Preparing for Classes 4 and 5 - Water sustainability (Coca-Cola) and Nature impacts of agriculture (GrainCo)
Part of my insider series tracking the conversations in my MBA course "Climate, Sustainability, and Corporate Governance"
Friends - this week, we are continuing our exploration of “Re-imagining the Fundamentals: Climate, Water, Food & Energy” through case studies of Coca-Cola (water stewardship) and “GrainCo” (nature impacts of agriculture). See the readings and abridged cases below to follow along.
Class 4 - Managing Risk and Scaling Impact
In this session, we will use the Coca-Cola Water Stewardship case to explore how companies can manage critical resource risks while creating shared value. We will explore how risk assessment can provide a robust case for corporate action on environmental challenges and their operational, reputational, and regulatory implications. An introductory talk on global water challenges will set the stage for our case discussion, where we will analyze how high-level sustainability commitments can be translated into measurable, scalable impact.
Case Study: Coca-Cola’s Water Strategy as Risk Management and Global Stewardship
Source: Trellis
Readings:
Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review. Read pp. 4-17.
Introduces the concept of shared value, arguing that companies can unlock economic success by addressing social and environmental challenges. This article frames how firms like Coca-Cola link water stewardship to competitive advantage.
Coca-Cola web site: Coca-Cola Unveils 2030 Water Security Strategy
Outlines Coca-Cola’s global water goals and initiatives through 2030, including replenishment, efficiency, and community partnerships. This document provides a corporate perspective on how one of the world’s most recognized brands is managing water risk.
Explains why water is both a critical input and a strategic risk for business, with attention to scarcity, pollution, and stakeholder concerns. This resource equips you to analyze corporate water strategies with a management lens.
Class 5 - Feeding the World Within Planetary Boundaries
In this session, we will use the GrainCo case to examine how agribusiness can operate within planetary boundaries while meeting global food demand. Guest speaker Alison Taylor, formerly Chief Sustainability Officer at ADM, joined by Rob Coviello from Bunge, will share insights on how the agricultural companies integrate nature-based considerations into its operations and governance to balance growth with ecological limits.
Case Study: GrainCo’s Bid for Nature-Positive Growth
Source: Nature
Readings
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. (2023). Recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. Read pp.7-39.
Provides guidance for companies and investors on identifying, assessing, and disclosing nature-related risks and opportunities. This framework is central to understanding how financial markets are beginning to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem impacts.
Research Brief: “Doing Business Within Planetary Boundaries” (SRC & Beijer Institute, 2024). Read pp.7-32.
Explores how firms can align strategies with ecological limits while maintaining competitiveness. This brief offers a science-based foundation for evaluating corporate sustainability claims against planetary boundaries.
Do you think that Coca Cola Company will diversify into food products to minimize risk? Thanks for the interesting reading.