SBI Research Scholars Program

Advisor: Brian Thomas

The SBI Research Scholars Program allows undergraduate students to explore how companies integrate sustainability into real-world business decisions. In this program, students research, analyze, and write a professional-quality case study focused on a company’s sustainability initiative or challenge.

Working in small teams of 4-5 students, participants are assigned a real-world sustainability issue faced by an organization. Teams examine how the issue influences the company’s corporate strategy, business operations, financial performance, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risk exposure. Students learn how sustainability considerations shape business outcomes—and where tensions, trade-offs, and opportunities emerge. 

Throughout the Winter and Spring quarters, teams meet once per week for one hour at times that fit their schedules. Students receive structured guidance from faculty, engage in peer feedback, and develop skills in research, analysis, teamwork, and professional writing. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and clear communication.

The program culminates in two major deliverables: (1) A polished written case study, published on the SBI website, and (2) A poster presentation showcasing key insights and findings. Completed case studies are intended for use in undergraduate and graduate courses at Santa Clara University, allowing students to contribute to academic and classroom learning while building a strong portfolio piece for careers in business, sustainability, consulting, or finance.

The 2026 cohort will examine: How is Silicon Valley building a future that is both smart (AI) and sustainable?

• Team Data Centers—Equinix: Balancing AI-Driven Hypergrowth with Decarbonizing Digital Infrastructure
• Team Energy—Silicon Valley Power: Meeting Surging Data Center Demand While Advancing California’s Clean Energy Transition
• Team Water—Ingomar Packaging: Optimizing Industrial Water Use in a Seasonal, Drought-Prone Food System