INSIDER INSIGHT
Phungmayo Horam, professor for research and quantitative methods, Gisma University of Applied Sciences, Germany “Although specific net-zero emissions targets have not yet been published, Gisma is already implementing a range of sustainable practices across its educational model. Through digital platforms, such as an online library, paperless lecture delivery and digital assessments, Gisma significantly reduces paper consumption. “The school’s use of a ‘hyflex’ learning model, meanwhile, allows students to engage asynchronously and remotely, helping minimise travel‑related emissions and supporting flexible, low-carbon education pathways. “Sustainability is further reflected in operational policies that emphasise decarbonisation through digitalisation, ethical procurement and collaboration with like-minded academic and industry partners. Finally, the Gisma Think Campus in Potsdam was developed with sustainable design principles in mind, reinforcing the university’s long‑term commitment to environmental responsibility.” What is the best way for business schools to influence industry practices in relation to sustainability and climate change? Catherine Tilley “Learning is at the heart of all change: people don’t do new things until they’ve learned about them. So, since 2019 we have included business ethics and sustainability in all our undergraduate degrees and many of our postgraduate degrees too. However, in a fast-moving field like sustainability, we also need to update knowledge quickly and this is why we have the Centre for Sustainable
for scope 3 emissions by 2050. Our carbon footprint was first calculated in 2022 and we have recorded a decline in our footprint in each year since. “We have switched to renewable electricity supply contracts at all our campuses except Dubai (where this is currently not possible), while also investing to reduce electricity demand through the use of LED lighting, for example. In addition, we are engaging with specialist engineers to map out a transition to heat pumps to eliminate our scope 1 emissions across all campuses.” Catherine Tilley, impact director, Centre for Sustainable Business, King’s Business School, UK “King’s Business School is part of King’s College London, which has been working on emissions reduction for nearly 20 years. We support the delivery of university-wide targets related to sustainability, ranging from managing biodiversity to improving the sustainability of our food, our real estate and of course, ensuring that we mainstream sustainability in our
“We have switched to renewable electricity supply contracts at our campuses and are engaging specialist engineers to map out a transition to heat pumps”
Matt Gitsham
research and teaching. We are also active in using our skills and knowledge to trial new activities, such as a project designed to tackle food waste and improve the nutritional value of the food in our canteens.”
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Business Impact • ISSUE 4 • 2025
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