Technology, climate change and inclusion the high points of IE University’s Sustainability Week

Technology, climate change and inclusion are the focus of IE University’s Sustainability Week 2023. The initiative, led by the Sustainability Office in collaboration with professors and students from 140 countries sees the institution host a series of conferences, meetings with companies and immersive experiences on environmental and social challenges such as climate change or promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. Among its objectives is raising awareness about the environment and encouragingpositive change.

Among the various activities that take place during Sustainability Week, students have the opportunity to participate in an interactive experience with people with physical or intellectual disabilities, in collaboration with Ilunion and the ONCE Foundation, so as to better understand the challenges they face, how to promote accompaniment and improve communication.

IE University works every year on the ‘10 Year Challenge’, a strategic project that poses challenges to drive sustainability for 2020 and 2030. The 2023 challenge is ‘Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging’, focused on diversity, the aim is  making the needs of people with disabilities visible and strengthening their sense of belonging.

“Diversity and inclusion are fundamental values for building a more just, engaged and equitable world. This year our sustainability focus is on increasing our resources and efforts to promote diversity and the different capabilities of each member of our community.”
Isabela del Alcázar, Global Head of Sustainability at IE University

This fourth annual Sustainability Week will feature a panel with alumni currently working in companies leading action on climate change and an alumni meetup to connect with sustainability-focused companies. In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage in solidarity initiatives by attending the volunteer fair with NGOs, which will take place at IE Tower, the technological and sustainable campus in Madrid, as well as at the historic campus in Segovia, located in the Convent of Santa Cruz la Real, founded in the 13th century. 

Immersive technologies and their applications in the field of accessibility play a key role during the week. Thanks to virtual reality (VR) glasses, participants will be able to virtually move into nature without leaving the classroom and enjoy activities that provide them with the recommended daily amount of serotonin. In addition, IE University's Center for Social Innovation and Sustainability has organized an activity to promote social entrepreneurship and create purpose-driven businesses.

IE University is one of the first universities to neutralize its carbon footprint in Europe. In addition, this academic year saw the inauguration of the new Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability. This degree program combines a solid scientific base with the analysis of the socio-political environment and the mastery of technological tools, as well as the development of skills to design and implement sustainable environmental proposals.