About Erb

Sustainability with a sense of place; business with a sense of justice. Our mission is to create a sustainable world through the power of business.

About Erb

Sustainability with a sense of place; business with a sense of justice. Our mission is to create a sustainable world through the power of business.

About Erb

Sustainability with a sense of place; business with a sense of justice. Our mission is to create a sustainable world through the power of business.

A Partnership for a Sustainable Future

The Erb Institute is a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. The institute’s mission is to create a sustainable world through the power of business. We do that through research, teaching, and business engagement—all focused on preparing and supporting bold business leaders who can adeptly transform companies, industries, and entire economies for systemic sustainability.

The institute was founded 30 years ago as a dual-degree program in which graduate students receive their MBA from Ross and their MS from SEAS. Today, the institute has grown to include an undergraduate program, scholarly and applied research on business sustainability, as well as direct business engagement to turn ideas into action through on-the-ground projects with companies, social enterprises and nonprofits committed to business sustainability.

A Partnership for a Sustainable Future

The Erb Institute is a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. The institute’s mission is to create a sustainable world through the power of business. We do that through research, teaching, and business engagement—all focused on preparing and supporting bold business leaders who can adeptly transform companies, industries, and entire economies for systemic sustainability.

The institute was founded 30 years ago as a dual-degree program in which graduate students receive their MBA from Ross and their MS from SEAS. Today, the institute has grown to include an undergraduate program, scholarly and applied research on business sustainability, as well as direct business engagement to turn ideas into action through on-the-ground projects with companies, social enterprises and nonprofits committed to business sustainability.

A Partnership for a Sustainable Future

The Erb Institute is a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. The institute’s mission is to create a sustainable world through the power of business. We do that through research, teaching, and business engagement—all focused on preparing and supporting bold business leaders who can adeptly transform companies, industries, and entire economies for systemic sustainability.

The institute was founded 30 years ago as a dual-degree program in which graduate students receive their MBA from Ross and their MS from SEAS. Today, the institute has grown to include an undergraduate program, scholarly and applied research on business sustainability, as well as direct business engagement to turn ideas into action through on-the-ground projects with companies, social enterprises and nonprofits committed to business sustainability.

Research

The Erb Institute supports research through our faculty, faculty affiliates and postdoctoral fellows. We seek to advance research at the nexus of business and sustainability, and to translate existing research into practical tools for businesses. 

Education

The Erb Institute offers programs for both graduate and undergraduate students. Both our graduate dual-degree and undergraduate fellows programs are designed to equip future business sustainability leaders with the tools and resources to lead with purpose.

Engagement

The Erb Institute seeks to advance real-world business sustainability outcomes through strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofits. These partnerships result in a variety of programs, including executive education and research projects. 

Our Founders

In 1996, the Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute, a joint venture between the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources and Environment (now known as the School for Environment and Sustainability), was established through a series of major endowed gifts from Frederick Erb, U-M BBA ’47, and Barbara Erb, U-M LSA '47.

The Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute began with a noble concept: Create a better world by harnessing the combined power of business and science to drive positive, sustainable social and environmental change. 

Our Founders

In 1996, the Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute, a joint venture between the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources and Environment (now known as the School for Environment and Sustainability), was established through a series of major endowed gifts from Frederick Erb, U-M BBA ’47, and Barbara Erb, U-M LSA '47.

The Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute began with a noble concept: Create a better world by harnessing the combined power of business and science to drive positive, sustainable social and environmental change. 

Our Values

The Erb Institute is a community united by our shared passion for sustainability and impact. Our defined values ground our work in what matters most.

Courage

We do what's right, even in the face of adversity.

Stewardship

We care for future generations and resources.

Impact

We drive real-world, meaningful change through innovative solutions and approaches.

Community

We foster belonging, support, and shared purpose.

Our History

For more than 25 years, the Erb Institute has fostered a vibrant community dedicated to driving impact through business, sustainability, research, and education. What began as a dual-degree program has grown into a powerful movement that continues to shape future leaders committed to creating meaningful change.

With over 500 alumni and counting, the Erb community represents a strong network of professionals making a difference across industries and around the world. Explore our 25th Anniversary magazine to see the stories, milestones, and impact that define our journey.

View Magazine

Our History

For more than 25 years, the Erb Institute has fostered a vibrant community dedicated to driving impact through business, sustainability, research, and education. What began as a dual-degree program has grown into a powerful movement that continues to shape future leaders committed to creating meaningful change.

With over 500 alumni and counting, the Erb community represents a strong network of professionals making a difference across industries and around the world. Explore our 25th Anniversary magazine to see the stories, milestones, and impact that define our journey.

View Magazine

Our History

For more than 25 years, the Erb Institute has fostered a vibrant community dedicated to driving impact through business, sustainability, research, and education. What began as a dual-degree program has grown into a powerful movement that continues to shape future leaders committed to creating meaningful change.

With over 500 alumni and counting, the Erb community represents a strong network of professionals making a difference across industries and around the world. Explore our 25th Anniversary magazine to see the stories, milestones, and impact that define our journey.

View Magazine

Stay Connected

Don’t miss what’s next

Join the Erb Institute mailing list to learn more about our programs and opportunities!

Stay Connected

Don’t miss what’s next

Join the Erb Institute mailing list to learn more about our programs and opportunities!

Stay Connected

Don’t miss what’s next

Join the Erb Institute mailing list to learn more about our programs and opportunities!

700 East University
Kresge Hall, 3rd Floor West
Suite 3510
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

© 2026 Frederick A. & Barbara M. Erb Institute. All rights reserved.

700 East University
Kresge Hall, 3rd Floor West
Suite 3510
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

© 2026 Frederick A. & Barbara M. Erb Institute. All rights reserved.

700 East University
Kresge Hall, 3rd Floor West
Suite 3510
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

© 2026 Frederick A. & Barbara M. Erb Institute. All rights reserved.