BI recognised in global student-led sustainability survey

BI is one of 86 business schools across 30 countries participating in this year’s edition, which saw a record 17,167 student responses—an increase of 13% from the previous year. 

More than 1,300 BI students contributed to the survey, demonstrating strong engagement and growing momentum for change.

Sustainability and societal challenges 

The system ranks schools on five levels, of which only three are publicly disclosed: Level 3 (Progressing), Level 4 (Transforming), and Level 5 (Pioneering).
 
The PIR is designed to reflect how business schools are perceived in terms of their impact on society and their commitment to addressing sustainability and broader societal challenges. 

The student organization at BI (BISO) led the project, supported and guided by BI Norwegian Business School.

Students highlight key areas for sustainability improvement 

Responses from BI students in this year’s survey identified clear priorities for how they believe the school can strengthen its sustainability work. According to the feedback, students would like BI to: 

• Integrate sustainability into all courses, research, and campus operations. 
• Eliminate single-use plastics and improve waste sorting and recycling.
• Transition campus energy use to renewable sources like solar and wind.
• Foster greater social inclusion and support for international student integration.
• Offer more practical, case-based learning focused on real-world sustainability issues.

Students also pointed to several practices they believe the school should reconsider or reduce. These include: 

• Use of single-use plastic items such as cups, cutlery, and packaging.
• Food waste at events and in cafeterias.
• Excessive paper use for printing and exams.
• Treating sustainability as an add-on rather than a core element of the curriculum.
• Flying in professors for single lectures.
• Spending on non-essential merchandise, decorations, and party-related costs 

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see such a high level of engagement from our students,” says Ann Kristin Helgeland Calisch, project manager and Special Adviser for Strategy, Governance and Finance at BI. 

 “Their feedback is not only thoughtful and constructive—it’s also a clear signal that they care deeply about BI’s role in shaping a better future. We’re proud of the results in this year’s rating, and we know there’s more to do. Transparency is key, and this kind of open dialogue helps ensure we continue moving in the right direction together.”

A global movement with local impact 

By participating in PIR 2025, BI demonstrates not only its transparency but also its commitment to being evaluated by the very stakeholders it serves: its students.

As the PIR continues to evolve, supported by global organisations such as WWF, Oxfam, and the UN Global Compact, student engagement ensures that BI remains accountable and relevant. 

The PIR is based on 20 questions, grouped across seven dimensions within three overarching areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging.  

Facts:

• The Positive Impact Rating is backed by a global coalition of experts, NGOs, and student organisations including VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), the Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation, and FehrAdvice (Switzerland). It is further supported by student networks such as oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact.
• Read more about the rating here: 2025 Report | The Positive Impact Rating