We design practical solutions to real world problems in a number of different research areas. Our research helps in the development of policies and processes. We also work with industry to create and implement sustainable strategies and operations, and we assist community groups to articulate and promote sustainability issues. We use a variety of approaches and methodologies in our work. Our research is based on the following principles:
Triple bottom line assessment - we help our clients assess their impact on 'people, planet and profit' by considering environmental and social performance in addition to financial performance.
Backcasting - whereas forecasting is the process of predicting the future based on an analysis of current trends, backcasting asks what trends would need to change to lead us to a desired future.
Holism - we know 'the whole is more than the sum of its parts' and therefore the properties of a given system cannot be determined by the sum of its component parts alone.
Visioning - we recognise that it is our image of a preferred future that determines our present behaviours, guides choices and influences decisions.
Systems thinking - we understand the importance of linkages and interactions between the elements of complex systems and we know small catalystic events can cause large changes in a system.
Transdisciplinarity - our research draws on ideas and tools from a wide range of disciplines as the problems facing us now require an approach that transcends the boundaries of conventional academic disciplines.
Futures Studies - we help our clients reflect on how today's changes become tomorrow's reality by using futures studies to analyse the sources, patterns, and causes of change and stability in order to develop foresight and map alternative futures.
