Introduction
We bring a flexible approach to policy development for government and non-government clients at all levels, in each case underpinned by rigorous analysis and sustainability principles. Our policy work covers a range of sectors from urban water, sanitation and energy, to transport, waste and resource cycling, the built environment and city development strategies - applied both nationally and internationally.
Our policy team have comprehensive work experience in government, industry and academia and includes economists, architects, engineers, social scientists. Today's policy environment is increasingly complex, arising through the inter; connectedness of regulation, technology, infrastructure, price, externalities, behaviour, social and environmental impacts. The diversity of background of our researchers is a unique strength to developing innovative outcomes which progress sustainability in this environment.
Postgraduate topics
Big picture questions
Myriads of definitions and interpretations of 'sustainability' pose a significant challenge to those wishing to engage in sustainability:
- How does the overall concept of sustainability translate to a specific industry situation, policy area or community issue?
- Which tools are best suited to evaluate sustainability impacts and explore options to achieve a sustainable future?- Can existing frameworks appropriately capture all relevant issues?
- What language should be adopted to formulate and pose sustainability choices?- What is the optimal mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches?
- Is there an ultimate 'common metric' for sustainability?
Postgraduate research in this area would focus on conceptual frameworks of sustainability (e.g. the Natural Step, Triple Bottom Line, Environmental Footprinting, Ecosystem Services), the language of sustainability , and tools for assessing sustainability (strategic environmental assessment, life cycle assessment, footprint analysis) in the context of their applicability in a practical context.
