Environmental stewardship is central to our commitment to sustainability and to contribute reducing our impact on climate and protect the biodiversity on site. Aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action), we take tangible actions to reduce our carbon footprint, lower our energy consumption and minimize waste. We are putting efforts towards further integrating sustainability in our operations, and strive to inspire our students to replicate this approach in their future roles as the hospitality leaders of tomorrow.

    Our Commitments and Accomplishments

    • Since 2019, EHL measures and reports its carbon footprint. We aim at creating a climate roadmap which will guide EHL Group efforts towards reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by 2030 and beyond.
    • We track our recycling ratio every year, finding ways to encourage circularity in all its forms, such as minimizing the use of single-use items and plastic packaging, reinforcing our commitment to reducing environmental impact.
    • To further our efforts, we have developed a Sustainable F&B Charter to promote and enforce best practices in sustainability across all our Food & Beverage activities, including procurement, resonating with SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production).
    • Since 2023, we have been measuring the digital footprint of our campuses, preparing a comprehensive GreenIT strategy. 

    Measuring our footprint: a journey to understanding EHL's carbon impact

    EHL is committed to understanding and reducing its carbon footprint, recognizing the importance of mitigating our environmental impact. Since 2019, we have been diligently calculating emissions across our campuses, encompassing direct, indirect, and Scope 3 emissions. Our efforts have led to a 33% reduction in carbon footprint since 2019, with a 46% decrease per person due to renewable energy installations. This progress aligns with our sustainability goals and the UN Paris Agreement on climate change. As we continue to refine our climate roadmap, we remain dedicated to proactive measures and collaborative action for a healthier planet.

    Read more about our carbon footprint and other environmental initiatives in our 2024 Social and Environmental report.

    Carbon footprint by scope EHL Group

    7,199 tCO 2 e (1)-1

    Scope 3 reporting Campus Lausanne

    7,199 tCO 2 e (2)-1

    Waste Management

    With around 3,000 students and 600 staff on the Lausanne campus alone, EHL is committed to proactive waste management across its campuses. We actively monitor and track waste across our campuses allowing us to implement effective waste management practices and policies. We strive to engage all our stakeholders in recycling efforts and waste reduction, with a particular focus on minimizing food waste.

    EHL is also committed to upcycling and recycling initiatives, including donating items for refurbishment, partnering with local NGOs to recycle and upcycle student uniforms, and transforming outdated furniture into modern, functional pieces. These efforts highlight EHL's dedication to sustainability and waste reduction.

    Sustainable F&B

    Sustainable food and beverage practices are central to EHL’s mission of reducing its environmental impact and inspiring the hospitality industry. With thousands of meals served daily, EHL has launched its Sustainable Food & Beverage Charter to drive measurable change. The key commitments include cutting food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2030 and ensuring that 60% of purchased products are certified with sustainability labels, while also emphasizing local and seasonal sourcing, animal welfare, and waste reduction.

    From campus restaurants to classrooms, sustainability is integrated across the food experience, with initiatives addressing responsible purchasing, food waste, portion flexibility, and reusable packaging. By combining healthier food choices with ambitious environmental targets, EHL demonstrates that excellence in hospitality and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting an example for students, staff, and the wider industry.

    Find out more about our  Sustainable F&B Charter.

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    Our Other Contributing Beyond Education Pillars

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    Our Social and Environmental Report

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    In 2020, EHL released its first social and environmental report, confirming the start of its journey towards sustainability by publishing a set of commitments approved by the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.  The report is now released yearly, covering the actions over the course of the previous year.

    There is still a lot to be done, but we are devoted to take on the challenges of today’s society and develop our metrics for more precise reporting from year to year, to be able to set precise objectives for positive change over the short, medium and long term.

    #sustainability

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