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.
Part of the ambition of the School of Ponts Paris Tech to "be the world reference for research, innovation and training in key areas of sustainable development", the...
This course discusses the positive and negative impact of logistics and mobility on society, economically as well as socially and ecologically. It focuses on how the sector can...
"Food Futures: from business as usual to business unusual" is WRAP's ground breaking new report analysing 15 critical areas in the UK food system,
In this Meet a Member career profile, see how Aled Jones, Director, Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University manages an interdisciplinary research institute...
The S-Lab: Supporting World Class Science programme aims to improve laboratory efficiency and effectiveness in all dimensions, including scientific value, resource efficiency...
Straddling the disciplines of facilities management and scientific research support, the sustainable labs co-ordinator is an emerging role in universities. Martin Farley, became...
This presentation on 'Living Labs for Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh' was given as part of a morning workshop at...
The 2015 Green Gown Awards Winners’ Brochure which explores the journeys all these institutions have taken.
The Winners' Brochure for the International Green Gown Awards 2015 which brings together the finalists and winners of these Awards which are growing globally.
The Sustainability Program has grown since 2006 to include initiatives across leadership and governance, facilities and operations, learning teaching and research, and...
Introducing Nu-Cycle N the new Bio Wash, that reduces micro-plastics in the oceans and increases micro fibre life and performance!
Over three years, the ‘Clever Classrooms’ project analysed the impact of social and environmental factors on learning environments in primary schools.
University of Tampere, Finland, is committed to educate people who understand the world and change it. A multidisciplinary sustainable development study module was opened...
Cardiff Metropolitan University present their 2013/14 Sustainability and the Environment Report.
In this EAUC Member Spotlight, see how University of the West of Scotland is committed to reducing their carbon footprint through embedding a sustainable carbon culture.
S-Lab Project Coordinator, King’s College London Martin Farley has helped pioneer innovative projects in a largely untapped area of sustainability - laboratories. To...
London College of Fashion partnered with Cordwainers Community Garden and artist Zoe Burt to grow and manufacture an item of clothing entirely within London.
Since 2012, the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge has been developing LED lighting capable of growing a wide range of plants under controlled...
Creative Energy Homes: Low-Energy and Zero-Carbon Housing – a living test-site for energy efficient technologies A long-term development of seven “Creative Energy...
The £9.8M Centre for Global Eco-Innovation unites the expertise, resources and global contacts of Lancaster University, the University of Liverpool, and Inventya Limited, to...