BCG Henderson Institute

The BHI Center for Climate & Sustainability 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?

24 Minutes | January 12, 2023

Business Impact on Nature with Tony Goldner

"We've got to be Net Zero and Nature Positive at the same time. That requires extra capability, extra learning, extra knowledge, and extra tools to be parallel processing climate and nature together.”

39 Minutes | October 27, 2022

Bringing Sustainability to the Fore in Fashion with Art and Annin Peck

"If I'm buying a billion units a year, but 30% of them create no economic value, I could buy just the 66-70% and create the same amount of economic value and eliminate the carbon footprint and all the waste associated with that."

15 Minutes | May 27, 2021

Lessons from Schneider Electric with Olivier Blum

“It’s a race without a finishing line and there will always be opportunity to innovate in the field of environment, social, and, governance. There is no real finishing line.

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.

David Young
Leadership

David Young

Global Leader, Center for Climate & Sustainability