Erfurt, Germany, 22 May 2024. Sustainability and social responsibility are core values of IU Group (IUG) and its educational institutions, including IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). As a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and its university initiative, Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), IU is committed to the highest sustainability standards for the benefit of all stakeholders. IU's approach to sustainability is defined by the key principles of these two initiatives and clearly demonstrates how education and responsibility are intertwined.

As part of the latest sustainability initiatives, IUG has made significant progress in 2023, underlining its environmental and social responsibility. Studies show that distance learning is fundamentally more sustainable than on campus students. This can also be seen at IU, where students in distance learning programmes produce seven times fewer greenhouse gases than on campus students. This important sustainable advantage of IUG is emphatic proof of how innovative educational models can contribute to overcoming global challenges.

IUG presents a selection of significant achievements and initiatives from 2023 that underline its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility:
 

IU Group receives B Corp certification

In November 2023, IUG achieved the status of a certified B Corporation. This important milestone underlines IU's commitment to environmental, social and responsible corporate governance. In a two-year certification process, the structures of all IU-affiliated companies and the overall social and environmental performance along with the entire value chain within the organisation were examined. 

Joining the global community of certified B Corporations is not only an honour for IUG, but it also opens up exciting opportunities for learning and collaboration.  It offers the chance to engage with like-minded organisations, share valuable insights and participate in joint projects and initiatives that align with IUG's commitment to sustainability. However, this milestone only marks the beginning of the journey towards sustainability, as the B Corporation status commits IUG to further continuous engagement and improvement.
 

Distance learning study students produce 7 times less greenhouse gases 

IUG's own research in 2020 found that distance learning study students produce seven times less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional students. IUG's carbon footprint, according to preliminary figures, consists of 2.4 per cent direct emissions (Scope 1) from own sources such as heat supply and vehicles, 3.0 per cent indirect emissions (Scope 2) from purchased energy such as electricity, and 94.6 per cent emissions along the value chain (Scope 3) from all other indirect sources such as purchased goods and services, business travel and the use of products sold. IUG sets priorities to further minimise its carbon footprint, including reducing energy consumption in offices, increasing the use of renewable energy.
 

IU leads the way in gender diversity among academic staff

IU stands out among German universities in terms of gender diversity. With 38.9 per cent female professors, it ranks second in a recent analysis by the Verbraucherschutzverein Berlin/Brandenburg (VSVBB) on the proportion of women at German colleges and universities. Particularly noteworthy: at IU, more departments are headed by women than by men (55.56 per cent). The study points out that gender equality in academic positions remains a challenge, with an average of 27.94 per cent female professors at the institutions surveyed. However, there are positive developments in the recruitment of junior academic staff, emphasising the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality and strong role models in academia.
 

Symposium in Hamburg: focus on sustainable media and brand management

The "Symposium Sustainable Media & Brand Management - Sustainable Media Strategies for Value-Based Brand Management", organised by IU International University of Applied Sciences, took place in Hamburg in November 2023. Academics, media professionals and brand experts discussed sustainable practices in the media and marketing industry. A central point was the importance of sustainable approaches in online advertising campaigns to reduce CO2 emissions. The need for brands, agencies and media companies to go beyond carbon neutrality and promote social change was also emphasised. The event was part of a research project led by Prof Dr Lisa Wolter, Professor and Head of Online Marketing at IU International University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the University of Florida.
 

New additions to IU Group: LIBF and UFred

In 2023, IU has expanded its reach to academic institutions in three different countries, cementing a shared vision for a more sustainable future. The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) in the United Kingdom and the University of Fredericton (UFred) in Canada joined IUG. This expansion strengthens the joint commitment to sustainable practices in education and research.  

LIBF has distinguished itself through initiatives such as a detailed energy audit and gender equality programmes. Given the critical role of the financial sector in supporting the sustainable transformation of the economy, LIBF creates and curates expert leadership contributions on sustainability topics such as green finance. Since 2023, all IUG members have been subject to common standards on sustainability and social responsibility, while retaining their autonomy. 

"Sustainability, social responsibility and transparency are not just buzzwords for us, but a daily commitment. IU Group tries to set a good example in areas such as reporting, minimising CO2 emissions and promoting diversity. Together with society as a whole, we face the challenging task of creating a fair and sustainable economy. We want to show that the education sector can play an important role here," says Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability and ESG Communications at IU Group.

The IU Group's ESG report was compiled and structured on the basis of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and can be downloaded here.

"With sport and sustainable behaviour, we not only shape our bodies, but also the world around us. A healthy, intact environment and society are the benchmark for our behaviour, our teaching and our research. We are very proud that so many colleagues have once again taken part in our campaign and become real 'Impact Heroes'," says Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability at IU Group.

Moving for climate protection & sustainability 

Planting 10,500 trees in the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania has a carbon sequestration potential of around 231 tonnes of CO2 per year and supports the restoration of biodiversity over an area of around 45,000 square metres. The number of trees equates to around 105 working days for the people in the region and enables them to learn more about sustainable development. The work in tree nurseries and in planting, caring for and monitoring trees creates sustainable income opportunities that benefit women in particular. At the same time, the incentives for illegal deforestation are combated through education and financial empowerment. 

The tree projects supported by Impact Hero help combat climate change, create habitats for animals, ensure healthy soils and restore water cycles, while strengthening local communities through income and education opportunities. Impact Hero works with project partners in over 20 countries in the Global South, where the impact is greatest. For IU Group, Impact Hero is the ideal partner for its employee campaign, as it is increasingly committed to sustainable development on an economic, social and ecological level and is guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

Healthy & responsible employees 

Teams from all IU Group locations and facilities around the world came together to take part in the challenge. Using the fitness app "TeamFit", the teams recorded their activities, which were converted into kilometres. Any form of movement counted, such as walking, home workouts, house cleaning, mindfulness and breathing exercises and much more. A special focus this year was on sustainable activities. For example, anyone who swapped their car for a train or bike, drank tap water instead of bottled water, took a vegetarian or vegan day or shortened their shower time collected additional kilometres in a simple and sustainable way. Around ten per cent of all kilometres achieved were based on sustainable activities, which puts it in second place compared to all other activities. Only steps taken accounted for an even greater proportion of the overall result, with 25 per cent. In addition, all participants received many helpful tips for a more sustainable lifestyle during the challenge period as well as background information on IU Group's many other ESG initiatives. 

"Sustainability and social responsibility start within the company itself. Through campaigns like this, we try to raise awareness within IU Group and support our employees to grow personally and make a positive contribution together - for our students and our environment," says Čaičics.

Dijana Galijasevic, CEO & Founder of Impact Hero, personally congratulated the impressive result: 

"IU Group is also helping to fulfil Impact Hero's mission of turning everyday actions into truly tangible contributions to our global cause and creating greater awareness. Together we are not just planting trees, we are planting hope, growth and opportunities for countless lives. So, we are all true impact heroes."

Why planting trees with Impact Hero?
 

Statistics & project insights
 

IU Group certificate

More information about ”Grow my Tree“: 
https://growmytree.com/en/pages/uber-uns

More information about IU Group's tree planting initiative: 
https://www.impacthero.com/impact/mono/en/iu-group  

More information on sustainability at IU Group: 
https://sustainability.iu-group.com/

The trademarked term “Culture of Everyone®” by IU Group is not only a term, but also reflects a lived corporate culture that embraces diversity, openness, tolerance, and respect. At IU Group these are fundamental aspects and integral parts of its DNA since day one. More than 140,000 people from all over the world study at one of IU Group’s universities, and more than 4,000 people from over 87 nations are working within IU Group. Every one of their voices matters, and each and every one of them plays a significant role in preserving a culture where everyone feels safe, heard and tolerated – the basis for IU Group’s mission – to empower people around the globe with the most personalised education by breaking down barriers to higher education. 

To show the importance of an open and respectful work and living environment, IU Group initiated an employee campaign on social media. Anyone who wanted could share their thoughts on why a Culture of Everyone® is important to them personally and was encouraged to publish a picture or post with the hashtag #CultureOfEveryone. Everyone outside IU group was also invited to join this movement to strengthen our democracy. 
 

Dr Sven Schütt, CEO at IU Group, leads by example in his LinkedIn call: 

"Embrace Our “Culture of Everyone' Movement” - Your Story of Tolerance Matters! In a world often overshadowed by division, it's time we amplify our voices for unity, tolerance, and openness. That's why we're launching our heartfelt campaign against extremist ideologies #CultureofEveryone. This isn't just a campaign; it's a heartfelt movement. A movement where your voice, your story, plays a crucial role. Let's unite in this journey: 
**Selfie with a Sign:** Seize a moment of inspiration, write 'Culture of Everyone' on a paper, and capture a selfie or video. A simple act with a profound message. 
**Share Your Story:** With your selfie, share a personal tale where tolerance touched your life, or why it holds a special place in your heart. Your stories are the heartbeat of this movement, showcasing the strength in understanding and acceptance. 
**Challenge and Inspire:** Tag 5 friends or colleagues in your post, inviting them to this wave of change. Together, let's build a tsunami of positivity! 
For me, #CultureOfEveryone resonates deeply. The diverse tapestry of my foreign and #LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues has profoundly shaped who I am. Half of my grandparents have been pro the other against Hitler. For me the many stories I have heard about this dark time are an important part of my upbringing. I deeply admire my brave grandmother who has been in the so called „bekennende Kirche“ opposing Hitler. Both from her and the many books I have read about this darkest time of the German history I learned that the Holocaust and the Second World War would not have been possible if the silent many would have raised there [sic] voices. It's our duty, our chance, and our responsibility to speak up. To ensure history's darkest chapters are never repeated. 
While we start with our IU colleagues and students I hope that we will be able to inspire many more people to join this initiative! Let's show the world that this is a world where everyone belongs. A world of tolerance, friendship and understanding. A better world.” 
(Link to original LinkedIn post)

Moreover, Dr Sven Schütt stated clearly his personal and IU Group’s position towards intolerance, racism, and any kind of threat to our democracy:

"We all have a responsibility for one of the most precious gifts, a treasure that we often take for granted: Our democracy. But in today's world, in which xenophobic and totalitarian tendencies are gaining ground, we must not remain silent and inactive.

We, as Germans, bear a particularly important responsibility because of our history. We have seen where hatred and intolerance can lead. Our country has risen from a very dark past and guilt to stand up for hope, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. We must continue on this path with determination.

Tolerance and international understanding are the cornerstones on which our prosperity rests. They enable us to recognise diversity as a strength, to learn new things and to continue to develop. In an increasingly interconnected world where education and knowledge know no borders, it is essential that we remain open to other cultures, ideas and perspectives. This openness is at the heart of IU's mission and vision.

We want to democratise access to education. This is only possible in an open and tolerant democracy. At the same time, 'tolerance becomes a crime when it applies to evil', as Thomas Mann admonished us Germans. Each of us can not only share this message, but also actively live it in our everyday lives.

It is not just about spreading words, but also about standing up for our democratic values every day. We can stand up for our opinions among friends, acquaintances or colleagues when intolerance or undemocratic beliefs are voiced. We all have a voice – let's use it to strengthen our society and secure our future and the future of our children. I hope that many people will share this call in view of the dangers to our democracy, trust and tolerance."

• As Europe's largest private university group, IUG aims to make education accessible to all and is committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
• IU Group supports students from all over the world through various initiatives, including scholarships, partnerships and special support programmes.
• B Corp certification was awarded following an extensive review of the company's structures and its overall social and environmental performance.

Erfurt, January 25, 2024. IU Group (IUG), the parent company of IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), has successfully completed the audit process by the independent non-profit organisation B Lab. As a certified B Corporation, IUG has undergone a rigorous assessment by B Lab and thus fulfils high standards in terms of social and environmental impact.

The positive certification also reflects IU International University of Applied Sciences' commitment to sustainability:

As a provider of innovative educational programmes, IU has got sustainability and positive social impact among its core values. Our fundamental goal is to democratise education and to work towards our vision that everyone should have access to education. We aim to give more people the chance to develop further - regardless of their personal and financial situation or their background.

Marvin Lange, Managing Director and CFO of IU Group, is delighted with the certification:

“It fills me with great joy that our vision of making education accessible to as many people as possible has been recognised by the B Corp certification. We are passionately committed to personalising education through the use of technology and therefore breaking down barriers to access in the long term. In doing so, we are making an important contribution to greater educational equality worldwide.”

IU supports students through scholarships and other initiatives

As a member of the UN Global Compact and its University Initiative, IU has been committed to the highest standards of sustainability since 2011, which should benefit all IU stakeholders. The principles of these two initiatives are the key principles that guide IU's approach to sustainability.

IU has over 130,000 students from 195 countries worldwide, including 20 per cent from abroad and 25 per cent without German citizenship. Based on its educational principles, IU has launched several initiatives to sustainably support and empower students. These and other initiatives contributed significantly to IU's positive rating for the B Corp criterion "Students".

• In 2022, IU awarded almost 5,000 scholarships to students from developing countries, just over 60 per cent more than in the previous year.
   
• With the Study Access Alliance,  IU supports students in African countries and is constantly looking for further educational or financial partners.
   
• The IU offers special scholarships for people with disabilities, single parents and career changers, including the “Women in Tech” programme to promote women in IT and technical professions.
   
• Thanks to a wide range of admission options, IU enables many people without a traditional university entrance qualification to study. The proportion of first-year students at IU without an Abitur is seven times higher than the national average; 70 per cent of IU students come from families without an academic background.
   
• IU is the first university in the European Union to be a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, which provides students in crisis situations with access to relevant subjects and credits.
   
• Inclusive study formats offer individual further education opportunities, and the IU offers study programmes such as Sustainable Management to equip people with knowledge and methods for a sustainable future.

As an innovative university that focuses primarily on online teaching, IU pursues a sustainable education model that minimises the use of natural resources:

• The per capita greenhouse gas emissions of IU students are up to seven times lower than those of students at traditional universities with a focus on offline presence and printed materials. From 2019 to 2022, emissions per IU student fell from 0.3 to 0.17 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
   
• IU students actively contribute to the sustainable development of the IU. By not using printed scripts, they enable IU to save paper and plant trees in return. So far, more than 310,000 scripts have been saved and more than 33,000 trees planted as a result of this campaign.

"A positive assessment in the areas mentioned is of great importance for successful certification. We are therefore very pleased that we scored very well, especially in the area of students," says Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability and ESG Communication at IU Group. "However, the B Corp certification is also an important indication for us of the areas in which we still need to improve. We see the certificate as an incentive to improve further in the next B Corp recertification," Čaičics continues.

IU Group's B Corp certification is the result of a comprehensive process in which the corporate structures of all IUG-affiliated companies and the entire social and environmental performance along an organisation's entire value chain are examined. For the evaluation, 350 questions and data points were analysed at IUG over a period of two years. 50 people within the IUG were involved in this process. 

The B Corp certificate is one of the most demanding sustainability certificates in the world and is regarded as a kind of seal of approval for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Companies must fulfil strict social and environmental standards and undergo recertification every three years.
 

ABOUT B CORP

Certified B Corporations or B Corps are companies that have been certified by the B Lab as meeting high standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and responsible behaviour.

In contrast to other certificates that focus on individual products or sectors, the B Corp certificate assesses the overall performance of a company in the areas of social, ecological and economic commitment. Particular emphasis is placed on public transparency and legal accountability. Further information at: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/

Erfurt, 26 January 2023. As Germany's largest university with over 100,000 students and more than 3,000 employees, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is committed not only to teaching sustainability in an interdisciplinary way in all faculties, but also to making a very concrete contribution: for the environment, for its students and employees, for society as well as in its corporate management.

For Dr. Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences, IU's social responsibility is of central importance: "Our vision is to provide access to education for as many people as possible. To achieve this, we are sustainably reducing access barriers and creating more educational equity for people worldwide. Although our student numbers have risen continuously in recent years, we have been able to further reduce our emissions per student. Nevertheless, we remain committed to both carefully managing and further reducing our ecological footprint and continuously increasing our contribution to society. As Germany's largest university, we want to set a good example."
 

TÜV SÜD certified: IU is climate neutral 

In 2020, IU became one of the world's first climate-neutral distance learning universities. TÜV SÜD now reconfirms the climate neutrality of IU International University of Applied Sciences. The certification is for the third year in a row. The conditions for certification include an inventory of actual and expected emissions, proof of ambitious measures to gradually reduce avoidable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the promotion of recognised climate protection projects to offset unavoidable emissions.

Despite rapidly growing student numbers, IU reduced its total direct and indirect emissions in 2021 by 31 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, the university was able to reduce its specific GHG emissions per student by 24 percent. The carbon footprint was calculated by the Institute for Energy, Ecology and Economics (DFGE) based on the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The majority of students at IU learn in a distance learning model thanks to innovative digital learning formats. This can significantly reduce CO2 emissions that would be caused by commuting, for example. Teaching a distance learning student at IU generates seven times less greenhouse gases than teaching a regular campus student.

Moreover, energy officers are deployed at all IU locations in Germany, which are currently more than 30. They check the individual circumstances as well as the consumption on site and establish resource-saving measures. In addition, IU offsets its carbon footprint in cooperation with ClimatePartner Deutschland GmbH by supporting certified climate projects. These include the expansion of wind energy in Brazil, the generation of hydropower in Laos and access to clean water in Mozambique. 
 

Creating sustainability through education - for all 

Apart from reducing CO2, IU places particular emphasis on education when it comes to sustainability. Education enables people to develop and live sustainably. In addition to individual learning modules, IU offers entire degree programmes such as Sustainable Management, which equip today's students with knowledge and methods for a viable future. 

To provide access to education for more and more people worldwide, IU initiates important alliances. The Study Access Alliance, for example, provides 100,000 scholarships in Africa. As a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, students in need in crisis situations receive crucial educational support at IU. Numerous scholarship models (e.g., for people from poorer countries, single parents and people with disabilities), fair admission requirements and inclusion-friendly study formats open up individual further education opportunities for additional target groups - and thus the basis for a self-determined, sustainable life. 

Further information on sustainability at IU International University of Applied Sciences can be found both in IU's first official ESG report (download here) and at the following link: www.iu.de/ueber-uns/nachhaltigkeit/ 

More information on IU's certified climate projects can be found here at this link. 

More information on the TÜV SÜD certificate can be found here under this link. 

 ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (PART OF IU GROUP)

With more than 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: iu.org. 

"With our vision 'everybody can access education to grow', we show an inclusive, egalitarian and global perspective on our talents and align all our actions accordingly. Diversity and equality play a central role for us. Our self-image includes supporting students and employees, increasing the number of female students, professors and managers, and addressing the needs of people with disabilities or other underrepresented groups," says Nicola Schmidt-Geheb, Equality and Diversity Officer at IU International University of Applied Sciences.  

The IU underpins its socio-political commitment by signing the Diversity Charter, among other things. A clear zero-tolerance policy promotes appreciative, prejudice-free behaviour within the organisation and takes action against any form of abuse of power, discrimination, harassment or violence. 

The award also recognises numerous measures and offers of IU to promote and treat its learners and employees equally - from reducing possible bias in the recruitment and integration process of new employees, to flexible working conditions (such as mobile work, working from abroad, sabbatical) and training for mental and physical health. "At IU we live a 'culture of everyone, by everyone'. This is the only way we can create a working and learning environment in which everyone feels comfortable, can contribute their strengths and can develop further. Diversity promotes innovation, and it is innovation and creative solutions that are at the heart of IU," says Tim Kaltenborn, Director for People Organisation & Culture at IU.  

With initiatives such as Women in Tech, the Study Access Alliance, as well as reduced access barriers through studying without A-levels and without numerus clausus or entrance exams, IU is opening up access to education to more people and making a significant contribution to educational equity.  

On 25, October 2022, IU International University of Applied Sciences was awarded the TOTAL E-QUALITY distinction at a ceremony in Erfurt, Germany. The award is valid until 2024 and can be extended by reapplying.  
 

Further information on diversity and equality at IU can be found at:
https://www.iu.de/en/university/diversity/  

Further information about the TOTAL E-QUALITY Deutschland e. V. can be found at: 
https://www.total-e-quality.de/  
 

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES 
(PART OF IU GROUP)

With more than 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: iu.org.