My name is Theo Kalff and I’m a third-year student in the HBA1 program with a background in Political Science. This summer I will be pursuing a management consulting intern position and I’m hoping to work at the intersection of environmental sustainability and business throughout my career. Specifically, I’m interested in the energy transition and renewable energy production. In my free time, I enjoy spending time hiking, canoeing, and camping. This love for the outdoors, paired with my interest in sustainable business practices led me to go tree planting in BC last summer for three months. 

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

My personal definition of sustainability is anything that can function without degrading something else in a substantial way. I usually apply this through an environmental perspective. For example, how does a company’s manufacturing process impact the surrounding natural environment? This definition, however, can also be applied through a social lens. For example, how does a firm’s hiring process include or exclude certain demographics? 

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

I want sustainability to be a cornerstone of my career. I think this will help me experience the most satisfaction and passion towards my work as I’ll be contributing to solving the most pressing issue in human history. This could, however, present itself in many ways. I’ve looked into pursuing sustainability consulting since I’ll be entering this field this summer. I’ve also considered starting an entrepreneurial venture centred around sustainability. If I was able to find the right product or service, this would be an incredibly exciting route to take. All this to say, I’m not entirely sure how sustainability will impact my career but I’m excited to experience a diverse range of opportunities within this field. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

I have been included in many sustainability initiatives. This summer, I decided to go tree planting in BC. There, I directly contributed to sustainability efforts as I planted 100,000 trees over three months. These trees will pull nearly 50,000 tones of CO2 out of the atmosphere over their lifetime. This was highly challenging, as I persevered through extreme weather, difficult terrain and 10-hour workdays but it was also incredibly rewarding. During my time at Ivey, I’ve also contributed to sustainable initiatives as a Project Analyst for Ubuntu Impact Pro-Bono Consulting. During this experience, I collaborated with teammates to conduct market research for a small fintech start-up in Ethiopia with the objective of creating sustainable economic development in Africa. Finally, I’ve also contributed to social sustainability during my time as Vice President of Finance for Habitat for Humanity Western, an international organization that looks to provide affordable housing for those in need. In this position, I’ve planned and organized multiple successful fundraising events including our inaugural charity golf tournament and live music concert that raised a combined $4,000.  

Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate. 

My main interests in sustainability are connected to the energy transition and the financial feasibility of renewable energy. To reduce the impacts of climate change, we must build a net-zero economy. To do this, however, it must make financial sense. In an ideal world, people would transition towards renewable energy because it’s the right thing to do but unfortunately, that is not realistic. We must create economic incentives behind this transition, and I think that’s an interesting problem to try to solve.