Institute for Sustainability research

With a proud history of pioneering interdisciplinary research and impact in the field of sustainability, the Institute will bring together Surrey's research strengths in diverse but interconnected areas combining technological solutions with understandings of wider social contexts.

Research programmes

Core areas in which the University of Surrey can make a global impact by being at the forefront of interdisciplinary sustainability research:

AI and sustainability

Air pollution interfaces with health and the environment

Abstract image of person and sustainability

Cultural shifts for sustainable systems

Energy and environment

Governance, equality and sustainability

Nature-based solutions

Plastics in the circular economy

Sustainability analytics, metrics and net zero

Sustainability, creativity and communication

Sustainability through behaviour change

Sustainable development in neglected communities

Sustainable transport and mobility

Water innovation and sustainability

Highlights

Seven ways to protect your health when cooking with gas

Read The Conversation piece written by air quality and health expert Professor Prashant Kumar.

The world’s in a ‘polycrisis’ — and these countries want to quash it by looking beyond GDP

A reading of interest that gives perspective on an international alliance post-growth countries.

Heat-Cool climate change programme

Our study suggests that a playful and interactive education programme such as Heat-Cool is not only fun for our children, but it generates an interest in climate change and, importantly, it also stimulates an interest in STEM subjects.

Improved cookstoves emit more ultrafine particles than conventional stoves

Study finds improved cookstoves, which are widely used for cooking in developing countries, produce twice as many harmful ultrafine air pollution particles as conventional stoves.

Sustainability Innovation Hub

The Sustainability Innovation Hub is a dynamic centre of cross-disciplinary activity designed to promote innovation, collaboration, and the adoption of sustainable practices, products, or services linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It operates as a platform to bring together researchers from diverse disciplines and a range of external organisations, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that will encourage collaboration.

Explore the sustainability innovation hub

Centres and groups

There are many groups across the University working on various areas of sustainability research.

Established networks

We bring knowledge and expertise to businesses across the world which want to grow more sustainably.