The Earth Institute presents an Open House about the M.S. in Sustainability Management and the Certification programs offered through Columbia University. The Open House will provide an informal setting in which prospective students will have the opportunity to learn about the requirements, objectives and admissions procedures of the various sustainability programs.

RSVP: HERE

This video presentation explores the current state of sustainability in the business environment including how it relates to policies, building design and operations, marketing and messaging, internal culture, and more. With a specific focus on opportunities for businesses and for individuals in the work force, we discuss best practices, anticipated trends, and critical tools and skills to stay relevant in a changing business climate.

Lecturer: Lauren Yarmuth.

Lauren Yarmuth teaches "Green Building and Sustainability: Tools and Techniques" in the Construction Administration graduate program at Columbia's School of Continuing Education and is co-founder and principal of YR&G. With over ten years of experience spearheading the sustainability industry, she is a recognized leader skilled at helping people, companies, buildings, and communities to implement and benefit from sustainability-focused solutions.

An architect by training, Yarmuth applies her diverse project experience and whole-systems perspective to enable teams of people to develop creative approaches to realize greater success in their work. This process draws upon Yarmuth’s skills in teaching, facilitating an integrative process, and inspiring people to engage with their work and surroundings in more meaningful ways.

Yarmuth is also a celebrated presenter, educator, and facilitator. She is LEED Faculty for USGBC, and she teaches at various colleges and universities including as faculty at Columbia University and New York University.

She has worked with the LEED Rating System since its inception including supporting hundreds of projects nationally and internationally to earn LEED certification, and as a technical consultant to USGBC for project certification reviews, credit interpretation (CIR) responses, reference guide content development, and training curriculum.

Join us for a book launch and reception for “Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America and the Planet” a new book by Dr. Steven Cohen, director of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management, executive director of the Columbia University’s Earth Institute, professor in the practice of public affairs at the School of International and Public Affairs.

In addition to hearing about Cohen’s new book, this event will provide the opportunity to learn about the growing field of sustainability management as well as meet members of the program’s faculty and current students.

The book practically addresses sustainability management issues and provides a means to address them in any organization. Directed at policymakers, students, scholars and managers from both the private and public sectors, Cohen makes the case that environmental protection and economic development are mutually interdependent. Utilizing examples from New York City, and all over the world, Cohen illustrates how sustainable practices can be successfully incorporated into all aspects of organizational management, moving sustainability from the realm of theory into practice. He examines how a host of sustainability efforts, ranging from energy to waste management, can positively impact businesses, the global economy and the planet.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the event, please contact acm2179@columbia.edu or register here.

This event will be comprised of two panels, a keynote presentation and a cocktail reception. Panels will focus on leadership and innovative sustainability techniques and strategies for solving global issues. The symposium will help sustainability practitioners share best practices and next practices. This forum is also an opportunity to connect current experts with Columbia’s emerging leaders.

Eric Corey Freed, Principal and Founder of OrganicArchitec, is the keynote speaker. He is a renowned architect and author with over 20 years experience in green building. He is considered by many to be a leader in the field of sustainability and speaks nationally about key sustainability issues.

Confirmed panelists include Sarah King, Principal at Green Order; Sam Harrington, Head of Marketing and Communications for Ecovative Design LLC; Greg Hale, Senior Policy Analyst for Market Innovation at the NRDC; Mark Dorfman, Green Chemistry Naturalist and member, Biomimicry Guild Speakers Bureau and Sascha Simon, Head of Advanced Product Planning for Mercedes-Benz USA.

This event is sponsored by the Columbia University Sustainability Management Graduate Student Association, The Earth Institute and The School of Continuing Education.

Tickets are free but space is limited so please register in advance.