The Center of Research for Energy and Climate Change
The Center of Research for Energy and Climate Change (CRECC) at Paris School of Business (PSB) is a specialized research center dedicated to advancing high-impact studies at the intersection of energy economics, climate change, and sustainable finance. Since its establishment in 2019, CRECC has grown into one of the school's most dynamic and visible research hubs, contributing directly to PSB’s strategic goals of academic excellence, internationalization, and societal relevance. Its primary mission is to produce rigorous, interdisciplinary, and policy-relevant research that addresses the critical global challenges of climate transition, energy sustainability, and financial resilience. In doing so, CRECC aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). It also plays a central role in fulfilling PSB’s 2030 strategic plan, which emphasizes sustainability, cross-disciplinarity, and impact-driven education.
Research Areas and Academic Output
The research conducted at CRECC covers a wide range of topics including green banking and insurance, carbon pricing, energy markets and volatility, ESG investment practices, renewable energy transitions, and climate-related financial risk. Since its creation, the center has published over 80 articles in peer-reviewed academic journals, including top-tier outlets such as Energy Economics, Energy Journal, Energy Policy, and Journal of International Money and Finance. These publications frequently contribute to policy debates and are cited by both academics and professionals in economics, finance, energy, and environmental science.
Many research outputs from CRECC have informed:
- regulatory bodies,
- think tanks,
- and international institutions
…on issues such as emissions trading systems, green bond markets, and financial system resilience under climate stress.
International Collaboration and Academic Partnerships
CRECC is also characterized by its strong commitment to internationalization and academic partnerships. It maintains a strong international presence through active collaborations with leading academic and research institutions, reinforcing its global outlook and interdisciplinary approach.
The center’s network includes partnerships with:
- École Polytechnique,
- University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne,
- University of Paris-Saclay,
- the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD),
- the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa,
- and the University of Southampton.
These collaborations support co-authored publications, joint research projects and organization of conferences. Through these affiliations, CRECC enhances the international visibility of the Paris School of Business, promotes cross-border knowledge production on global energy and climate challenges, and ensures its work remains aligned with the highest academic and societal standards in the field of sustainable finance and environmental policy.
Leadership and Research Team
The center is led by Professor Khaled Guesmi and brings together a team of renowned researchers and faculty members from PSB, including Professors Thomas Porcher, Stéphane Goutte, Christian Urom, Hassan Obeid and Hatem Rjiba. This core group, enriched by affiliate researchers from partner institutions, contributes to the center’s dynamic and cross-functional research environment. CRECC’s researchers are actively involved in international conferences, serve on editorial boards of high-impact journals, and engage in multidisciplinary projects that intersect economics, finance, energy policy, and data science.
Integration with Teaching and Student Involvement
CRECC also serves as a valuable platform for integrating research into teaching and student learning experiences. Faculty members incorporate the center’s research findings into undergraduate and graduate courses, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments in green finance, ESG evaluation, and climate risk modeling.
The center supports student involvement through:
- thesis co-supervision,
- research assistantships,
- and participation in academic events.
Each year, CRECC organizes International Conference on Sustainability, Environment, and Social Transition in Economics and Finance (SESTEF) conference, which brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from across the world. SESTEF, now in its fourth edition, is recognized as a key event in the fields of sustainable development and green finance.
A Strategic Pillar for PSB
CRECC stands as a key pillar of the Paris School of Business's research and societal engagement strategy. It combines academic rigor, international collaboration, student involvement, and practical impact to address the complex global issues of energy transition and climate change.