The Michigan Business Sustainability Roundtable

The Michigan Business Sustainability Roundtable was created to build an equitable and socially and environmentally sustainable State of Michigan through the power of business. The group includes senior business leaders who are committed to working toward transformational change in the social and environmental performance of their companies, their industries and the State of Michigan.

The need for action now

As the United States seeks to reposition itself as a key player in fighting the climate crisis, businesses have much to gain from driving sustainability in their operations and even more to lose if they stand idle. Coupled with this call to business climate action is the imperative to do so in a just and equitable way. Business leaders, employees and social justice advocates are increasingly asking what role their companies play in advancing social justice. Customers are demanding that businesses wield their influence to address both environmental and social impacts of climate change.

How can we enable collective action?

While each business faces unique challenges in setting—and achieving—ambitious sustainability goals, shared roadblocks and pain points also affect many companies and industries. Neglected transportation, water and communications infrastructure; outdated or counterproductive policies; and limited access to renewable energy options are examples of barriers that affect not just individual businesses or industries but also entire economies.

By identifying and tackling these common challenges, companies that are committed to achieving meaningful, positive change can unlock significant potential. With the Erb Institute’s long history of teaching, research and engagement toward enabling sustainability in business, the institute is embracing a new approach that aims to harness individual businesses’ efforts to enable greater collective action.

Adopting a place-based approach, the Erb Institute convened the Michigan Business Sustainability Roundtable (MBSR), a group of senior-level sustainability leaders from some of Michigan’s most influential and innovative companies. These individuals represent companies from the automotive, food, agriculture, manufacturing and financial sectors, among others. They are rich in talent and experience, and they are uniquely positioned to push Michigan toward greater and more sustainable environmental, social and economic prosperity.

As the MBSR’s convening entity, the institute provides an established platform, comprehensive research and the objective facilitation needed to advance the group’s agenda. Erb works closely with individual MBSR members and the collective group to articulate shared objectives and craft the roundtable’s work plans. The institute leverages its faculty, exceptional graduate and undergraduate students, and extensive alumni and partner networks to inform the group’s direction.