EDHEC recognized as ‘progressing school’ by the Positive Impact Rating Edition 2022
EDHEC Business School was recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements when the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results were launched today at the UN PRME Global Forum. EDHEC was one of 45 business schools from 21 countries worldwide that took part in the rating this year and achieved the same level as last year, level 3, making it a progressing school within the PIR.
The PIR was created by concerned business school experts together with global NGOs - WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact partner with PIR, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation & Fehr Advice, both from Switzerland.
The EDHEC student’s voice
The PIR is a rating conducted by students and for students. For the third time, students worldwide assessed their business schools on how they perceive their positive impact in the world. The positive impact of business schools goes beyond their contribution to business and the economy; it addresses the need for their positive impact for society.
The rating survey asks students 20 questions in seven relevant impact dimensions that sit within three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score of the business school is used to position the schools across five levels. The different levels refer to the developmental stage of the business school, rating it by a certain level of achievement. Business schools are provided with a defined social impact and a tool that they can use for change.
Andrea Anzano, from the EDHEC Oikos association said: “We all are very excited about the huge number of participation responses and precious feedback received from our fellow students through this year’s PIR campaign. We are certain that these will help the school to improve its performance for the next year.”
Students assessed how EDHEC addresses societal and sustainable challenges and prepares its students to be responsible business leaders. The data collection in EDHEC was organized and led by EDHEC’s Oikos student association, who distributed the PIR survey across campus to their fellow students. This year 614 EDHEC students responded to the survey.
Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board said: “While future students now have an alternative source to select their business school, schools refer to the PIR primarily to measure and communicate their transformational progress. The voice of the student has become a true source of value.”
Participating in the PIR demonstrates the value EDHEC gives to student feedback and voice.
Programmes and conferences providing practical sustainability competencies
One of the fundamental values of EDHEC’s programmes is the school’s commitment to a responsible economy.
The EDHEC MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance is specifically designed to combine financial expertise with a sound understanding of the scientific and engineering challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
EDHEC Global MBA is ranked #3 worldwide according to the Financial Times for its innovative approach to teaching Environmental, Societal, and Governmental (ESG) management and strategy. The programme provides future business leaders with a deep dive into sustainable finance, social inclusion and business ethics, including hands on problem-solving with corporate partners and non-profit organizations.
In 2022, EDHEC Business School launched a series of monthly lectures entitled “The Future of Finance”. The online sessions have contributed to thinking on the major transformations that will disrupt the financial industry and promote the emergence of a sustainable economy.
Dean Emmanuel Métais said: “At EDHEC we are proud to be part of the progressing schools (level 3) within the Positive Impact Rating Edition 2022. This ranking reflects the opinion of our students and it motivates and encourages us to continue working towards reaching level 4. Along with HEC Paris, University of Gothenburg in Sweden or EAE Business School in Spain, we believe that teaching sustainability and responsibility in a wider number of programmes is fundamental in 2022, as well as is listening to the student voice or paying attention to student health and well-being. All together, we can make a positive impact.”
