The battery supply chain is a key driver of the green energy transition. With the growing demand for battery storage systems in electric vehicles and renewable energy, the environmental impact of material extraction and production is receiving increased attention. One critical aspect is biodiversity—how can companies mitigate risks such as resource depletion, habitat destruction, and long-term ecosystem damage?
In a recently published joint article in KlimaRZ – Zeitschrift für materielles und prozessuales Klimarecht, Munich Business School Professor Michael Rüdiger, Paras Badhwar (MBA Alumnus), and adjunct faculty member Sandra Reich examine the challenges and opportunities of integrating biodiversity considerations into battery supply chains. The article evaluates current mandatory and voluntary initiatives, explores emerging trends, and discusses how businesses can align sustainability with economic objectives.
Key Insights from the Research:
- The battery supply chain poses significant biodiversity risks, including material extraction and end-of-life disposal challenges.
- Measuring biodiversity impact remains a challenge—while tools are emerging, the absence of clear KPIs makes it difficult to set concrete targets.
- Integrating biodiversity into business strategies can enhance risk management, improve reputation, and reduce operational costs.
Collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders will be essential for building more sustainable supply chains.
This collaboration between core faculty, adjunct faculty, and a former student showcases the strong connection between research, teaching, and practical application at Munich Business School. By combining academic expertise, industry insights, and a business perspective, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of biodiversity risks and sustainability strategies in battery supply chains.
- Reich, S., Rüdiger, H. M., & Badhwar, P. (2025). Biodiversity and Battery Supply Chains. KlimaRZ – Zeitschrift für materielles und prozessuales Klimarecht, 15(1), 33–38.
