From Discovery to Action: Gamified Role-Play for Teaching Sustainability Finance to Generation Z

In the face of global climate challenges, sustainability has become a core priority forbusinesses, governments, and educational institutions. This project proposes an innovativegamified teaching method to engage students in learning the principles and implications ofsustainable business and finance. The project leverages role-play and simulation-basedactivities to teach students about the interconnected roles of customers, producers, investors,and regulators in shaping sustainable practices. The teaching method will be implemented in two stages: (1) an offline, in-classroom game targeting 40–50 students in EF4010, where students will role-play key stakeholders in sustainable finance; and (2) an online game for EF4313, which will scale the activity to involve approximately 100 students. The online version will allow students to engage with sustainability concepts in a virtual environment, fostering accessibility and scalability.The project aligns with institutional goals by promoting sustainability education and cultivating “green talent” to prepare students for climate-related challenges. The gamified pedagogy is particularly suited for Generation Z learners, who thrive on interactive and engaging learning experiences. Furthermore, the project outcomes are transferable and reusable in other courses and disciplines.The effectiveness of the method will be evaluated through surveys and interviews to assess student engagement, learning outcomes, and the practical applicability of the concepts taught. Dissemination of the teaching approach and materials will occur through conferences such as the Financial Management Association (FMA) Annual Meetings and institutional workshops. This project represents a significant step toward integrating innovative pedagogical methods into sustainability education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive sustainable change.