Energy Efficiency Teaching Module

Author: Johnson, Jennifer
Source: The Aspen Institute Center for Business Education
Year: 2009

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Abstract:

WHAT IS A TEACHING MODULE? A teaching module allows faculty to add a topic to an existing course with relative ease. Teaching modules include case studies and background readings, and may include framing questions or a teaching note for use in leading classroom discussion. ____________________________________________________________
At its core, energy efficiency is about doing more with less. In times of a down economy and uncertain energy prices, the importance of saving energy seems clear; over the long term, however, how does a focus on energy efficiency make sense for business? Business is both uniquely suited to address the problems of energy efficiency and to reap the potential rewards of those solutions, if it is able to meld social and profit constraints into a plan for an innovative energy future. The purpose of this Module is to discuss energy efficiency as a strategic solution rather than a defensive reaction, and to present ways to manage challenges and make the most of opportunities at this intersection of business and society. It complements coursework in strategy, innovation, corporate social responsibility, marketing, and operations, and is suited for MBA students focused on the role of businesses within the context of an economy adapting to changing imperatives.

I. Introduction
In times of a down economy and uncertain energy prices, the rationale for energy efficiency seems straightforward; over the long term, however, how does a focus on energy efficiency make sense for business? Issues of energy security, climate change, global competition for business, and price volatility in energy markets have brought increased attention to the more efficient and sustainable use of energy resources. Business is both uniquely suited to address the problems of energy efficiency and to reap the potential rewards of those solutions, if it can meld social and profit constraints into a feasible plan for an innovative energy future.

The purpose of this Teaching Module is to discuss energy efficiency as a strategic solution to business goals, and present ways to manage challenges while making the most of opportunities at this intersection of business and society. The Module is designed to complement coursework in strategy, innovation, corporate social responsibility, marketing, and operations. While there are many topics important to issues of global warming and energy sustainability, the Module centers the discussion on how the efficient use of energy, intimately related to the larger environmental goal of greenhouse gas reduction, can also play a role in business operations. Energy efficiency is a particularly useful way for MBA students to focus on the role of businesses within the context of an economy adapting to changing imperatives.