Our approach to sustainability

Our commitment

We believe a sense of shared responsibility is essential for the prosperity of individuals, businesses, communities, and nations. Challenging what is, and inspiring what could be, we develop leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society. We support responsible leaders who act with integrity, contribute to sustainable performance, and have a positive impact on the world.

At IMD, we have taken great strides in measuring and reducing our carbon footprint. We have conducted a comprehensive review of our impact on the environment and are developing a far-reaching strategy to reduce our emissions and energy consumption. This will entail regular energy audits, clear carbon reduction targets, and energy efficiency measures in our buildings and operations. 

Our focus areas

IMD’s core focus areas reflect both how the institution influences others to contribute to sustainability through its teaching, research, and outreach (IMD’s handprint), and how it embeds sustainable processes and behaviors into its own culture and operations (IMD’s footprint).

Our materiality framework

Our materiality framework follows the latest guidelines, such as the Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), calling for incorporating ‘double materiality’. We defined key sustainability issues that are material to IMD from two perspectives: Outside-in and Inside-out.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

IMD is a signatory member of PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), which seeks to deliver the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 through responsible management education. This decade is known as the Decade of Action for the SDGs and IMD is committed to doing its part to meet these ambitions through its scope to teach, research, convene, and develop business and not-for-profit leaders. 

Carbon Footprint Report

IMD completes an annual measurement of its Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 carbon emissions footprint, conforming with the internationally recognized standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The results are presented in the Carbon Footprint Report.