Sustainable impact as a mission

True progress towards a sustainable operational model requires incisive change in governance structures, policies and processes. At Nova SBE, change is under way.

Towards a greener campus
Environmental Sustainability

Towards a greener campus

One of Nova SBE’s strategic objectives is to prepare for the green transition and become carbon neutral. Such a task requires both large-scale investment and small communication nudges.

Continue reading to find out how Nova SBE is working to meet this objective, whilst learning about our sustainability features across our energy use, our mobility, out waste management and water consumption.

A community with a role to play
Volunteering and Active Citizenship

A community with a role to play

Role to play is a platform connecting Nova SBE to volunteering opportunities that strengthen our community and show everyone has a Role to Play. It brings together those moved by the importance of being active citizens:​

  • Community – local organizations, initiatives and causes in need of support​
  • Nova SBE – students, teachers and staff, ready to step up and contribute
Road to Impact Report
Transparency and Accountability

Road to Impact Report

The Road to Impact Report is an annual report that summarizes the school's journey towards sustainability, characterizing how each of our pillars is contributing to an impactful education and research, responsible operations, and a greener campus.

Road to Impact Report 2024

 

 

Climate Commitment

Carbon Neutral by 2026

Nova SBE has publicly committed to become Carbon Neutral in 2026 in Scopes 1 and 2. This will mostly be achieved by expanding our solar panel capacity, but also by sourcing exclusively Certified Renewable Energy that is emissions-free for the energy we are not yet able to generate locally.

At the same time, Nova SBE will purchase certified carbon credits to offset Scope 1’s residual emissions whilst also working on a long-term plan to effectively reduce them.

Setting such targets is only possible due to the ongoing monitorization of Nova SBE’s annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Please consult the 2023 GHG Nova SBE Footprint and its independent, third-party accreditation and the total NOVA’s GHG Footprint.

Together for community transformation

A community with a role to play

Role to Play was born to connect Nova SBE and Civil Society Organizations, showcasing ways to play an active role in society

Engaging with Civil Society Organizations

Via the Role to Play program, Nova SBE invites civil society organizations to present themselves to the school’s community by advertising voluntary initiatives and opportunities and finding a dedicated community of volunteers.

Nova SBE calls on all civil society organizations to reach out and join our call!

Engaging with Students

Via the Role to Play program, Nova SBE showcases to the student community voluntary initiatives and opportunities with Civil Society Organizations, both as a means of giving back to society, and by broadening the educational proposition at Nova SBE.

It also supports students and student clubs that want support to promote sustainability on campus – inside and outside the classroom.

Leading by example

Towards a Greener Campus

Nova SBE has its own in-house renewable energy production through 924 rooftop solar panels, accounting for approximately 10% or out total energy demand. Soon, this capacity will expand to approximately meet 30% of our total needs.

The Carcavelos campus also presents energy saving features, such as the privilege of natural and led lighting, and the presence of motion sensors that automatically turn off light and HVAC equipment after 15 minutes of no movement detected.

Nova SBE works closely with all stakeholders on campus to introduce solutions that reduce single-use waste. In the past, we have piloted an internal RVM system – ahead of the national system predicted to launch in 2026 - and introduced tech solutions for reusable packaging.

All urban waste produced at the Carcavelos campus (organic, recyclable and non-recyclable waste) is then handled by the municipal services, ensuring its adequate processing. Organic waste, for example, is used to produce biogas, electricity and agricultural compost. Special circuits such as electronic material, batteries, drink capsules or textile are likewise collected on campus and handled by appropriate waste management entities

 

Nova SBE’s is equipped with 30 wheelchair accessible water fountains across campus (23 of which indoor and water-filtering), to ensure that everyone can keep hydrated without the need to single-use bottles. At the same time, bathroom taps run on a timer and toilets are equipped with a dual-flushing system to minimize water spillage.

Likewise, our outdoor green spaces (over 65% of the total area) are exclusively irrigated using borehole water when precipitation is not available.

Our outdoor green areas serve various functions and deliver numerous services. Beyond its ecosystemic services to biodiversity and water retention, our green areas also serve as venues for multiple campus events.

At one edge of the campus is The Navigator Park, a 3,000m2 planted area with over 20 species of climate-resilient trees and bushes who serve as an important shelter for local fauna and flora. At another border, is also a Community Garden in the making: a place to garden, exercise, learn, and most importantly, to connect the community living in and around the campus.

The Carcavelos Campus is located less than 1.5km away from the Carcavelos and Oeiras train stations and is served by two bus stations and bike-sharing options.

The accessibility of Nova SBE is both a crucial aspect for the wellbeing of our community, but also for the environmental impact of our school. As such, improving the commuting experience to our campus is a strategic objective towards which we work with municipal and private partners.

Together, our impact is greater

We grow from the partnerships we establish

PRME – Principles for Responsible Management Education

Nova SBE officially became a member of PRME in 2013 – a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in business and management education. In 2020, Nova SBE became a participating institution of PRME’s fourth Champions Cycle, and in 2021 Nova SBE was appointed Chair of PRME’s Iberian Chapter, on a Steering Committee composed of five other Portuguese and Spanish signatories – UPF, IPVC, ISEG, and ISCTE Business School.

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NOVA for the Globe

NOVA for the Globe was created in 2020 as an interdisciplinary platform to promote dialog and collaboration within the NOVA community in the various areas of knowledge, with the aim of advancing the sustainability of its missions, infrastructures and services. Over the past years, NOVA for the Globe has collaborated on working groups such as Zero Waste, which works towards the bold ambition of turning NOVA campi in Zero Waste spaces, and Route Zero, which has calculated NOVA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions and designed a joint plan to reduce 30% of NOVA’s emissions by 2040.

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PIR – Positive Impact Rating

PIR is a student and faculty driven assessment that helps business schools worldwide evaluate their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. It was developed in collaboration with global NGOs like WWF, Oxfam, UN Global Compact, and international student associations, with the aim to transform business education by cultivating responsible leaders.

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United Nations Global Compact

UN Global Compact aims to mobilize a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want. To make this happen, the UNGC supports companies to do business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption; and take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Learn more