long-term employees. This holistic approach has made Allagash a leader in sustainable brewing and a top workplace in Maine.

Read more: How Allagash Is Making Beer More Sustainable

Essential Reads:

Brewing Sustainability

The Brewers of Europe applaud the EU’s renewed Vision for Agriculture and Food, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and economic resilience. With over 10,000 breweries and deep ties to agriculture, brewers advocate for better financing, decarbonization, and regulatory support. They seek recognition as key contributors to Europe’s food system and economic future.

Read more: Brewers welcome the EU renewing its vision for agriculture and food

Sustainable Fest

SweetWater 420 Fest celebrates 20 years with bold sustainability efforts, including energy offsets, composting, recycling, and green transportation. Partnering with Greenway Festival Management, the event donates to Waterkeeper Alliance and supports eco-friendly initiatives. A model for sustainable festivals, it inspires greener practices while delivering music, beer, and culture.

Read more: SweetWater 420 Fest Celebrates 20 Years with Bold Sustainability Initiatives

Whisky Trends

India’s whisky industry is booming, with premiumization, sustainability, and innovation driving growth. Rising incomes and evolving preferences fuel demand for high-quality, locally crafted spirits. Trends include RTD whiskies, mixology innovations, and distillery tourism. Challenges like high taxes persist, but strategic branding and global expansion position Indian whisky as a serious premium contender.

Read more: What’s Trending in Whisky Industry for 2025

Beer Trends 2025

The beer industry is evolving with key trends shaping its future. Sustainability, alcohol-free options, craft beer innovations, and unique flavors are driving consumer interest. Regional beer styles, collaboration brews, and immersive experiences enhance engagement. Despite industry challenges, these trends present opportunities for brewers to adapt and thrive.

Read more: 7 beer trends to follow in 2025

Brew a Better Cambodia

HEINEKEN Cambodia and CIRD launched a 14-month training program to equip 500 Cambodian rice farmers with sustainable and smart agricultural techniques. The initiative boosts productivity, reduces costs, and strengthens climate resilience. HEINEKEN’s investment supports local farmers, enhancing crop quality while promoting Cambodia’s rice industry in brewing and global markets.

Read more: Boosting sustainable farming practices and productivity in Cambodia: HEINEKEN Cambodia and CIRD collaborate to support rice farmers

Clean Water Commitment

Carlsberg Vietnam and local brand Huda continue their 'Fresh Water for Beloved Central' initiative, delivering clean water to 9,000 households across central Vietnam. By upgrading filtration systems and enhancing infrastructure, they improve public health, economic growth, and sustainability. This long-term commitment empowers communities and fosters a brighter future.

Read more: Carlsberg Vietnam committed to sustainability in central region

Research Corner:

A study published in Administrative Science Quarterly explores the resurgence of craft beer brewing in the Netherlands as a case of institutional regeneration. After industrialization had nearly erased traditional brewing, remnants of craft practices persisted, allowing for their later revival. The study highlights how past institutional logics can reemerge when actors rediscover and repurpose historical practices, blending them with modern influences. This process not only revitalized traditional beer styles but also reshaped the broader brewing industry by challenging dominant corporate models. The research suggests that regenerative institutional change involves both restoration and adaptation, showing how industries can reconnect with their roots while evolving in response to contemporary forces.

Read more: What is Dead May Never Die: Institutional Regeneration Through Logic Reemergence in Dutch Beer Brewing

Quick Takeaways:

  • Brewing Sustainability: EU brewers support sustainable agriculture and policy action.

  • Sustainable Fest: SweetWater 420 Fest models eco-friendly festival practices.

  • Whisky Trends: Indian whisky industry grows through premiumization and innovation.

  • Beer Trends 2025: Sustainability, craft, and alcohol-free beers dominate future trends.

  • Brew a Better Cambodia: HEINEKEN trains Cambodian farmers for sustainable rice production.

  • Clean Water Commitment: Carlsberg Vietnam provides clean water to central communities.


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March 5, 2025

March is B Corp Month: Some Reflections


My work has focused on studying and writing about businesses that aim to “do good,” in all its varied definitions, for about 20 years now. A significant part of this has involved researching and teaching about the B Corp movement. I’ve authored two in-depth Harvard Business School case studies on B Lab, written a book titled Better Business: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism, and more recently, I’ve become a proud member of a B Corp: Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.

When Dr. Bronner’s announced it would not be renewing its B Corp certification, many people, including members of the media, asked me what this means for the broader B Corp movement, so I thought I would write down some thoughts.

First, regarding Dr. Bronner’s decision specifically, I have tremendous respect for the company, they are a true pioneer in responsible business, and I support their calling attention to the need to uphold rigorous and stringent standards and avoid greenwashing.

But as I discuss a bit more below, my assessment of the impact of the B Corp movement more generally focuses on the broader context of building regenerative and equitable economic systems, and in this I see tremendous value in the work of B Lab and B Corps.

What is the theory of change? It may sound counterintuitive, but for me, the B Corp movement has never been solely about the number of B Corps. Instead, it is a broader social movement focused on transforming our economy to prioritize the principles of regeneration and equity.

While I am inspired by the growth in number of B Corps—from fewer than 200 when I began studying the movement to almost 10,000 today—voluntary action by companies undergoing a certification, even thousands of companies, will not be enough to solve the world’s biggest challenges.

But the number of B Corps is not what this movement is about. In Better Business, I discuss how Sistema B, the Latin American organization that certifies B Corp in that region, was essential to recognizing that for systemic change a broader mission is needed to including legal reforms, influencing investment standards, engaging politicians, building coalitions within communities at both local and national levels and more. These broader ideals now permeate the entire B Corp movement.

One manifestation of this systemic focus has been the creation of a new corporate structure – the benefit corporation – by which a company legally commits to delivering societal benefit alongside the profit-first interests that define traditional companies. B Lab created this idea and mobilized grassroots action to pass these laws around the world. First passed by Maryland in 2010 in the last 15 years, over 40 US states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and other countries including Italy, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Peru, Rwanda, Uruguay, and the Canadian province of British Columbia have adopted benefit corporation structures. It is estimated that there are now over 15,000 benefit corporations around the world. This model provides governance structures for corporate decision makers and directors to consider purpose and responsibilities beyond just delivering value to shareholders.

While benefit corporations are an important element of systemic change, here too, we need more than just a voluntary opt-in model. Importantly, several countries are looking at broader reform to corporate laws including in the UK with the Better Business Act, Canada’s 21st Century Business Act and also elements of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Disclosure (CSDDD) in the EU.

Another important aspect of Sistema B’s original vision that I have personally appreciated is recognizing the importance of education and including academic institutions in the model of change. Sistema B founded Academia B and there is also now a vibrant group of B Academics around the world. Through this work, thousands of next generation leaders are learning about these new models for responsible business and in some cases students are able to participate in B Corp certifications themselves.

This is how change in society happens. There is no silver bullet or magic wand, innovations occur on the periphery and then through hard work on multiple different fronts, they work their way to becoming the dominant model.

Defining what it means to be a sustainable and equitable business. To me, one of the bigger impacts of the B Corp movement lies in creating models and processes that demonstrate the kinds of environmental and societal impact that is possible and in many cases necessary.

Before B Lab's founding, there was a lack of detailed tools for companies to assess and demonstrate their impact on society and the environment. The original B Impact Assessment (BIA) was on a spreadsheet created by B Lab co-founder Bart Houlahan, and over the years through at least 6 major iterations, it has been developed into a sophisticated framework for assessing impact used by hundreds of thousands of companies and investors around the world.

While transparency alone is not enough to drive systemic change, measuring corporate impacts on society and the environment is essential. Without robust measurement tools, clear standards, and a mechanism for holding companies to those standards, progress would be impossible.

Importantly, here too societal change is a long process, and we need governments to effectively regulate and guide corporate behavior. For instance, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in the European Union which stands on the shoulders of the BIA and decades of other work, aims to provide a mandatory framework for accountability on a much larger scale.

There are questions recently about if some of the CSRD will be scaled back, and that will be regrettable, but the majority of the directive appears to be still staying in place and will provide a foundation for holding companies accountable for their social and environmental impacts.

Maintaining those standards at the core. Almost a decade ago, B Lab co-founder Jay Coen Gilbert visited a class I was teaching at Cornell. At the time, the movement was grappling with a significant challenge – with the advent of the benefit corporation law, existing B Corps would be required to become benefit corps if that option was available in their jurisdiction. At the time, many existing B Corps, including high-profile names like Warby Parker and Etsy said they were unable to convert to a benefit corp because their investors and boards were concerned about the uncertainty of such a new model.

My students worried that losing such well-known brands would be a setback for the movement and argued that B Lab should be flexible to retain them as B Corps and possibly introduce a tiered certification system like a "platinum/silver/bronze" model used by LEED in certifying buildings, to make it easier for these companies to remain affiliated with the movement.

However, Jay’s response was emphatic. While he understood the sentiment, he stressed that maintaining rigorous standards was non-negotiable. The integrity of the movement depended on not diluting its criteria for the sake of retaining big names.

Jay’s strong pushback on the students has stuck with me since then and I have kept this in mind when I have seen some of the challenges of growth in the B Corp movement both in number of companies and also the scale of those that are being certified. Recently for instance, there has been a lot of attention focused on the multinationals who are part of the movement and if these companies can genuinely meet stringent criteria.

It is through this lens that I see the updated set of standards – version 7 of the BIA – which will be rolled-out soon. B Lab has importantly shifted assessment from a focus on clearing a threshold of total points across different areas (so low performance in one area could be offset by strong performance in another – a common source of criticism) to mandating companies meet thresholds across 10 different areas.

To me, this represents another instance of how B Lab has continually evolved and worked to push the boundaries on impact. It has never been a perfect system, but I think B Lab deserves a lot of credit for pushing the boundaries on assessing impact, and when holes or problems are identified, working hard to address concerns and make the system better. This may not be as fast or comprehensive as some may want, but again, through this kind of effort is how change happens in society.

Incidentally, returning to Warby Parker, years later, after the benefit corporation model had become well-tested among investors Warby Parker ultimately rejoined the B Corp community before going public.

Working collectively for impact. Through my engagement with the movement, another powerful aspect is the meaningful connections that not only emerge between B Corps in common industries, and in localities and around the globe, but also how there are durable partnerships with many other organizations such as Conscious Capitalism and others. Change requires collective action and mobilization of many who are committed to societal impact is one of the strongest aspects of the movement, which the successes above in the legal, educational and entrepreneurial realms all attest to.

Ultimately, I believe the B Corp movement remains a vital force for change. Continuing to uphold – and push the boundaries on – rigorous standards, foster open dialogue, and focus on the broader goal of systemic transformation are all essential elements if we are to build a more equitable and sustainable economy.


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February 28, 2025

Sustainability in the Syllabus: Why Eco-Education is Essential Now


Education is a potentially powerful driver of sustainability; it can shape the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Business schools, in particular - traditionally a bastion of shareholder first thinking - have a unique opportunity to redefine leadership when they embed sustainability into their curricula. This week, our featured article explores how Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education (JBSEEL) is integrating environmental and social responsibility into executive learning. Their journey toward B Corp certification highlights the evolving role of business education in fostering regenerative leadership.

Beyond business schools, sustainability education is making waves across various sectors. From the Wipro Earthian Awards celebrating student-driven eco-initiatives to the launch of Green Mentors Inc.’s U.S. office, institutions worldwide are prioritizing sustainability learning. Conferences and awards, such as the International Conference on Sustainability Education and the FT Responsible Business Education Awards, underscore the growing demand for integrating environmental principles into mainstream education.

Meanwhile, research continues to shape sustainable education practices. A recent study in Production and Operations Management outlines a framework for school feeding programs, emphasizing local sourcing, supply chain resilience, and community participation. This work reinforces the need for practical, system-based solutions in education that support long-term sustainability.

Let’s dive into this week’s insights and explore how education can drive regenerative change!

Featured Article:

Redefining Business Education for a Sustainable Future

Business schools have long been rightfully criticized for reinforcing profit-driven mindsets that sideline sustainability. However, as the case of Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education (JBSEEL) illustrates, they can also play a role in shaping responsible leadership. In a recent conversation with Allison Wheeler-Héau, Interim Director of JBSEEL, and Matthew Walkley, Head of B2B Marketing, we explored why JBSEEL pursued B Corp certification and how this milestone reflects a broader shift in business education.

The certification process reinforced JBSEEL’s commitment to equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change. Beyond embedding sustainability into its curriculum, JBSEEL aims to influence corporate strategies by integrating environmental and social responsibility into executive training. This move highlights how business schools can serve as bridges between cutting-edge academic research and real-world corporate impact.

Looking ahead, JBSEEL plans to further reduce its footprint by leveraging technology such as AI and augmented reality to expand access to executive education without excessive travel. The school is also collaborating with Cambridge Zero to refine its curriculum, ensuring that sustainability is central to all its offerings. By aligning education with regenerative business principles, JBSEEL sets a powerful example for others in the field.

Read more: Business Education And Sustainability: Insights From Cambridge

Essential Reads:

Sustainability Excellence

Indian technology company Wipro hosted the 14th Wipro Earthian Awards 2024 at Azim Premji University, recognizing schools and colleges for excellence in sustainability education. Over 1,500 submissions showcased innovative approaches to biodiversity, waste, and water conservation. The event also highlighted the ‘Ideas to Impact’ challenge, encouraging eco-innovation in colleges.

Read more: Wipro Earthian Awards 2024 Felicitate Excellence in Sustainability Education

Sustainable Business Education

The FT Responsible Business Education Awards honor business schools that integrate sustainability and social justice into their curricula. Recognizing innovative teaching, impactful research, and student-driven solutions, the awards highlight the growing demand for responsible leadership in business education.

Read more: Responsible Business Education Awards

Greening Education

The 6th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE), hosted by Mobius Foundation, emphasized greening curriculums for a sustainable future. Over 500 global experts discussed environmental education, circular economy, and climate action. The event aligned with Mission LiFE, reinforcing sustainability in education and policy for a greener world.

Read more: Mobius Foundation’s 6th ICSE concludes with a Strong Message on ‘Greening’ Curriculums

Circular Economy Education

The ECO-FUTURE project, an Erasmus+ partnership between Finland, Italy, and North Macedonia, developed educational tools to teach circular economy concepts to 6-12 year-olds. Using interactive methods like tinkering and non-formal education, it equips teachers to foster sustainability awareness and active citizenship among young students.

Read more: Fostering circular economy education among the younger generations

NICER Circular Economy

The NICER programme, the UK’s largest circular economy research initiative, concludes with a showcase event in Westminster. Featuring expert panels, keynote speeches, and sector reports, the event highlights four years of research and innovation, driving circular business models in tech, textiles, and sustainability.

Read more: Circular economy showcase to celebrate achievements of NICER programme

Sustainable Agriculture Education

Environmental researcher Ademola Adegoroye highlights the need to integrate real-world agricultural and environmental challenges into education. His approach blends theory with hands-on learning, empowering youths and farmers with climate-smart techniques, precision agriculture, and circular economy practices to enhance food security and sustainability in Nigeria.

Read more: Integration of real-world agric, environmental challenges into curriculum essential for preparing youths for future

Research Corner:

A sustainable school feeding program requires more than just food distribution—it demands a resilient supply chain. This study, published in Production and Operations Management, presents a framework that identifies key internal and external factors shaping school feeding program supply chains. It emphasizes the need for localized resources, community participation, and long-term sustainability, aligning with the evolving approaches of the World Bank and the World Food Programme. By integrating supply chain management theory with real-world practices, the study offers insights into optimizing program delivery for lasting impact in development aid.

Read more: A School Feeding Supply Chain Framework: Critical Factors for Sustainable Program Design

Quick Takeaways:

  • Sustainability Awards: Wipro Earthian honored excellence in eco-education.

  • Responsible Business: FT Awards recognize sustainability in business education.

  • Greener Curriculums: International Conference on Sustainability Education promotes sustainability in global education.

  • Youth & Circular Economy: ECO-FUTURE project teaches kids about sustainability.

  • Innovation Showcase: NICER programme highlights circular business models.

  • Smart Farming: Climate-focused education enhances food security.


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February 20, 2025

Breathing Change: The Quest for Clean Air


Air is essential, yet its quality is increasingly compromised by human activities, as was dramatically shown by the recent LA wildfires. This edition of Regenerative Insightsexplores the profound relationship between our built environment, climate policies, and the air we breathe. Our Featured Article highlights how the real estate sector—one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions—can lead the way in mitigating environmental harm. By adopting innovative technologies and rethinking accountability, firms like LA based Fifth Wall are setting a new standard for climate-conscious capitalism.

Our Essential Reads showcase the growing urgency to address air quality challenges. From wildfire smoke blanketing Los Angeles to innovative air quality displays in London, these stories highlight diverse strategies tackling this invisible crisis. Global air quality trends and mandates for sustainable aviation fuel emphasize the necessity of coordinated, bold action.

In the Research Corner, we examine a study revealing how poor indoor air quality affects high-stakes decision-making. By connecting environmental factors to productivity, the research offers insights for businesses and policymakers alike.

Let’s dive into how regenerative practices can transform the air we breathe—our most vital shared resource.

Featured Article:

Carbon Responsibility in Real Estate

In my Forbes article, I explore the mounting pressures on industries, particularly real estate, to address their environmental impact. The article examines how the real estate sector, one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, is being reshaped by new regulatory frameworks, consumer expectations, and investor demands for sustainability. I spotlight Fifth Wall, a venture capital firm leveraging its position to invest in scalable, carbon-reducing technologies tailored for the real estate industry.

As a certified B Corporation, Fifth Wall serves as a model for integrating environmental responsibility with business innovation. From launching its Carbon Impact Fund to supporting corporate decarbonization efforts, the firm illustrates how sustainability is becoming a critical competitive advantage. The piece underscores how the rising costs of inaction compel businesses to evolve, aligning with climate-conscious policies and practices to maintain relevance in a changing economic landscape.

Read more: It’s No Longer A Viable Option For Capitalism To Ignore Carbon Impact

Essential Reads:

Wildfire Smoke Chokes Los Angeles Air

Massive wildfires across Los Angeles County have scorched over 25,000 acres, blanketing the region in hazardous smoke and PM2.5 pollution. Schools closed, visibility dropped, and health risks surged, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity as Santa Ana winds continue to fan the flames.

Read more: Hazardous wildfire smoke is making L.A. air hard to breathe

Project Enhances Air Quality Awareness

A project (named AWAIR) has launched solar-powered displays in the London neighborhoods of Gipsy Hill, Peckham, and White City, showing real-time and forecast air quality data. Co-designed with residents, these devices aim to raise awareness of pollution's health impacts, using WHO-compliant indicators. Feedback and engagement data will shape future expansions.

Read more: AWAIR pilot launches new air quality displays in London neighbourhoods

Global Air Quality Trends Visualized

The Air Quality Stripes project, led by top universities and environmental groups, visualizes global air quality shifts since 1850. The images highlight Europe's progress against pollution, contrasting with worsening trends in Africa and Central Asia. These striking visuals simplify complex data to emphasize the urgent need for international action.

Read more: New images reveal global air quality trends

Outdoor Air Pollution's Global Impact

Outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths annually, with 89% occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Major pollutants like PM2.5 and CO harm cardiovascular and respiratory health. World Health Organization (WHO) advocates clean energy, waste management, and transport policies to combat this public health crisis and meet air quality guidelines.

Read more: Ambient (outdoor) air pollution

Fireworks and Air Pollution

Global New Year's fireworks displays cause dramatic spikes in air pollution, releasing PM2.5, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals. These pollutants harm respiratory health, contribute to microplastic pollution, and disturb wildlife. Alternatives like drone shows and cleaner fireworks are emerging but face challenges in fully replacing traditional displays.

Read more: Spectacular firework displays will mark the start of the New Year, but air quality will plummet

Families Engage in Air Pollution Science

The WellHome study invited West London families to Imperial’s White City Campus for interactive experiments, exploring air pollution's effects on health. Participants learned about scientific methods like chromatography and water testing, fostering community trust and inspiring curiosity in young minds. Findings will inform clean air policies.

Read more: West London families experience science behind air pollution study

Converting Offices to Homes: Air Quality Challenges

Transforming commercial spaces into residences addresses housing shortages but raises indoor air quality challenges. Key considerations include ventilation, pressurization, and air cleaning, with updated standards like American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 241 guiding effective air purification. These conversions promise efficient, healthier living spaces while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Read more: Transforming commercial spaces to residences and the impacts on indoor air quality

Research Corner:

Indoor Air Quality and Strategic Decision-Making
Published in Management Science, this study by Künn, Palacios, and Pestel (2023) explores how indoor air quality affects decision-making in high-stakes environments. Using data from over 30,000 chess moves evaluated by AI, the authors reveal that poor air quality significantly increases the likelihood of errors, particularly under time pressure. This highlights the hidden productivity costs of environmental factors in professional decision-making contexts.
Read more: Indoor Air Quality and Strategic Decision Making

Quick Takeaways:

  • Wildfire smoke: Stay indoors and limit outdoor activity during hazardous air events.

  • Air awareness: Community-designed displays raise pollution awareness and inspire action.

  • Global trends: Visualized data highlights the need for stronger global pollution measures.

  • Sustainable fuels: Green aviation mandates cut carbon emissions.

  • Health crisis: Clean energy policies combat pollution's deadly impact.

  • Eco celebrations: Cleaner alternatives to fireworks reduce pollution spikes.

  • Family engagement: Hands-on science builds trust and informs clean air policies.

  • Healthy homes: Rigorous air standards ensure safe office-to-home conversions.


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