IU Group publishes Sustainability Report 2023: Increased commitment to the environment and social responsibility

• As a certified B Corporation, IU Group has undergone a rigorous assessment by B Lab, meeting high standards in terms of social and environmental impact.
• IU Group prioritises minimising its carbon footprint by using less energy in offices and more renewable energy.
• IU International University of Applied Sciences is a leader in gender diversity, ranking second out of 42 institutions in a recent analysis by the Berlin/Brandenburg Consumer Protection Association on the proportion of women at German universities and colleges.
   

Erfurt, Germany, 22 May 2024. Sustainability and social responsibility are core values of IU Group (IUG) and its educational institutions. As a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and its university initiative, Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is committed to the highest sustainability standards for the benefit of all stakeholders. IU's approach to sustainability is defined by the key principles of these two initiatives and clearly demonstrates how education and responsibility are intertwined.

As part of the latest sustainability initiatives, IUG has made significant progress in 2023, underlining its environmental and social responsibility. Studies show that distance learning is fundamentally more sustainable than on campus students. This can also be seen at IU, where students in distance learning programmes produce seven times fewer greenhouse gases than on campus students. This important sustainable advantage of IUG is emphatic proof of how innovative educational models can contribute to overcoming global challenges.

IUG presents a selection of significant achievements and initiatives from 2023 that underline its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility: 

IU Group receives B Corp certification

In November 2023, IUG achieved the status of a certified B Corporation. This important milestone underlines IU's commitment to environmental, social and responsible corporate governance. In a two-year certification process, the structures of all IU-affiliated companies and the overall social and environmental performance along with the entire value chain within the organisation were examined. 
Joining the global community of certified B Corporations is not only an honour for IUG, but it also opens up exciting opportunities for learning and collaboration. 
It offers the chance to engage with like-minded organisations, share valuable insights and participate in joint projects and initiatives that align with IUG's commitment to sustainability. However, this milestone only marks the beginning of the journey towards sustainability, as the B Corporation status commits IUG to further continuous engagement and improvement.

Distance learning study students produce 7 times less greenhouse gases 

IUG's own research in 2020 found that distance learning study students produce seven times less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional students. IUG's carbon footprint, according to preliminary figures, consists of 2.4 per cent direct emissions (Scope 1) from own sources such as heat supply and vehicles, 3.0 per cent indirect emissions (Scope 2) from purchased energy such as electricity, and 94.6 per cent emissions along the value chain (Scope 3) from all other indirect sources such as purchased goods and services, business travel and the use of products sold. IUG sets priorities to further minimise its carbon footprint, including reducing energy consumption in offices, increasing the use of renewable energy.

IU leads the way in gender diversity among academic staff

IU stands out among German universities in terms of gender diversity. With 38.9 per cent female professors, it ranks second in a recent analysis by the Verbraucherschutzverein Berlin/Brandenburg (VSVBB) on the proportion of women at German colleges and universities. Particularly noteworthy: at IU, more departments are headed by women than by men (55.56 per cent). The study points out that gender equality in academic positions remains a challenge, with an average of 27.94 per cent female professors at the institutions surveyed. However, there are positive developments in the recruitment of junior academic staff, emphasising the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality and strong role models in academia.

Symposium in Hamburg: focus on sustainable media and brand management

The "Symposium Sustainable Media & Brand Management - Sustainable Media Strategies for Value-Based Brand Management", organised by IU International University of Applied Sciences, took place in Hamburg in November 2023. Academics, media professionals and brand experts discussed sustainable practices in the media and marketing industry. A central point was the importance of sustainable approaches in online advertising campaigns to reduce CO2 emissions. The need for brands, agencies and media companies to go beyond carbon neutrality and promote social change was also emphasised. The event was part of a research project led by Prof Dr Lisa Wolter, Professor and Head of Online Marketing at IU International University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the University of Florida.

New additions to IU Group: LIBF and UFred

In 2023, IU has expanded its reach to academic institutions in three different countries, cementing a shared vision for a more sustainable future. The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) in the United Kingdom and the University of Fredericton (UFred) in Canada joined IUG. This expansion strengthens the joint commitment to sustainable practices in education and research.