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In the Clinic, students will work in a team (two to four students) on a specific project.  They will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge of business and environmental issues to real-life situations faced by outside organizations.  The Clinic will also provide a unique opportunity for students to manage a real-life consulting client engagement.  Students will make recommendations based on market research and financial analyses. 

Class sessions will consist of lectures, plus meetings with the instructor to review work status, progress and plans.  Students should expect to be in regular contact with teammates between meetings. 

The clinic is open to both FES and SOM students.  The intent is to provide a “capstone” experience, calling for the application of skills and tools learned from previous classes.

Students have the opportunity to participate in one of the following projects (not all projects will be pursued):

• City of Hartford - there are 2,000 acres of parkland in the City of Hartford.  As a result of budget limitations and a recommendation from the Trust for Public Lands, the City is considering harvesting some lumber on the lands.  This project will assess the value of the trees, as well as the market opportunities for harvesting them.
• Curtis Packaging - a private company that designs and makes high-end packaging, the company was the first printing and packaging company to use FSC-certified, 100% clean energy, and 100% carbon neutral packaging in the U.S. The project is to perform a gap assessment and develop a strategic plan for implementing the ISO 14001 standard (for environmental management).
• Diageo - a London-based global drinks company with U.S. headquarters in Norwalk, CT, the company manages brands like Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, and Guiness is interested in exploring issues around carbon labeling of its products.  The project is to develop a position paper analyzing multiple perspectives including competitive positioning, customer interest, public policy and brand risk.
• Estee Lauder Companies - a global manufacturer and marketer of skin care, fragrance and hair care products that is headquartered in New York City, the project is to recommend ways to reduce waste generation in its manufacturing processes and increase the recycling rate of the company and its supply chain.
• FreshPoint - is a Connecticut-based food company that currently works with over 100 regional farmers to market, sell and distribute their products.  The company is considering an investment in a local processing plant to expand its in-season and off-season sales of local fresh and frozen products.  The project is a feasibility study around operational and equipment costs, to recommend specific technologies and build a financial model with ROI calculation.
• General Electric - a multi-national company with over 300,000 employees, the company has an inventory of operating facilities across the globe that constantly changes with acquisition and divestiture activity.  This project will be to develop risk review measures and an approach that can be integrated into existing risk review processes for climate change.
• Johnson and Johnson - is a global consumer health company with businesses in baby, oral and skin care, as well as nutritional, women's and topical health.  The company is interested in researching the pros and cons of launching a separate "sustainable" line of products, versus incorporating sustainable attributes into extisting product lines.  The project will examine the approaches taken by other companies and make specific strategic and marketing recommendations.
• OR&L Construction - is a Connecticut-based design and construction company committed to green building.  OR&L has a new "Energy Solutions" service that assists in implementing and financing energy efficiency upgrades.  This project will evaluate opportunities to monetize state, regional and federal credits to support these projects and develop recommendations on financing strategies and terms for clients.
• Seventh Generation - is a private consumer products company from Burlington, VT.  The company is a leader in sustainability and corporate social responsibility and is committed to being the most trusted brand in the industry.  The company does not manufacture its products and must influence its suppliers to meet its sustainability goals.  The project will be to develop categories, metrics, and goals for suppliers that reflect company goals and emerging "best of class" approaches.

For more information on the consulting clinic - click here.