Sustainability at ESMT Berlin

At ESMT, we believe sustainability is crucial for advancing business and society. We are committed to reducing our footprint, increasing our handprint, and creating a heartprint to foster sustainability. Our efforts span across organizational practices, business initiatives, governance, and education.

Organizational practices

Sustainability strategy

ESMT’s sustainability strategy focuses on integrating environmental considerations into all aspects of our operations. Our commitment extends across business initiatives, governance, education, and internal practices, aiming to foster a culture of sustainability within and beyond our campus. We installed a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of our historical main building with a total of 893 highly efficient modules achieving a total output of 366 kWp, it is the largest system of its kind in central Berlin. The system will cover up to 25 percent of our electricity needs, and is a significant step towards our goal of achieving carbon neutrality in our scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2030.

Our garden

Our listed garden, certified by the Berlin State Animal Welfare Officer, also plays a role in our sustainability efforts. It provides shelter for urban wildlife, including hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels, dormice, and native songbirds. We maintain a tree register and conduct annual health checks on all trees. For the past three years, we have sown a large-scale bee meadow each spring to provide a habitat for insects and butterflies.

Business initiatives

Institute for Sustainable Transformation (IST)

Introduced in November 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow and founded in February 2024, the Institute for Sustainable Transformation (IST) focuses on presenting innovative solutions to global environmental and social challenges. IST enhances research and education in sustainable finance and accounting, with professorships and faculty research, customized research for companies, and student research.

Key professorships include the Deutsche Bank Professorship in Sustainable Finance, held by Prof. Jörg Rocholl, which explores incentives and risk-sharing options to provide insights into future policy frameworks. Additionally, the DHL Group Professorship in Sustainable Accounting, held by Prof. Per Olsson, supports teaching and research on the design and application of statistical models for managerial decision-making.

Sustainable Business Roundtable (SBRT)

Established in 2011, the Sustainable Business Roundtable (SBRT) is a peer-to-peer learning network for leading global companies driving the sustainability revolution. The SBRT combines academic insights with open discussions on best practices, challenges, and opportunities in embedding sustainability.

Climate Governance Initiative Germany

The IST mobilizes climate-conscious governance through its coordination of the World Economic Forum’s 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 boards in steering companies toward sustainability and climate action, collaborative efforts focus on equipping board members with the awareness, skills, and tools necessary to embed environmental considerations into decision-making processes, fostering long-term business resilience.

Governance

ESMT Berlin’s sustainability efforts are guided by the Sustainability Taskforce, a committee of eleven members comprising employees, students, and faculty. The taskforce works collaboratively to integrate sustainability into ESMT’s core strategy, fostering responsible leadership and environmental stewardship across academic programs, operations, and community initiatives. The Director of Sustainability supports these efforts by coordinating implementation and ensuring alignment with global sustainability standards and best practices. Supported by representatives from various departments, the Director helps facilitate collaboration and drive progress. Through research, advocacy, and actionable initiatives, ESMT actively contributes to shaping a more sustainable future within and beyond the institution.