The non-profit division of Harvard Business Publishing announced winners for the 2022 International Serious Play awards for outstanding game-based learning in higher education. Interestingly enough, this year, all three winners of the annual competition created simulations, engaging students in solving sustainability-related problems.

The golden prize was awarded to the Sustainability Management Simulation: Net Zero, where learners simulate the work of a hotel General Manager, aiming at reaching net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050. In the simulation simulation, participants each year need to select 3 initiatives that will help them reduce emissions and increase business performance. Moreover, the simulation also considers the latest technological developments (e.g., the efficiency of solar panels, emissions associated with electricity consumption) and location specifics (New York, London, or Singapore). By playing the Net Zero, learners will learn that reducing emissions is not necessarily expensive for corporations and requires the involvement of employees, customers, and suppliers.

The silver medal was awarded to the Group Communication and Decision-Making Simulation: Wildfire Mitigation, where students play one of five actors: the town mayor, a representative of local business owners, a Forest Service district ranger, a regional representative of a national environmental organization, and the manager of the municipal water authority. The simulation aims to find consensus on the public policy recommendations regarding wildfire problems. This game will help learners develop their decision-making skills, information sharing, negotiation, group communication, and other soft skills.

Another silver medal was awarded to Marketplace Simulations: Conscious Capitalism – Bikes, a team game where students are challenged to operate a conscious business in contrast to the traditional profit-maximizing one. At the core of the business is a carbon bike made with the help of two innovative technologies: carbon fiber (economical form, lighter weight) and 3D printers. The aim of the game is to build a business in the mindset of Conscious Capitalism that unites the interests of employees, customers, the community, and other stakeholders.

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