Avangrid Partners with Colby College to Launch Global Sustainability Independent-Study
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First-of-its-kind program at Colby leverages Avangrid and Iberdrola’s global sustainability expertise to create immersive practical experience for students
Colby students at Iberdrola’s offices in
“As recognized sustainability leaders, it was a natural fit for Avangrid and Iberdrola to partner with Colby College to launch this unique course,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “There is no substitution for quality education. We need programs like this at an undergrad level to increase interest in the sustainability field and build ESG knowledge. These students are the future workforce that will usher in the clean energy future.”
The four-week program launched as a test year with a four-person cohort of students. It was part of Colby’s exploratory term in January, Jan Plan, which provides students with a wide range of academic experiences and opportunities. The course included three weeks on the Colby campus to establish a foundational knowledge of ESG via guest speakers from Avangrid, including Vice President of Sustainability and Colby alumna Laney Brown, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Liz Riotte and Director of Innovation Enrique Bosch. The students then traveled to Iberdrola’s offices in
The course culminated in final presentations today to Colby faculty, fellow students, and Avangrid and Iberdrola experts. The students framed their presentations as third-party consultants who were presenting to investors on Iberdrola’s ESG goals and strategy. The presentations included a summary of Avangrid and Iberdrola’s sustainable commitments, an explanation of how the company will achieve these goals and the metrics used to measure results, and an assessment of the company’s strategy.
This partnership with Colby further demonstrates Avangrid’s commitment to supporting clean energy education and workforce development—the company also partners with MIT to fund a fully endowed chair at the MIT Energy Initiative and, locally, the Avangrid Foundation has partnered with the University of
“It’s been extremely fulfilling to develop this course in partnership with my alma mater,” said Brown. “I know first-hand the value that an immersive course can have on your learning and development. I received my dual MBA through Iberdrola’s program. Executives from across the companies brought real world examples and applications to the course. This was invaluable experience that helps me to this day, so I jumped at the opportunity to partner with Colby and provide this type of education to Colby students.”
For over two decades, the Iberdrola Group has been leading the transition to clean energy and combating climate change while offering a sustainable and competitive business model that creates value for society. As a member of the Iberdrola Group, Avangrid’s climate action strategy is informed by Iberdrola’s commitments. Avangrid is one of the United States’ cleanest utilities and is a recognized leading sustainable energy company—last year, the company earned a total of 14 sustainability awards and recognitions, including being among America’s Climate Leaders by
"Colby and the Goldfarb Center are proud to launch a program that explores the public policy discussions in the ESG arena, while creating an innovative partnership between academia and the private sector," said Alison Beyea, executive director of the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs. "This program is not just an independent study; it's a transformative global experience that prepares our students to be the next generation of sustainability and civic leaders able to engage in public policy on a world-wide stage."
"Studying ESG and sustainably in this small group was not only an immersive experience, but it was also truly eye-opening to see its practical applications abroad,” said Leila Iredell, a Colby student. “It added a valuable real-world perspective to our learning."
Colby has a long history of environmental sustainability, including becoming one of the first colleges in the country to achieve carbon neutrality. The College has also pioneered academic programs focused on environmental sustainability and has a legacy of green values that have made it a leader in environmental initiatives.
For photos of the final presentations and the students’ trip to
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in
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Media:
Sarah Warren
sarah.warren@avangrid.com
585-794-9253
Source: AVANGRID, Inc.
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