Education is the key to working more sustainably

That is why IBA Business Academy Kolding is now offering an education that goes deep into sustainability at the MBA level. The education takes place online and in English. The E-MBA in Sustainability is offered in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, with which IBA already has a close and longstanding partnership.

– There is no doubt that companies – both local and internationally oriented – should adjust their business strategy so that sustainability is the goal. If they are slow in this area, they will lose the battle for both customers and market share – and they know that, says Morten Bjørn Hansen, CEO of the Business Kolding business network, which represents 700 local member companies.

At the consulting firm Sustain, which specializes in sustainable transformation, project development manager Henrik Bielefeldt agrees completely. And there is a great need for more education, he believes.

– Many companies in Denmark are already operating sustainably in many areas. Therefore, we need leaders who can describe what the company is doing to be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Creating that description requires both knowledge, insight, and education, he says.

– There is a need for massive further education of leaders who understand sustainability as a concept. And who can act on it. Otherwise, you risk being caught off guard in relation to customers, suppliers, employees and the press, he says.

According to Henrik Bielefeldt, many already meet some of the requirements for running a sustainable business. But often it requires new insight to be able to identify and describe where the company can put a green check mark with a clear conscience.

– People are already starting to seek knowledge through education. Often, people have their own perceptions of what sustainability entails. It is important that we learn to speak a common language when we talk about sustainability, says Henrik Bielefeldt.

He adds that sorting waste and plantbased dishes in the canteen are excellent initiatives. But running a sustainable business is much more than that, he asserts:

– Many confuse sustainability with green transformation. But in fact, there is both a social, an economic and an environmental bottom line. And if you do not have an eye for all parts, you are not running a sustainable business.