Business School achieves Level 4 Transforming School in the Positive Impact Rating Edition 2024

Leeds University Business School has been recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements by the Positive Impact Rating (PIR).

The Business School was one of 77 business schools from 30 countries worldwide that took part in the rating this year and achieved Level 4, making it a Transforming school within the PIR.

The PIR is a rating conducted by students and for students. For the third time, students worldwide assessed their business schools on how they perceive their positive impact in the world. The positive impact of business schools goes beyond their contribution to business and the economy; it addresses the need for their positive impact for society.

Students assessed how Leeds University Business School addresses societal and sustainable challenges and prepares its students to be responsible business leaders. 

Participating in the PIR demonstrates the value [school] gives to student feedback and voice. Professor Vera Trappmann, Director of Sustainability said:

We take sustainability very seriously at LUBS. Our student engagement, the opportunities we create for them, the change we achieve with them, are small steps in the right direction. It equips student with the skills to reflect on their actions and to shape change. We had student projects from plant based catering, food waste, beach clean, suit library, walking to zero and many more. With our masterclass Climate Action Training we want every student at LUBS to have a foundational knowledge about climate crisis and what we can do about it. As an organisation we do what we teach and have committed to abolishing flights to destination we can reach by train within 11 hours.  A bold but necessary step.

The rating survey asks students 20 questions in seven relevant impact dimensions that sit within three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score of the business school is used to position the schools across five levels. The different levels refer to the developmental stage of the business school, rating it by a certain level of achievement. Business schools are provided with a defined social impact and a tool that they can use for change.

Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board said:

While future students now have an alternative source to select their business school, schools refer to the PIR primarily to measure and communicate their transformational progress. The voice of the student has become a true source of value.

The Positive Impact Rating was created by business school experts together with global NGOs - WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact partner with PIR, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation & Fehr Advice, both from Switzerland.