ESG – Act Responsibly, Think Sustainably
Guided by its mission to develop responsible leaders versed in “China Depth, Global Breadth”, CEIBS was the first business school on the Chinese mainland to champion environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. The school incorporates ESG-related content into its teaching, research, and student and alumni events. CEIBS encourages our students to take an active approach to social responsibility and to look beyond commercial success when considering their impact on society. Through our educational and community initiatives, we seek to demonstrate how business growth and social progress can reinforce one another. We also encourage students and alumni to contribute to charitable causes and engage with their communities through their careers, turning a sense of responsibility into practical action that creates lasting social impact.
The CEIBS Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030) identifies “Exemplifying Social Responsibility” as one of the school’s eight strategic priorities. We are committed to further integrating ESG and sustainability into our educational philosophy, curriculum and academic research. By drawing on educational, research and business practices from China and around the world, we aim to advance knowledge creation and dissemination to move closer toward our vision of becoming the world’s most respected international business school.
CEIBS Milestones in ESG
2026—2011
CEIBS Strategic Plan (2026–2030) published
In 2026, CEIBS Strategic Plan (2026–2030) was published, the original “Exemplifying Responsible Education” was upgraded to “Exemplifying Social Responsibility” and moved to the second key position, further highlighting the school’s responsibility as a world-leading business school.
In 2026 the school advanced its timeline, committing to achieve Scope 2 net zero by 2031 and Scope 1 net zero by 2033 — relying on 100% renewable electricity to fully offset Scope 2 emissions no later than 2031.
Carbon footprint management project launched
In 2025, CEIBS launched the carbon footprint management project, establishing a carbon emission data monitoring system and an internationally compliant carbon accounting system.
Carbon neutrality target advanced from 2035 to 2034
2024: The school issued the CEIBS Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Policy, strengthening its commitment to social responsibility and enhancing systematic focus on sustainable development.
In 2024, based on 2019 data, the school verified carbon emissions across its five global campuses in 2023, committing to advancing the carbon neutrality target for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from 2035 to 2034.
Carbon neutrality strategy launched
In 2023, to practice sustainable development and promote green and low-carbon transformation, CEIBS launched a carbon neutrality strategy and released its first Carbon Disclosure Report, committing to full-scope carbon neutrality by 2050.
CEIBS ESG Research Area established
In 2020, “Exemplifying Responsible Education” was listed as one of Eight Strategic Priorities in the CEIBS Strategic Plan (2021–2025), laying a strategic foundation for subsequent ESG work.
In 2020, the CEIBS ESG Research Area was established, with nearly 32 professors across five disciplines.
ESG integrated into core courses across all programmes
In 2019, ESG-related content was integrated into core courses of all Programmes (≥10%), reaching over 20% in MBA and GEMBA.
First CEIBS Corporate Social Responsibility Report released
In 2018, the school released the first CEIBS Corporate Social Responsibility Report and co-hosted the annual CEIBS CSR/ESG Forum with the CEIBS Alumni Association (CAA). Since then, it has published the relevant white paper on an annual basis.
Carbon credits purchased and first carbon neutrality certification obtained
In 2011, the school incorporated Responsible Leadership into its mission statement, highlighting its significant influence on China’s business practices. CEIBS Mission: To educate responsible leaders versed in China Depth, Global Breadth.
In 2011, the school purchased carbon credits and obtained carbon neutrality certification for the first time, becoming the first carbon-neutral business school in Asia. This initiative originated from a tree-planting project in Inner Mongolia initiated by MBA students.
ESG Videos & Podcasts
Forums & Exchanges
Europe Forum
Since its launch in 2012, the CEIBS Europe Forum has brought together business and other stakeholders in major European cities to explore topics of shared interest to China and Europe, including opportunities for China–EU cooperation on decarbonisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy. By 2026, the forum had held more than 30 sessions across eight countries and regions, established strategic partnerships with more than 100 influential chambers of commerce, industry associations and think tanks worldwide, welcomed more than 200 prominent international speakers, and attracted over 8,000 business representatives.
CEIBS ESG Summit and CEIBS Alumni Annual Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility
Since 2018, CEIBS has co-organised the annual CEIBS ESG Summit in partnership with the CEIBS Alumni Association, placing social responsibility at the heart of its annual alumni conference. The event encourages alumni to translate social responsibility and ESG principles into business practice and work together to advance sustainable development.
CEIBS Philanthropy Forum
Held annually since 2021, the CEIBS Philanthropy Forum convenes philanthropic initiatives from across the CEIBS community. It seeks to inspire alumni to engage in philanthropy and explore innovative approaches to creating social value. The forum also promotes the integration of social responsibility into education, encouraging faculty, students and alumni to apply their professional expertise to philanthropic initiatives.
CEIBS Green Finance Forum
Green finance plays an important role in supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy and environment. Launched in 2021 by the CEIBS FMBA Programme in partnership with the CEIBS Lujiazui International Institute of Finance (CLIIF) and the CEIBS Alumni FMBA Club, the CEIBS Green Finance Forum has been held three times to date. The forum provides a platform for sharing insights into corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, while encouraging CEIBS alumni and current students to put responsible business principles into practice and champion the idea of “finance for good”.
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Ghorbani, MajidAssociate Professor of Management Practice;
Deputy Director of Global MiM CEIBS (Switzerland)-ESCP Double Degree Programme, CEIBS -
Jiang, YuanAssociate Professor of Management, CEIBS -
Kim, Chang HyunAssociate Professor of Strategy, CEIBS -
Lee, Byron Yee SingAssociate Professor of Management, CEIBS -
Park, Hyun YoungAssociate Professor of Marketing, CEIBS -
Ramasamy, BalaProfessor of Economics,
Associate Dean;
Director of GEMBA Programme, CEIBS
