WHU establishes sustainability center: Together into the green future!

WHU establishes sustainability center: Together into the green future!

That was at the end of 2023 Sustainability Management Center (SMC) founded at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. The initiative was launched to bundle and sustainably promote the university's sustainability competencies. Under the direction of Dr. Anna-Karina Schmitz and Dr. According to Sophie Biallowons, the center pursues an ambitious goal: It should increase the visibility of the WHU community's sustainability efforts and act as a platform for exchange and networking on the topic of sustainability.

The SMC offers a wide range of activities, including publications, courses, guest lectures and case studies. Through these offerings, the center not only wants to network professors and student initiatives, but also involve alumni and companies in the initiative. The first events and the organization of the “Campus for Sustainability Management”, which will take place at the Düsseldorf campus in May 2026, are already being planned.

Networking and exchange in focus

The founding of the WHU Sustainability Management Centers is also intended to promote networking between the most important players in the area of ​​sustainability. The aim is to implement research results on sustainability into practice and to optimize the exchange of information and knowledge across the entire WHU network. Alumni and partner companies play a central role by contributing ideas and insights from practice.

Particular attention is paid to integrating all WHU faculty groups into the content of the center. Professors from a wide range of disciplines contribute their expertise to visibly advance sustainable business. WHU's commitment to ecological, social and economic goals was underlined by its top ranking in a study by the Rotterdam School of Management: WHU ranks first in Germany and eleventh worldwide when it comes to taking into account the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Initiatives to promote sustainability in science

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) In this context, promotes a culture of innovation that aims to achieve greater sustainability in universities. The “Sustainability in Science” initiative supports numerous projects at over 35 universities. The idea is to actively involve both students and employees in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies.

Through participatory approaches and transdisciplinary research, everyday knowledge is combined with scientific findings. Exemplary BMBF projects aim to promote climate-neutral mobility and resource-saving procurement. The "\ Hiking coaching program “ from students for students is another example of the university’s commitment to increasing sustainability awareness on campus.

The combination of these initiatives and the establishment of a strong network by the SMC at WHU should make a significant contribution to a more sustainable future. With a clear vision and the commitment of everyone involved, the WHU Sustainability Management Center will become a key factor in the university landscape for responsible business.