Research institutions are the main source of the innovation and discovery that drives our global economy, produces advances in our standard of living and helps us understand the world around us. The integration of sustainability into the research we do and the way research is carried out can have a huge impact on the behaviours of researchers but also the outputs and outcomes of the research itself.
For research-intensive institutions the integration of sustainability from the two different perspectives outlined below can have a major contribution in demonstrating the commitment to sustainability but also lead to new thinking and more sustainable ways to achieve new thinking and new breakthroughs.
1. Sustainable Research: This relates to research that is set-up and/or delivered in a way that minimises environmental or sustainability impacts. For example, research projects that actively employ methodologies that minimise environmental impacts such as employing teleconference or video conferencing rather than extensive travel, or research that minimises carbon impacts through use of highly energy efficient equipment
2. Research into Sustainability: This describes research that contributes to or develops knowledge or understanding of some element of sustainability. For example, research that focuses upon low carbon technologies or provides solutions to environmental problems, or research that investigates some area of sustainability e.g. attitudes to sustainability, pedagogies for Education for Sustainable Development etc.
If you could offer research as a resource of the Sustainability Exchange, please get in touch. We work with academics to provide workshop sessions at the EAUC conference and we are now working with the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education.
We are excited to share our brand new research on the UK clothing industry with you. Valuing Our Clothes: the cost of UK fashion explores the environmental impact of the UK...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
EAUC commissioned the research paper ‘Next Generation Sustainability Strategy and Structure’ to help members understand the current sustainability landscape in...
This workshop presentation is from the “Global Goals: Local Action” EAUC Annual Conference 2017, presented by Edward Naish, Assurance – PwC and fell under the Work...
This workshop presentation is from the “Global Goals: Local Action” EAUC Annual Conference 2017, presented by Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability - University of...
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are viewed in the context of Johan Rockström’s work on planetary boundaries at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. This work sets a...
UCL Press has announced the publication of an open access book by Robert Biel entitled : Sustainable Food Systems: The Role of the City. Download it free from...
Transition University of St Andrews is part of the UK-based Transition Network, and a long-lasting example of a Transition University. Launched in 2009 by a group of...
Case study on working through a climate impact assessment at University of St Andrews as part of a five step adaptation process.
In 2015, we partnered with Scouts, the Canal and Rivers Trust, and RSPB to ask young people about their perceptions on their involvement in local decisions, and how they can...
In 2016, NUS began work on a clothing rental scheme for students' unions - applying the principles of the circular economy. The process started by conducting research...
NUS are really proud to be able to publish our full report on Students’ Green Fund – demonstrating the incredible impact which our movement’s 25 transformational...
In 2012, NUS asked students about what they understood Fairtrade to mean, as well as how important it was to them, where they get their Fairtrade clothing from, and what they...
Homes Fit For Study revealed that over three quarters of students have a problem with the condition of their home, as well as other insights into the environmental performance...
When NUS launched our food growing programme Student Eats in 2015, we conducted some research among students to find out more about their eating habits and attitudes.