Dr. Martha Velasco, Head of Sustainability and Circular Innovation at FFHS, is a proven expert in both areas. She is also a member of the FFHS sustainability working group. In this interview, she explains how the topic is incorporated into the degree programs.
Dr. Martha Velasco, the topics of sustainability and the circular economy have become megatrends in the economy in recent years. Is this still the case or is it already slowing down?
It is true that a major shift has taken place in the last 20 years, but in favor of sustainability and the circular economy. The importance of these issues is being increasingly recognized and people are becoming more aware of them. Some countries have also created economic incentives for the implementation of sustainable strategies. One current topic is "net zero". In Switzerland, several places such as the canton of Valais and Zurich have already committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
FFHS offers its own Master's degree program in Sustainability and Circular Innovation; modules on sustainability are also integrated into other degree programs. What is your role as Head of Department?
As Head of Department, it is my job to check whether the course content is in line with global trends and the requirements of the Master's level and whether it meets the requirements of blended learning. I strive to maintain a very close relationship with the Master's lecturers, as they are our most valuable resource.
Although not all degree programs currently integrate sustainability aspects, we are aware of the importance of this topic and it is one of our main goals for the coming years. Each degree program should identify which sustainability topics can be integrated in a coherent and complementary way to the content of the program.
«Every company wants to play the infinite game - to stay in the market for years and generations.»
Why are skills in dealing with sustainability so important for companies of all kinds and their managers today?
At a corporate level, considering sustainability means reducing risk and increasing resilience. Every company wants to play the "infinite game", i.e. it wants to stay in the market for many years, hopefully several generations. The more conservative companies will have to act due to increasing regulation and market expectations. The more innovative (transformers) anticipate these current and future social and environmental challenges and develop strategies or change the business model to address them, creating a real competitive advantage.
Does FFHS work with companies and organizations to promote practical relevance?
As part of our own Master's program, there is a module called "Scientific and Innovation Hub". This gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a company or a start-up. The idea is that there is a benefit in both directions.
What role does FFHS play in raising students' awareness of sustainable developments and global challenges?
Like any educational institution, FFHS plays a very important role in raising awareness. With this in mind, the Master's degree program in Sustainability and Circular Innovation was launched just two years ago. FFHS has also organized events to which not only students but also the general public are invited in order to raise awareness of the importance of global challenges.
«FFHS not only offers its students a great deal of flexibility in general, it also contributes to the social dimension of sustainability. »
How do FFHS students experience the sustainability of the institution?
Firstly, of course, through the courses that FFHS offers, which have a strong sustainability dimension; for example, the MSc Business Administration in Sustainability and Circular Innovation.
In addition, the FFHS model offers working students, students with families or competitive athletes the opportunity to start or continue their studies. This flexibility is difficult to find in other institutions, and thus FFHS contributes to the social dimension of sustainability. It also reduces students' need for transportation, as only 20 percent of lectures are held in person.
What can everyone do in their everyday lives to make the world a little more sustainable? Do you have any personal tips?
I like to think about what kind of world I want to leave behind for my children. I want my children to think about the consequences of their actions. What happens if you throw your garbage on the street? Or if you leave the tap on for too long? There are everyday actions that help the environment, such as turning off the lights at home, not wasting food, drinking water from the tap and always bringing a bottle, eating less meat.
And what can universities do?
On the one hand, each university is responsible for internally identifying the negative impacts it causes in its operations and reducing these as far as possible. Above all, however, universities must be aware of their role as agents of change. Their mission is to change people through new experiences, practices, knowledge and ways of thinking and working. Accordingly, universities are obliged to convey values such as ethics, respect, care for society and our planet, both in their teaching content and in their daily actions, and to change the people who study at the university in line with these values.
What sustainability initiatives are currently in place at FFHS?
In our sustainability working group, we have defined several measures that we want to implement in the coming months and years. These include integrating sustainability into the various curricula, improving collaboration between research and teaching, managing and reducing consumption in the buildings and raising staff awareness of sustainability.
About the person: Dr. Martha Velasco
Dr. Martha Velasco began her professional career in the field of corporate sustainability 15 years ago. She is co-owner of 2get-there, where she focuses on consulting on topics such as sustainability strategy and entrepreneurship, circular economy and sustainable business models, as well as aligning companies with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also works as a lecturer, mentor and facilitator. She graduated as a process engineer in her native Mexico and completed her PhD in technological innovation projects in Spain, where she worked with the city of Barcelona on the implementation of a closed-loop system to extend the life of e-waste.
More about sustainability at FFHS:
Sustainability | FFHS Distance-Learning University of Applied Sciences Switzerland
MSc Business Administration in Sustainability and Circular Innovation | FFHS
