Sustainability at ESMT
Sustainable Business Transformation Initiative
In June 2021, ESMT launched the Sustainable Business Transformation Initiative to expand our academic impact in research and education on critical areas affecting business and society. Our goal is to present innovative solutions to global environmental and social challenges. This initiative served as the inaugural step towards the establishment of the Institute for Sustainable Transformation, which was officially introduced on November 2, 2021, at COP26 in Glasgow. The institute strengthens collaborations with external stakeholders and enhances faculty expertise in a range of diverse thematic areas related to sustainable business.
As part of the initiative, Deutsche Bank is supporting the establishment of a professorship in sustainable finance at ESMT, with Prof. Jörg Rocholl as the chairholder.
This professorship underscores our dedication to fostering economic growth while alleviating pressure on the natural environment and considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. It will explore incentives and risk-sharing options, providing valuable insights into future policy frameworks.
Furthermore, within this initiative, DHL Group is actively participating in establishing a professorship in sustainable accounting at ESMT, with Prof. Per Olsson as the chairholder. The focus of this professorship is to address the measurement and reporting of ESG components within the field of accounting.
The Sustainable Business Roundtable (SBRT)
Formed in 2011, the SBRT acts as a collaborative learning network. It brings together outstanding companies with a global presence, spearheading the sustainability revolution for clearer environmental and social impact. Learn more here.
Climate Governance Initiative
ESMT, together with the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) and Board Academy e.V., has joined the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative and coordinates its Chapter in Germany. The network aims to mobilize non-executive directors and supervisory board members (“Aufsichtsräte”) to align business models with ambitious climate policy and a set of joint Climate Governance Principles. Find more information here.
Reducing our carbon footprint
ESMT has installed a state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) system on our historic main building to reduce our carbon footprint. This system, comprising 893 highly efficient solar modules, is expected to supply around 25 percent of our campus’ energy needs. With a capacity of 366 kWp, it's the largest of its kind in central Berlin and will begin contributing to the grid in June 2024. By using dark monocrystalline high-performance modules, we've maintained the building’s historic appearance while advancing sustainability. This initiative is projected to cut our carbon emissions by about 150 tons of CO2 annually, demonstrating our commitment to environmental leadership. Key details include:
- Total capacity: 366.13 kWp
- Estimated annual generation: 345,000 kWh
At the start of 2024, our campus transitioned to using renewable energy, specifically green electricity.