Sustainable Development & Social Responsibility

Sustainable development is a central pillar of Mines Saint-Étienne’s strategy, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions into its education, research, and innovation activities.
By training engineers capable of addressing the challenges of ecological transition, developing sustainable technologies, and collaborating with society and industry, the school positions itself as a key player in responsible innovation for a greener future.

Here is an overview of the initiatives and commitments that illustrate this approach.

Our Strategic Vision

The strategy of Mines Saint-Étienne is built on one key driver and two major thematic areas: Ecological transition, which serves as a catalyst for transformation, and industry of the future and healthcare engineering, which define the core areas of innovation and student training.

Today’s global challenges require a fundamental rethinking of engineering education. Future high-level professionalsmust develop a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems, integrating sustainability, efficiency, and the environmental impact of human actions.

This vision demands a critical review of teaching methodologies, both in knowledge transmission and technology education. Expectations are clear: students, businesses, and society seek engineers who can deliver both ethical and innovative solutions.

This is why Mines Saint-Étienne, alongside the IMT, is fully committed to being a leading player in this transformation, particularly in the critical sectors of the 21^st century—industry and healthcare.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The school aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, responsible consumption and production, and health and well-being. A significant portion of its research projects and educational initiatives is designed to contribute to these global objectives, ensuring that its efforts have a meaningful and lasting impact.

Committed educational programs

Addressing sustainable development challenges requires both the creation of new sustainable and efficient technologies and the training of leaders capable of driving these transitions. This applies to both initial education and lifelong learning, making the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) central to our educational ecosystem.

Our training programmes are designed to offer a comprehensive knowledge base, in line with the recommendations of the Jouzel report. They are reflected in:

• Specific modules on key themes such as sustainability, energy transition, circular economy, and green technologies, integrated into engineering programmes.
• An interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to combine technical, economic, and environmental skills to develop sustainable solutions.
• Reflective skills development, encouraging future engineers to critically assess the ecological and social impacts of their projects and decisions.

Research and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Research projects at Mines Saint-Étienne are strongly focused on developing sustainable technologies and innovative solutions to address today’s environmental challenges, including:

A Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem

Mines Saint-Étienne is part of a dynamic innovation ecosystem, fostering the development of startups and innovative projects centred on sustainability.

• Incubators and Accelerators
  The school supports startups developing green technologies, providing a collaborative space where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can share ideas and innovate together.
• Workshops and Seminars on Sustainability
  The school regularly organises events to raise awareness and educate on sustainable development challenges, promote knowledge sharing, and foster collaborative innovation.

DD&RS Label and International Recognition

Additionally, the school regularly appears in international rankings, such as the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, for its strong performance in sustainability. It ranks among the world’s top institutions in key areas such as climate action, frequently placing in the Top 100 or Top 200.

Industry Partnerships

Mines Saint-Étienne collaborates closely with companies, local authorities, and organisations to develop sustainable solutions that address current industrial and societal challenges. This includes:

• Joint projects with companies to integrate cleaner technologies into production chains.
• Local initiatives to enhance environmental resilience in communities, particularly in resource and waste management.

Student Engagement

The school actively encourages student participation in sustainability through various projects, initiatives, and student-led clubs. Students engage in hands-on actions, such as: Awareness campaigns, eco-friendly project competitions and initiatives to reduce the campus carbon footprint

Sustainable Infrastructure

Mines Saint-Étienne’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the management of its infrastructure:

• Eco-Friendly Buildings: Some campus buildings are designed for energy efficiency, featuring management systems that optimise electricity and water consumption.
• Sustainable mobility: promotion of sustainable mobility with bicycle facilities and programmes to encourage the use of public transport or carpooling.

The DD&RS Delegation

Since 2005, Mines Saint-Étienne has established a dedicated delegation for Sustainable Development & Social Responsibility (DD&RS), directly reporting to the Director of the School. This delegation is composed of:

• The Sustainable Development Delegate, a teacher-researcher
• A DD&RS Mission Officer
• The Head of the Procurement and Markets Department
• A Representative from the Aix-Marseille-Provence Campus (Gardanne)
• Representatives from the various teaching and research centres of the School
• A Student Representative

The delegation oversees sustainable development initiatives and coordinates the Social and Environmental Responsibility Committee (CoRSE) to guide strategic actions.

Additionally, sustainability criteria are systematically integrated into all investment decisions, reflecting the school’s commitment to responsible and sustainable management.