Sustainability in business: Preparing for change with Samantha Zorn

4 min read

As the threat of climate change grows, societies are turning a critical eye on business practices. Profits are no longer enough—today’s consumers and stakeholders want to invest in brands that care about their impact. 

Regulators aren’t far behind. In fact, ESG regulations around the world have surged by a dramatic 155% in the last decade alone. But environmental challenges like pollution and diversity still loss persist. We’re seeing a disconnect in the process that keeps businesses from just getting it right.

At IE Business School, we’re tackling this head-on by incorporating sustainability principles through a one-of-a-kind certificate. So, what is it, and how does it work?

What is the sustainability certificate?

The IE Foundations of Sustainability Certificate is a transversal, university-wide elective offered as part of several programs. This means you can boost your sustainability knowledge alongside your core studies. Anyone is eligible to opt into this Certificate, no matter their sector of study.

Have you noticed the rising focus on sustainability in your field? This Certificate equips you for the growing demand for green skills to enhance your performance and professional trajectory. If you want to make a lasting impact, this unique experience will give you the expertise to do just that.

How does the sustainability certificate work?

Let’s say you’re enrolled in a program like the International MBA. Besides your regular courses, you can choose to pursue the IE Foundations of Sustainability to expand your skill set. Not only does it provide a comprehensive introduction to sustainability in business, sustainable finance and non-market strategy, but this Certificate also earns you nine extra credit points, accrued through personalized extracurricular activities, clubs and courses, and tailored to your unique interests and goals.

You’ll build a solid foundation in green principles while enriching your academic experience with sustainability-focused core modules, electives, and the mandatory Online Learning Journey—the heart of this Certificate. It’s an ultra-flexible approach designed to provide a manageable workload that fits alongside your existing academic commitments without being overwhelming.

Real student perspectives on sustainability in business

International MBA candidate Samantha Zorn is one of the students who has taken on this unique learning experience. After years in finance, she was looking to pivot into impact investing. Joining IE Business School was the first step in making that career change—earning the IE Foundations of Sustainability Certificate was the second.

What motivated you to take the IE Foundations of Sustainability Certificate?

“Sustainability has always been a passion of mine and was one of the main reasons I pursued my International MBA. Coming from corporate finance, I realized I wanted a more impact-driven career, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. And after growing up in El Salvador, I was always aware of social and environmental challenges, which fueled my desire to create change.”

Can you share a bit about your experience?

“The IE Foundations of Sustainability Certificate complemented my studies by providing a structured framework and practical insights that built on my hands-on experience with projects like my food waste reduction platform and greenhouse gas savings modeling. It also added credibility, helping me bridge my transition into the sustainability space.”

How did the Online Learning Journey help you grasp important sustainability concepts?

“The Online Learning Journey helped me connect theory with real-world applications. While my International MBA concentration gave me a strong foundation, this Certificate provided a structured way to analyze sustainability in a business context and integrate it into decision-making.

“One of the key takeaways was understanding how sustainability is deeply intertwined with business strategy—not just as a way to reduce environmental impact, but as a driver of long-term value. The Certificate reinforced my decision to shift into sustainability and gave me practical tools to approach it with both passion and strategy.”

Has it influenced your perspective on sustainability and its relevance to your career?

“The Certificate expanded my perspective on sustainability, strengthening my ability to see it not just as an ethical responsibility, but a strategic necessity. It gave me the credibility and language to navigate sustainability professionally, helping me bridge the gap between corporate finance and impact-driven work.

“More importantly, it reinforced my belief that sustainability should be embedded in every industry. Whether in impact investing, supply chain management or business development, sustainability is key to building resilient, future-proof organizations—something I’ll continue integrating into my career.”

In your opinion, has the Certificate made you better prepared to address sustainability challenges?

“Absolutely. The Certificate deepened my understanding of sustainability frameworks, carbon markets and decarbonization strategies, equipping me with the tools to integrate sustainability into business models. It’s also strengthened my ability to view sustainability not as a standalone initiative, but as a fundamental part of long-term business resilience.

“As I transition into impact investing and continue working on sustainability-driven projects, I feel more prepared to navigate challenges, propose solutions and drive meaningful change.”

If you could sum up your experience in one sentence for future students, what would you say?

“This Certificate is a great tool for anyone looking to build their sustainability expertise. It provides the knowledge, credibility and practical insights to integrate sustainability into both business and everyday life.  “

A strategic advantage

Are you ready to position yourself for green opportunities, too? Whether you’re a business professional or work in another industry, our sustainability initiatives will give you a firm foundation to face the challenges posed by social, economic and environmental responsibility in any type of organization.