In his classes, Professor Stefano Gazziano seeks to convey to students the importance of using technology to create value and reduce environmental impact. His Technologies and Strategies for the Sustainable Enterprise course introduces students to technical approaches of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to understand how to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared to make informed decisions that contribute to the long-term health of both the environment and the global economy.
The foundation of the course is the ethical principle of sustainability — preserving or improving quality of life, the environment, and welfare for future generations. The course adopts a technical lens on sustainability, emphasizing how technology can generate and sustain welfare. Students apply technical methods and creativity to economic and social issues, focusing on the question: how can more people enjoy a modern, prosperous quality of life?
To assess sustainability, Professor Gazziano introduces two key tools. First, the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria provide a framework for guiding responsible business practices that benefit both society and the environment, alongside economic goals. Second, the widely used GHG Protocols, a quantitative method derived from ESG criteria that offers algorithms and tools to calculate greenhouse gas emissions in tons of CO2 equivalent. Students apply these tools in simulation projects, exploring renewable energy technologies such as solar power, biofuels, and energy-efficient systems. This hands-on approach encourages direct engagement with current sustainable technologies and their potential for reducing emissions. By integrating these frameworks and technologies, students develop practical, data-driven solutions that support a sustainable future.
Professor Gazziano’s teaching draws from his background as a physicist and geophysicist and his professional experience at ENI and the Italian National Energy Agency. He prepares JCU students with the green skills and technological strategies necessary for employability over the next decade, especially in the fields of sustainable management, computer science, and finance.
The Student Perspective
Student Francesco Tirelli, an International Business major and Classical Studies minor, said: “Professor Gazziano allowed us to explore the sustainability field from different points of view, ranging from how technological advancement could be lead and influenced by the green shift the business world is seeking, to how certain standards are set and controlled by regulators. All of this was exemplified in the case study, which allowed us to observe a practical example from real life.”
Student Dan Micu, an International Business major and Computer Science and Entrepreneurship minor, said: “I believe this course is one of the most useful in terms of business management. Iit delivers strong bases of sustainable strategies and decisions making frameworks for future managers. Before this course, I only had a general idea about global warming. Now, I know more about the causes of climate change and the role that corporations play in addressing them. The real-world examples helped me see how regulations and business initiatives shape corporate emissions. This course is essential for anyone aiming to manage sustainably in business.”
Student Stella Maria Mazzuca, a Marketing major, shared: “The course was an enlightening and eye-opening learning experience. It allowed me to deconstruct many of the assumptions I previously held about sustainability, revealing that it is not simply an environmental issue, but a multidimensional concept that encompasses ecological, economic, social, and political dimensions. Professor Gazziano emphasized that true sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This principle turned out to be a key framework in analyzing the behavior of modern enterprises. This academic journey pushed me to deeply reflect on the role each of us, and every company, can play in promoting a more just and sustainable world. It changed the way I view entrepreneurship and leadership, showing me that businesses have the potential not only to generate profit, but also to serve as agents of social and environmental change.”
