In line with its long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, ERA has taken a new step forward by working together with postgraduate students from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).
This cooperation formed part of QMUL’s Capstone Business Case Project, a 12-week consultancy-style programme that enables students to apply academic research and analytical skills to real-world organisational challenges.
The ERA Capstone project centred on the Academy’s sustainability strategy and its efforts to achieve greater energy efficiency, lower CO₂ emissions, and further strengthen its EMAS-certified environmental management system. Since its official EMAS registration in January 2022, ERA has worked continuously to minimise its environmental footprint through energy-saving measures, solar power installations, waste reduction, and a focus on sustainable event practices.
The QMUL student team analysed ERA’s current sustainability framework and developed a series of research-based recommendations to accelerate progress towards CO₂ neutrality: Their proposals included enhancing the photovoltaic system through seasonal tilt mechanisms, automated cleaning and battery storage for surplus energy, transitioning to 100% renewable electricity via certified green energy tariffs or power purchase agreements and introducing AI-based energy management systems for real-time monitoring of consumption and emissions.
They also recommended embedding carbon offset options directly into ERA’s travel booking systems, adopting a “Train First” policy for shorter journeys, expanding sustainable procurement practices with environmental clauses in supplier contracts, and launching a “Green Speaker Package” to promote low-emission travel. To encourage wider engagement, the students suggested initiatives such as an ERA garden plot and internal sustainability challenges to strengthen community participation.
These proposals were presented in a final report, providing ERA with a structured set of actionable measures. The findings will be discussed and evaluated for feasibility within ERA’s EMAS working group.
