Study Tour to The Sustainability Capital Copenhagen

Students explore the world's most sustainable city as part of the Interdisciplinary Elective

As part of the MCI-wide elective modules, students had the opportunity to choose an intensive two-week program from various subject areas.

A special option was the study tour to Copenhagen with a focus on Scandinavian Sustainability, which was offered by Sabine Foidl, MA, Dr. Daniel Degischer, and Ricarda Lechner, MSc from the Department of Management & Law. In addition to theoretical knowledge about sustainable transformation, practical insights into different, particularly sustainability-oriented organizations were offered.

Week 1: Gaining fundamental knowledge in sustainable transformation

The first week focused on the fundamentals of sustainability management. The students gained comprehensive insights into the sustainable transformation of companies and societies. Particular attention was paid to existing obstacles and incentive systems for sustainability change among a wide range of stakeholders.

Week 2: Study tour to Copenhagen

In the second week, we went to Copenhagen, a city that is regarded worldwide as a pioneer in the field of sustainability. The tour offered a varied program of company visits, project visits and leisure activities.

Day 1: Sustainable economic transformation and sustainable urban development

The first day began with a visit to the Austrian Embassy, where the Austrian Ambassador Alice Irvin and Johannes Gut from the Copenhagen Foreign Trade Office provided exciting insights into the economic links between Austria and Denmark. The tour then led to the City Council of Copenhagen. There, the city administration presented its plans and projects for sustainable urban development. The day was rounded off with a boat tour, during which the students were able to experience Copenhagen from the water.

Day 2: Sustainable corporate development

On the second day, the students visited the energy company Ørsted, which specializes in renewable energy and is a world leader in offshore wind farms. In the afternoon, they visited Too Good To Go, an initiative that demonstrates innovative ways to reduce food waste. The day ended on a festive note at one of Copenhagen's many Christmas markets.

Day 3: Sustainable architecture and construction projects

The third day began with a visit to CopenHill, a unique combination of waste incineration plant and leisure facility with ski slope and climbing wall, which stands for sustainable energy production and creative design. The students then embarked on the “Green Walk of Copenhagen”. On an interactive tour, they explored sustainable buildings and discovered the stories behind their creation.

The study tour to Copenhagen provided students with a unique chance to explore sustainability from various angles, including innovative companies, sustainable architecture and inspiring urban projects. The program gave the students exciting insights that will be reflected in their future studies, projects and professional careers.

Dr. Daniel Degischer, course director: “The study tour to Copenhagen is a special opportunity to experience sustainability at first hand. The students benefit from unique insights and can incorporate these into their further studies and future careers in a variety of ways.”

Sabine Foidl, MA, course director: “The exchange on site in Copenhagen was particularly valuable for the students. In addition to exciting discussions at organizations, the program was complemented by unique social events.”

Ricarda Lechner, MSc, course director: “By combining theory and practice, the students in Copenhagen were able to experience how versatile and innovative sustainability can be. These experiences have the potential to have a lasting impact on their thinking and actions and provide forward-looking impetus for their academic and professional development.”