Research
Three interconnected research pillars provide the foundation for advancing knowledge, developing solutions, and enabling the transition towards absolute sustainability.
The Centre's research framework is organised around three pillars and four sustainability challenges. Together, they help define the environmental limits within which society can operate, develop the technologies needed for a sustainable future, and identify pathways for implementation.
Systemic Modelling: Where should we go?
We develop methods and models to define and assess the sustainable operating space for society and scale it to the level of technologies. By understanding environmental limits, societal dynamics, and system-wide constraints, we can identify what a sustainable future looks like and how to measure progress towards it.
Systematic Engineering: How do we get there?
We support the development and scaling of sustainable technologies. This involves generating data and insights on technologies, industrial processes, and production systems, as well as creating tools that help decision-makers deploy the right solutions at the right scale.
Strategic Implementation: What needs to happen?
We study how sustainable solutions can be successfully adopted and integrated into society. This includes analysing barriers, exploring future technology pathways, and developing strategies and roadmaps that support effective implementation and societal impact.
Four Sustainability Challenges
In addition to our three pillars, our research is focused on the four sustainability challenges of climate, resources, toxicity, and biodiversity, as these interconnected challenges in combination represent the most significant pressures on the Earth's systems. Addressing them together is essential for achieving absolute environmental sustainability.
Climate: How can society operate within a stable climate?
Climate change is driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The challenge is to reduce emissions while enabling societies and economies to develop within a finite global carbon budget.
Resources: How can human needs be met within planetary limits?
Modern societies depend on large flows of materials, energy, water, and land. The challenge is to provide prosperity and well-being while reducing pressure on finite resources and natural systems.
Toxicity: How can development avoid harmful pollution?
The production and use of chemicals, materials, and products can create persistent environmental and health impacts. The challenge is to reduce harmful releases below toxic levels while supporting innovation and economic activity.
Biodiversity: How can nature's resilience be maintained?
Human activities continue to alter ecosystems, habitats, and species populations worldwide. The challenge is to halt biodiversity loss and support the ecological functions on which societies depend.