Our research strengths focus on five key areas of challenges related to living sustainably. All five themes recognise that to achieve ambitious net zero and sustainability goals, we need to better understand the role and contribution that individuals, communities and organisations can make.
We work closely with our partners to identify key evidence gaps in these areas, to enable new insight and research development that supports new ideas and solutions.
You can learn more about our team’s expertise by clicking on the link for each area, or email info@livingsustainablyinsight.com to set up a conversation.
Biodiversity and natural capital
Enhancing biodiversity is integral to net zero planning and the curbing of carbon emissions. From examining the role of bees in plant pollination to detecting and reducing methane emissions in rural and urban environments, our research works with agricultural, industrial and policy-relevant users to improve the management of biodiversity. Some of this work is creatively-inspired as individuals and communities recognise the societal impact of trees, landscapes, rivers, plants and animals.
Greener futures
Reaching Net Zero goals requires us to understand, propose and implement innovative solutions to pressing biodiversity, economic, environmental sustainability challenges. Securing greener futures will require research creativity and entrepreneurial engagement with partners. Some of this work has seen our academic staff take up leadership and advisory roles with government, civil society and Parliament. Recent project work has involved working with the Mayor’s Office to focus on how we support young people and their commitment to mapping out greener futures in London.
Reducing health inequalities
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed only too clearly profound health inequalities nationally and globally. Aided by the establishment of a new Department of Health Studies in 2021, our researchers are working with health care organisations and other partners including Royal Botanic Gardens Kew to deliver innovative solutions to particular medical conditions such as muscular-skeletal pain and the use of plant therapy.
Sustainability and creativity
The arts and humanities propose alternative ways of imagining and representing sustainability. Creative approaches to sustainability are at the forefront of shaping behavioural change for the future of our planet and especially with regards to climate and carbon literacy, land use and biodiversity. This theme works with our partner, the award winning StoryFutures, to explore the possibilities and challenges of immersive storytelling in relation to sustainability and the digital. StoryFutures and Living Sustainably collaborate with creative and media companies such as the BBC and our work is represented in prestigious projects such as Green Planet. We aim to develop further our cultural partnerships and joint ventures with SMEs and not-for-profit groups.
Thriving communities
In order to strive towards a living sustainably future fundamental change will be required and some of it will directly affect individuals in terms of their living, working and transport choices. Some of that challenge lies with local communities and governments seeking to promote and implement green agendas. And in order to secure fundamental change, our academics have been working with local communities and governments to affect positive change including sustainable transport options, health care access and civic engagement with arts and heritage.