Lazarski University

The specialisation "ESG in Aviation" is the first studies programme in Poland that was created in response to market demand related to the consideration of ESG and sustainability issues in aviation institutions. Responsible business conduct is not only an emphasis of new EU regulations, but above all of contractors, investors, customers and employees. Currently, there is a shortage of specialists in this field on the labour market, and demand will only increase in the coming years. Therefore, the new profession of "ESG specialist" , "Sustainability Officer" or "ESG Manager" is being referred to as the profession of the future! 

We have developed an innovative study programme that will provide our graduates with a complementary and up-to-date business knowledge of the aviation sector. Participants will be able to learn what the aviation market looks like from the perspective of aircraft manufacturers, carriers and airports, and in particular what challenges sustainable development will bring for these entities. That is why we have invited key aviation experts to join our lecturers: airport and airline CEOs, lawyers, economists and managers. 

Who is this specialisation for?

• aviation students and graduates who want to broaden their knowledge of sustainability aspects of the aviation industry or are just looking for their specialisation in aviation,
• employees of the aviation sector, including airlines, airports, manufacturers, service providers, employees of authorities and institutions, who want to better understand and implement ESG principles in their business and broaden their knowledge of aviation sector development,
• professionals in the areas of environmental protection, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance who are interested in gaining practical knowledge related to aviation issues,
• individuals interested in developing a career in the field of administration, with a particular focus on the sustainability aspects of aviation,
• those interested in careers related to sustainability in aviation, including ESG consultants, sustainability managers, ESG-related data analysts, auditors and other professionals working to improve the environmental and social performance of the aviation sector,
• scientists and engineers involved in sustainability research,
• for anyone who wants to have an impact on the development and future of aviation. 

Examples of positions at which graduates of this specialisation can work are:

• project manager, ESG coordinator,
• team manager/ESG director,
• environmental issues specialist (E),
• HR officer specialising in social issues (S),  
• Board representative for ESG issues,  
• compliance officer specialising in areas (G) related to corporate governance,  
• external sustainability advisor/consultant,  
• sustainability trainer, trainer and educator,
• auditor.

The biggest advantage of this specialisation is its interdisciplinary nature! ESG is a field that combines economics, law, finance, and management. Therefore, graduates of this specialisation can use the knowledge and practical skills they have acquired in a wide range of job positions, both in aviation institutions in Poland and around the world! After graduation, graduates can be members of ESG teams, as well as implement and execute change projects and lead the transformation of their organisation towards achieving a greater competitive advantage in a rapidly changing and international aviation environment.  

In addition, by choosing these studies:

• you will learn what aviation decarbonisation is and the role of sustainable aviation fuel SAF,
• you will learn what greenwashing is, and how air carriers mislead consumers by promoting their false operations as 'neutral' and 'sustainable',
• you will learn about plans for a sustainable future for E (Environmental) aviation related to the use of electric and hydrogen powered aircraft, the role of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in decarbonising aviation or changes in air traffic management,
• you will learn how to create and implement an ESG (E- Environmental, S-social, G-governance) strategy and ESG report in an aviation organisation under the guidance of a lawyer,
• learn about G-governance in an aviation organisation - using the example of a whistleblower at Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) investigations - understand the role of a whistleblower in an organisation and how to implement an effective whistleblowing system,
• you will learn how to create a responsible S (social) workplace including diversity, equality and non-discrimination and how the JUST CULTURE policy links to the ESG concept in aviation,
• learn from research and economic reports how implementing an ESG strategy can affect a contractor's perception of the company, and how this translates into growth. 

Furthermore:

• we provide a cadre of distinguished international experts and researchers in the aviation sector,
• we emphasise practical teaching and activities involving participants in a variety of didactic forms, such as guest-expert visits, classroom practice, workshops, seminars and scientific conferences, and meetings with eminent representatives of science and law practice,  
• we provide an aviation experience in the form of a 20-minute flight with an instructor on an Airbus A320 simulator, 
• students receive organisational and financial support from the Faculty in their first publications and participation in scientific conferences.