Creating a brighter, more sustainable world through education
Our institutions are joining us on the journey to making mindful and positively impactful choices.
Committing to ESG principles and ensuring that they’re seamlessly woven into our Group and our institutions is not always an easy or direct path. We are a complex, growing network in an increasingly nuanced world and we plan to meet those challenges head-on. From sustainable campus initiatives to local community engagement programmes to global scholarship schemes, we harness the energy and commitment from across our Group to deliver our ESG strategies.
Driving Impact with a purposeful strategy
Our ESG strategy has focused on building the foundations for a comprehensive series of initiatives across our group.
Our work focuses on committing, collaborating, systemising, and learning. We believe impact should be interwoven with corporate objectives, as demonstrated by our purpose to build a better, more sustainable world through education.
By equipping our internal teams and sustainability leaders from across our institutions, with the tools and information needed to work towards our goals collectively.
By doubling down on partnerships and events so that together we can make real progress.
By communicating GUS Group’s initiatives bringing our purpose to life for our audience and the sector.
A bold mission
Education transforms careers, lives and societies. Our mission extends beyond classrooms, across four impact themes: Education, Equality, Environment, and Ethics.
These guide our actions and decisions, ensuring we contribute to a brighter future.
Our ESG themes
Our four ESG themes underpin our holistic approach to sustainability.
At the heart of our mission is the drive to provide world-class education and foster an environment of lifelong learning. We believe that by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, we can catalyse profound societal transformation.
Recognising the pressing global environmental challenges, we have begun to take steps to reduce our footprint. From green campuses to sustainable research projects, we’re expanding environmental responsibility into every facet of our operations.
We actively champion the cause of equality across all our institutions. This goes beyond mere representation; we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has equal access to opportunities and resources. This commitment is reflected in our diverse student body, our global faculty, and the partnerships we forge.
The academic world is built upon a foundation of trust and integrity. We are uncompromising in our adherence to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our research, teaching, and administrative processes are transparent, accountable, and conducted with the utmost integrity.
To guide our impact strategy, we have aligned with five of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These Sustainable Development Goals represent the areas where we believe our collective expertise and influence can make the most significant and meaningful impact. Our selection process was driven by an evaluation of our prioritised topics, our capabilities, the needs of the global community, and the regions we serve.
We’re committed to these goals as we work toward creating a better, more sustainable world through education. These goals won’t remain static. As we learn and grow, and the world us changes, so will our shared goals.
20
shared goals
across the Group and institutions
4
themes:
Environment, Education, Ethics, Equality
Double materiality assessment
The assessment evaluated the impact of our activities on society and the environment and how sustainability issues affect the Group and our institutions’ ability to create value.
We identified 20 topics after reviewing SASB, GRI, and MSCI categories, conducting market analysis, and assessing our institutions’ current disclosures.
We engaged with over 650 stakeholders across five key stakeholder groups: Students, Institution Leaders, GUS Group Leadership, Employees and Agents.
Participants were asked to rate the importance that GUS measures, reports, and improves on each topic. These responses were used to prioritise topics, considering their importance to internal and external stakeholders.
The Pink Bear
The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) partnered with British artist Paul Robinson (LUAP) on this project combining art, education, and community engagement. UE awarded 17 LUAP Pink Bear Scholarships worth €250,000 to support talented students facing financial barriers.
The initiative’s centrepiece, the Pink Bear Pavilion, is a 4-meter-tall installation made from recycled plastics, featuring works by UE students and alumni. This campaign promotes educational access, sustainability, and cultural engagement, reflecting a holistic approach to fostering individual growth and community development.
Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward
It was created to raise awareness about this significant yet often overlooked part of Canada’s history.
The series, presented by well-known and loved Canadian TV presenters, delves into the history of First Nations peoples and the path to truth and reconciliation. It intends to encourage meaningful conversation, improve education access, and contribute to society.
Enabling access to education
This initiative provides over 1,200 courses from top British universities, enabling Afghan women to continue their education despite restrictions.
It demonstrates a commitment to educational equality and serves as a lifeline for those with internet access, supporting their right to education and offering hope during challenging times.
ESG news
