By Sriraj Reddy (’25SPS, Sustainability Management)
Akshay Malhotra, associate director at S&P Global and former president of the Sustainability Management Student Association (SUMASA), recently graduated from Columbia University’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management (SUMA) program. With more than a decade of experience in commodities trading, he entered the program with a clear mission: to pivot toward renewable energy and make a difference in industries that are difficult to influence.
Guided by his deep interest in solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels, Malhotra strategically selected courses that provided both functional and technical expertise in sustainability. Through Columbia’s comprehensive curriculum, projects, and insights from faculty across business, policy, and climate science, he has gained a holistic understanding of the evolving energy landscape.
What does your current role at S&P Global entail?
Currently, I serve as the regional lead for methanol markets in the Americas at S&P Global Commodity Insights. In this role, I provide in-depth analysis and market outlooks on methanol and its derivatives, including pricing, supply-demand dynamics, and trade flows.
A key part of my work involves tracking the development of low-carbon methanol projects, particularly green and blue methanol, which are gaining traction as decarbonization solutions in shipping, chemicals, and heavy industry. This role allows me to merge traditional petrochemical market expertise with a forward-looking lens on sustainability. It’s a unique vantage point from which I can assess how legacy systems are transitioning and what’s needed for these low-carbon pathways to scale.
What motivated your transition from commodities trading to renewable energy?
Having worked in commodities trading for more than 10 years, I saw firsthand how energy markets were evolving. The shift toward sustainability was no longer a theoretical discussion—it was happening in real time, with governments, businesses, and investors accelerating the transition to low-carbon solutions.
I was particularly drawn to the challenges in industries that are difficult to address, where solutions like hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon capture might be game-changing answers. The SUMA program provided the perfect opportunity to gain the expertise and network needed to transition into this space.
How has the diversity of professional and academic backgrounds within the SUMA program influenced your perspective on solving real-world sustainability challenges?
The program is incredibly well-curated, offering a blend of technical knowledge, projects, and real-world case studies. I’ve been able to explore key sustainability themes, not just from an academic standpoint but through hands-on learning.
Some of the most impactful courses for me were Solar Project Development, Sustainable Water, and Smart Agriculture for a Changing Climate. These courses helped me understand the interconnected nature of sustainability—how energy, water, food systems, AI, and climate change influence one another.
One of the biggest strengths of the program is its diverse student body. The SUMA program is designed for professionals of all ages and backgrounds. Some students, like me, come from industry experience, while others join straight from undergrad. This mix creates a unique learning environment where we gain insights not only from faculty but also from each other.
The blend of practical experience and fresh perspectives enriches discussions, making it an ideal space for knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
How has the SUMA program helped shape your career aspirations?
My career aspirations lie at the intersection of energy transition and climate finance. I’m particularly drawn to the industrial decarbonization space and am eager to work in areas where technology, finance, and policy converge, such as scaling low-carbon fuels, renewable energy integration, and climate risk analytics.
SUMA was instrumental in shaping these goals. The program not only gave me the technical skills and systems-thinking mindset needed for this complex field, but also gave me access to an incredible community of professionals and changemakers. Being in New York City provided direct exposure to real-time developments in sustainability policy, green finance, and innovation. The conversations I had with professors, alumni, or guest speakers continually expanded my horizons and helped refine my direction.
What do you see as the future of climate and renewable energy?
The future of climate solutions lies in interconnectivity—linking renewable energy sources, AI-driven efficiency measures, and sustainable resource management. The key players in energy, policy, and finance need to collaborate more effectively to unlock the full potential of these technologies.
I believe hydrogen will play a major role in decarbonizing industrial sectors, while solar and wind will continue to expand as grid-scale solutions. The real challenge will be energy storage and grid integration, which will require innovations in battery technology and flexible energy markets.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing the SUMA program?
Like picking your favorite dish at a buffet, you have access to all these amazing resources through the SUMA program, but it’s up to you to select the ones that best suit your objectives. Be intentional about your course selection, seek out mentorship from faculty, and engage in extracurricular opportunities that expand your knowledge.
For those transitioning into sustainability from a different background, my advice is to stay adaptable. The field is constantly evolving, and the more you expose yourself to different perspectives—whether in business, policy, or technology—the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the transition.
Lastly, take full advantage of being in New York City. The city is a hub for sustainability professionals, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, industry events, and access to some of the biggest players in climate and energy.
About the Program
The Columbia University M.S. in Sustainability Management program, offered by the School of Professional Studies in partnership with the Climate School, provides students with cutting-edge policy and management tools to help public and private organizations and governments address environmental impacts and risks, pollution control, and remediation to achieve sustainability. The program is customized for working professionals and is offered as a full-time and part-time course of study.
The Sustainability Management program fosters creativity and adaptability by equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world sustainability challenges through an interdisciplinary approach from the world’s premier sustainability academics, researchers, and practitioners. The up-to-the-minute curriculum and flexibility prepare graduates for careers in the dynamic and rapidly changing field of sustainability.
Learn more about the program here.