Sustainable Science Management students work on salinity testing in the oceanography lab. PHOTO BY ANANDA STONE.

KAHULUI – Businesses may wonder how the buzzword of “sustainability” relates to their bottom line. The Sustainable Science Management (SSM) program at the University of Hawaii Maui College will bring together sustainability theory and real world practice at an evening reception for local business and organizational leaders on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 5:30 p.m.

Local employers will learn how to develop internships, participate in student Capstone projects and understand what future graduates of this unique four-year bachelor’s degree in Applied Science can bring to their organizations.

“We prepare our graduates to cultivate new solutions to complex, persistent and challenging problems, whether at the community, business or organizational level through a holistic application of sustainability,” said Tim Botkin, SSM program coordinator.

“The rigors of the SSM degree provide graduates with the tools to guide Maui businesses to implement effective sustainability initiatives,” said Robert Hoonan, director of facilities management at the Grand Wailea Resort and a member of the SSM Advisory Committee.

“Hiring a SSM graduate brings a trained professional to your business who understands the best approaches for energy and resource management projects with excellent long-term cost savings.”

A core component of the program is a required internship with a local business or organization.

“Student internships through the Sustainable Science program are one of Maui’s best kept business secrets. Hosting an internship has provided value time and again for both our company and the students involved,” said John Bendon, principal and founder of Green Building Hawaii, and a member of the SSM Advisory Committee.

Guest speakers at the reception – including Dr. Arthur Whatley, founder of Hawaii Pacific University’s master’s degree program in Global Leadership and Sustainability – will discuss the value of sustainability expertise for successful businesses and organizations.

The event is by invitation only, with limited seating for 60 attendees from local businesses, nonprofit and community organizations. To register, contact Botkin at uhmcssm@hawaii.edu. For more information, visit www.maui.hawaii.edu/ssm/rsvp or call 984-3300.

The Sustainable Science Management program is partially funded by a $320,694 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Funding does not pay for students’ costs to participate.