番茄社区

Sustainable Development Research Cluster

番茄社区

番茄社区

The Sustainable Development Research Cluster (SDRC) brings together academics from all four faculties. Its members support the societal transformation needed to achieve sustainability.

We organise events that connect sustainability research from across 番茄社区 University. These events also involve external partners and other interested stakeholders.

Our goal is to create a dynamic environment that strengthens a proactive research culture. We support collaboration based on shared research interests, the co-creation of projects, and applications for research funding.

Our areas of expertise

The SDRC draws on a wide range of sustainability expertise across 番茄社区 University.

Governance

Our governance research examines how nature, environmental values, and evidence are represented in decision-making. We assess how this representation affects the effectiveness and fairness of sustainability policies and their outcomes.

Our work also covers flood risk governance, flood insurance, and risk communication. We examine whether corporations can be held accountable for involvement in international crimes and human rights abuses. This research draws on international environmental law and posthuman theory.

Staff members:

Environmental management

Our environmental management research integrates social, economic, and environmental factors. It supports the sustainable management of natural resources, including water, air, and soil.

We also develop assessment techniques, models, and decision-support tools that respond to stakeholders’ needs.

Staff members:

Behaviour change

Our behaviour change research supports policymakers, private-sector organisations, and households in adopting pro-social and pro-environmental alternatives.

Collaborations and research projects include partnerships with the National Lottery Community Fund, IKEA UK and Ireland, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Staff members:

Sustainable organisational studies

We study alternative forms of organisation and their potential to support sustainable development. Our research examines how organisations can provide care and foster wellbeing for people and the planet.

Staff members:

Design and architecture

Our research examines sustainable and inclusive built environments, with a focus on people and the planet.

We study how data-driven approaches, including Digital Twins, can improve energy performance. We also develop methods for immersive, collaborative, and scalable experiences, and for public engagement with climate change. Sustainable construction is another area of focus.

Staff Members:

Our research

Our research - examples of recent projects

The BlueGreen Impact Project was delivered with the London Development Trust. It aimed to improve awareness and understanding of the social impact of urban water features and green spaces in housing regeneration.

The project also developed practical indicators and guidance. These resources support the use of this knowledge in community stewardship strategies.

The work built on earlier support from the Sustainable Societies Network+ and the UK Research and Innovation Newton Fund. It also contributed to the benefits described in the .

Knowledge exchange activities received £3,000 from 番茄社区 University’s Higher Education Innovation funds. The project brought together findings from earlier projects funded by the Research Councils UK Newton Fund and Sustainable Societies Network+. This research began in 2015.

In 2024, the findings informed the Greater London Authority’s work on the new London Green Infrastructure Framework and the London Nature Recovery Strategy. Staff contributed to this work through consultation.

Staff contact: Dr Meri Juntti

Project outputs

  • Juntti M. and Ozsezer-Kurnuc 2022
  • Juntti M. Ozsezer-Kurnuc S. Dash N. 2025 Lansdcape and Urban Planning
  • Juntti M. and Ozsezer-Kurnuc S. 2023 Ecological Economics.

Our long-standing partnership with IKEA UK and Ireland supports its sustainable living strategy. The programme has helped thousands of participants adopt more sustainable lifestyles at home.

Staff contact: Dr Patrick Elf

Project outputs

  • Elf et al (2019)
  • Elf et al. (2020)

This project engaged students and industry professionals in co-creating curricula that embed sustainability, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and the Climate Framework.

The project received £5,000 through the internal Enhancing Education Award. It was presented at the Advance HE Sustainability Symposium 2023 and the 番茄社区 University Teaching and Learning Conference 2023. A related paper was due for publication in 2025.

Staff contact: Dr Homeira Shayesteh

This project is a collaboration with IESVE. It aims to support a sustainable and energy-efficient future for one of the buildings on the 番茄社区 University campus.

The project examines strategic options for retrofitting the building. These options aim to reduce carbon emissions and energy use.

The team uses building data and advanced Digital Twin technology to improve the building’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

Staff contact: Dr Homeira Shayesteh

More information

Postgraduate research

Postgraduate Research

Our staff supervise postgraduate researchers across a broad range of subjects. Please see individual staff profiles for details.

We welcome applications to our PhD programme in any area of sustainable development.

Teaching, programmes, and CPD modules

Outputs

Please see individual staff profiles for publications.

Our external partners

Our external partners

Our collaborative partners include:

  • IKEA UK
  • Kering
  • Cultivate UK.
Events/Media

Events and media

In 2023, we organised several events and workshops with internal and external participants. These included:

  • Walkshops for creative reflection sessions
  • Seminars with external experts (e.g. regenerative design, participatory theatre for plural values, entrepreneurship education etc)
  • ‘Pint of Science’ events showcasing sustainability research within the university
  • Post-COP28: What’s Next for Sustainable Consumption?, held on 15 December 2023.

Post-COP28: What’s Next for Sustainable Consumption?

Greenhouse gas emissions had reached new highs, temperature records had been broken, and climate impacts were intensifying. COP28 called on people to join a world of action.

Held one month after Black Friday and shortly before Christmas, this hybrid event examined the outcomes of COP28. It also explored the future of sustainable consumption research and practice.

The event considered how to make progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Speakers

  • Dr Natasha Parker, Head of Post Consumerism, Global Action Plan
  • Peter Andrews, Director of Consumer Rights, Innovation & Impact, Consumers International
  • Greg Lucas, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Group UK & Ireland.
Get in touch

Get in touch

The best way to contact the SDRC is to email one or both Co-Leads: