About the Institute for Sustainability

To understand how individuals and societies can live more sustainably without compromising wellbeing, noting that societal buy-in is a necessity for progress.

This pillar will explore, for example, sustainable diets, active transport and the provision of more sustainable leisure and tourism activities, reform of economies and businesses, protection of animal welfare and nature, while simultaneously tackling increasing inequalities.

To accelerate the implementation of appropriate infrastructure for individuals, societies and businesses to act ‘sustainably’.

In this pillar we build on Surrey’s outstanding track record in the technological development of energy systems; novel foods; sustainable urban environments including green city landscapes and watershed protection; transport, travel and tourism systems; water provision; and clean air to enable radical reductions in carbon emissions and protection of the natural environment.

To balance the inevitable trade-offs between the systems of provision for different needs such as energy, food, transport and housing, enabling systems analysis and modelling approaches which are vital for addressing interconnected challenges such as ‘carbon-water-food’, ‘sustainable food-health and nutrition’.

In the holistic systems approach, sustainability experts work alongside psychologists, sociologists and economists to tackle the barriers to change such as acceptability and affordability.