2021 Smeal Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition

Learn more about the 2021Smeal Sustainability Undergraduate Case Competition

The inaugural Smeal Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition was held in Spring 2021 with the three winning teams demonstrating the college’s dedication to business that makes a difference, not just a profit. Read the press release. 

This year’s competition required students to work at the intersection of clean energy, climate change, and economic development, focusing on how businesses can implement climate solutions while providing economic benefits to low-income communities.  

Access the 2021 Case Competition Case here.

From the 20 teams that submitted materials for the first round, five were selected for the finals held virtually. Judging the final round was Smeal’s Dean, Charles H. Whiteman, Penn State’s Treasurer/Vice President of Finance & Business, Sarah Thorndike, Chancellor of Penn State Abington Margo DelliCarpini, Smeal’s Assistant Dean of Diversity Enhancement Jamie Campbell, and Mid-Atlantic Director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access Leslie Elder. 

Here's a photo of our winning teams! 

Student finalists are presenting their cases before the judges for 2021 inaugural Undergrad Case Competition.

Results of the 2021 Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition: 

  • MakeSustainable Lions Consulting (Penn State Lehigh Valley) - 1st Place Winners - $3,000 
  • BJC Consulting (Penn State University Park) - 2nd Place Winners - $2,000 
  • NLCGreen (Penn State University Park) - 3rd Place Winners - $1,000