Campus - 17.09.2025 - 09:33
Research articles on green investments, a simulation for developing climate solutions, and explanatory videos about a new currency system: these are three examples of around 300 teaching materials that are freely available on the ‘Sustainability in Academia’ (SiA) platform. SiA was launched by the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in collaboration with WWF Switzerland and the Network for Business Sustainability (NBS).
‘Surveys at HSG showed that lecturers want support in integrating sustainability topics into their teaching,’ says Anna Diaz. She is the project manager of the platform and an expert in circular economy at HSG. After several years of preparation, the updated platform went online in the summer of 2025.
SiA does not develop its own content, but bundles existing materials. The database can be filtered, and each material is briefly described and linked. Prerequisite: free access and verified quality.
Around 50 experts from HSG, WWF, NBS and other universities evaluate the materials and also contribute new content. So far, SiA covers the HSG core subjects of economics, management, finance/banking and marketing; other subjects such as computer science and natural sciences are to follow.
Teaching designs are also taken into account: ‘We promote innovative formats such as project work with industry partners, podcasts or “serious games”,’ says Fabio Allegrini. He is a trained teacher and, together with Diaz, part of the Responsibility & Sustainability Team at HSG.
One of the team's tasks is to further develop HSG teaching in the area of sustainability. To this end, it also works closely with student initiatives – around 30 of the 140 HSG student associations deal with sustainability.
SiA sees itself as a growing network. Already in the development phase, over 400 lecturers took part in workshops and webinars; by 2027, this number is expected to rise to 1,000. Conferences and new partnerships with universities and academic networks are also planned.
The initiative not only strengthens HSG's international positioning – as a signatory to the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education – but also takes current labour market requirements into account. ‘Issues of sustainability affect all industries,’ emphasises Allegrini. ‘With SiA content, students learn how to tackle complex challenges such as climate change, inequality and resource scarcity.’
Upcoming webinars with an introduction to the platform:
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