If you’re a young person who’s not happy with the environmental state of the world you’ve been handed—you probably knew this already— but you’re not alone. In fact, 70% of the world’s youth very worried about the climate.
You might be sick of hearing the same empty promises about new sustainable practices, and we get it. Big ideas are great, but they’re meaningless without action. Here’s some good news though: we know someone who’s actually doing something about it. And yes, it’s our students. They’re not waiting for permission or perfect conditions and are now out there, making things happen.
At IE University, sustainability is not a buzzword. It’s embedded into everything we do. From the simpler things like upcycling water bottles into something useful to designing the next wave of sustainable fashion (aka, leading the sustainable fashion revolution), our students are proving that change starts with action.
So how are they leading this sustainable fashion revolution?
Through cutting-edge fashion labs and green partnerships, basically. The Fashion Lab & Textile Studio is currently is flipping the script on an industry known for its wastefulness. Students here are working with big names like Ecoalf to create clothing that’s stylish and sustainable. Which is exactly what a sustainable fashion revolution should look like.
Although unrelated to fashion, the ReBottle initiative is also worth mentioning. With the help of innovative tech, students turn used bottles into 3D printer filament for design projects. It’s clever, it’s practical and it’s making a real difference right here on campus.
We’re a community that can boast about caring
Here’s the thing about the way we operate: no one is ever in this alone. Take our Sustainability Townhall, where students, faculty and staff team up to make campus life better for everyone. In fact, it’s the birthplace of the aforementioned ReBottle.
We’re also extremely proud of our Sustainability Week, a full-blown celebration of everything green. Workshops, networking events, panels with leaders in sustainability—you name it, it’s happening.
And check out our student clubs
Student clubs are where the action is. The Eco Club, the SDGs Club and the Women in Business Club, to name a few, are social groups that are actively contributing to building a more equal and sustainable future.
The Women in Business Club’s ProfeSHEonal Certification Program, for example, is a four-part series that helps women build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in business—teaching invaluable skills like networking and navigating male-dominated industries.
We even have a degree in sustainability
Our very own degree in sustainability, or Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability, is where future world-changers are made. Students tackle real-world problems like water shortages and climate resilience, testing ideas and finding solutions that work.
One highlight? The Climate Hackathon. Imagine this: students from all walks of life brainstorming and building innovative ideas to fight environmental issues. It’s intense, it’s inspiring and it’s exactly the kind of experience that prepares you for a world that needs bold solutions.
And if that wasn’t cool enough, there’s also a Spring Break Field Trip to Lanzarote. Yes, they’re working on sustainability projects—but they’re doing it on an island known for its stunning volcanic landscapes. Who says saving the planet can’t come with amazing views?
The bottom line
So, if you’re done waiting for someone else to fix the world’s problems, don’t worry—so are we. IE University is all about giving students the tools, the space and the support to really take action.
We know you’re ready to get your hands dirty and make some noise, so check out our Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability. Maybe you’re more interested in the sustainable fashion revolution we keep talking about. In that case, our Bachelor in Fashion Design is for you.