WORKING TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION
At IU, sustainability means taking responsibility for our environmental and social impacts.
Since 2023, the IU Group has been certified as a B Corp—confirming that, as part of an independent assessment process, we meet high standards for responsible business practices. As a B Corp, we are also part of an international community of companies and organisations that systematically embed social and environmental responsibility in their governance.
As a higher education institution, we contribute to sustainability by expanding access to education regardless of background and by integrating sustainability topics into our teaching and research to support informed and sustainable decisions in society.
OUR INSTITUTION: SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE
Environmental Protection
Our goal is to act sustainably and protect the environment. We also aim to inspire our faculty and students to join us in preserving our planet and working towards a better tomorrow.
Social Responsibility
We strive to contribute to a fair global development by providing flexible access to education for people around the world.
Sustainable Education
From teaching to research, sustainable education is important to us at all levels. In doing so, we actively shape a future-oriented and just society – both locally and globally.
SUSTAINABLE THROUGH EDUCATION
People and entire societies grow through individual education, and everyone deserves the same opportunities.
Developing countries lack the know-how and financial resources. As the initiator and academic partner of the Study Access Alliance Africa, we provide people with the opportunity for higher education: With 100,000 scholarships for online degrees. This is an important first step towards diversity and equality, but it is only the beginning. As an institution committed to sustainability, our goal is even greater.
Learn moreFIRST MOVER, NOT ONLY IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR!
Among the first environmental advocates
Since 2020, we have been measuring our greenhouse gas footprint, and since 2022, we have been publishing our sustainability reports. In 2023, the IU Group was certified as a B Corp.
Lower CO2 emissions thanks to digital learning model
With our predominantly digital educational offerings, we significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to traditional educational institutions.
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CLIMATE ACTION
Together with our partner ClimatePartner, we support selected climate action projects as a complementary measure alongside our own emissions reductions. In doing so, we provide financial support for projects that can reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions and may deliver additional social benefits—depending on the project approach and local context. In selecting projects, we refer to established frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
RENEWABLE ENERGY TO REDUCE IMPORT DEPENDENCY – WIND POWER IN BALIKESIR
The Balıkesir project supports the expansion of wind energy in the Balıkesir region of Turkey. It helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improves air quality, and promotes sustainable economic development. By feeding clean electricity into the national power grid, the project avoids CO₂ emissions while creating new local jobs.
7,714 t CO₂e compensated to cover our CCF for 2024; certification standard: Gold Standard
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SUSTAINABLE SOLAR ENERGY FOR HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS BANGLADESH
The project in Bangladesh supports households without access to the electricity grid by providing solar home systems. This reduces CO₂ emissions and improves the quality of life for local communities by supplying clean electricity for lighting and small appliances.
5,000 t CO₂e compensated to cover our CCF for 2024
Certification standard: Gold Standard
WASTE HEAT RECOVERY FOR CEMENT PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN
The cement industry is one of the largest CO₂ emitters worldwide, accounting for around 8 % of global emissions. A significant share of energy is lost as waste heat – up to 40 % of the thermal energy used is not utilized. The waste heat recovery project at Fauji Cement Company in Jhang Bahtar uses innovative technologies, such as heat recovery steam generators, to capture this energy and convert it into electricity. This reduces energy consumption, increases efficiency, and improves the CO₂ balance.
Up to 30 % of a cement plant’s electricity demand can be supplied through waste heat recovery.
6,286 t CO₂e compensated to cover our CCF for 2024
Certification standard: Gold Standard
PUZZLE PIECE: REBUILDING
DIGITAL FIRST.
Not an end in itself, but an important tool for conserving and rebuilding our environment. Our students can actively contribute to sustainable development: For every fifth saved printout of study materials, we plant a tree!
39.208 Planted trees
331.649 saved printouts
NEXT GENERATION
ALUMNUS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The IU Alumni Award in the category "Sustainability" was presented to Lars Holger Engelhard in 2022 to honour his outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the sustainable development of the shipping industry. As an alumnus of our university, Lars, through his company Unleash Future Boats GmbH, has developed innovative solutions to significantly reduce emissions in the shipping industry. The award not only recognizes his technological breakthrough but also his commitment to positively transform the shipping industry and make a substantial contribution to climate protection.
Lars deeply impressed the jury of the IU Alumni Award with his vision to reduce the share of CO2 emissions from European shipping from 3.7% to 0.0%. He and his team have developed emission-free, autonomous ships with electric propulsion and fuel cells, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional, environmentally harmful vessels. Lars' company, Unleash Future Boats GmbH, has already received several prestigious awards for its groundbreaking solutions, underlining his relevance and the positive impact of his work.
The IU Alumni Award acknowledges Lars' exceptional merits and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of alumni to also contribute to a sustainable future.
Discover the full success story here.
Find more alumni winners in the categories of Professional Success, Entrepreneurship, Digital Education Development, and Special Mention here:
Learn moreB CORP CERTIFICATION
WE MADE IT!
IU Group (IUG) is a certified B Corporation following the successful completion of an audit process by the independent non-profit organization B Lab, signifying that IUG meets high standards in terms of social and environmental impact.
Learn moreAny Questions? Bring them on.
Alex Caicics, Head of Sustainability at IU Group
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