At ESMT Berlin, we believe sustainability is essential to advancing business and society. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, increasing our positive impact, and fostering a culture of sustainability across our campus and community. Our efforts span organizational practices, business initiatives, governance, and education, supporting our mission to develop responsible leaders for a changing world.
Organizational practices
Sustainability strategy
ESMT's sustainability strategy integrates environmental considerations into all aspects of our operations. Our commitment extends across business initiatives, governance, education, and internal practices, helping to foster a culture of sustainability within and beyond our campus.
Climate action
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key priority. We installed a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of our historic main building comprising 893 high-efficiency modules with a total capacity of 366 kWp. The largest installation of its kind in central Berlin, the system supplies up to 25 percent of our electricity needs and is a significant milestone towards our goal of achieving carbon neutrality in our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
To further strengthen our climate strategy, ESMT is participating in the UN Global Compact Climate Ambition Accelerator, a six-month program that supports organizations in developing science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the 1.5°C pathway. Through practical training, peer learning, and guidance on greenhouse gas management, the program is helping us strengthen our long-term climate strategy and prepare for future science-based target setting.
Our garden
Our listed garden, certified by the Berlin State Animal Welfare Officer, plays an important role in supporting biodiversity on campus. It provides habitat for urban wildlife, including hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels, dormice, and native songbirds.
We maintain a tree register and conduct annual health checks on all campus trees. For the past three years, we have also established a large-scale wildflower meadow each spring, creating valuable habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Business initiatives
Institute for Sustainable Transformation (IST)
Introduced at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 and formally established in 2024, the Institute for Sustainable Transformation (IST) advances research, education, and collaboration to address global environmental and social challenges. The institute strengthens ESMT's expertise in sustainable finance and accounting through faculty research, endowed professorships, customized research for companies, and student engagement.
Research excellence
The Deutsche Bank Professorship in Sustainable Finance, held by Prof. Jörg Rocholl, explores incentives and risk-sharing mechanisms to inform future policy frameworks and advance sustainable finance.
The DHL Group Professorship in Sustainable Accounting, held by Prof. Per Olsson, supports research and teaching on sustainability accounting and the application of analytical models to improve managerial decision-making.
Climate Governance Initiative Germany
The IST coordinates the Climate Governance Initiative Germany, in partnership with the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) and Board Academy e.V.
Recognizing the crucial role of supervisory and advisory boards in advancing sustainability and climate action, the initiative equips board members with the awareness, knowledge, and tools needed to integrate climate considerations into strategic decision-making and strengthen long-term business resilience.
Sustainable Business Roundtable (SBRT)
Established in 2011, the Sustainable Business Roundtable (SBRT) is a peer-to-peer learning network for leading global companies driving sustainability transformation. The SBRT combines academic insights with open discussions on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for embedding sustainability into business strategy and operations.
Governance
Sustainability is embedded in ESMT's governance and institutional decision-making.
Our sustainability efforts are guided by the Sustainability Task Force, a committee of eleven employees, students, and faculty members. Working collaboratively across the school, the task force helps integrate sustainability into ESMT's core strategy, fostering responsible leadership and environmental stewardship across academic programs, campus operations, and community initiatives.
The Director of Sustainability supports these efforts by coordinating implementation, facilitating collaboration across departments, and ensuring alignment with global sustainability standards and best practices. Together, the Sustainability Task Force and representatives from across the institution drive continuous improvement and help embed sustainability throughout ESMT's activities.
Through research, advocacy, and practical initiatives, ESMT actively contributes to shaping a more sustainable future within and beyond the institution.
Reporting
Transparency and accountability are central to ESMT's sustainability approach.
Each year, ESMT publishes a Sustainability Report documenting our environmental performance, governance, key initiatives, and progress towards our sustainability goals.
To support clients and partners with sustainability data requests, we maintain our sustainability profile on IntegrityNext, providing up-to-date information on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Share your ideas to drive sustainability at ESMT forward!
Joanna Radeke
Sustainability strategy and reports
Explore our sustainability strategy, annual reports, and supporting documentation to learn more about our environmental performance, governance, and progress.
ESMT Berlin Sustainability Strategy
Sustainability Strategy
Sustainability report 2024
Sustainability Report 2023
Sustainability Report 2022
Green Electricity Certificate 2024-2026
