HOMING IN ON IMPACT David Claivaz and Khulan Berger (right) explain how a mutually beneficial take on the residency concept at Business School Lausanne (BSL) engages its community when it comes to having an impact on sustainability
T he Business Graduates Association’s Continuous Improvement Model is an invitation to address all dimensions of academic life under the gaze of sustainability. At BSL, we understood this invitation as a call to explore innovative opportunities to support sustainability. This led us to the idea of offering a sustainability residency to MyBluePlanet, a Swiss association fighting for a climate-friendly future, in September 2022. The terms of this residency are as follows: BSL provides MyBluePlanet with a fully equipped office space “We have brought the residency concept to a new dimension, where the impact- oriented activities of MyBluePlanet make the educational
free of charge and the opportunity to use the school’s building for various activities, including conferences, business meetings and social events. In return, we hope to see external sustainability-related problems and opportunities collide with BSL’s classes and community. WHY MYBLUEPLANET? Founded in 2007 in German-speaking Switzerland, MyBluePlanet has around 12,000 members at the time of writing and works with individuals, companies, schools and communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within their sphere of influence. It also partners with groups or organisations chosen for their motivation and agility to help guide Switzerland towards net zero. MyBluePlanet’s antenna in residency at BSL currently consists of four employees and 19 volunteers. Its work includes acting as a hub for the Climate Reality Project (a global network offering net-zero tools and training) organising community events and scaling projects across Switzerland. It also brings existing MyBluePlanet activities to the French-speaking part of Switzerland, such as its ClimateLab workshops, the ClimateActions 4 Companies programme aimed at encouraging small and medium-sized organisations to take the path towards
net zero over a three-year period and the MyBlueTree programme that raises awareness among younger stakeholders. With its activities paying particular attention to the development of collaborations with local sustainability actors and adding value to the regional ecosystem, its efforts add to BSL’s own reputation in the field. WORKING WITH STUDENTS In addition, the residency allows MyBluePlanet to engage BSL’s community of young leaders and companies directly towards impact. Three types of learning experience have been identified by the residency so far: MyBluePlanet as a source of internships for BSL students; real‑life business cases for teaching and extracurricular purposes at the school; and a resource for any sustainability‑related initiative, from guest speakers and presentations to its Sustainability Club and alumni offerings. Some BSL students have already landed internships with MyBluePlanet, strengthening the bond between the two communities. However, beyond the top-level plans, it is the constant informal exchanges between MyBluePlanet staff and BSL students that matter most. This is the deep meaning of a residency – sharing
activities of BSL more impactful”
34 Business Impact • ISSUE 3 • 2023
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