Our Sustainability Policy

Founded by business executives for business executives, we are an independent academic institution with Swiss roots and global reach. We strive to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide.

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 organisations and contribute to society. We support responsible leaders who act with integrity, contribute to sustainable performance and have a positive impact on the world.

Our Principles

Our approach to sustainability is aligned with Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME seeks to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible management education. We enable continuous improvement to develop a new generation of business leaders capable of managing the complex challenges of the 21st century.

IMD is committed to the following principles:

Purpose

We will develop the capabilities of students and participants to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society, and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.

Values

We will incorporate into our academic activities, curricula, and organisational practices the values of global social responsibility as portrayed in globally recognized initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact.

Method

We will create educational frameworks, materials, processes and environments that enable effective learning experiences for responsible leadership.

Research

We will engage in conceptual and empirical research that advances our understanding of the role, dynamics, and impact of corporations in the creation of sustainable social, environmental and economic value.

Partnership

We will partner with managers of business corporations to better understand their challenges in meeting social and environmental responsibilities, and to explore jointly effective approaches to meet these challenges.

Dialogue

We will facilitate and support dialogue and debate among educators, students, business, government, consumers, media, civic society and other stakeholders on critical issues related to global social responsibility and sustainability.
We understand that our own organisational practices should serve as example of the values and attitudes we convey to our students.

Our Commitment and Scope

This policy applies to all IMD programs, events, pedagogic initiatives and research activities.

Our impact on the world occurs both directly through our own activities, and indirectly through the activities of the students, business executives and organizations with whom we come into contact.

With respect to our own activities, our approach to environmental, social and economic responsibility includes working within existing legislation, of course, but also voluntarily exceeding legal requirements to demonstrate leadership on issues that are important to us and our stakeholders. While we have limited influence over the third parties we work with, we commit to educate them about our policy and encourage them to align operating practices with our policy objectives.

In our work with students, business executives and organizations, our goal is to educate effective, inspirational, reflective and responsible leaders who will contribute to enhancing the performance of their organizations in a way that also contributes positively to society.

On the research front, we research ambitious and progressive organizations that push the boundaries of performance. We also strive to identify and study individuals and organizations that find innovative ways to do well (performance-wise) by doing good (for society).

Beyond our traditional clients and corporate partners, we collaborate with and support non-corporate institutions such as NGOs, NPOs and governmental organizations, to help them manage their activities more effectively and efficiently and thus have an even more positive impact on the world.

Please contact Natalia Olynec, Sustainability Partner, [email protected] for more information.

Responsible leadership: IMD's response to COVID-19

IMD has responded to COVID-19 through a balancing act between ensuring short-term survival and re-shaping IMD to thrive in the post-crisis world.

At the same time, we are unwavering in our commitment to responsible leadership development and to the Principles for Responsible Management Education, says IMD President Jean-François Manzoni.

IMD has responded to COVID-19 through a balancing act between ensuring short-term survival and re-shaping IMD to thrive in the post-crisis world.

At the same time, we are unwavering in our commitment to responsible leadership development and to the Principles for Responsible Management Education, says IMD President Jean-François Manzoni.

IMD news and publications on sustainability

Inspiring what could be: IMD Sustainability Report

At IMD, we believe a sense of shared responsibility is needed for the flourishing of our planet, organizations, and society. Business leaders can play a crucial role in providing solutions for the future. We can continue to become more accountable for the social and environmental costs of our actions. Read more in IMD’s Sustainability Report.

11 key moments from our annual alumni event on the role of leadership in meeting the global challenges

Doing well by doing good, the role of sustainability in business, coping with change and how to find hope in an increasingly fractured world - just some of the key themes which ran through the Annual Alumni Event 2019 on 27-28 September.

IMD Annual International Alumni Event 2019

“If you don’t know how to fix it, please stop breaking it”

Hot on the heels of the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, the meeting of former participants takes a closer look at sustainability in leadership and how business can aid the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Joining forces for the world we want

The private sector can only thrive in a society that is flourishing. While, achieving the SDGs is impossible without business, long-term business success, in turn, also depends on collaborating with sectors on achieving the SDGs.

Where the wild things were

Imagine a planet without dolphins? Without elephants, without lions, without tigers, without whales?

This book is written for both children and adults to entertain and educate.

IMD sustainability progress confirmed by EcoVadis

IMD has stepped up its action and measurement efforts in the area of sustainability in recent years. EcoVadis announced the business school’s Silver rating for 2019, showing a clear year-on-year progression.

Philanthropic impact investing: Four keys to success

Impact investments are an important element towards building a more inclusive capitalism that serves society better. Such investments also can enhance effectiveness and efficiency to tackle the ongoing global economic, social and ecological crises of our time.

IMD Highlights Sustainability Practices Around Campus

With over 9,000 program participants a year, IMD guests and staff drink a lot of coffee. Did you know that we sustainably source about 2 tons of coffee a year and even recycle the waste to make energy? IMD works with the city of Lausanne to transform coffee grinds and food waste into biogas, providing heat and electricity.