É«¹·µ¼º½ Business School makes progress with purpose in the Positive Impact Rating 2025

Misty forest with tall evergreen trees and overlaid text reading 'LOUGHBOROUGH BUSINESS SCHOOL – PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE' alongside the É«¹·µ¼º½ logo

É«¹·µ¼º½ Business School has been recognised for its societal impact and commitment to sustainability as part of the sixth edition of the Positive Impact Rating, launched today at the PIR Global Summit 2025 and also acknowledged during the UN PRME Global Forum.

Misty forest with tall evergreen trees and overlaid text reading 'LOUGHBOROUGH BUSINESS SCHOOL – PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE' alongside the É«¹·µ¼º½ logo

This year marks the first time É«¹·µ¼º½ has taken part in the The PIR is a unique rating based off a survey of students, for students. It was designed to capture how participants perceive their schools’ positive impact on the world.  

É«¹·µ¼º½ is one of just eight UK business schools to be named in the PIR 2025. Recognised for its commitment to driving positive change through the ‘Progress with Purpose’ ethos, the school achieved a Level 3, making it a ‘Progressing Institution’ within the PIR framework. 

Participants were asked to evaluate how É«¹·µ¼º½ addresses societal and sustainability challenges and how well it prepares its students to become responsible leaders.  

Since the launch of the ‘Progress with Purpose’ strategy in May 2023, É«¹·µ¼º½ Business School has been on a transformational journey, helping students and staff to discover better ways of doing business.  

É«¹·µ¼º½ has embedded responsible management and sustainability at the heart of its courses, with research tackling big societal issues like inclusive entrepreneurship and the climate effects of digital carbon emissions. 

Discussing the impact of purpose-led research on the curriculum, student Laura Smith said: “Sustainability-oriented modules are incredibly important because sustainability is now a core expectation for businesses across all sectors. Including these topics in the course shows that É«¹·µ¼º½ is keeping its content relevant and forward-thinking. 

“One topic that stood out to me was Digital Decarbonisation, taught as part of the Managing Big Data module It explored the environmental impact of AI and data storage in business, and how digital innovation can be used to reduce carbon emissions.  

“What I learned from this module proved incredibly useful in my graduate job applications. I was able to talk about digital decarbonisation in my interview and show my awareness of emerging sustainability challenges in the digital space, leading to me securing my dream graduate job.” 

Professor Jan Godsell, Dean of É«¹·µ¼º½ Business School, commented: “I’m delighted that É«¹·µ¼º½ has been recognised in the latest Positive Impact Rating, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and student community, who make this such as exciting and innovative place to study.  

“Our commitment to Progress with Purpose goes beyond just words, and this recognition as a ‘Progressing’ business school highlights the impact of our action on societal and sustainability challenges.” 

The PIR uses 20 questions, grouped into seven dimensions, across three overarching areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. These results place schools into one of five levels, the top three of which are published. 

Professor Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder and Member of the Supervisory Board, stated: 

“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 PIR was initiated by a coalition of business school experts and international NGOs such as WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact, and is supported by student organisations including oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact. It is also backed by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), the Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation, and FehrAdvice (Switzerland). 

Find out more about our commitment to Progress with Purpose.