Leading from the front on sustainability

At London Business School, sustainability is clearly aligned with the United Nations’ definition: ‘Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ Whilst the focus of the School’s teaching and research prioritises today’s most pressing environmental, economic and social issues, there is equal emphasis on equipping the next generation of business leaders to act ethically and morally, for societal good. Diversity, equality, inclusion and wellbeing are integral to this sustainability ethos. In this way, LBS aims to shape the future of business, which in turn creates a sustainable society for all.  

Donor funds accelerate this impact by funding cutting-edge research, curriculum development, campus Net-Zero initiatives and student scholarships. This philanthropic support empowers LBS to translate world-class ideas into practical solutions that address climate change, inequality and responsible business management. 

How will the School continue to put sustainability front and centre? It begins with a renewed five-year strategy, published in August 2025 and led by Director of Sustainability Stephen Giles. Input from across the School, engaging over 200 faculty, students, alumni and staff, ensures a breadth of perspectives. In time, the plan will result in new and innovative processes, facilities, teaching methods, research initiatives and much, much more. Stephen explains:

Donor funding has already made a significant impact in LBS’s current work on sustainability. 

• 500+ scholarships support students who might otherwise be unable to attend the School. Bursaries like the SKYY Development Scholarship, the Muna Al Gurg Scholarship and the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund build a global and inclusive LBS community, for the benefit of all. 

• The LBS Catalyst Fund, established via a £5m philanthropic investment, operates as a flexible, expendable fund enabling decisive investments in academic research, educational innovation and public policy to accelerate the School’s leadership in responsible business. 

• The Wheeler Institute for Business and Development focuses on creating positive change in lives, livelihoods and environments in the developing world through entrepreneurship and business solutions and was created with the support of a landmark £10 million donation.  

• Case teaching has been expanded by organisations like Innovo, whose £100,000 gift has enabled the creation of eight new sustainability-focused cases that explore topics including global supply chain management, disability inclusion and sustainable tourism.  

• Donor-funded research has helped to rank LBS second globally in the FT’s most recent ranking for research intensity related to the UN’s SDGs¹. 

• A generous donation from the Garfield Weston Foundation has supported the creation of a dedicated student wellbeing lounge, recognising the importance of individual welfare within the School’s broader sustainability agenda. 

• A new Data Science and AI initiative, partially funded by donor gifts, examines how Data Science and AI should be deployed in real business environments – across functions, industries and global markets.   

Stephen recognises that donor funding will be crucial to enacting the five-year sustainability strategy and helping LBS become a leader in sustainability within business education. 

¹www.london.edu/news/lbs-ranks-second-in-the-world-for-sustainability-research-2132