Senior Lecturer/ Business Sustainability Outreach Director
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies | WI School of Business; Founder, Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council; Founder, Wisconsin Microfinance
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Tom has been at the forefront of business and sustainability for the last twenty-five years, both teaching classes in sustainability at the University of Wisconsin and founding and serving as the Executive Director of the WI Sustainable Business Council. Tom taught the first classes on campus in sustainability and later was a co-developer of the graduate certificate in Business, Environment and Social Responsibility (BESR) at the WI School of Business. He has written and spoken extensively on the changing role of business in society, corporate social responsibility, socially responsible investing, divestment, and on how the private sector can lead in responding to generational challenges such as climate change. Growing out of his interest in sustainability, Tom founded the non-profit “Wisconsin Microfinance”. Wisconsin Microfinance’s programs provide people living in areas where access to capital is severely limited ACCESS to financial and support services needed to lift their families out of poverty.
Podcast: Investing to Improve the World
Talks:
"Green" Economic Development
Tom will talk about Green Economic Development. He’ll touch on energy efficiency, alternative energy, green building, alternative transportation and other opportunities for WI companies to assume a leadership role nationally. He’ll compare the performance of the state against other regional states on some key economic metrics. Come prepared with questions.
Approximate Length of Talk: Variable
Energy and Sustainability
For most businesses that make a commitment to being more sustainable, the first thing they do is look for energy efficiency opportunities. Oftentimes, these “early victories” are a springboard for a more comprehensive (and systematic) sustainability program. Tom will talk about several early victories that WI companies have had and will conclude with a broader examination of the energy used in WI and what opportunities may present themselves to WI companies as our energy mix diversifies.
Approximate Length of Talk: Variable
The Role of Government in Sustainability
This country’s approach to environmental regulation has evolved over time. While clearly many of the gains we have seen in the quality of our environment can be attributed to actions of the government, continuing trust and belief in the government as the protector of the public is at a low ebb. Many now question whether the traditional role of regulation and enforcement is likely to lead the US to a sustainable future. Tom will talk about the evolution of state environmental regulatory agencies and the development of more cooperative approaches to environmental protection.
Approximate Length of Talk: Variable
Going Green in the Office
Tom will talk about Going Green in the Office, featuring practical examples of what Wisconsin businesses are doing to integrate principles of sustainability into office operations. Expect to leave with ideas what you can do in your office to embrace the idea of sustainability.
Approximate Length of Talk: Variable