Manoj Patankar Comments on Growing Success of Sustainability Programs in U.S. Colleges

ST. LOUIS, Feb 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- While the impact of eco-conscious trends is recognized in several areas of society, the growing importance of sustainability can also be traced to the development of higher education. A recent Bloomberg Businessweek article highlights sustainability programs that have allowed for many new professional opportunities for American university students. After conducting an online survey among 2012 MBA graduates, Bloomberg Businessweek found that on a scale from one to six points (six being the highest), the average green business score for all 82 U.S. and international schools in the rankings were 4.25." Academic administrator, noted professor and author, Manoj Patankar is one professional who is quite familiar with this emerging study area. Having helped establish the Center for Sustainability at Saint Louis University, Patankar comments on what qualities make for a successful sustainability, or green, education program.

While all green initiatives can be easily connected to the overall state of the environment and its connection to society, Bloomberg Businessweek reveals that sustainability is a subject that impacts many industries and professions. In fact, some students in green business may pursue dual degrees. As such, Manoj Patankar responds by noting that a successful sustainability program in higher education should offer an interdisciplinary approach.

Some of the programs ranked on the Bloomberg list may earn today's students' careers at leading companies—such as Boeing, Ford, and McKinsey & Co. However, Manoj Patankar notes that the success of sustainability programs today could expand the professional opportunities for future generations of students, as the subject of eco-conscious initiatives can apply to virtually any industry—not just within the confines of commerce itself.

Students at the Saint Louis University Center for Sustainability are among few emerging professionals who can benefit from a comprehensive education in this relatively young subject. While the Bloomberg Businessweek study highlights efforts in "green business," Manoj Patankar notes that students can employ this type of education in fields such as public policy, architecture or urban development. To exemplify the diversity of this academic area, Manoj Patankar comments, "At Saint Louis University, students learn the full spectrum of sustainability—science, engineering, business, and policy of sustainability—and develop as the next generation of Chief Sustainability Officers who are just as comfortable in developing energy-efficient products as they are drafting new energy legislation."

ABOUT:

Manoj Patankar is a leading educator and academic administrator who has greatly contributed to the field of aviation, workplace safety, engineering and sustainability. In addition to serving as a university professor in varied fields, Manoj Patankar has fulfilled immense administrative and leadership duties as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Chief Academic Office at Saint Louis University. Manoj Patankar is also the author of several widely-read texts on aviation safety and has won several awards for his academic research and publications.

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SOURCE Manoj Patankar