In 2014, REGENT started discussing whether business education could still afford to ignore urgent social and environmental issues.
The answer was clear: it could not.
For too long, traditional programmes had focused only on profit and strategy. As a result, they sidelined society, the environment, and human sustainability.
The assumption that corporate success would automatically lead to societal benefits had failed. Poverty, inequality, climate change, and food and water insecurity persisted. And business schools were not doing enough to address them.
We called out the lack of true sustainability in MBA programmes. The “Janus-faced” sustainability in universities. I.e., those that showcase glossy “green” branding but keep teaching the same profit-first mindset.
That realisation sparked a transformation in our curriculum, our teaching, and our mission.
In this article, we will explore the different approaches to sustainability. We’ll look at how REGENT has integrated it into our core programmes. Plus, we’ll also cover how students can identify genuine sustainability in education.
What is the Janus-Face approach to sustainability in business?
The term Janus-faced comes from the Roman god Janus. He had two faces — one looking forward and one looking back.
In sustainability, it describes organisations that show two very different sides.
On one side, they promote sustainability with glossy ads, green logos, and public promises to protect people and the planet. On the other side, their daily actions and teaching focus on quick profits instead of long-term impact.
In business schools, this can look like:
- Sustainability as an add-on: One optional class or guest talk instead of including it in all subjects.
- Corporate posturing: Using “green” language to impress students and funders without real changes to training.
- Misaligned incentives: Preparing graduates for jobs in industries that cause the same problems they learned about in class.
This is a form of greenwashing in higher education. It makes it seem like the school cares about the planet when little has actually changed. The result is a dangerous gap between what’s promised in marketing and what’s actually taught and practiced.
REGENT Business School’s approach to sustainability in business
We have openly critiqued sustainability in MBA programmes for this reason. Our philosophy rejects Janus-faced sustainability in universities. Instead, we focus on real sustainability vs corporate posturing by:
- Embedding sustainability topics across all disciplines (not siloed into one course).
- Linking theory to practice through case studies, stakeholder engagement, and work-integrated learning.
- Aligning our initiatives, like the Centre for Green Governance & Entrepreneurship and redHUB, with South Africa’s development goals. As well as the urgent social and environmental needs.
- Encouraging faculty and students to challenge assumptions and think critically. Also to design sustainable business practices that address poverty, inequality, and climate change.
REGENT believes the only sustainable path forward is to make both faces look in the same direction. Towards transformative sustainability that is authentic, integrated, and accountable.
What are the 5 business strategies for sustainability?
While REGENT doesn’t list formal “five strategies,” our practice has five focus areas:
- Embedding sustainability across the curriculum. Not just an elective, but a core integration of social and environmental issues.
- Establishing institutional platforms like the Centre for Green Governance & Entrepreneurship and redHUB. (With the goal to support sustainable business practices).
- Producing case studies and stakeholder-engaged curriculum that reflect real-world practice.
- Offering tailored education (like supply chain sustainability and ESG short courses). This way, it matches South Africa’s local development goals.
- Promoting research in sustainability, entrepreneurship for change, and long-term educational institutions leadership.
What are the three types of sustainability in business?
We teach students to balance:
- Environmental sustainability: Protect landscape, limit waste, promote renewable energy.
- Social sustainability: Prioritise equity, community health, and human-centric business.
- Economic sustainability: Ensure viability and resilience without compromising values.
This balance counters greenwashing in higher education. It also ensures real sustainability vs corporate posturing.
What’s new at REGENT in 2024–2025?
Green economy & South African context (Aug 2024)
Our blog highlights the green economy, covering:
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable agriculture
- Circular economy
- National initiatives like REIPPPP and waste management strategies
This bridges local environmental realities with global sustainability trends.
Supply chain digitisation & sustainability (Nov 2024)
We offer work-integrated learning through programmes focused on:
- Blockchain’s role in ethical sourcing
- Counterfeit prevention
- Transparency
- AI-enabled supply chains
Entrepreneurship via redHUB (2025+)
Our redHUB supports startup founders with everything they need to succeed in business. This includes strategy, innovation, mentorship, and building access to markets.
As a result, it helps lessen unemployment and economic challenges via education for sustainable development at the REGENT Business School.
“Surround Yourself With Success” Campaign (Nov 2024)
This initiative highlights our community of business leaders, mentors, and professionals. It showcases BCom, MBA, DBA, Business Intelligence, and project management courses. Many of which address sustainability research, transformative education, and industry relevance.
Learning Centres Across South Africa
We operate multiple learning centres. Including Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, East London, Gqeberha, Eswatini, and Namibia. This promotes accessibility and embeds sustainability across regions.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between genuine sustainability education and greenwashing?
Genuine sustainability education focuses on sustainability, ethics in business education, and social and environmental integration. Greenwashing is cosmetic, marketing over substance. REGENT focuses on embedding sustainability research, ESG practice, and honest transformation.
2. How can students tell if a programme is authentically sustainable?
Look for sustainability embedded in core teaching, not just a module. Check for case studies, research centres and stakeholder projects (like supply chain sustainability). You can also look for practical hubs like redHUB. REGENT offers all of these.
3. Does REGENT integrate sustainability beyond the classroom?
Yes, REGENT integrates sustainability in many ways. These include the Centre for Green Governance & Entrepreneurship, redHUB, regional learning centres, relevant blogs, student campaigns, and practical training. Ultimately, REGENT applies long-term, inclusive sustainability.
Final Thoughts
REGENT Business School moves from Janus-faced sustainability to real, transformative change. We embed sustainability into our DNA. We equip business leaders with the skills, vision, and values required to create lasting positive change.
Our journey continues, not as business as usual, but as business with conscience. Together with students, academics, and partners, we are building a classroom that shapes a better world.
If you’re looking for a business school that prioritises sustainability, consider our courses. You can have a look at our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
