ESMT Institute for Sustainable Transformation
It leads initiatives that foster connections between businesses, policymakers, and civil society, as evidenced by the Sustainable Business Roundtable, the Climate Governance Initiative Germany, and the Societal Impact Financing Initiative. Moreover, it contributes to the sustainable transformation of ESMT Berlin, leading campus decarbonization efforts. Within degree programs, the institute connects students with companies to create experiential opportunities to learn and innovate in sustainable business.
Sustainable Transformation Research
The institute addresses real-world environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges through rigorous academic research. Led by ESMT President Jörg Rocholl, the Deutsche Bank professor in sustainable finance, and ESMT Dean of Faculty and Research Per Olsson, the DHL Group professor in sustainable accounting. Other key contributors include Tamer Boyaci, Professor and Michael Diekmann Chair in Management Science, Rajshri Jayaraman, Associate Professor of Economics, and Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze, Professor of Management Science and Faculty Lead of the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Program. Research focuses on sustainable transformation, development, finance, accounting, operations, and analytics.
The institute also initiates collaborations with global universities and businesses for action-oriented and research-based sustainability projects, particularly with natural scientists to address biodiversity loss.
Sustainable Transformation of ESMT
The institute supports ESMT’s sustainable transformation by aiding in the implementation of the school’s sustainability strategy, reporting, and projects. ESMT is committed to becoming carbon neutral in its scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2030, a goal actively supported by the Institute for Sustainable Transformation. The installation of a photovoltaic system on the school’s roof, set to cover 25% of electricity needs, highlights ESMT's dedication to environmental sustainability. Beginning in 2024, ESMT will exclusively purchase green electricity for its remaining needs.
The institute also supports students, faculty, and staff to act as sustainability ambassadors within the ESMT Net Impact chapter and is an active participant in the Sustainability Taskforce.