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Hello everyone! In honour of Imperial’s Sustainability Week, your friendly “tree huggers” cohort (a.k.a. MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance students) are here to share some examples of sustainability on campus, as well as suggestions for incorporating sustainability into your own life!
Imperial College London has recently launched its first Sustainable Food & Drink Policy, outlining a set of ambitious targets to reduce the impact its catering and retail outlets have on the environment. Amongst other things, the policy includes commitments to continue to reduce the amount of beef served on-campus by 30% annually, culminating in the complete removal of beef by 2025-2026 (beef production generates more emissions than other protein sources). The policy also commits to making all dairy alternatives free across campus by the end of this academic year and to prioritise local, seasonal products.
In the MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance programme, our classes focus on how businesses can become more sustainable and how finance can be used to catalyse the transition to a net-zero economy. We are fortunate to be learning from the world’s leading climate change experts: Dr Paulo Ceppi, one of our professors for “The Science of Climate Change”, was one of 100 contributing scientists to Greta Thunberg’s The Climate Book. Our classes explore the nuances of sustainable finance and prepare us to lead an unprecedented energy transition over the next few decades.
On a personal level, my sustainable lifestyle practices include bringing a refillable water bottle and packed lunch in my reusable tupperware every day. Recently, I have opted for plant-based milk for my beverages of choice (not to mention that I always bring my Imperial College Business School reusable coffee cup to get my orders). I am also a huge advocate for thrifting books and a frequent user of the ‘TooGoodToGo’ app, which gives me access to restaurants and stores that have surplus unsold food.
Although climate targets will only be met if businesses and governments act swiftly and follow scientific advice, individual actions remain essential to creating a more sustainable world. Each time you buy the “more sustainable” product, you’re sending a signal to companies that consumers care about the impact their purchases have on the environment, and companies will adjust accordingly. Collectively, individual actions do drive sweeping change!
To learn more about Imperial College Business School’s commitment to sustainability, please visit its dedicated webpage. And check out The Grantham Institute’s Action Hub to learn how to incorporate sustainability into your own life!
Sustainably,
Jean Sau and Kirk Zieser
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