Newswise — (Boston) – The Boston University Questrom School of Business announced today that Peter Fox-Penner, renowned expert in energy policy, sustainability and business strategy, will join the School as Professor of the Practice on January 1, 2016. Dr. Fox-Penner will lead initiatives to expand the School’s education programs in the field of sustainability, including the creation of a University-wide Institute for Sustainable Energy.

The Institute for Sustainable Energy will focus on increasing energy research initiatives throughout Boston University, deepening connections between science, engineering, and management scholars with policy-makers and corporations, and advancing curricular activities at Questrom and across BU’s schools and colleges. The university-wide Institute will be a “think and do” tank focused on bringing together world-class academic, regulatory and industry resources to address important global economic, social, and technological challenges.

“Dr. Fox-Penner brings Questrom School of Business and Boston University a unique blend of industry, government and academic experience that will be invaluable in accelerating our progress toward being recognized as a global leader in the sustainability community, ” said Kenneth W. Freeman, Allen Questrom Professor and Dean.

Dr. Fox-Penner previously was Principal and former chairman of The Brattle Group where he advised most major U.S. power companies and grid operators, government agencies, and international clients on electric power and environmental policy issues. During the Clinton Presidency, he was a Senior Advisor to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy.

Dr. Fox-Penner is a frequent speaker on energy topics and the author of numerous published articles and books, including the highly acclaimed Smart Power: Climate Change, the Smart Grid, and the Future of Electric Utilities (Island Press, 2010). His research has been widely cited, including in one Supreme Court decision. Dr. Fox-Penner also advises Energy Impact Partners and is on the board of directors of The Solar Foundation and LRI, Inc.

Dr. Fox-Penner received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Energy Policy) from the University of Illinois, and his Ph.D. in Economics from the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago.

About Boston University Questrom School of Business Founded in 1913, Boston University Questrom School of Business (Questrom) empowers leaders and innovators to impact society. Questrom’s distinctive approach to teaching and scholarship prepares students for leadership through a comprehensive knowledge of the management disciplines and major forces transforming the global economy, including digital technology, social enterprise and sustainability, and health and life sciences. Questrom offers an array of undergraduate, graduate, executive, and doctoral programs. Learn more at www.bu.edu/questrom.

About Boston UniversityFounded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 33,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University’s research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.