Environmental responsibility
Aware of the climate emergency, emlyon has made its ecological responsibility a priority and has complied with international agreements.
This determination is strengthened by its status as a mission-driven organization, through which the school has committed to becoming an innovative player in environmental protection
Contributing to net zero by 2030
A first carbon assessment covering all three scopes was conducted in 2021, followed by a second in 2022, to identify the school's main sources of carbon emissions: energy, travel, procurement, and digital activities.
Based on these results, the School has established a clear emissions reduction pathway for the coming years, aligned with the Paris Agreement. emlyon's objective is to contribute to net zero by 2030 by reducing emissions to a minimum and offsetting the remaining, unavoidable emissions.
emlyon has also partnered with the city of Lyon as part of the European program "Lyon Climate-Neutral City by 2030". All of the School's stakeholders are engaged in achieving this target through a series of concrete actions :
1) Building and energies
Energy performance is a key priority for the School. All renovations and new constructions adhere to rigorous energy efficiency standards to reduce consumption, while the School is also committed to continuous improvement in the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
- Obtaining HQE Excellent and BREEAM Very Good certifications for the new campus
- Phasing out gas for the district heating network on the new campus (decarbonized energy)
- Installation of 600 m² of solar panels on the roof of the new campus
- Replacing air conditioning with a natural cooling system
- Promoting energy efficiency and sobriety in buildings and equipment: automatic shut-off of screens and lights, 100% LED relamping, reducing heating by 2°C (19°C instead of 21°C), etc.
- Awareness campaign for eco-friendly behaviors
- Signing energy performance contracts with our service providers, monitored by an energy manager
Primary energy consumption decreased by 40% the last two years.
2) Purchasing goods and services
Through its responsible procurement policy, the School engages its entire value chain to reduce environmental and social impacts while promoting ethical practices and respect for human rights.
- The School signed the "Responsible Supplier and Procurement Relations Charter" in 2022 and launched a multi-year plan to obtain the label.
- Depending on the purchase category, 20-30% of the final score in tenders is based on CSR criteria.
- Supplier assessmentsevaluate climate and social commitments, and training on responsible practices is mandatory for all purchasers.
- The purchase of promotional items and giveaways is regulated, requiring high-value, eco-designed products made in France or Europe from ethical, eco-responsible suppliers.
- Plant-based food offerings have been increased to 40% in 2024, with a target of 80% by 2030.
3) Business travail and student mobility
International experience is essential for students in top management schools, and emlyon aims to remain competitive while evolving its practices.
- Implementation of a "soft mobility voucher", a financial incentive for students who choose eco-friendly transport modes to reach their academic exchange destinations.
- Strengthened travel policy, prohibiting air travel when rail alternatives under six hours are available.
- Launch of the "Pro-Vélo Employer Program", encouraging employees to cycle to work through workshops and safety kits.
- Three secure bike parking areas on the new campus, with no car parking except for four accessible (PRM) spaces.emlyon vise à rester compétitive tout en faisant évoluer ses pratiques.
4) Digital and IT Equipment
The digital sector is experiencing exponential growth, accompanied by high greenhouse gas emissions. It is important for the School to pay particular attention to this by streamlining its teams and optimizing data storage.
- Extended the lifespan of PCs (5 years compared to 3 years previously).
- Purchase of IT equipment in refurbished condition.
- Reduction of equipment stock through donation campaigns to associations.
- Annual digital clean-up day organized to reduce data storage.
- Awareness-raising for the Digital Department through the Responsible Digital Fresco.
Details of emlyon's carbon footprint are available on the Ademe website . The School has been certified Net Zero Contributor. By Greenly for its ambitious climate strategy.
Green Spaces
The outdoor development of the new emlyon campus includes numerous green spaces that promote biodiversity.
By relocating to the former industrial site of the Nexans factory, emlyon has contributed to the site's decontamination and the greening of the Gerland district.
A total of 152 trees have been planted on what was previously a concrete slab. The landscaped areas represent one-third of the total surface area of the new campus, providing a new park for the diverse communities of the 7th arrondissement of Lyon. Birdhouses have been installed, and the beehives that were on the roof of the Écully campus have been relocated to the roof of the new campus.
Waste Management
A waste sorting policy is implemented on the campuses, promoting voluntary contributions and the recycling of batteries, cigarettes, glass, and toners.
Awareness days are organized to educate staff, students, and service providers about waste management on campus.
Additionally, emlyon's activities generate no hazardous waste.