Sustainable Business for Planetary Health Summer School

60 contact hours spread over 2 weeks covering lectures, workshops, tutorials, project work, social activities and relevant visit.  Classes will be delivered on weekdays.

Students will be allocated in small groups for Project work which will be done through team-based learning with supervision. Final project will be presented in groups to a panel of experts on the last day of the programme. A prize will be awarded to the team with the best project.

The entire programme will be taught in English.

On completion of this summer school, students will be able to understand:

• Understand how businesses can drive solutions to climate change, sustainable food systems, and planetary health challenges.
• Develop innovative business models that balance environmental responsibility, social impact, and profitability.
• Apply sustainability assessment tools and impact measurement frameworks.
• Strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, and entrepreneurial problem-solving skills.

In addition, students will have an opportunity to make new friends, get to know student ambassadors from Imperial College London through social activities and discuss opportunities for future study and experience what it is like to study in a world class university.

Students will act as sustainability consultants, working in teams to provide strategic recommendations for a real-world business challenge related to climate, food, or health.

Each team will analyse a company's sustainability issue and propose an actionable, innovative business strategy that aligns with planetary health goals.

Climate Science and Corporate Responsibility  

• Explore the latest scientific evidence on climate change and its implications for business.
• Assess climate-related risks and opportunities in corporate strategy.
• Quantify carbon-neutral business models and net-zero corporate strategies
• Examine the role of sustainable energy transitions and green finance
• Implement circular economy principles to minimise waste and environmental impact

Circular Economy and Food Systems

• Analyse the environmental and social consequences of global food production
• Explore sustainable agriculture practices and the potential of alternative proteins
• Examine supply chain innovations and food waste reduction opportunities
• Evaluate investment in ethical and regenerative food businesses

Health, Wellbeing and Planetary Health

• Investigate the intersection of climate change and global health crises
• Define corporate responsibility in promoting public health and environmental justice
• Assess sustainable healthcare models and the transformative role of technology
• Design urban environments that foster sustainability, resilience, and wellbeing

Innovation, Policy, and the Role of Government

• Explore strategies for accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy
• Understand the role of government policies, incentives, and regulations in driving corporate sustainability
• Analyse public-private collaborations that foster green innovation and systemic change
• Develop business strategies that align with global sustainability goals and regulatory frameworks

Dr Jack Olney, Executive Director, Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation

Jack Olney is the Executive Director of the Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation at Imperial College Business School, where he drives the Centre’s strategic vision, funding growth, and operational leadership. He plays a pivotal role in expanding the Centre’s influence within the Business School and beyond, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of health, economics, and policy.

Before joining the Business School, Jack earned a PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology from Imperial College London. His doctoral research focused on developing advanced mathematical models of HIV dynamics to optimize investment strategies in resource-limited settings, as part of the Gates-funded HIV Modelling Consortium. His expertise lies in leveraging quantitative approaches to inform global health policy and drive impact at scale.

The primary audience for the summer school would be undergraduate students with an analytical mindset who seek to deepen their understanding of the environmental challenges faced by corporations and explore possible solutions.

An economics background is not required, and students from interdisciplinary fields, including science, engineering, and public health, are encouraged to attend.

The programme is also well-suited for aspiring entrepreneurs and future business leaders looking to integrate sustainability into their career paths.

By the end of the programme, students will have gained a solid foundation in sustainable business strategies, innovation, and impact assessment, equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful change in their future careers.

Students will receive a Imperial College London certificate of attendance on successful completion of this programme and a prize will be awarded to the best project team.

Each student will also receive a document for their project marks.