Sandrine Grumberg, who is also the founder of two training organisations in Luxembourg and France, will serve as the sustainability academy manager. IMS Luxembourg

Sandrine Grumberg, who is also the founder of two training organisations in Luxembourg and France, will serve as the sustainability academy manager. IMS Luxembourg

As a highlight for its 15th anniversary year, Inspiring More Sustainability (IMS) Luxembourg announced on Thursday the creation of its new sustainability academy.

The academy, open to IMS members and non-members alike, aims to narrow the gap between organisation-level implementation of sustainable strategy and the potential obstacles faced by such organisations when it comes to understanding ESG issues. It’s a demand that IMS Luxembourg has received even from its own member base. 

“We want to be at your disposal to help you tackle these topics in your companies,” president Christian Scharff explained during a Thursday conference. “It’s difficult to do everything. We all have our focus areas… but we wanted to give you the opportunity to switch from one topic to another, to excel in certain fields.” 

Charged with the development of the academy is Sandrine Grumberg, IMS partner since its start and founder of two training organisations in Luxembourg and France. She will be joined by IMS deputy director Sophie Öberg.

As Grumberg explained, the creation of the sustainability academy was a “logical progression” from the work the organisation had done over the past 15 years, adding there would be a “richness” to the content with a focus on three historic pillars: people, planet and profit. 

Training through the academy will be offered in a variety of formats, including physical and distance learning, with expert-led programmes designed with original content. Moreover, the academy will collaborate with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange; ILA, Luxembourg's independent directors association; and construction group CDEC. 

15 years, 20 new members

The IMS network, which will formally celebrate its 15th anniversary at the  on 12 October, also plans on highlighting a different sustainable topic monthly. Themes planned for the year include well-being in the workplace, business and human rights, sustainable packaging and purchasing, digital communication and more. 

During its Thursday presentation, IMS also welcomed 20 new members, which include AIO (All in One) Technologies, Aperam, Aremis, Besix Red, Chambre des Métiers, CO2 Strategy Luxembourg, Dechert, IA Conseils, Iko Real Estate, ILA, Innov’iction, Luxempart, Luxembourg Convention Bureau, Oeuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Ouni, Ramborn, RSS-Hydro, Streff Data Protection Services (PSF), University of Luxembourg and Wavestone. 

IMS Luxembourg, the national representative of CSR Europe, represents 16% of the country’s payroll. It counts 176 IMS members, 62 associate members and over 231 signatories on its flagship .  

 IMS Luxembourg welcomed its newest members, some of which are pictured here, during itsThursday conference.  IMS Luxembourg

 IMS Luxembourg welcomed its newest members, some of which are pictured here, during itsThursday conference.  IMS Luxembourg