BCG Henderson Institute

The BHI Climate & Energy Transition Lab explores sustainability as a source of competitive advantage and the hidden dynamics of the energy and sustainability transition.

To compete in a rapidly changing global environment, businesses need to develop strategies and business models that generate environmental and societal benefits while simultaneously driving business and shareholder value.

Our team of scientists and engineers use advanced analytics and detailed case studies to uncover new business, investment, and policy opportunities. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of better business practices, and in turn, create a better planet.

Some of our current research themes include SWITCH-GT, accelerating climate action, sustainability scarcities, sustainability ecosystemsand sustainable business model innovation

Research Themes

1/6

SWITCH-GT

Learn how our dynamic Systems Workbench for Insight on Transition Change -- Green Transformation (SWITCH-GT) can unlock competitive advantage.

BCG.com | January 11, 2024

The Hidden Dynamics of the Energy Transition

The energy transition presents a massive and complex challenge, and it’s moving too slowly. To accelerate progress, businesses and governments should adopt a systems approach.

2/6

Accelerating Climate Action

How can society achieve rapid climate action at scale?

BCG.com | May 22, 2023

Emissions from Legacy Assets Demand Urgent Action

“Locked-in” emissions from existing assets threaten to exceed the 1.5°C global warming target. Using autos as a case study, we outline steps to tackle the problem.

3/6

Sustainability Scarcities

In the race to sustainability, scarcities and bottlenecks will emerge – those who move first will have an advantage.

Harvard Business Review | July 8, 2021

The Green Economy Has a Resource-Scarcity Problem

Corporations worldwide have made ambitious commitments to reduce negative environmental and social impacts. But there’s a problem: New solutions to achieve these goals will inevitably trigger bottlenecks for the very resources, infrastructures, and capabilities upon which these initiatives depend. In a new HBR article, we look into how companies can mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities.

4/6

Shaping Sustainable Ecosystems

The most complex sustainability challenges extend beyond the boundaries of the firm -- learn how coordinated action across highly distributed players can create solutions at-scale.

BCG Henderson Institute | November 23, 2021

How Companies Shape Ecosystems to Achieve Sustainability and Advantage

Our research of 110+ in-depth case studies identified 9 ways in which companies can remake their ecosystems to unlock those sustainability constraints.

5/6

Sustainable Business Model Innovation Book

The eighth edition of our “Inspiring the Next Game” book series offers guidance from BCG Henderson Institute Fellows and contributors to help leaders create more competitive and sustainable companies.

6/6

Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Learn how companies can turn sustainability into advantage by optimizing for both business and societal outcomes.

BCG.COM | March 10, 2020

The Quest for Sustainable Business Model Innovation

How can companies reconcile the two S-words of business: sustainability and sustainable competitive advantage?

40 Minutes | January 30, 2025

Creating Enduring Value: Lessons from The Heritage Group’s CEO Amy Schumacher

"Our mission is simple yet profound: to build businesses we’d be proud to own forever. It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about tackling the hard problems that matter, investing in people who make a difference, and creating enduring value that spans generations."

38 Minutes | January 9, 2025

How Science Meets Strategy: Chris Killian on Sustainability in the Materials Industry

"True circularity isn’t about downcycling materials into single-use products—it’s about creating systems where waste becomes the building block.… This approach not only ensures superior performance and sustainability for consumers but also transforms the entire value chain."

55 Minutes | October 2, 2024

Chaos to Order: Doyne Farmer on Complexity Science and Economic Transformation

"This is a revolution in economics ... we're saying, let's do things completely differently, let's take behavioral models that are built by observing how people behave."

38 Minutes | September 16, 2024

MUFG and Financing the Energy Transition

"Our clients’ emissions are our emissions; our clients’ decarbonization is also our decarbonization. This is where our clients’ efforts and our efforts are very much aligned. This is why this is all about collaboration, not like competing with other banks, but rather [creating] a partnership and collaboration."

39 Minutes | September 2, 2024

Redefining Business: Judy Samuelson on Purpose, Culture, and Sustainable Advantage

"Employees are your biggest partner. They are your allies in the long game. They are very aligned with the health of the enterprise and play a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives."

60 Minutes | August 19, 2024

Threading the Needle: Navigating the Challenges of Business in Society

"Business is the most influential institution of our day, ignored at your peril. We can’t solve any of our most important problems—climate, inequality, economic mobility—without business at the table."

49 Minutes | August 7, 2024

Accelerating Climate & Sustainability: Harnessing Collaboration and Innovation

"If reducing carbon also cuts costs, boosts competitive advantage, improves financial performance, enhances employee satisfaction, and aids in recruiting and retention, why aren’t we progressing faster? What holds us back?"

40 Minutes | July 22, 2024

Leadership in Sustainability: How Orbia Tackles Global Challenges

"What we care about is advancing life around the world. This is our purpose. It affects every choice we make with respect to our assets; which businesses we will participate in and which we won’t participate in; and how we show up for our varied global stakeholders."

BCG.com | June 20, 2025

Sustainable Business Model Innovation: What Winners Are Doing Right

BCG’s Sustainable Business Model Innovation points to new modes of differentiation by embedding societal value into products, processes, and services and reshaping business ecosystems.

BCG.com | June 17, 2025

Turning Materials Scarcity into Competitive Advantage

Companies that combine smart investment with targeted innovation in their value chains can achieve competitive advantage.

TED | May 2, 2025

The Economic Opportunity Hidden in the Climate Transition

Marielle Remillard warns of looming material shortages in the race to build the future energy grid — and reveals why it could spark the next Industrial Revolution in business.

Harvard Business Review | April 22, 2025

Corporate Sustainability Is in Crisis. What Should Companies Do Now?

Corporate sustainability is currently facing setbacks, but countervailing forces may eventually drive a renewed focus—though not without a turbulent interim period.

BCG.com | November 19, 2024

The Expanding Agenda for Boards of Directors

Boards are grappling with a number of complex and interconnected issues, including the climate and sustainability imperatives, GenAI, and geopolitical disruption. Here’s how they are adapting.

BCG.com | January 11, 2024

The Hidden Dynamics of the Energy Transition

The energy transition presents a massive and complex challenge, and it’s moving too slowly. To accelerate progress, businesses and governments should adopt a systems approach.

BCG.com | September 13, 2023

Short-Term Solutions for Bending the Ammonia Emissions Curve

Renewable ammonia has long-term potential, but the industry can’t wait. Ammonia producers and customers can take steps to become more sustainable, starting today.

BCG.com | July 11, 2023

How Scarcity Will Reshape Your Sustainability Strategy

Every business must identify and respond to potential shortfalls embedded in its value chains.

BCG Henderson Institute | June 1, 2023

Preparing for an Uncertain Future with Climate Scenarios

Stress-test your strategy and stretch your imagination.

BCG.com | May 22, 2023

Emissions from Legacy Assets Demand Urgent Action

“Locked-in” emissions from existing assets threaten to exceed the 1.5°C global warming target. Using autos as a case study, we outline steps to tackle the problem.

BCG.COM | September 26, 2022

Is Electricity Pricing Running Out of Gas?

By causing gas plants to close, renewable energy could disrupt the pricing of electricity, impairing investment signals. What comes next will depend on which of three technologies emerges to support the rise of renewables.

Maurice Berns
Leadership

Maurice Berns

Insight Leader, Climate & Energy Transition Lab