Garry Clayton Profile

By Daniel Schemer, January 2010

Dr. Garry Clayton is no stranger to sustainability. Before taking office as Director of Sustainability Studies, his work in the field included collaborating on the Assessment, teaching courses for the Minor, overseeing independent studies on sustainable businesses and renewable energy, and being Director of the online sustainability certificate program. This semester, he’s also teaching the Minor’s core course, Topics in Sustainability. “Sustainability is an area of deep interest for me. It is one of the great challenges for not only the United States, but for the world in general. It’s about caring for the well-being of our planet, our social structures, and our businesses.”

Dr. Clayton has been Director of Sustainability Studies since Professor Jerry Blitefield announced his sabbatical last semester. “We all have to give due praise and acknowledgment to Jerry’s accomplishments. Because of his work, I was able to contribute my small offerings of courses and research projects and be able to take up Directorship of the certificate program. He made sure I had a home in sustainability.”

Dr. Clayton has big shoes to fill, a huge amount of work ahead of him, and an already overwhelming weekly schedule from other university commitments. In addition to his professorial obligations, he’s also Assistant Dean for the Charlton College of Business and Director of CCB Cape Cod.  Balancing all these duties without something falling on the wayside is a mammoth feat, but he proclaims, enthusiastically, he’s up to the task. “Weekends have become extra workdays. Having said that, for me this is a bit like my sort of ‘give back.’ This is my ‘doing the right thing.’ So it’s gratifying work.”

His ambitious nature and admirable drive permeate through his overall mission as Director: to achieve more formal structure with sustainability studies and ally with associates and staff from every academic field. “Currently, Sustainability Studies at UMass Dartmouth is really a collection of vitally interested people.” He plans on reaching new areas by reengineering the Minor and giving it greater association with the certificate program. This top-to-bottom restructuring will not only fortify what’s already been done, but lead to expanded course offerings, further cross-listing with other academic disciplines, increased faculty participation, establishment of a graduate program, and funding new research projects. “There’s no dedicated budget; it’s pretty much been only love and promise from committed people and not because of any tangible rewards.” His expertise, ardor, stature, and good tidings with faculty and staff ensure these prospects of further integrating sustainability into every subject. “I want to make sure that what we started is not only maintained, but goes on to the next level.”

With a prominent background in business and marketing, Dr. Clayton has seen and predicted the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in the corporate world. Social-consciousness put aside, having an education in sustainability is a smart career decision. “I envision sustainability infusing and permeating every area of business.” He cites this gradual shift beginning, noticeably, in the mid-1990’s when only a very small percentage of companies started paying attention to these principles. “About 4% of businesses had interest in sustainability, and most of the companies who did felt compelled. The revelation was that, eventually, it made not just environmental sense, but also economic sense. Those businesses committed to sustainability have shown better returns in capital, better market value because people are willing to invest, and increased market share.”

The concept of cradle-to-cradle—finding ways to reuse materials for different products in an effort to minimize waste—has been one method these companies have brought on success and admiration from investors. “It’s impact on business is that it’s increased awareness that we can’t have standard models of waste. We need to observe more closely and mimic our ecosystems and nature.” Dr. Clayton is adamant that a business’ commitment to sustainable practices must be genuine in order to gain similar success and public trust. He’s seen many examples of companies “green-washing” their image, giving only the illusion they care and adopt practices. “It backfires! These companies get seen right through quickly.”

A native of New Zealand, Dr. Clayton’s zeal for sustainability was heavily influenced by his cultural and environmental upbringing. “It likes to pride itself as a clean, green country.” He grew up with a firm appreciation for conservation due to the nation’s prime economic focus: agriculture. Green renewable energy, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal, comprises 70% and counting of the nation’s energy, with most of the population aiming to achieve carbon neutrality with its crops from production to consumption. “Recycling and reusing are part of the psyche. New Zealanders have a great attachment to the land because we want the land to keep going on. I’m a product of that society.”