'Green' strategy taught to business leaders

Stanford University is organising an executive training seminar for business and government leaders to learn more about how to promote and manage the environmental sustainability of their organisations.

Professor William P Barnett of Stanford Business School told silicon.com the event arose from rising corporate interest in environmental issues.

He said: "Our students, our MBAs are increasingly mindful of the impact that business activity has on the environment. Obviously many large corporations and a great cross-section of the business community worldwide are increasingly aware that all firms touch on the environment in some way and we must consider that as part of our decision making."

The goal is to bring together environmentalists with business and government leaders so all three groups can learn from each other and "see the problems and opportunities we face from different perspectives", Barnett said.

The programme will feature 'case discussions' led by Stanford Business School faculty on an example organisation or issue that attendees will have read up on in advance.

Topics include strategies for gaining competitive advantage from sustainable business practices, best practices across industries, limiting the environmental impact of supply chains and managing pressure from environmental activist groups.

The week-long seminar takes place at a residential conference centre in northern California and provides ample time for networking, said Barnett.

Potential participants must apply for a place and the event organisers examine educational background and experience to determine whether applicants are suitable for the programme. Attendees of similar seminars run by Stanford typically come from around the world, said Barnett.

The seminar, entitled 'Business Strategies for Environmental Sustainability', takes place from 16 to 22 September. Applications can be placed online. The deadline is 25 June.