On this September 25th, Portugal celebrates the National Sustainability Day, a date that reminds us that economic progress must not come at the expense of the environment or human rights, encouraging citizens, businesses, and institutions to reflect on their role in this matter.
At a time when we are overwhelmed by extreme weather events, devastating conflicts, and crises in some of the world's largest democracies, this reflection becomes even more urgent.
Porto Business School, as a school of current and future business leaders, has sustainability as one of its strategic pillars and stands out as a business school committed to responsible management, both in the educational field and in its institutional practices. Aligned with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) – an initiative of the United Nations (UN) – Porto Business School promotes a broad vision of sustainability, incorporating it into its mission, vision, and strategy.
This incorporation is present in all the School's programs, through the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their curricula. This year, the launch of the Executive Master in Sustainability Management further reinforced the School's commitment to training leaders prepared to act responsibly and sustainably.
According to the European Council, "under the European Climate Law, EU countries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, with the aim of achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050." These are ambitious goals, but essential if we want to ensure the future of the next generations.
To strengthen its commitment to applied research, Porto Business School also created the Center for Sustainable Futures, with the mission of creating innovative solutions aimed at economic, social, and environmental well-being, focusing on areas such as climate change, biodiversity, green finance, and emerging technologies. This initiative places the School at the forefront of best practices in sustainability, promoting the exchange of ideas between academia, businesses, and civil society.
However, Porto Busines School’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond education. The campus infrastructure reflects a practical approach to this cause, being the first school in Portugal to obtain LEED GOLD certification in 2013. Among the most recent initiatives, we have the implementation of a low-tech, eco-friendly, and efficient urban garden stands out, with 70 grow beds covering an area of 114 square meters on the School's rooftop, and the installation of 300 solar panels that contribute to reducing the institution’s ecological footprint.
The scholarship policy has also been of great relevance. In 2023 alone, Porto Business School awarded over half a million euros in scholarships, with the creation of a program of 11 new scholarships, which includes five categories: “Merit,” “Diversity,” “Entrepreneurship,” “Sustainability,” and “Financial Support.”
Through these scholarships, Porto Business School aims to promote Diversity and Inclusion, and to recognize professionals with potential, providing the opportunity to attend advanced programs.
The School is proud to welcome refugees and students from conflict regions such as Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. For José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, "access to education is a fundamental right, and awarding scholarships is an excellent way to promote equal opportunities. Scholarships allow students to access a high-quality education, internationally recognized, and thus contribute positively to the development of society."
On this National Sustainability Day, Porto Business School reaffirms its commitment to educating leaders who contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world. Equity, responsibility, ethics, and transparency continue to be guiding principles of our actions, ensuring that every step is taken with the purpose of leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
