Global University Systems
With sustainability becoming an increasing priority for students, partners and investors, Global University Systems (GUS), a network of higher education institutions, set out to unify its portfolio under one sustainability strategy. Together with the GUS team, the agency established core impact themes, created group-wide sustainability targets and successfully launched GUS’ first annual Sustainability Report at the United Nations General Assembly. The agency continues to support GUS in expanding its sustainability initiatives, implementing CSRD requirements and amplifying impact across its global institutions.
The agency implemented a phased strategy beginning with facilitating board buy-in and conducting a double materiality assessment to identify priority areas. From this, four interconnected impact themes were developed - Education, Environment, Equality, and Ethics - which shaped the group-wide sustainability targets. To support implementation, a global Sustainability Taskforce was formed, with representatives from each GUS institution, and a reporting software was introduced for consistent measurement. The first year culminated in GUS' inaugural Sustainability Report alongside a dedicated sustainability microsite and updated brand look and tone to reflect the shifting priorities of the organisation. The partnership has since focused on progress towards sustainability targets, developing strategic partnerships and ensuring compliance with evolving reporting requirements, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Global University Systems (GUS) approached the agency in 2023, following the appointment of its first Chief Impact Officer. With sustainability becoming increasingly crucial for students, partners, and investors, GUS needed to formalise its strategy and communications. GUS sought expertise to develop a comprehensive framework that would align sustainability initiatives across its global network of 30 educational institutions while enhancing its market position.
GUS now has a group-wide sustainability roadmap and targets that all 30 global portfolio institutions are working towards. Sustainability messaging has been integrated into GUS’ visual identity and language, with a dedicated sustainability microsite that saw a 400% increase in engagement year-over-year. Two sustainability reports aligned with SASB standards have been published, with reporting capabilities to meet CSRD currently under development.
“The team have been invaluable across our three years of working together. They are an extension of the GUS Impact team, helping with board meetings, our sustainability strategy and our annual reporting. We are extremely happy and excited for the future work we will continue to do together.” – Yuliya Etingen, Chief Impact Officer
