5 steps this Spanish university is taking to be more sustainable

In 2020, the university set itself a goal to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, giving them 10 years to reach their goal. Six key areas were identified: energy, paper, plastics, transport, waste and water. 

Within the first two years, energy was purchased from renewable sources, students have planted trees, compostable and plant-based alternatives to packaging were made available, and water fountains were installed to reduce the consumption of plastic bottles.  

Car-pooling initiatives, electric shuttle buses and bicycle racks were also installed across campus. In 2020 alone, the IE University community spent over 53,000 hours on social impact initiatives.  

In 2021, the Center for Social Innovation and Sustainability was set up to drive the university’s entrepreneurial mindset and shape leaders with a global vision to create positive impact in the world.  

Leveraging the university’s global network and applied experience, the centre creates a collaborative space to design and implement impactful projects and promote climate action, from a ‘Rebuilding travel: social innovation network for SMEs’ project to refugee scholarship programmes.   

IE University has over 100 student clubs, many of which have a focus on sustainability and responsible consumption. Each club has the option to choose an area of impact, including water, energy, plastic, fashion or food, and can build their own initiatives to reduce consumption in their organisations.  

IE University writes: “The concerted drive from our entire student body in moving towards a common goal shows that small, individual efforts can make a significant impact when done cohesively.” 

The IE Alumni in Sustainability and Social Innovation Club brings together graduates with a keen interest in protecting the planet. The club focuses on building connections and creating action to help achieve the United Nation’s SDGs, working with each other and beyond the network to make real change on the ground.  

IE University has an entrepreneurial mindset at its heart, and recognises that sustainability is key in building successful, futureproof businesses. Bringing together the most innovative members of the IE community, the university hosts a number of events throughout the year, including masterclasses and conferences to online networking.  

Staff, students and public can learn about IE’s impact on ‘strategic management: business and sustainability’ or ‘sustainability as a company advantage’, demonstrating the clear connection between profitability and sustainability in the business world.  

IE University president, Santiago Iñiguez de Onzoño said: “There’s still a long way to go to achieve our goals for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but with our institution’s commitment, innovation and proactivity to accelerate our impact, we’re well on track.”