AEM 4580 - The Economics and Psychology of Sustainable Business

(CU-SBY)

Fall. 1.5 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: ECON 1110 or equivalent. Enrollment preference given to: students in the SC Johnson College of Business. Co-meets with AEM 6580.

W. Schulze.

This course will explore both the opportunities and pitfalls of sustainable business. The course will address the following questions:

In a regulated economy, with complex environmental laws and technology, how can managers prevent costly environmental penalties, damage to the company reputation, and lawsuits?
When, if, and how can firms make money by going green? Can firms save money by reducing pollution? Will consumers really pay for green?
What business strategies have resulted in success, and what strategies in failure? For example, has consumer suspicion of “green-washing” backfired on companies selling green?

Answering these questions requires knowledge of environmental law, economics, and psychology.