Centrale Nantes tops the ranking of engineering schools most committed to transition, compiled by Les Echos START and ChangeNOW

Les Echos START and ChangeNOW have joined forces to produce a new ranking of schools and universities with a focus on environmental and social transition issues. Centrale Nantes is ranked first across all categories.

This independent ranking is designed to measure and evaluate - over time - the efforts made by schools and universities in terms of ecological and social transition.

It is based on 6 criteria:
 

• integration of impact issues into the curriculum
• strength of the alumni network in the impact sector
• the strategy and exemplarity of the institution
• diversity and equal opportunities
• involvement of student associations in impact issues
• Academic excellence and employability

Sustainable development and social responsibility at Centrale Nantes

Sustainable development and social responsibility are an integral part of Centrale Nantes' strategy. 

From the outset [of my mandate], the issue of sustainable development was identified as a major challenge in the school's strategic orientation for the coming years. This is excellent recognition of the school's commitment to sustainable development and the in-depth work we have been doing for several years on the three pillars of our Sustainable Development Action Plan:
- integrating sustainable development at the heart of our education, research and innovation missions
- controlling our own impacts (carbon footprint in particular)
- maximise the training effect on our partners and our ecosystem.

- Jean-Baptiste Avrillier, Director of Centrale Nantes

In 2021, the school adopted a Sustainable Development Action Plan, drawn up in conjunction with staff, students and graduates, and which places ecological, social and societal transition at the heart of its teaching and research activities. The school’s commitment was confirmed in July 2021 with the signing of the Grenoble Agreement and the gradual evolution of its training curricula to systematically integrate the issues into teaching. By 2022, the majority of staff will have been made aware of these issues. The fight against sexual and gender-based violence is also a major focus, with the introduction of a gender equality action plan in 2021, the appointment of an equal diversity referent in 2022, and the setting up of a listening and reporting unit.

• Learn more about Sustainable Development at Centrale Nantes
• Learn more: full ranking and methodology