With that in mind, American University was the perfect place for Darnall to continue her work. As a Federal Advisory Committee Commissioner for the General Services Administration, she already had a connection to the DC area. Combined with both Kogod and SPA’s sustainability initiatives and award-winning programs in sustainability management and public affairs, Darnall was eager to be involved with a school that is making notable strides across sectors. Perhaps the most significant factor in her decision to join AU’s faculty, however, is the university’s willingness to think outside the box when approaching complex issues in interdisciplinary research.

“I’m impressed by each unit’s willingness to push the boundaries of business and public affairs research and education by continually challenging what you do and how you do it. You are willing to take risks and focus on outcomes that matter rather than traditional metrics that often have little meaning outside of academic walls,” Darnall said. “Other universities talk about impact. Kogod and SPA are creating it.”

In her new role, Darnall will teach project management, applied sustainability management, and sustainable procurement courses. She’ll also continue her research in sustainable procurement and supply chains, topics that she says often fly under the radar in discussions about sustainable business. Though much of the procurement process is outside of an organization’s control, it has a significant financial and environmental impact, which makes it all the more important for researchers like Darnall to better understand how to make the process more sustainable.

“Procurement accounts for over a third of the global GDP, and it accounts for ninety-two percent of an organization’s total climate emissions,” she explained. “Sustainable procurement is a powerful tool that can dramatically reduce climate emissions and reshape global supply chains by promoting the sustainable production and consumption of goods and services while also promoting supply chain justice, empowering climate-resilient communities, and fostering equitable, climate-resilient marketplaces.”

Darnall says that it’s an exciting time to ask these questions about sustainability and to work in the space as a whole. Sustainability jobs are being created faster than they are filled, and professionals with a deep understanding of sustainability issues are in particularly high demand. Though the shifting landscape comes with its own problems to solve, from the restructuring of organizations to better meet sustainability goals to the increasing partisan split regarding climate goals, Darnall is optimistic about the future of sustainability in business.

Darnall is thrilled to embark on answering these pressing sustainability questions among a community of experts across the entire university. As she prepares to begin teaching at Kogod and SPA in the spring, she already sees plenty of opportunities to work with people who are just as invested in a sustainable future as she is.

“This semester, I’m excited about meeting my new colleagues and developing a university-wide network of individuals who are interested in sustainability and organizations from a variety of angles. I want to learn about their work and explore opportunities for collaboration,” she said. “Given the deep sustainability expertise at AU, I will be busy!”