Sustainable development is back at MBS: the 4 actions to remember for a responsible ecological transition
Montpellier Business School’s 2025 strategic plan reflects the school’s ambition to actively participate in building an open, responsible and sustainable economy and society. With events, a sustainability lab, welcome packs and the mobilization of all employees, the start of the 2020 academic year at MBS is a concrete expression of this ambition and places sustainable development at the heart of its actions.
MBS is co-organizing Les Rencontres du Développement Durable (Sustainable Development Meetings) on September 22nd to “transform capitalism”
The Sustainable Development Meetings are held from September 22 to 29 throughout France. This event is an opportunity for citizens to debate with all decision-makers and experts on ecological and solidarity transition.
Montpellier Business School kicks off these Meetings and focuses its day on the key topic of “Transforming Capitalism”. “The success of a responsible and sustainable transformation of the economy depends on democratic exchange. As an inclusive and committed school, MBS is very proud to co-organize this agora of change,” says Bruno Ducasse, Managing Director of MBS.
Inaugurated by the master class of Mr. Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance and Economic Recovery, the round tables of the day will be an opportunity to discuss the mobilization of the private sector and public authorities in favour of a sustainable ecological transition. To consult the full program of the day, please visit the RDD website. You can also register for the event here.
MBS creates the Sustainability Lab to strengthen the integration of sustainable development in training and research
One of the objectives of MBS training is to make students become aware of the economic, social, societal and environmental impact of their individual and collective choices. Today, nearly 25% of Montpellier Business School’s research publications include CSR-related issues and MBS is also one of the Grandes Ecoles that offers the most teaching hours on this topic.
“We created the Sustainability Lab to continue and expand this collaborative approach and shape programs around the challenges of the ecological transition,” explains Dr Helen Etchanchu, Research Professor at Montpellier Business School and Coordinator of the Sustainability Lab.
As part of the development of pedagogy and research around sustainable development, MBS also aims to put in place concrete and rapid actions on campus in anticipation of the new eco-campus planned for 2023.
The MBS campus is committed to reduce its carbon footprint
In 2020, MBS launched a Company Travel Plan (Plan de Déplacement Entreprise – PDE) for its employees. “This mapping will help to optimise transport for each employee and to promote the most sustainable means of transport,” explains Benjamin Ferran, Head of Diversity and CSR. In a second step, service providers, students and visitors will also be surveyed in order to multiply transport synergies.
In addition, MBS wants to provide its community with new facilities to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly means of transport. “The purchase of electric test bicycles and the installation of new tracks for scooters and bicycles are planned for this new school year. We are also considering the installation of recharging stations for electric cars and electric scooters,” Katrin Jacob, Sustainable Development and Health Project Manager, adds.
An MBS forest to celebrate the return to school of students and collaborators
Finally, MBS pursues its “no goodies” policy and welcomes students and employees with a new initiative by joining forces with Reforest’Action. “All students and employees are invited to virtually plant a tree, which will actually be installed in the Haut Languedoc regional natural park. This project is part of a reforestation of 17 hectares ravaged by bark beetle attacks and gusts of wind.” explains Lidia Moussa, project manager.
In total, nearly 4,000 trees will be planted to form the first MBS forest.
