Jeroen Dobbelaere is a well-known name in the world of sustainability, combining his expertise in biochemistry and cell biology with a passion for creating real-world impact. After years in academia, Jeroen now spearheads sustainability efforts at the Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA) near Vienna. His journey and insights offer valuable lessons for sustainability managers everywhere. Through his work, Jeroen aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical sustainability solutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, education, and holistic approaches to environmental management.

Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability Management

Jeroen sees both great opportunities and significant challenges in sustainability management. He notes that while many people understand what needs to be done, the difficulty lies in turning these ideas into actionable plans. The key, according to Jeroen, is to create new processes in both research and corporate sectors and build strong networks to communicate and achieve sustainability goals efficiently. 

Jeroen states "So there's a lot of opportunities. I think very few people don't know how to put it into practice. So I think there's a big opportunity to define new processes in both research and corporate sectors. The challenge is that we are part of a network, and we buy a lot of products from corporations. The biggest opportunity for me is setting up this network to communicate and achieve goals quickly without losing anybody. Engaging everyone on campus and working with companies to reduce our footprint is crucial."

To achieve sustainability goals, effective communication and collaboration within networks are essential. Strong internal and external communication channels help organizations implement sustainability initiatives smoothly. By fostering open communication and collaboration, everyone stays aligned and engaged in the process. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes a culture of sustainability across the network.

Educational Models and Interdisciplinary Research

Jeroen believes in expanding educational approaches to inspire creativity and business ideas that tackle sustainability challenges. This approach can lead to the development of sustainable business solutions. By incorporating sustainability into various educational platforms and encouraging interdisciplinary projects, Jeroen aims to equip future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to address environmental issues effectively.

He mentioned "It can start from educational models, trying out new ways to educate people on campus. It doesn't need to be a high-end product; it can be different teaching platforms. We're trying to broaden minds at the education level to foster more ideas for business and sustainability projects. Examples include liquid batteries and making AI models more compact to use less energy. It's important to find applications in industry or society to speed up the process from idea to action, especially for climate crisis solutions."

By fostering an environment where different disciplines can collaborate, educational institutions can drive significant advancements in sustainability. Moreover, such an approach ensures that sustainability projects are not confined to theoretical research but are translated into practical solutions that can be implemented in various sectors, thereby accelerating the transition towards a sustainable future.

Holistic Approaches and Corporate Responsibility

Jeroen advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating sustainable practices across all levels of an organization. He stresses that sustainability should be part of the company's core philosophy, with everyone involved in addressing environmental challenges. By embedding sustainability into the organizational culture, companies can ensure that all employees, regardless of their role, contribute to the overall sustainability goals.

He states "My advice is not to compartmentalize sustainability. It should not be just one manager or office but incorporated into the DNA of the company. Everyone should work on it for a small part of their time. Involving many people and understanding their specific challenges is key. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is not seen as just a technical or social issue but integrated into the entire organization's philosophy."

This comprehensive approach is particularly relevant in corporate settings. A study from the Harvard Business Review found that companies with integrated sustainability strategies see a 55% higher morale among employees and a 16% increase in productivity. By adopting a holistic approach, companies can create a work environment where sustainability is prioritized, leading to improved employee engagement and overall organizational performance. Furthermore, this strategy helps companies to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and market trends, positioning them as leaders in sustainability.

Conclusion

Jeroen Dobbelaere’s insights provide a clear and comprehensive guide for sustainability managers tackling the complexities of environmental management. By embracing innovative educational models, fostering interdisciplinary research, and adopting a holistic approach, organizations can make a meaningful impact.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company.