When I travelled from Birmingham to Bergamo Airport to attend Bocconi Summer School, I thought I was travelling alone. I wasn’t. A silent companion followed me from the departure gate in Birmingham, through Bergamo airport, onto Milan’s trains and trams, and into every Sustainability and ESG Finance lecture I have attended. It was my carbon footprint.
The first lesson of my summer arrived before I reached Milan. My flight carried an environmental cost, and studying sustainability means acknowledging that reality rather than ignoring it. I decided to put what I’m learning into practice.
Milan’s public transport network has allowed me to travel across the city by metro, tram and train rather than relying on taxis. I use the reusable water bottle and tote bag that Bocconi gifted us, minimise food waste and rely on digital notes instead of printed materials. Individually, these choices are small, but together they have taught me that sustainability is shaped by everyday habits.
Equally valuable has been the opportunity to learn alongside students from around the world. These conversations remind me that sustainability is not only about reducing emissions, but also building resilient communities and ensuring that future generations can thrive.
Studying ESG finance has also encouraged me to think more critically about accountability. We often discuss how companies are expected to measure, disclose and improve their environmental and social impacts. I now apply this same standard to my own decisions. I am more conscious of the consequences that accompany convenience.
One of the most valuable experiences of the programme has been visiting Vibram S.p.A. At Vibram, I saw these ideas translated into action. The company’s efforts to incorporate recycled rubber into products, reduce waste and encourage customers to repair footwear rather than replace it demonstrate how businesses can create value while reducing environmental impact.
Throughout my time in Milan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have become tangible rather than abstract. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is reflected in Milan’s integrated public transport system, which enables lower-emission travel and reduced reliance on private vehicles. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) has influenced my own habits and the circular design principles I observed at Vibram. SDG 13 (Climate Action) encourages me to consider the environmental consequences of travelling from Birmingham to Bergamo and motivates me to reduce my impact wherever possible.
To support them, I have used Google Maps and ATM Milano to navigate public transport, and Too Good To Go to reduce food waste.
As the programme continues, I intend to maintain these habits and apply the lessons I am learning to future international travel. I also hope to encourage others to travel more responsibly. Sustainable travel does not require perfection, but instead begins with small consistent actions and awareness.
My carbon footprint may have accompanied me from Birmingham to Bergamo, but this experience has taught me that sustainability is not defined by a single journey, but is shaped by the choices we make along the way.
