Sustainability and Eco-Justice in Everyday Research
ModulesSustainability and Eco-Justice in Everyday Research
This zine aims to support researchers in reflecting on the broader impact of their work, particularly on the environment, climate, and social justice. It encourages thoughtful consideration of everyday research choices, including the questions we ask, the methods we use, and how we share knowledge. Rather than offering strict rules, it provides guidance, ideas, and reflective prompts to inspire more responsible and compassionate practices. The goal is to help researchers recognize potential impacts, align their work with wider societal priorities, and explore more sustainable and ethical alternatives, while using the space creatively for notes, ideas, and meaningful discussions.
- Embodying Sustainability Values
- Embracing Complexity
- Envisioning Sustainable Futures
- Acting for Sustainability
What is this about?
The module explains how researchers can make their work more environmentally sustainable, socially fair, and ethically responsible. It highlights that research activities impact both people and the planet, and therefore must follow principles like “do no harm,” inclusion, and fairness. The module introduces key concepts such as environmental justice, climate justice, and circular economy, while encouraging researchers to consider inequality and vulnerable communities.
It also provides practical guidance on reducing environmental impact in daily research practices, such as minimizing waste and energy use. Overall, it aims to support researchers in integrating sustainability and ethical thinking into all stages of their work and contributing to a more just and sustainable future.Mapping the Everyday Choice and Sustainability Reflection
Research shapes the world – not just through big discoveries, but through the everyday choices we make: what questions we ask, which methods we use and how we share our work.
Reflect : considering these areas of your research:
- Materials: What physical things do you use?
- People: Who is affected by your findings?
- Future: How will this work look to someone in 50 years?
- Digital: What is the energy cost of your data?
Embodying Sustainability Values
Valuing sustainability
Acknowledge diverse perspectives and values concerning environmental and climate justice in the context of research and innovation. Reflect on how personal values and perspectives regarding the environment influence decisions and actions taken during the research process. Consider professional competency in research and innovation to include a responsibility to reduce environmental harms and increase environmental benefits. Uphold the do no (significant) harm principle and precautionary principle in relation to research and innovation.
Supporting fairness
Recognize the disproportionate impact of the planetary crisis on and within different communities due to coloniality and systemic injustice.
Consider the implications of global and local justice perspectives on research methodologies, priorities, and outcomes.
Support equity and justice for present and future generations in research and innovation proposals.
Conduct research and innovation activities in a way that contributes to both social and environmental justice
Promoting nature
Acknowledge that research and innovation are embedded in, and can cause significant harm to, ecological systems. Perceive the needs and rights of non-human Nature as a fundamental aspect of research ethics. Practice care and respect towards the environment and other species when designing a research or innovation projectEmbracing Complexity
Systems thinking
Recognize that sustainability in research and innovation involves complex, multi�faceted challenges, and therefore cannot be addressed through simplistic or one�dimensional solutions. Be aware that the complexity of environmental, climate and sustainability challenges can be emotionally impactful. Use systems thinking to determine the environmental consequences (including unintended consequences) of research and innovation activities.
Critical thinking
Recognize potential trade-offs between competing priorities (people, planet, profit) in research and innovation. Evaluate the trustworthiness of information sources regarding environmental problems and potential solutions (e.g. technological solutions). Align project aims with alternative approaches towards growth and consumption which are informed by more sustainable and just economic models
Build in opportunities for critical reflection throughout research and innovation projects to ensure continuous alignment with sustainability principles.
Problem framing
Identify common challenges, risks, and uncertainties related to the environmental and climate impacts of research and innovation activities in your field. Map out all stakeholders affected by a research and innovation project – including communities, industries, policymakers, and ecosystems
Openly and transparently communicate potential benefits and risks of a project to the environment, climate, and affected communities. Engage multiple stakeholders – especially those most at risk of potential harms – and consider their knowledge, perspectives, and priorities to support more equitable outcomesEnvisioning Sustainable Futures
Futures literacy
Envision sustainable outcomes and identify possible actions, innovations, and/or policies that would support these outcomes. Anticipate ethical concerns of emerging technologies and their environmental and climate impacts. Employ techniques for futures thinking, such as scenario development or speculative design, in relation to a planned research or innovation project.
Align immediate research and innovation efforts with long-term sustainability visions, adaptively balancing present needs and long-term sustainability objectives
Adaptability
Consider emerging evidence on environmental harms caused by research and innovation, including the cumulative harms of all research and innovation activities. Monitor progress toward envisioned futures and adjust strategies based on new insights or changing circumstances. Mitigate against the environmental impact of research and innovation by considering alternate approaches (e.g., frugal innovation). Participate in continuous learning activities to ensure professional skills are applicable to changing ecological and social circumstances.
Exploratory thinking
Understand how alternative disciplinary and role-specific perspectives can complement one another. Respect local and traditional knowledges and methods to address sustainability in research and innovation
Engage with key ethical debates regarding the environmental and climate impacts of a research and innovation project. Integrate sustainability principles throughout research and innovation processes, drawing on systematic and creative forms of inquiry (for example, through an ethics by design approach)Acting for Sustainability
Political action
Recognise that sustainable approaches to research and innovation exist within the context of wider political systems. Identify research and innovation priorities which can contribute to a just transition towards a sustainable society
Be aware of the access to knowledge, networks and platforms that your role entails, and use this to promote environmentally and socially responsible action. Strategically engage in policy dialogue and participatory processes for green initiatives as part of the research methodology or innovation cycle, when appropriate
Collective action
Remember the importance of teamwork and collective action in tackling environmental (including climate) issues. Demonstrate a capacity for accessible and collaborative work, for example through open science and FAIR data practices.
Support environmental and climate positive initiatives within your research field. Collaborate with multiple actors (such as policy makers and local communities) to shape sustainable approaches to research and innovation
Individual initiative
Model sustainable practice in research and innovation – including methodology, materials selection, and project goals. Recognise that everyone has a role to play in fostering sustainable approaches to research and innovation. Be accountable for the environmental and social impacts of professional activities, and take corrective actions where needed.
