ARIZONA, USA, – August 21, 2013 – As The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) enters into the second half of 2013 and expands its global reach–TSC staff and stakeholders are proud to announce a partnership between TSC and Nanjing University, and the hiring of TSC’s China Director.
The Nanjing University partnership is a significant milestone in The Sustainability Consortium’s launch of operations in China. Nanjing University will serve as the forth, leading academic institution in The Consortium, joining Wageningen University and the two administering universities, Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas.
Nanjing University will work with TSC researchers to identify the social and environmental issues and improvement opportunities associated with consumer products. Research at Nanjing University will be concentrated in electronics, manufactured goods, and clothing, footwear and textiles. By taking into account regional issues and opportunities, the research completed in China will enhance the global validity of TSC’s product sustainability criteria. Nanjing University’s network of stakeholders will also strengthen the research and impact of TSC’s work.
“Nanjing University is excited to partner with The Sustainability Consortium. This opportunity allows us to contribute to the global discussion of consumer product sustainability while also connecting with many of the world’s largest retailers and manufactures to enhance business in and around China,” said Dean Bi Jun, Dean, School of Environment, Nanjing University.
The Sustainability Consortium is also pleased to announce the appointment of Wei Dong Zhou as the new China Director. Mr. Zhou will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of all of The Sustainability Consortium’s projects and relationships in China. He joins TSC with more than 20 years of experience in Chinese government, non-profit organization management, CSR, and sustainability strategy, philanthropy, and state owner sector and multinational companies. Mr. Zhou graduated from Qingdao Institute of Chemical Engineering with his Bachelor’s Degree in Machinery Engineering and later obtained his masters degree in Asian Business Studies from the University of London (SOAS) in UK.
“The Sustainability Consortium is unique in bringing multiple stakeholders together to create unparalleled opportunity for collaboration and other proactive solutions,” said Mr. Zhou. “I am excited to incorporate knowledge and experience from my past into this outstanding team.”
About The Sustainability Consortium
The Sustainability Consortium is an organization of diverse global participants that work collaboratively to build a scientific foundation that drives innovation to improve consumer product sustainability. TSC develops transparent methodologies, tools, and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social, and economic imperatives. The Sustainability Consortium advocates for a credible, scalable, and transparent process and system. The organization boasts over 90 members from all corners of business employing over 57 million people and whose combined revenues total over $1.5 trillion. The Sustainability Consortium is jointly administered by Arizona State University and University of Arkansas with additional operations at Wageningen University in The Netherlands and has recently launched an office in China. Learn more at www.sustainabilityconsortium.org.
About Nanjing University
Based in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing University (NJU) has a history of more than one hundred and ten years. It has developed multi-disciplinary teaching and research programs in natural sciences, business and humanities — which are among the leaders in their fields in China. NJU is also taking the lead on the integrated research of environment, energy, climate and policy. With a motto of “Sincerity with Aspiration, Perseverance with Integrity”, NJU believes in academic achievement, practical knowledge and social impacts. Learn more at www.nju.edu.cn.
Media Contact
Elizabeth Kessler, Marketing Coordinator
The Sustainability Consortium
Arizona State University
Elizabeth.Kessler.1@asu.edu | 480.965.3810