Dalhousie University
ER-15: Sustainability Research Identification

Dalhousie University Sustainability Research Statement University Mission Statement: Learning, discovery and innovation, and social engagement (with our students, the university and the world). The Dalhousie University Sustainability Research Committee, comprising faculty members who are active scholars in their fields, representing five Faculties, has developed the following definition of sustainability research: Sustainability Research Statement: Dalhousie University conducts sustainability research in a wide range of disciplines and across disciplines, seeking understanding and solutions to the pressing environmental, social and economic challenges of our time. Dalhousie is committed to advancing understanding and creating new knowledge in areas of academic enquiry relevant to sustainability. At Dalhousie University we define sustainability research as inquiry which contributes to knowledge and understanding and develops solutions to the pressing environmental, social and economic sustainability challenges of our time. It is defined by the problems it addresses rather than the disciplines it uses. We take the Brundtland (1987) definition of sustainability: "to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" as a starting point for defining sustainability, recognizing that this is an evolving field. Dalhousie has over 150 academic staff actively engaged in scholarship related to sustainability in eight Faculties. Sustainability research at Dalhousie focuses on fundamental concepts or principles underlying sustainability (i.e. equity and ecological integrity); addresses sustainability challenges (such as climate change, resource management or poverty); contributes to the scholarship of teaching sustainability or furthers our understanding of the interconnectedness of social and environmental challenges. Sustainability research leads toward solutions that support sustainable economic prosperity, social well-being, justice and ecological health. Examples of sustainability focused Research Centers and Institutes: -The Cities and Environment Group -Halifax Marine Research Institute -Canadian Institute of Fisheries Technology -The Ocean Tracking Network -International Oceans Institute -The Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre Centre for Water Resources Studies -The Water Treatment Research Group -The Eco-Efficiency Centre -The Institute for Research in Materials Sustainability Research Committee: Chair Deborah Buszard, Members: Claire Campbell, Steven Mannell, Susan Tirone and Peter Tyedmers July 2011

A research assistant reviewed all faculty research statements, and sent email solicitations to all faculty and researchers to invite self-identification. Follow-up interviews were conducted with those who self-identified to develop more detailed research profiles. In addition, these individuals were asked to identify other sustainability researchers, who were in turn contacted for interview. Sustainability research projects and activities were classified according to broad sustainability themes (energy, food, water, planning and design) and thematic research profile summaries developed.

All detailed URLs will change when Dalhousie mounts the revised website in August or September.