Top 3 Takeaways from the Student Roundtable with Bank of America

Written by Luna Shaffer, Senior majoring in Sustainable Materials and Technology

My name is Luna Shaffer, and I’m a senior majoring in Sustainable Materials and Technology in the College of Natural Resources. Through my role as the Sustainable Labs Intern in the Campus as a Classroom program, I had the opportunity to attend a roundtable discussion with Marzena Maloszycka, a representative from Bank of America. The conversation provided valuable insights into how sustainability is integrated into various aspects of business, including banking. 

Here are the top three takeaways I gained from the discussion: 

1. Sustainability is Integrated into Every Business Function 

One of the most eye-opening realizations was just how deeply sustainability is woven into every facet of business operations—well beyond what you might initially expect. Whether it’s policy, accounting, computer science, banking, or philanthropy, sustainability plays a critical role in guiding decisions and long-term strategy. For instance, financial institutions like Bank of America have become increasingly aware of their role in driving sustainable finance initiatives and helping clients transition toward greener practices. This discussion reminded me that sustainability is no longer a niche concept, but rather a vital, cross-cutting factor in the success of modern businesses. 

2. Business Travel and Scope 3 Emissions Are Major Challenges 

A significant challenge companies face today involves tracking and managing their Scope 3 emissions, particularly in relation to business travel. With corporate credit cards and international client meetings on the rise, monitoring both the financial costs and the environmental impact of employee travel is complex. Companies like Bank of America are working to refine their systems for tracking these emissions and making them more transparent, but it’s a long and difficult process. Given the expected rebound in business travel, managing these emissions will be an essential focus for businesses moving forward, especially as regulators and investors place more pressure on them to reduce their carbon footprints. 

3. The Power of Student Leadership in Sustainability 

Finally, I was truly inspired by the student leaders I met during the roundtable. It was encouraging to see so many students, from various academic backgrounds, asking thoughtful and challenging questions about the future of sustainability in business. This reinforces that we, as students, are already making an impact on campus and beyond. Our collective efforts are part of a larger movement to ensure that sustainability becomes the standard, not the exception, in every industry. It was a motivating reminder of the change we can create when we engage in meaningful discussions and push for real solutions.

This experience showed me that sustainability is not just a goal, but it’s a necessary framework for building a better future in business. I’m excited to share these insights with others and continue learning how I can contribute to a more sustainable future.