research topics about sustainability

Green Office Model online course
Case studies
Membership Programme for Green Offices
Ambassador Track
Green Office Alumni Network
GOM Sustainability Network
Vision of the Movement

80 sustainability research topics for students to explore green campus issues

You’re planning your thesis, paper or capstone? You want to do a student research project with impact. We have outlined a range of sustainability research topics for you. The list specifically focuses on how to green your campus . Take action to make your university more sustainable!

Our list of sustainability research topics helps students investigate green campus issues.

Sustainability research topics: Education

Some sustainability research topics on education for sustainable development :

What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education? Which definition could your university adopt?
To what extent is sustainability education already implemented in the curriculum of your university?
What are the strengths and limitations of advancing sustainability education within your curriculum?
Where does your university stand with regards to sustainability education compared to other institutions of higher education?
What is the demand among students for more, different or better sustainability education?
How can existing sustainability projects on campus be used for educational purposes, e.g. visit solar cells on rooftops as part of engineering classes?

Sign-up to the FREE online course to establish your Green Office

5 weeks. One email per week. Unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our data policy .

What definition of sustainability research should your university embrace?
To what extent is sustainability research already practised at your university?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the institution’s sustainability research portfolio compared to other institutions of higher education?
What are the drivers of and barriers to sustainability research at your university?
How could sustainability research help students to study sustainability issues on campus and inform practical change projects?
What are the opportunities and costs associated with promoting sustainability research? What could a plan of action look like to strategically advance it?

Some sustainability research topics on community engagement and awareness:

What are the perceptions of and attitudes towards sustainability by students and staff?
What are ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
To what extent are students and staff aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?
How aware are students and staff about the institution’s sustainability ambitions?
What are the benefits and disadvantages of approaches to communicate the university’s sustainability efforts better?
What are the challenges to involve students and staff in the university’s sustainability efforts?
Which ways to increase the engagement of the campus community exist, for example by organising sustainability events ?

For inspiration, read our post on 10 projects to engage students on the SDGs .

Explore sustainability topics for research papers on different issues related to greening campus operations:

What are the opportunities and costs of improving the building insulations to save energy?
What lighting systems exist on the market that are more energy efficient?
What would a business case look like to install a new lighting system?
Where are the main consumers of energy on campus?
What innovative energy technologies are developed at the institution itself? To what extent could those be directly installed and tested in buildings?
What lux values are sufficient for work and study places so that places are appropriately lit without wasting too much electricity?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sustainable building standards?
Which building standards would be most appropriate to inform the institution’s sustainable building policy?
What are the costs and benefits associated with different types of green roofs?
On which buildings could green roofs be installed?
To what extent are catering and food products certified as organic or fair trade food?
How much and why do students attach importance to organic and fair trade products sold in the cafeteria?
How can students and employees be made more aware of the multiple benefits – e.g. health, environment, economics – of sustainable (organic, fair trade, local) food ?
How much are students willing to pay for more organic or fair trade products?
What types and amounts of waste are produced by whom and where at the institution?
How did waste streams develop over the last years?
What are innovative practices in reducing waste going to landfill or incineration? How could those be applied?
What are the costs and benefits associated with waste recycling ?
What options exist to switch from paper-based to more digital forms of working and studying to reduce paper consumption?
What are the environmental, economic, and social benefits and disadvantages of different options to advance more digital working and studying?

More sustainability research topics on campus operations:

Biodiversity

What species live at different campus locations?
To what extent do students, faculty and staff value this biodiversity?
What are ways to enhance biodiversity on campus?

Greenhouse-gase (GHG)

What are the pros and cons of different GHG accounting standards?
Which standard should the institution use to develop a GHG emissions inventory ?
Where are GHG emissions released at the institution?
How big is the institution’s GHG footprint?

Procurement

What does sustainable procurement mean in the context of a university?
How is procurement currently organised? To what extent are sustainability criteria already applied in tenders?
To what extent could the university implement sustainability criteria that go beyond the legal minimum to advance the environmental, economic and social benefits of tenders?
What are the largest consumers of water?
What is the direct and indirect water-footprint of the institution?
What are opportunities and costs to reduce water usage?

Transportation and mobility

How do students and staff currently travel to the university and as part of their study or work?
What is the environmental impact of these travel behaviours? How could the impact be reduced?
What best practices exist among companies and other institutions of higher education to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviours?

Behaviour change

What is the potential to reduce resource consumption through behaviour change?
What are the best practices of behaviour change interventions at institutions of higher education?
To what extent could these projects be also applied at your university?

Sustainability research topics on governance, strategy and reporting

Sustainability research topics on governance issues:

What does sustainability mean for institutions of higher education?
How does a comprehensive concept of a sustainable institution of higher education look like?
How could the university’s long-term sustainability vision look like? How could this vision be realized through a roadmap?
What are innovative ways to develop sustainability strategies for a university through a bottom-up approach?
What ethical imperatives would demand that institutions of higher education care for their impact on the planet, people and profit?
What are the responsibilities of institutions of higher education to contribute to global challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?

Monitoring and reporting

What data is important to monitor the institution’s environmental impact? How can this data be collected and analysed?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of different sustainability reporting standards?
Which sustainability reporting standards should the university adhere to?
What are efficient ways to organize sustainability reporting within the organization?
What is the best way to communicate results among students, staff and outside actors?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies (e.g. payback or Net Present Value) to calculate the financial costs and benefits of sustainability investments?
Which methodology should the institution apply?
To what extent could sustainability projects be financed through a revolving loan fund?
What are the possibilities to involve outside organizations through energy contracting?
What subsidies are available at the European, national and city level to develop a green campus?
How could the university use these financing options to advance its energy transition?
What are approaches to integrate negative externalities into the accounting schemes of the university?
What would be the opportunities, benefits and risks associated with establishing an energy company that’s owned by the university?
What are the best practices to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at public institutions around the world?
How can incentive schemes be changed so that energy end-users directly benefit from reductions in energy usage?

We hope this list inspired you to find a sustainability topic for research papers.

12 sustainability documentaries to educate yourself and get inspired
Green guide: 15 tips for a sustainable student lifestyle
12 sustainability teaching resources about green campuses

Write my thesis
Thesis writers
Buy thesis papers
Bachelor thesis
Master's thesis
Thesis editing services
Thesis proofreading services
Buy a thesis online
Write my dissertation
Dissertation proposal help
Pay for dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help online
Buy dissertation online
Cheap dissertation
Dissertation editing services
Write my research paper
Buy research paper online
Pay for research paper
Research paper help
Order research paper
Custom research paper
Cheap research paper
Research papers for sale
Thesis subjects
How It Works

187 Sustainability Topics For Research Papers In 2023

If you are a student of environmental science or even technology, sustainability is a very important topic for your research papers. These topics help you study the impact of mankind on the environment and different options that are available to prevent further deterioration of the planet. There is a lot of scope for research on this subject, making it one of the most common topics for dissertation or thesis writing. Here is a list of some of the best environmental sustainability research topics that will help you get started on your research paper and project.

The topics below are practical and easy because you can find a lot of information about them. Whether you are writing an informative or argumentative paper, these topics are the perfect starting point for you.

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

These sustainability research topics are suitable for in-depth data and analysis. They are ideal for lengthy writing assignments.

Draw a comparison between different non-profit groups that are dedicated to improving sustainability.
Can custom sustainable designs for classrooms improve learning?
Is adding better natural lighting a sustainable way of saving on energy costs in large organizations?
What are the different technological innovations that are focused on reducing environmental pollution?
Does veganism help protect the environment?
Are hand dryers instead of paper towels a good idea for public restrooms?
How is pollution related to a country’s GDP?
Why do developing nations find it difficult to start recycling programs?
What are some political challenges that the environment faces globally?
Is American politics affecting the environment?
What are the benefits of choosing a vegan diet?
Do developed countries have the responsibility of helping third-world nations become more sustainable?
Are your current local environmental policies effective enough?
Should high schools and colleges ban the use of plastic?
How does food consumption affect the environment?
Why is Sweden so different from other countries when it comes to protecting the environment?
What are some technological advancements that help us reduce waste?
Why have we failed to reduce food wastage across the globe?
Is better recycling technology the solution to reducing waste in landfills?
How are plastic straws a threat to the environment of the Earth?
Can increased taxes items meant for single-use reduce waste from piling up in landfills?
Why do some states succeed in banning plastic bags while others fail?
How is overpopulation related to pollution?
In the next fifty years, how will the population impact the environment?
Do we have enough natural resources to support the exploding population across the globe?
What role does the government play in improving food resources?

Easy Sustainability Topics For Research

These sustainability topics for research are commonly used by students because they are practical in terms of research and the availability of data.

Is banning plastic a suitable solution to reduce environmental pollution?
What are the options available to make cutlery sustainable?
Should metros ban the use of plastic straws completely?
Why is our ecosystem so dependent on sea life?
Does any carbon footprint come from farm animals and how?
Why is it the need of the hour to prevent waste from being dumped into oceans?
How does getting fair-trade certificates to benefit university campuses?
Why should we increase the consumption of local produce?
How does supporting local businesses improve sustainability?
Should food donation programs be imposed in cities?
How has the emergence of farmers’ markets helped various communities?
Is buffet-style dining beneficial or harmful for efforts toward sustainability?
How can taxes be used to improve sustainability efforts?
How can leftovers from hotels and restaurants be disposed of sustainably?
What are the various benefits of food programs for the community?
Explain the process of growing vegan produce and its effect on the environment
How have sustainability efforts been affected globally as a result of the pandemic?
Is zero-waste living ideal?
What does sustainability mean in the 21st century?
How is supporting local food markets sustainable?
How does the greenhouse effect change as a result of less meat consumption?
Does eating red meat improve the quality of the air?
What are some benefits of switching to a plant-based diet?
Should school cafeterias increase the options for vegan food?
How do slaughterhouses impact the environment negatively?
What if all restaurants switched to buffet-style meals?

Best Sustainability Topics For Research Papers

Looking for sustainability topics for research that can ensure better grades. Here is a list of some of the best topics on sustainability that you can choose from.

Give a detailed plan for a sustainable restaurant.
Why do large cities struggle with reducing air pollution?
Should cities make it mandatory to reduce food waste in community gardens?
What are some of the primary benefits of improving public transportation systems?
Should rainwater harvesting become compulsory for large buildings?
Has technology benefited or harmed the environment?
Will reducing our dependence on technology help sustain the environment?
Are smaller classrooms beneficial or harmful to the environment?
How has the pandemic affected the environment positively?
What is the negative impact of the pandemic on the environment?
Can reducing the number of school days improve sustainability efforts?
How do school campuses contribute to environmental deterioration? How can it be reduced?
What are the best ways to teach children about non-renewable and renewable resources?
What are some immediate changes that you can make in your life to become more sustainable?
Create a detailed sustainability plan for your family
Can maintaining a constant temperature at home reduce energy costs? Support your argument with data.
Chart out a detailed zero-waste living plan that can be implemented easily.
What is the relationship between community health and the environment?
Case studies of the impact of pollution on the health of people.
How do developing nations improve their access to water resources?
Can government policies truly help the environment?
Will creating better public spaces like riverbeds and parks improve sustainability?
What are some measures that can be used to improve access to clean water in developing nations?
What are some measures taken by Denmark to reduce food waste?
Discuss Sweden’s efforts to use waste for heating and energy.
How can we reduce pollution and improve the quality of care at the same time?

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

These sustainability topics for research papers are perfect for college students as they are most relevant and extremely interesting as well.

What are the best ways to deal with medical waste?
How has awareness about recycling improved sustainability efforts?
Is global warming false as some world leaders claim?
What are some ecological challenges that the US will face in the coming decades?
Will green universities improve students’ mental health?
How can growing your food help in improving sustainability?
What are the best measures that communities can take to prevent waste
What are the best ways to use landscaping sustainably?
Is gardening around the house a good way of improving the quality of air amidst growing pollution rates?
Should fireworks be banned?
How can we raise cattle sustainably?
How is the fashion industry impacting the environment?
Discuss the importance of sustainable fashion in the world we live in.
How can community gardens help cities become more sustainable?
How can you measure the success of a smart city by the well-being of its inhabitants?
What are smart cities? Can you provide examples?
How can digitization be used to pursue a sustainability agenda?
What are the various ecological dimensions of sustainability?
Should governments provide more grants for research on sustainability?
Discuss some sustainable measures that we can learn from our ancestors.
What is the impact of America’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement?
What are the Paris Climate Agreement and its important terms?
How can changing policies from a macro level to a micro level improve sustainability efforts?
What are the best measures taken by the UN to improve sustainability?
Greta Thunberg: The poster child of climate change or a publicity stunt?
The most impactful environmentalists over the last decade.

Sustainability Topics for All Levels

These sustainability research paper topics are perfect for you whether you are writing a high school paper or a college paper. They are versatile and easy to compile.

How will our carbon footprint impact the generations to come?
What are the different types of sustainability?
What does sustainability education mean?
How can your school or college improve its regulations to make the campus sustainable?
Are there any sustainability programs that have been implemented in your school or college?
Do solar panels on buildings help reduce energy costs?
What are the benefits of including sustainability education in the school curriculum?
How does non-plastic waste in the oceans impact the environment?
How to prevent the greenhouse effect from agriculture?
Should governments support and invest in more solar technologies?
How can a home become energy efficient with solar energy?
How does an improved ventilation system improve sustainability?
What are the measures taken by modern schools and colleges in improving sustainability?
How can modern classrooms make use of natural light for better sustainability?
How can we save on energy by setting systems off when they are still idle.
What are the various benefits of changing classroom timings to optimize the use of natural lighting?
Is it possible to apply a game theory to manage challenges with sustainability?
What is the difference between biocapacity and carbon footprint in various regions?
What are some challenges faced by companies when it comes to conserving energy?
Can you name some environmental groups that have been most effective in cleaning up plastic from the oceans and how they have achieved their goals?
What are some positive effects of reducing computer screen brightness?
Name some countries with the poorest environmental laws?
A case study of the most sustainable nations in the world.
The effect of plastic on the environment in detail.
What are some effective measures of saving water?
A study of oil spills and their effect on marine life over the last decade.

Environmental Project Topics

Have an environmental sustainability topic due? This sustainability topics list is all you need to present projects that grab the attention of your audience.

What are some barriers and drivers of sustainability research?
How does on-campus sustainable research help increase practical solutions for environmental sustainability?
Provide a business case to install new lighting systems
What are some lighting systems available today that are most sustainable?
Needs luxury led to an unsustainable environment?
What are the benefits of using electric cars?
The most impactful evidence to prove that global warming is real.
Do political agendas suppress sustainability efforts? How?
What are some of the major threats of climate change?
The importance of teaching children about sustainability
What are some of the most common examples of wasteful living that you see around you?
The relationship between undernutrition, obesity, and climate change.
Why has ice loss across the Himalayas become rapid over the last 40 years?
How quickly are we depleting natural resources?
How does the medical industry contribute to global warming?
What is the Lancet Countdown on climate change and health?
Does climate change impact the health of newborn children?
How has industrialization helped and harmed the environment?
The use of heating and cooling systems and their impact on the environment.
The harmful impact of the film industry on the environment
Celebrities who have successfully endorsed anti-climate change campaigns
KFC and the Amazon Rainforests: What was the chaos about?
How has the fast-food industry impacted the environment?
The contribution of the aviation industry toward global warming
What is a carbon tax and how can it help improve efforts towards sustainability?
Write about the development of waste streams over the last few decades.
Are newspapers viable in times of sustainability?
The importance of enhancing biodiversity to reduce environmental deterioration.
Can improving safety regulations for cyclists contribute to sustainability?
What are some of the most sustainable multi-national companies? Discuss their strategies.

Sustainable Development Topics

Development is a very important topic for research paper writing for students of environmental studies. Here are some sustainability topics for research related to development to help you get started.

How has economic globalization impacted the environment?
What is the relationship between autocracy, democracy, wars, and natural resources?
How does a finite environmental capacity impact political and economic development?
Changing human behavior and the use of natural resources.
Adaptation and mitigation policies to solve environmental issues.
The difference between the approach of a political institution and market-based requirements towards sustainability.
How has the automobile industry taken steps towards sustainability?
What are some effects of Green Technology on the economy?
What is the advantage of using Green Technology in organizations?
A detailed study of the Global Environmental Sustainability Framework to technology.
How can digitization be used to improve awareness about sustainability?
Is it practical to implement Green technology in developing countries? What are the best measures that can be taken?
How can construction become sustainable?
How can Green Thinking help improve sustainability?
What is the perception of green energy and sustainability in multinational organizations?
What are some sustainability policies that have helped developing nations?
The impact of digitization on sustainability
What are the current trends in Green Technology?
Should builders receive incentives for constructing sustainable structures?
Incentives for sustainability in industrial settings.
The most effective option for disposing of electronic waste.
How advancement in medical technology has impacted the environment
The relationship between motorsports and the environment.
Do large public events like concerts and sports events impact sustainability?
The impact of styrofoam cups on the environment.
Advancements in technology have contributed to sustainability.
Scientists who have contributed effectively towards sustainability.

If you still need assistance with thesis writing , our experts can help you find a fast and cost-effective solution. Get in touch with us now for expert writers and top-notch papers that will surely improve your grades.

Sustainability: Sustainability Research Topics

Find Journal Articles
Databases for Sustainabilty Research
Carbon Footprint
Climate Change
Green Building & Infrastructure
Green Economy/Technology
Materials, Waste & Recycling
Social Sustainability
Sustainability in Higher Education
Global Environment Overview

Click on any of the topics above for more topic-specific resources.

Related Guides

Climate Change This guide presents selected resources related to climate change and global warming.
Life Cycle Assessment Guide This guide provides selected resources related to LCA, which is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals This guide presents resources related to the themes of the 17 SDGs.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies - Environment & Sustainability This guide provides selected resources on the topics of the environment and sustainability as they relate to these regions. Each resource category provides sources on a regional and country basis.
Earth Day 2023 This guide presents selected resources such as books, journals, films & videos on Earth Day topics.
Sustainability resources on JSTOR A research guide to the wide range of journals, ebooks, and more than 5,400 Open Access research reports in the field of sustainability. The subjects of resilience and sustainability are explored broadly, covering research on environmental stresses and their impact on society.
<< Previous: Databases for Sustainabilty Research
Next: Carbon Footprint >>
Last Updated: Aug 3, 2023 8:47 AM
URL: https://libguides.wpi.edu/sustainability

How can we help?

[email protected]
Consultation
508-831-5410

Search By Topic

Search by topic.

Join Future Earth

The Top 30 Global Sustainability Research Papers in 2019

In 2019, record-high global temperatures and climate change took central stage in global news headlines, culminating with a declaration from more than 11,000 scientists from around the world that a climate emergency exists on Earth. This declaration got people talking on social media and in the news, more so than any other scientific publication in 2019.

Altmetric annually ranks the 100 scientific papers that glean the most media attention as a simple measure of what sparks public interest. In 2019, they examined over 62 million media mentions of 2.7 million research articles. The altmetric score does not measure the calibre of the research or researcher.

At Future Earth, we used the list to identify the top 30 global sustainability articles. We were guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, combating inequality within and among countries, preserving the planet, creating sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and fostering social inclusion are linked to each other and are interdependent.

Taking a closer look at the top five, the rising threat posed by climate change (SDG 13) was a central concern in 2019 as reflected by this year’s top two papers. The health of our oceans (SDG 14) and global terrestrial biodiversity (SDG 15) also find their way into the top five, with the third ranked paper discussing increasing vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal flooding, while the fourth ranked paper examines the potential of global reforestation to mitigate the effects of climate change. Rounding out the top five, a global study between 1990-2017 analyzed the health effects linked to dietary risks (SDG 3). Together, these papers reflect the many connections among natural and human systems by highlighting just how important the life supporting SDGs (6, 13, 14, and 15) are to supporting healthy, equitable, and sustainable livelihoods on Earth.

Of the top 30, nearly half of the global sustainability articles are concerned with climate change, with another third related to health, nutrition, and climate. Papers discussing biodiversity and plastics also make their way onto the list.

Read on for the full top 30 of 2019 and see earlier lists here (January – April 2019 ), here (May – August 2019 ) and here (2018 in review) .

The top 30 global sustainability articles in 2019, by Altmetric score:

World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency (November 2019) BioScience . Altmetric score: 10,966
Climate tipping points too risky to bet against (November 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 8556
New elevation data triple estimates of global vulnerability to sea-level rise and coastal flooding (October 2019) Nature Communications . Altmetric score: 7,135
The global tree restoration potential (July 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 6,356
Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (April 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 5,868
Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers (April 2019) Biological Conservation . Altmetric score: 5,438
Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable foods (February 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 4,561
Committed emissions from existing energy infrastructure jeopardize 1.5°C climate target (August 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 4,434
Concerns of young protesters are justified (April 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 4,349
Global warming impairs stock-recruitment dynamics of corals (April 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 4,121
Eat less meat: UN climate-change report calls for change to human diet (August 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 3,861
No evidence for globally coherent warm and cold periods over the preindustrial Common Era (July 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 3,898
Decline of the North American avifauna (October 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 3,368
Earth system impacts of the European arrival and the Great Dying in the Americas after 1492 (March 2019) Quaternary Science Reviews . Altmetric score: 3,290
Spending at least 120 minutes in a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (June 2019) Scientific Reports . Altmetric score: 3,249
Permafrost collapse is accelerating carbon release (April 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 3,014
The Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change: The Lancet Commission Report (February 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 2,973
How fast are the oceans warming? (January 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 2,882
Acceleration of ice loss across the Himalayas over the past 40 years (June 2019) Science Advances . Altmetric score: 2,767
The 2019 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: ensuring that the health of a child born today is not defined by climate change (November 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 2,752
40 years ago, scientists predicted climate change. And hey, they were right (July 2019) The Conversation . Altmetric score: 2,724
Ice sheet contributions to future sea level rise from structured expert judgment (May 2019) PNAS . Altmetric score: 2,620
Dissecting racial bias in an algorithm used to manage the health of populations (October 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 2,584.
International humanitarian norms are violated in Hong Kong (December 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 2,538
Four decades of Antarctic Ice Sheet mass balance from 1979-2017 (January 2019) PNAS . Altmetric score: 2,494
Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers (April 2019) Frontiers in Psychology . Altmetric score: 2,312
Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea (September 2019) Environmental Science and Technology . Altmetric score: 2,305
White and wonderful? Microplastics prevail in snow from the Alps to the Arctic (August 2019) Science Advances . Altmetric score: 2,253
Arthropod decline in grasslands and forests is associated with landscape-level drivers (October 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 2,240
Nudging out support for a carbon tax (May 2019) Nature Climate Change . Altmetric score: 2,190

SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK

Future Earth Members Selected as Experts for IPCC Special Report on Cities

Sign the COP28 statement. The Science is Clear: We Need Net Zero Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 2050.

Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress 2024

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

View all journals
Explore content
About the journal
Publish with us
Sign up for alerts
Published: 19 May 2022

Integrating sustainability into scientific research

Namrata Jain ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7673-1625 1

Nature Reviews Methods Primers volume 2 , Article number: 35 ( 2022 ) Cite this article

928 Accesses

5 Citations

23 Altmetric

Metrics details

Climate-change mitigation
Environmental health

Laboratories have a large environmental impact, with high levels of resource consumption and waste generation. In this article, I discuss some of the actionable strategies that can bring real and impactful improvements, encompassing education, community engagement and the adoption of best practices by researchers. Building a global culture of sustainability in science will be crucial to reducing the carbon footprint of laboratories.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 1 digital issues and online access to articles

92,52 € per year

only 92,52 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

National Renewable Energy Lab. Laboratories for the 21st century: an introduction to low-energy design (revised). US Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information https://doi.org/10.2172/907998 (2008).

Article Google Scholar

Urbina, M. A., Watts, A. J. R. & Reardon, E. E. Labs should cut plastic waste too. Nature 528 , 479 (2015).

Article ADS Google Scholar

Watch, D. & Tolat, D. Sustainable laboratory design. Whole Building Design Guide https://www.wbdg.org/resources/sustainable-laboratory-design (2016).

Gilly, Q. Validating cost and energy savings from Harvard’s shut the sash program: tackling energy use in labs. Harvard University https://green.harvard.edu/sites/green.harvard.edu/files/FumeHoodWhitePaper.pdf (2016).

Gumapas, L. A. M. & Simons, G. Factors affecting the performance, energy consumption, and carbon footprint for ultra low temperature freezers: case study at the National Institutes of Health. World Rev. Sci. Technol. Sustain. Dev. 10 , 129–141 (2012).

Espinel-Ingroff, A., Montero, D. & Martin-Mazuelos, E. Long-term preservation of fungal isolates in commercially prepared cryogenic microbank vials. J. Clin. Microbiol. 42 , 1257–1259 (2004).

Beekhof, P. K., Gorshunska, M. & Jansen, E. H. J. M. Long term stability of paraoxonase-1 and high-density lipoprotein in human serum. Lipids Health Dis. 11 , 53 (2012).

University of California San Diego. Water action plan. UC San Diego https://aquaholics.ucsd.edu/_files/water-action-plan/ucsd-water-action-plan-and-appendices.pdf (2017).

Greever, C., Nahreini, T. & Ramirez-Aguilar, K. A case study of the Biochemistry Cell Culture Facility at the University of Colorado Boulder: avoided costs and other benefits resulting from shared equipment in collaborative research space. University of Colorado Boulder https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/bccf_case_study_cu_boulder_2018_reduced.pdf (2018).

My Green Lab, Beyond Benign & Millipore Sigma. A guide to green chemistry experiments for undergraduate organic chemistry labs. My Green Lab https://www.mygreenlab.org/uploads/2/1/9/4/21945752/gc_-_green_chem_guide-_beyond_benign___my_green_lab.pdf (2020).

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

My Green Lab, San Diego, CA, USA

Namrata Jain

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Namrata Jain .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

N.J. is the marketing manager for the non-profit organization My Green Lab.

Additional information

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Jain, N. Integrating sustainability into scientific research. Nat Rev Methods Primers 2 , 35 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-022-00126-6

Download citation

Published : 19 May 2022

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-022-00126-6

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

This article is cited by

Sustainable chemistry in practice.

Nature Reviews Methods Primers (2022)

Quick links

Explore articles by subject
Guide to authors
Editorial policies

190 Excellent Sustainability Research Topics

Table of Contents

In recent times, sustainability projects have been playing a vital role in environmental conservation. Hence, a lot of academic institutes often ask students to explore and write assignments, essays, or research papers on sustainability topics. Have your professor also asked you to submit a research paper on sustainability? Are you struggling to come up with the best sustainability project ideas for your environmental study paper? If yes, then don’t worry. Especially, to help you in identifying the right research topic on sustainability, here, in this blog post, we have presented a list of 150+ excellent sustainability research topics and ideas. Go through the entire list carefully and choose any research idea that matches your university requirements.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is a concept that focuses on meeting the present needs without compromising the capability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. It is a balance between the environment, economy, and equity.

You Can Also Read – Outstanding Research Paper Topics for Students of All Spheres

List of Sustainability Research Topics and Ideas

Sustainability is a wide concept that contains multiple research areas on energy conservation, natural resources, sustainable transport, green building, and renewable energy. You can generate a lot of sustainability project ideas considering the environmental issues and the costs involved. Not just environmentalism, the concept of sustainability is also applicable to business, education, construction, or any industry.

Listed below are the top sustainability research topic ideas the students can consider while writing a research paper or academic essay.

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

What does the impact of non-plastic waste in our oceans mean for the environment?
What are the most impactful environmental groups cleaning up plastic in the oceans?
Which countries have the least environmental protection laws?
Is veganism good for the environment?
How bad are plastic straws for the Earth’s environment?
What types of technologies exist to help deter environmental pollution?
How effective are your local environmental policies?
Why do cities with higher poverty rates struggle to start recycling programs?
What are the biggest political challenges affecting the U.S. environment?
How will the world’s population in fifty years impact the Earth’s environment?

Sustainability Research Topics on Environment

Are pescatarian diets better for the environment?
Should we reduce the use of technology to help the environment?
In what ways has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the environment?
Do smaller classroom sizes help or harm the environment?
In what ways does government policy help or hurt the environment?
Discuss the importance of Green Building and Infrastructure in ensuring environmental sustainability
What is a Green Economy and how it can bring environmental sustainability?
Discuss the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) of environmental sustainability
Discuss the relationship between environmental sustainability and climate change
Environmental sustainability and biodiversity
What are the responsibilities of institutions of higher education to contribute to global challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?
Explain how modular classrooms can improve sustainability through the use of natural light.
How can existing sustainability projects on campus be used for educational purposes?
How is procurement currently organized? To what extent are sustainability criteria already applied in tenders?
To what extent could the university implement sustainability criteria that go beyond the legal minimum to advance the environmental, economic, and social benefits of tenders?
Analyze the importance of Electronics Stewardship
Discuss the importance of sustainable acquisitions and sustainable building
Describe the significance of the Green Office Movement
Where can a university stand about sustainability education compared to other higher education institutions?
Discuss the importance of the implementation of sustainability education

Also, See – Top Environmental Science Research Topics

Sustainability Research Topics on Education

Describe the differences in sustainability education.
What are the benefits of adopting sustainability education into the curriculum?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education?
Do modular classrooms improve campus sustainability?
What evidence is there to support that sustainable classrooms reduce absenteeism?
What is the demand among students for more, different, or better sustainability education?
Discuss the concept of green economy and its impact on sustainability
Compare and contrast the waste management strategies of Woolworths Group and Tesco Plc
Which country has the most effective waste management policy?
Pollution-free disposal and recycling of trash
Why waste management is crucial for maintaining sustainability?

Educational Research Topics on Sustainability

What does sustainability mean for institutions of higher education?
What are the best practices of behavior change interventions at institutions of higher education?
Do sustainable classroom designs improve learning in students?
What are the benefits of changing classroom hours to utilize natural lighting?
Do shorter working days in schools help to reduce energy use?
Discuss the role of education in the establishment and protection of environmental sustainability
What are the most effective ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
How students and staff could be aware of the sustainability ambitions of their institution?
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the approaches to communicating the university’s sustainability efforts better
How to organize sustainability events and programs within the college campus?
Why do educational institutions need to promote sustainable lifestyles and practices among students?
How much energy is saved by setting computers to shut off when they are idle?
Behavior change interventions at institutions of higher education.
Do shorter working days in schools minimize energy use?

Transportation Sustainability Research Topics

Discuss the demand among students for more, different, or better sustainability education.
Discuss the responsibilities of higher education institutes handling worldwide challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change.
What are the benefits of incorporating public transportation systems?
What best practices exist among companies and institutions of higher education to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviors?
Compare hybrid vs. electric cars including the science behind it, the potential for success, and any challenges/barriers.
Prepare a report on how traveling has contributed to global warming over the last 10 years.
Investigate the role of bike-sharing between campuses.
Compare the costs and benefits of petroleum to biofuel or electric energy.
How to redesign a city to be walkable and bike-friendly?
What are the health and environmental benefits of biking to work?

Additional Transportation Sustainability Research Ideas

Do taxi services contribute to the environment?
Is it a good choice for the government to invest in bicycle infrastructure?
Why it is important to build a sustainable transportation system?
Why use the means of public transportation instead of private transportation to ensure environmental sustainability and well-being?
Importance of using solar power and wind power in vehicles
What are the best practices to follow for business organizations and other institutions to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviors?
Discuss the three major modes of sustainable transportation
Smart Land Use Design for Reducing Vehicle Travelled
Smart Driving through Crowdsourcing
Evaluating the Likely Environmental Benefits of Green Routing and Intelligent Intersections
What are the ways to contribute to sustainable transportation?
A reduction of the environmental impacts of transportation is a likely strategy for sustainability.
How can we improve transport sustainability?
What are the specific challenges of sustainable transportation?
What are the three crucial influences of transportation on the environment?

Food Sustainability Research Paper Topics

How does the amount of food consumption impact the environment?
What can the government do to increase food resources?
What are the benefits of buying food from local farmers?
How do food programs help communities?
Can your city impose a food donation program?
Why is it important to support local food markets?
Can cafeteria or restaurant food leftovers be donated to homeless shelters?
Should cities mandate community gardens to reduce food waste?
What are the most effective methods of growing your food?
Research the problem of global food scarcity.

A Few More Food Sustainability Research Ideas

Importance of sustainable food systems and sustainable food industry
Organic farming and food sustainability
Scientific agriculture and its impact on food sustainability
Discuss the Sustainable Food Initiative of WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
What is climate-smart food systems
What are social movements, institutions as well and governance?
What are the perceptions of and attitudes towards sustainability by students and staff?
What are ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
To what extent are students and staff aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
What are the best technologies on the market to reduce waste in large cities?

Sustainability Research Topics on Waste Management

In what ways do improved recycling technologies impact the waste that ends up in landfills?
Why is it so important to keep waste from ending up in our oceans?
Do taxes on single-use items reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills?
What can people do in the community to reduce unnecessary waste?
What has Denmark done to reduce its food waste?
Discuss how Sweden has been able to turn its waste into heating.
What are the types and amounts of waste produced in educational institutions?
How government regulations will affect certain waste types?
What are innovative practices in reducing waste going to landfills or incineration?
Developing an Efficient Waste Management Strategy

Interesting Sustainability Research Topics

Why Recycling and Reusing Plastic is Vital to Waste Management
What can cities do to create community gardens?
How does gardening or landscaping improve air quality around the home?
Should cities mandate the use of solar panels in their larger buildings?
How do “green universities” help the mental health of students?
Does keeping the home at a certain temperature help reduce energy costs?
What can be done to help developing countries maintain clean water?
How can we improve the quality of air by reducing pollution?
How does pollution increase the level of sickness in people?
Does buffet-style dining help or harm sustainability efforts?

Amazing Sustainability Research Topics

What are the benefits of getting a fair-trade certification on university campuses?
Should cities impose a special tax on single-use plastic items?
What is the correlation between overpopulation and pollution?
How does the use of plastic floating balls reduce evaporation in reservoirs?
What is the correlation between a country’s GDP and pollution?
Are paper towels more effective than hand dryers at reducing the spread of germs?
Describe the impact our carbon footprint has on future generations.
How do solar panels make a home energy efficient?
Can game theory be applied to challenges in sustainability?

Captivating Sustainability Topics For Research Paper

What are the positive effects of reducing the brightness of computer screens?
Explain how carbon footprint and bio-capacity differ in different countries and regions.
Should governments invest more in solar energy technologies?
Compare and contrast non-profit groups focused on advancing sustainability.
What are the benefits of eating a plant-based diet?
Can employers save on energy costs by adding more natural lighting?
What does Sweden do differently from other countries regarding its environment?
What will be the consequences of a rising sea level?
How much will climate change cost the different countries in the future?
What are the pros and cons of different greenhouse gas accounting standards?

Excellent Sustainability Topics for Study

The importance of terrace or roof gardening.
What are the opportunities and costs to reduce water usage?
Examine the sustainability policies in developed and developing countries.
What options exist to switch from paper-based to more digital forms of working and studying to reduce paper consumption?
On which buildings could green roofs be installed?
Sustainable outdoor designs using recycled materials.
How do businesses perceive environmental sustainability and green energy?
How sustainable is the environment in the current and forthcoming eras?
Can there be a balance between lifestyle and green technology?
The role of NGOs on green energy and environmental sustainability.

Unique Ideas for Sustainability Research

What kinds and quantities of waste are generated at the institution, and by whom and where?
How have waste streams evolved in recent years?
What are some creative approaches to reducing waste sent to landfills or incineration?
What are the costs and advantages of waste recycling?
What is the best definition of sustainability research for your university?
How far has your university progressed in terms of sustainability research?
What are the institution’s sustainability research portfolio’s strengths and weaknesses in comparison to other higher education institutions?
What are the motivators and barriers to sustainability research at your institution?
How could sustainability research assist students in studying campus sustainability issues and informing practical change projects?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of promoting sustainability research?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of improving building insulation to save energy?
What energy-efficient lighting systems are available on the market?
What would a business case for installing a new lighting system look like?
What novel energy technologies are being developed at the institution?
To what extent could these be installed and tested directly in buildings?

Outstanding Sustainability Research Questions

What are some political challenges that the environment faces globally?
How do slaughterhouses impact the environment negatively?
What are the options available to make cutlery sustainable?
Why is our ecosystem so dependent on sea life?
How has the emergence of farmers’ markets helped various communities?
What does sustainability mean in the 21st century?
How can taxes be used to improve sustainability efforts?
How do school campuses contribute to environmental deterioration?
Chart out a detailed zero-waste living plan that can be implemented easily.
What are some immediate changes that you can make in your life to become more sustainable?

Brilliant Sustainability Research Paper Ideas

Describe how using natural light in modular classrooms might increase sustainability.
What proof is available that environmentally friendly classrooms lower absenteeism?
How much energy is saved when computers are configured to turn off when not in use?
What are the advantages of adjusting class times to take advantage of natural lighting?
To save energy, should school periods be planned around the seasons?
Can the problems of sustainability be solved via game theory?
Why is it difficult to launch recycling programs in cities with higher poverty rates?
What are the main political issues harming the environment in the United States?
What are the advantages of adopting a vegan diet?
What effects does improved recycling technology have on the amount of waste dumped in landfills?

Final Words

Out of the different topic ideas suggested above, feel free to choose any topic of your choice and craft a detailed sustainability research paper. If you are not satisfied with the ideas recommended or need expert Sustainable Agriculture Assignment Help with sustainability research paper writing, then get in touch with us quickly for assistance. We have numerous subject professionals on our platform to offer high-quality research paper writing help on any topics related to sustainability. Moreover, with the support of our well-qualified dissertation helpers online, you can also complete your sustainability academic paper according to your requirements in advance of the deadline and boost your overall grades.

Know about Online PhD in Artificial Intelligence

Theoretical Framework Examples for Research Studies

Learn How to Write a Chemistry Lab Report

About author.

Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith guides students with writing research paper topics and theses at greatassignmenthelp.com. Read about the author from this page

https://www.greatassignmenthelp.com/

Comments are closed.

Featured Posts

200 Impressive Business Essay Topics

175 unique bioethics topics to consider for academic paper, apa vs. mla: know the major differences between the citation styles, top 155 java project ideas for beginners and experts, sas vs. spss: know the key differences, 5 different examples of book reviews, what is a thesis outline and how to write it, 18 different types of tone in writing, 110 intriguing poverty essay topics, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Great Assignment Help

140 Unique Sustainability Research Topics To Focus On

Table of Contents

Sustainability is a theory that concentrates on satisfying the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. In general, it is an interesting concept that maintains stability between the economy, environment, and equity. Especially, to conserve the environment, sustainability projects play a big part. Hence, based on the aspects of conservation, many academic institutes often ask students to come up with a research paper on sustainability topics. Moreover, recently, a lot of projects are also being carried out regularly on innovative sustainability research topics. Furthermore, for the preparation of an environmental study paper, you can prefer topics on sustainability as well.

Right now, are you looking for interesting sustainability topic ideas for your assignment? If yes, then continue reading this blog post and get exclusive research topics on sustainability.

List of the Best Sustainability Research Paper Topics

Basically, sustainability is a broad concept with plenty of research areas. Some popular research areas on the subject include natural resources, energy conservation, sustainable transport, renewable energy, and green building. Other than picking topics from these areas, you can also think about the latest environmental issues and generate unique sustainability project ideas. Don’t just narrow down your focus only on environmental topics. You can also apply the idea of sustainability in education, business, construction, or any other industry.

Since, searching and finding the right research topic is a tough process that consumes more time and effort, in order to make your topic selection easier, here, we have shared a list of 100+ top sustainability topics on various themes. Go through the full list and identify the right topic for your research.

Sustainability Research Topics on Environment

Does veganism have a positive effect on the environment?
The biggest political challenges that affect the U.S. environment.
The negative effects of plastic straws on the environment.
Explore the most impactful environmental groups that clean up plastic in the oceans.
The effect of the world’s population on the environment.
Do smaller classroom sizes help the environment?
Are your local environmental policies effective?
Why do cities with higher poverty rates find it hard to begin recycling programs?
The effect of non-plastic waste in the oceans.
Name the countries that have the least environmental protection laws.
Are pescatarian diets better for the environment?
Will the reduced usage of technology help the environment?
How does government policy help or hurt the environment?
Technologies that help to control environmental pollution.
How does the Covid-19 pandemic affect the environment?
Should we reduce the use of technology to help the environment?
In what ways has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the environment?
Do smaller classroom sizes help or harm the environment?
In what ways does government policy help or hurt the environment?

Sustainability Research Topics on Education

Sustainable classrooms reduce absenteeism- Explain with evidence.
Behavior change interventions at institutions of higher education.
Do shorter working days in schools minimize energy use?
Discuss the demand among students for more, different, or better sustainability education.
Discuss the responsibilities of higher education institutes handling worldwide challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change.
The strengths and weaknesses of sustainability education.
How to use existing sustainability projects on campus for educational purposes?
Explain how modular classrooms can improve sustainability through the use of natural light.
Discuss the benefits of changing classroom hours to use natural lighting.
Do sustainable classroom designs improve learning in students?
Discuss the benefits of adopting sustainability education into the curriculum.
The definition of sustainability for higher education institutions.
Analyze the differences in sustainability education.
Do large classroom sizes harm the environment?
Modular classrooms and campus sustainability.
Describe the differences in sustainability education.
What are the benefits of adopting sustainability education into the curriculum?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education?
Do modular classrooms improve campus sustainability?
What evidence is there to support that sustainable classrooms reduce absenteeism?

Food Sustainability Research Topics

How do food programs help communities?
Should cities order community gardens to reduce food waste?
The role of government in increasing food resources.
Discuss the benefits of buying food from local farmers.
Can your city host a food donation program?
Can restaurant cafeteria food leftovers be donated to homeless shelters?
Why is it necessary to support local food markets?
Discuss the most effective methods of growing your food.
How does the amount of food consumption affect the environment?
Analyze the global food scarcity problem.
Discuss the role played by resilient and sustainable food systems in the crisis times
How can agri-food research and development systems meet the 21 st century’s demand for food?
Discuss the usefulness of the synthesis of evidence for a sustainable food system
Impact of vertical farming on food sustainability
How can effective management of organic resources impact agriculture and food sustainability?

Sustainability Topics on Waste Management

Sustainability Research Paper Topics on Waste Management

Why should we keep waste from ending up in oceans?
Discuss the types and amounts of waste produced in educational institutions.
How government rules will affect certain waste types?
How do improved recycling technologies affect the waste that ends up in landfills?
What should people do in the community to reduce unnecessary waste?
The best way to reduce waste – landfills or incineration?
Discuss the best technologies to reduce waste in large cities.
Explain how Sweden turns its waste into heating.
Do taxes on single-use items reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills?
Explain how Denmark reduces its food waste.
Discuss the best actions to ensure efficient waste management
How proper waste management can impact sustainability?
Analyze the role of 3Rs (Reduce-Recycle-Reuse) in sustainability
Why reducing the volume of waste generation in manufacturing plants is the first priority to ensure sustainability?
Analyze the concept and practices of sustainable waste management

Transportation Sustainability Research Ideas

Compare hybrid versus electric cars.
Discuss the health and environmental benefits of biking to work.
Analyze how traveling has contributed to global warming over the last 10 years.
Is it a good choice for the government to invest in bicycle infrastructure?
Research the role of bike-sharing between campuses.
How to redesign a city to be walkable and bike-friendly?
Compare the costs and benefits of petroleum to biofuel or electric energy.
Are our taxi services helpful to the environment?
What should companies and institutions of higher education do to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behavior?
The benefits of incorporating public transportation systems.

Excellent Sustainability Topics for Research Paper

Discuss the benefits of eating a plant-based diet.
Can employers save on energy costs by adding more natural lighting?
How much will climate change cost the different countries in the future?
What does it mean to be sustainable in the 21st century?
The consequences of a rising sea level.
Examine the sustainability policies in developed and developing countries.
Compare and contrast non-profit groups focused on advancing sustainability.
The importance of terrace or roof gardening.
Should governments invest more in solar energy technologies?
How does Sweden conserve their environment when compared to other countries?
On which buildings could green roofs be installed?
Explain how carbon footprint and bio-capacity differ in different countries.
Sustainable outdoor designs using recycled materials.
How do businesses perceive environmental sustainability and green energy?
Discuss the pros and cons of different Greenhouse-gas accounting standards.
The role of NGOs on green energy and environmental sustainability .
What options exist to switch from paper-based to more digital forms of working and studying to reduce paper consumption?
Can there be a balance between lifestyle and green technology?
Explore the opportunities and costs to reduce water usage.
How sustainable is the environment in the current and forthcoming eras?

Outstanding Sustainability Research Paper Topics

What are the causes of the decline of avifauna in North America?
What are the best strategies for conserving the rainforests?
Write about the Causes of human-wildlife conflicts and possible solutions
Explain how to organize sustainability events and programs within the college campus.
What are the options available to make cutlery sustainable?
How can leftovers from hotels and restaurants be disposed of sustainably?
What are some sustainability policies that have helped developing nations?
How has the automobile industry taken steps toward sustainability?
Discuss the strategies of some of the most sustainable multinational companies.
Analyze the importance of teaching children about sustainability.

Wrapping Up

From the list of sustainability research paper ideas suggested in this blog, feel free to select any topic that inspires you the most. In case, you need any other unique sustainability topic for your research paper, contact us and get our high-quality assignment help online .

To offer you assistance with finding a good sustainability topic and composing a brilliant research paper on that topic, we have a team of proficient academic writers. Based on the requirements you share with us, our subject experts will prepare and deliver a plagiarism-free academic paper at a fair price. Moreover, by utilizing our research paper help service online, you can also wrap up your tasks prior to the submission date and score top grades. Also, as a part of our service, we provide unlimited paper revisions and 24/7 customer support.

So, without any hesitation, quickly book your order and earn the necessary advantages that our service offers.

220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Read and Understand How to Write a Research Proposal

100+ Controversial Research Topics and Ideas to Focus On

About author.

Jacob Smith

I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

Comments are closed.

Featured Posts

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

200+ outstanding world history topics and ideas 2023, 190 excellent ap research topics and ideas, 150+ trending group discussion topics and ideas, 170 funny speech topics to blow the minds of audience, who invented exams learn the history of examination, how to focus on reading 15 effective tips for better concentration, what is a rhetorical analysis essay and how to write it, primary school teacher in australia- eligibility, job role, career options, and salary, 4 steps to build a flawless business letter format, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Assignment Help Pro

Sustainability Themes

The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability's (SEAS) Sustainability Themes address global challenges at the nexus of environment and society. They are intertwined with everything we do but also serve as rallying points for collaborations around research, teaching, and civic engagement. The Sustainability Themes are:

Cities + Mobility + Built Environment
Climate + Energy
Conservation + Restoration
Food Systems
Cross-Cutting

All SEAS students specialize in a course of study and they can also focus on one or more themes to further customize their path. By focusing on a theme, students can dig deeper into a particular area of interest and impact. Integrating themes is possible by selecting from courses that focus on that topic or by completing the capstone requirement associated with that theme, be it a traditional Master's Project or thesis or a Theme-Based Master's Project course.

The extended, three-semester Theme-Based Master's Project course series starts in the first winter semester. Student teams work with clients on one of four real-world challenges within the context of a particular theme. Because they are also engaging with three other master's projects on the same theme, students can get even greater depth than they are able to through SEAS’ traditional master's project. In any particular theme course, such as one focused on "Water," students are likely to learn about water-related sustainability challenges from the local to the regional, national, and international levels. Moreover, students in these courses learn professional skills and build networks to succeed within the respective sustainability context. In a theme course on climate and energy, for example, they may learn life cycle analysis skills as well as engage with professionals from the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment. Students interested in enrolling in a theme-based course apply to participate in early November and are notified of their acceptance in early December so that they still have plenty of time to determine which capstone experience best fits their needs by the beginning of the winter semester.

The graphic below shows examples of how students in a particular specialization can choose to focus on one or more themes based on interest (click to enlarge the graphic).

Click on graphic to enlarge

The SEAS Sustainability Themes provide a framework for faculty, research staff and students to collaborate across campus with other U-M units and with external partners. SEAS offers Themes research grants for cross-campus research projects each year. Learn more about the grants and view past project descriptions here .

Sustainable Development Research Paper Topics

In this comprehensive guide to sustainable development research paper topics , we explore the diverse and critical issues related to sustainable development within the field of environmental science. Sustainable development encompasses the principles of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection, aiming to create a better future for present and future generations. This abstract provides an overview of the page’s content, including a comprehensive list of sustainable development research paper topics, expert advice on topic selection, and guidance on writing a sustainable development research paper. Additionally, we introduce our writing services, offering students the opportunity to order custom research papers on any sustainable development topic. Through this page, students can gain valuable insights and resources to contribute to the advancement of sustainable development research.

100 Sustainable Development Research Paper Topics

The field of sustainable development encompasses a wide range of interconnected topics that address the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing our world today. To assist you in your research endeavors, we have compiled a comprehensive list of sustainable development research paper topics. These topics span across various disciplines and offer opportunities for in-depth exploration and critical analysis. By examining these topics, you can contribute to the understanding of sustainable development and develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity

The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation
Sustainable management of forests and its impact on biodiversity
Conservation strategies for endangered species
Implications of climate change on biodiversity loss
Sustainable practices for marine and coastal conservation
Wildlife trafficking and its impact on biodiversity
The role of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation
Strategies for promoting urban biodiversity
Ecosystem restoration and its benefits for biodiversity
Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation policies and programs

Sustainable Energy

Transitioning to renewable energy sources: Challenges and opportunities
Energy efficiency and its impact on sustainable development
The role of nuclear energy in achieving a sustainable energy future
Sustainable transportation systems: Innovations and policies
Community-based renewable energy projects
Energy access and sustainability in developing countries
The social, economic, and environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction
Advancements in energy storage technologies
Smart grid systems and their contribution to sustainable energy
The role of government policies in promoting renewable energy adoption

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Assessing the effectiveness of international climate agreements
Climate change and its impacts on vulnerable communities
The role of renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Carbon pricing mechanisms: Prospects and challenges
Urban planning for climate change resilience
Climate change adaptation strategies in agricultural systems
Impacts of climate change on water resources and management
Sustainable cities and climate change mitigation
The role of education in fostering climate change awareness and action
Assessing the socio-economic implications of climate change policies

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Organic farming practices and their impact on food security
Sustainable agriculture and water management
The role of genetic engineering in sustainable crop production
Agroecology and its potential for sustainable food systems
Urban agriculture and its contribution to food security
Sustainable fisheries management and conservation
Climate-smart agriculture: Strategies for resilience and adaptation
The socio-economic impacts of agricultural subsidies
Sustainable food supply chains and distribution systems
Indigenous knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices

Social Equity and Justice

Social sustainability and inclusive development
Gender equality and empowerment in sustainable development
Indigenous rights and sustainable resource management
Ensuring access to education and healthcare in marginalized communities
Social impact assessment in development projects
Strategies for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment
Promoting social entrepreneurship for sustainable development
Environmental justice and equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens
The role of social movements in advancing sustainable development goals
Promoting inclusive governance for sustainable development

Sustainable Urban Development

Urbanization and its impact on the environment and society
Sustainable urban planning and design
Green infrastructure and urban resilience
Transportation and mobility in sustainable cities
Affordable housing and sustainable urban development
Smart cities: Technologies and applications for sustainability
Urban governance and stakeholder engagement in sustainable development
Sustainable waste management in urban areas
Strategies for promoting sustainable consumption and production in cities
Sustainable tourism and its role in urban development

Water Resources Management

Integrated water resources management for sustainable development
Water scarcity and its implications for sustainable development
Water governance and institutional frameworks
Sustainable approaches to water supply and sanitation
Water pollution and its impacts on ecosystems and human health
Water-related conflicts and their resolution
Climate change and water resources management
Water footprint analysis and sustainable consumption
Indigenous water rights and traditional knowledge in water management
Innovative technologies for water conservation and management

Sustainable Business Practices

Corporate social responsibility and sustainable business models
Circular economy and its application in business practices
Sustainable supply chain management
Green marketing and consumer behavior
Sustainable finance and investment strategies
Corporate sustainability reporting and transparency
Ethical considerations in business decision-making
Sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation
Environmental management systems and certifications
Stakeholder engagement and sustainability in business

Environmental Policy and Governance

International environmental agreements and their effectiveness
Policy instruments for environmental conservation and sustainability
Environmental impact assessment and decision-making processes
Public participation in environmental decision-making
Climate change policy and governance mechanisms
Environmental justice and policy implications
Regulatory frameworks for natural resource management
The role of non-governmental organizations in environmental advocacy
Policy integration for sustainable development
Evaluation and monitoring of environmental policies and programs

Sustainable Development and Technology

Technological innovations for sustainable development
The role of information and communication technology in achieving sustainability goals
Green building design and sustainable architecture
Renewable energy technologies and their integration into the grid
The impact of digitalization on sustainable development
Sustainable transportation technologies and solutions
Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications for sustainability
Blockchain technology and its potential for sustainable supply chains
Big data analytics for environmental monitoring and resource management
Technological solutions for waste management and recycling

The field of sustainable development is vast and dynamic, presenting numerous avenues for research and inquiry. The comprehensive list of sustainable development research paper topics provided here offers a starting point for your exploration and provides inspiration for further investigation. As you embark on your research journey, remember to select a topic that aligns with your interests, leverage interdisciplinary perspectives, and consider the practical implications of your findings. Through your research, you have the potential to make a significant impact on the field of sustainable development and contribute to the ongoing efforts of creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

Sustainable Development Research Guide

As students of environmental science, you have a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted field of sustainable development and contribute to the ongoing efforts in creating a more sustainable future. This page serves as a valuable resource for your research endeavors, providing a curated list of sustainable development research paper topics, expert advice on topic selection, and practical guidance on writing a sustainable development research paper.

Sustainable development is a critical concept in today’s world, addressing the complex interplay between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental stewardship. By studying sustainable development, you delve into topics such as renewable energy, climate change adaptation, sustainable urban planning, natural resource management, and much more. Through your research, you can analyze current challenges, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to the global sustainability discourse.

This page aims to inspire and guide you in exploring the vast landscape of sustainable development research. We understand that choosing a research paper topic can be a daunting task, considering the multitude of issues and perspectives within this field. That’s why we have compiled a comprehensive list of sustainable development research paper topics, categorized into relevant themes, to help you find an area of interest that aligns with your academic goals and personal passion.

Furthermore, we provide expert advice on how to choose the most suitable sustainable development research paper topic. We will discuss the importance of selecting a focused and researchable topic, considering the scope and depth of available literature, and ensuring its relevance to current sustainability challenges. Additionally, we will guide you through the process of writing a well-structured research paper, emphasizing the critical elements such as literature review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion.

To support your academic journey, iResearchNet offers custom writing services, allowing you to order a custom sustainable development research paper tailored to your specific requirements. Our team of expert degree-holding writers is well-versed in the field of environmental science and sustainable development, ensuring that your paper is thoroughly researched, meticulously written, and aligned with the highest academic standards.

By utilizing our writing services, you gain access to in-depth research, customized solutions, and top-quality papers. We offer flexible pricing options to accommodate various budgets and short deadlines of up to 3 hours to meet even the most urgent requirements. Our commitment to timely delivery, 24/7 support, absolute privacy, easy order tracking, and a money-back guarantee ensures your satisfaction and peace of mind.

Choosing a Sustainable Development Topic

Choosing the right research topic is a critical step in the process of writing a sustainable development research paper. As a student of environmental science, you have the opportunity to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field and address pressing issues related to sustainability. However, with a multitude of potential topics to explore, it can be challenging to narrow down your focus and select a research question that is both relevant and impactful. In this section, we provide expert advice and practical tips to guide you in choosing sustainable development research paper topics. By following these suggestions, you can identify an area of interest, align your research with current trends, and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable development.

Identify your area of interest : Start by exploring the different aspects of sustainable development that interest you the most. This could be environmental conservation, social equity, renewable energy, or any other specific area within sustainable development.
Consider current issues and trends : Stay updated on the latest developments in sustainable development. Look for emerging challenges, debates, and innovative solutions that can form the basis of your research topic.
Conduct a literature review : Dive into existing research and literature on sustainable development to understand the gaps in knowledge and identify potential research areas that need further exploration.
Narrow down your focus : Once you have identified a broad topic, narrow it down to a specific research question or problem that you want to address. This will help you focus your research and provide a clear direction for your paper.
Look for interdisciplinary connections : Sustainable development is a multidisciplinary field, so consider how you can integrate different disciplines and perspectives into your research. This can lead to unique insights and innovative approaches.
Consider local and global contexts : Assess the relevance of your research topic in both local and global contexts. How does it relate to the specific challenges and needs of a particular region or community? How does it contribute to the broader sustainable development agenda?
Consult with experts and peers : Engage in discussions with professors, researchers, and peers who specialize in sustainable development. Seek their advice and gather different perspectives to refine your research topic.
Conduct a feasibility assessment : Evaluate the feasibility of your research topic in terms of data availability, resources required, and potential challenges you may encounter. Ensure that you have access to relevant data and research materials to support your study.
Consider the practical implications : Reflect on the practical implications of your research topic. How can your findings contribute to policy development, community initiatives, or practical solutions in the field of sustainable development?
Align with your personal and career goals : Choose a research topic that aligns with your personal interests and long-term career aspirations. This will not only motivate you throughout the research process but also enhance your expertise in your chosen area of sustainable development.

Selecting a research topic in sustainable development requires careful consideration, as it sets the foundation for your entire research endeavor. By following the expert advice provided in this section, you can navigate through the vast landscape of sustainable development research paper topics and choose one that resonates with your passion, aligns with current issues, and has the potential for meaningful contribution. Remember to conduct thorough literature reviews, consult with experts, and ensure the feasibility and practical implications of your chosen topic. With these insights and guidelines, you are well-equipped to embark on your research journey and make a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable development. Embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and create positive change through your research efforts.

How to Write a Sustainable Development Research Paper

Writing a sustainable development research paper requires careful planning, critical thinking, and effective execution. As a student of environmental science, you have the opportunity to delve into complex issues, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to the field of sustainability. However, the process of crafting a research paper can be daunting, especially if you are new to the academic research landscape. In this section, we provide you with valuable tips and guidance on how to write a sustainable development research paper. By following these steps, you can streamline your writing process, effectively communicate your ideas, and produce a high-quality research paper that contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable development.

Choose a focused research topic : In the field of sustainable development, there are numerous areas to explore. Select a specific aspect that interests you and aligns with your academic goals. Consider topics such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, urban planning, climate change adaptation, or corporate social responsibility.
Conduct thorough background research : Before diving into your research paper, take the time to familiarize yourself with existing literature, theories, and concepts related to your chosen topic. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject and identify any research gaps or areas for further exploration.
Formulate a clear research question : A well-defined research question is the backbone of any research paper. It should be concise, specific, and address a gap or challenge in sustainable development. Consider the broader implications and potential practical applications of your research question.
Develop a strong thesis statement : Craft a clear and compelling thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or purpose of your research paper. Your thesis statement should reflect the significance of your research and provide a roadmap for the reader to understand the direction of your paper.
Gather reliable and relevant data : As you embark on your research journey, it is crucial to collect data from credible sources. Rely on academic journals, reputable organizations, government reports, and scientific databases to obtain reliable and relevant information. Ensure that the data you gather aligns with your research question and supports your arguments.
Analyze and interpret data : Once you have gathered your data, apply appropriate research methods and analytical tools to analyze and interpret the information. Utilize statistical analysis, qualitative research techniques, or a combination of both to derive meaningful insights from your data.
Provide evidence-based arguments : In a research paper, it is essential to support your claims and arguments with accurate and up-to-date evidence. Cite scholarly articles, empirical studies, case studies, or real-world examples to reinforce your ideas. This will add credibility to your research and strengthen your overall argument.
Structure your paper effectively : Organize your research paper in a logical and coherent manner. Start with an introduction that provides context, states your research question, and highlights the significance of your study. Follow with a comprehensive literature review that synthesizes existing knowledge and identifies gaps. Then, outline your research methodology, present your findings, engage in a critical discussion, and conclude with a summary of your main points and potential areas for future research.
Write in a clear and concise manner : Effective communication is crucial in academic writing. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Break down complex concepts into understandable terms and ensure that your writing is accessible to a wide audience. Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical language that may alienate readers.
Revise and edit your paper : Once you have completed the initial draft of your research paper, take the time to review and revise it thoroughly. Pay attention to the clarity of your arguments, the coherence of your ideas, and the overall flow of your writing. Edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Seek feedback from peers, professors, or academic mentors to gain different perspectives and improve the quality of your work.

Writing a sustainable development research paper is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that allows you to explore pressing environmental issues and propose meaningful solutions. By implementing the tips and strategies outlined in this section, you can enhance the quality and impact of your research paper. Remember to choose a clear and focused research question, conduct thorough literature reviews, use reliable and up-to-date sources, organize your ideas effectively, and critically analyze your findings. Additionally, seek feedback from peers and experts to refine your work and ensure its credibility. With dedication, perseverance, and the right approach, you can create a research paper that not only showcases your understanding of sustainable development but also contributes to the broader discourse on creating a sustainable future for our planet.

Order a Custom Sustainable Development Research Paper

Are you facing challenges in writing your sustainable development research paper? Don’t worry! Our professional writing services are here to assist you. At iResearchNet, we offer custom research paper writing services that cater to the specific needs of students studying sustainable development and related fields. Our team of expert writers is dedicated to delivering high-quality, well-researched, and custom-written papers that meet the academic standards and requirements of your institution. Here’s how our writing services can benefit you:

Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team consists of highly qualified writers with advanced degrees in various disciplines, including sustainable development, environmental science, economics, and related fields. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle research papers on a wide range of sustainable development topics.
Custom Written Works : We understand the importance of originality and tailor our papers to your specific requirements. Each research paper is written from scratch, following your instructions and guidelines. We guarantee plagiarism-free content and provide a plagiarism report upon request.
In-depth Research : Our writers conduct thorough research using credible and up-to-date sources to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information presented in your research paper. They have access to scholarly databases, academic journals, and reputable sources to gather the necessary data for your paper.
Custom Formatting : We adhere to the formatting style specified by your institution, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other citation style. Our writers are well-versed in the different formatting requirements and will ensure that your paper meets the desired formatting guidelines.
Top Quality : We strive for excellence in every paper we deliver. Our writers pay attention to detail, maintain a coherent structure, and provide well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence. We aim to exceed your expectations and help you achieve the highest academic standards.
Customized Solutions : We understand that every research paper is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Whether you require assistance with topic selection, literature review, data analysis, or any other aspect of your research paper, we are here to provide customized solutions.
Flexible Pricing : We offer competitive and flexible pricing options that take into account the complexity of your research paper, the academic level, and the urgency of the deadline. Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden charges or extra fees. We strive to provide affordable services without compromising on quality.
Timely Delivery : We understand the importance of meeting deadlines. Our writers are committed to delivering your research paper within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring that you have sufficient time for review and revisions.
24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available round the clock to address any inquiries or concerns you may have. We are here to provide assistance at any stage of the writing process and ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.
Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. Your personal information and the details of your order will be kept secure and strictly confidential. We adhere to a strict privacy policy to ensure that your information is protected.
Easy Order Tracking : Our user-friendly platform allows you to easily track the progress of your research paper. You can stay updated on the status of your order, communicate with your writer, and receive timely notifications.
Money Back Guarantee : We are confident in the quality of our services and the expertise of our writers. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with the final paper, we offer a money back guarantee. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

Ordering a custom sustainable development research paper from iResearchNet is a straightforward process. Simply visit our website, provide us with the details of your paper, including the topic, requirements, and deadline, and make the necessary payment. Once we receive your order, we will assign it to a qualified writer who specializes in sustainable development. Throughout the writing process, you can communicate directly with your writer and track the progress of your paper.

Upon completion, your research paper will undergo a thorough quality assurance check to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality, originality, and accuracy. We also offer free revisions if any adjustments or modifications are needed. We are committed to your satisfaction and will work closely with you to ensure that your research paper meets your expectations.

Order a custom sustainable development research paper from iResearchNet and let our expert writers assist you in achieving academic success. Focus on other important aspects of your studies while we take care of the research and writing process. Place your order today and experience the convenience and quality of our professional writing services.

Unlock Your Research Potential with Our Custom Writing Services

Are you ready to take your research to the next level? Don’t let the challenges of writing a sustainable development research paper hold you back. At iResearchNet, we are here to help you succeed. With our custom writing services, expert writers, and commitment to quality, ordering a custom sustainable development research paper is just a few clicks away.

Why settle for average when you can have exceptional? Our team of degree-holding writers, specializing in sustainable development and related fields, will deliver a well-researched and expertly crafted paper tailored to your unique requirements. We prioritize in-depth research, top-quality writing, and timely delivery to ensure your satisfaction.

By choosing iResearchNet, you gain access to a range of benefits. From custom formatting to flexible pricing, we strive to make the process easy and affordable. Our 24/7 support is here to assist you at any stage, providing guidance and addressing any concerns. Rest assured that your privacy is safeguarded, and our easy order tracking system keeps you informed every step of the way.

Don’t let the stress of writing a sustainable development research paper overwhelm you. Take advantage of our writing services and benefit from the expertise of our writers. Place your order today and unlock your research potential with a custom sustainable development paper that stands out.

Remember, excellence in research starts with the right support. Let iResearchNet be your partner in achieving academic success in sustainable development studies.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

[email protected]

Get Instant Help From 5000+ Experts For

Top 101 sustainability research topics and ideas to focus on.

Research Topic

Sustainability is a theory, which concentrates on satisfying the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. Recently, many sustainability projects are being carried out on innovative sustainability research topics. Importantly, for the preparation of an environmental study paper, you can prefer sustainability topics. Right now, are you looking for interesting sustainability topic ideas for your assignment? If yes, then continue reading this blog post.

Sustainability is an interesting concept which maintains stability between the economy, equity and environment. To conserve the environment, sustainability projects play a big part. Hence, based on the aspects of conservation, many academic institutes often ask the students to come up with a research paper on any sustainability topics.

Searching and finding the right research topic is a hard process. Usually, the topic selection needs more effort and time. So, to help you out, here, we have shared a list of exclusive research topics and ideas on sustainability. Go through it and find the right topic for your research.

Best Sustainability Research Topics and Ideas

Sustainability is a broad concept with many research areas. Some popular research areas in the subject include natural resources, sustainable transport, energy conservation, renewable energy, and green building. Other than these areas, you can also think about the latest environmental issues and generate unique sustainability project ideas. Instead of narrowing down your focus only on environmental topics, you can also apply the idea of sustainability in education, construction, business, or any other industry.

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

What does the impact of non-plastic waste in our oceans mean for the environment?
What are the most impactful environmental groups cleaning up plastic in the oceans?
Which countries have the least environmental protection laws?
Is veganism good for the environment?
How bad are plastic straws for the Earth’s environment?
What types of technologies exist to help deter environmental pollution?
How effective are your local environmental policies?
Why do cities with higher poverty rates struggle to start recycling programs?
What are the biggest political challenges affecting the U.S. environment?
How will the world’s population in fifty years impact the Earth’s environment?

Sustainability Research Topics on Environment

Are pescatarian diets better for the environment?
Should we reduce the use of technology to help the environment?
In what ways has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the environment?
Do smaller classroom sizes help or harm the environment?
In what ways does government policy help or hurt the environment?
Discuss the importance of Green Building and Infrastructure in ensuring environmental sustainability
What is Green Economy and how it can bring environmental sustainability?
Discuss the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) of environmental sustainability
Discuss the relationship between environmental sustainability and climate change
Environmental sustainability and biodiversity
What are the responsibilities of institutions of higher education to contribute to global challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?
Explain how modular classrooms can improve sustainability through the use of natural light.
How can existing sustainability projects on campus be used for educational purposes?
How is procurement currently organised? To what extent are sustainability criteria already applied in tenders?
To what extent could the university implement sustainability criteria that go beyond the legal minimum to advance the environmental, economic and social benefits of tenders?

Sustainability Research Topics on Education

Describe the differences in sustainability education.
What are the benefits of adopting sustainability education into the curriculum?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education?
Do modular classrooms improve campus sustainability?
What evidence is there to support that sustainable classrooms reduce absenteeism?
What is the demand among students for more, different or better sustainability education?

Educational Research Topics on Sustainability

What does sustainability mean for institutions of higher education?
What are the best practices of behavior change interventions at institutions of higher education?
Do sustainable classroom designs improve learning in students?
What are the benefits of changing classroom hours to utilize natural lighting?
Do shorter working days in schools help to reduce energy use?
Discuss the role of education in the establishment and protection of environmental sustainability
What are the most effective ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
How students and staff could be aware about of the sustainability ambitions of their institution?
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the approaches to communicate the university’s sustainability efforts better
How to organize sustainability events and programs within the college campus?
Why it is important for educational institutions to promote sustainable lifestyle and practices among students?
How much energy is saved by setting computers to shut off when they are idle?
Behavior change interventions at institutions of higher education.
Do shorter working days in schools minimize energy use?

Transportation Sustainability Research Topics

Discuss the demand among students for more, different, or better sustainability education?
Discuss the responsibilities of higher education institutes handling worldwide challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?
What are the benefits of incorporating public transportation systems?
What best practices exist among companies and institutions of higher education to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behavior?
Compare hybrid vs. electric cars including the science behind it, the potential for success and any challenges/barriers.
Prepare a report on how traveling has contributed to global warming over the last 10 years.
Investigate the role of bike-sharing between campuses.
Compare the costs and benefits of petroleum to biofuel or electric energy.
How to redesign a city to be walkable and bike-friendly?
What are the health and environmental benefits of biking to work?

Transportation Sustainability Research Topics for Exam

Do taxi services contribute to the environment?
Is it a good choice for the government to invest in bicycle infrastructure?
Why it is important to build sustainable transportation system?
Why to use the means of public transportation instead of private transportation to ensure environmental sustainability and well-being?
Importance of using solar power and wind power in the vehicles
What are the best practices to follow business organizations and other institutions to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviours?
Discuss the three major modes of sustainable transportation
Smart Land Use Design for Reducing Vehicle Travelled
Smart Driving through Crowd sourcing
Evaluating the Likely Environmental Benefits of Green Routing and Intelligent Intersections
What are the ways to contribute to the sustainable transportation?
A reduction of the environmental impacts of transportation is a likely strategy for sustainability.
How can we improve the transport sustainability?
What are the specific challenges of the sustainable transportation?
What are the three crucial influences of transportation on the environment?

Food Sustainability Research Topics

How does the amount of food consumption impact the environment?
What can the government do to increase food resources?
What are the benefits of buying food from local farmers?
How do food programs help communities?
Can your city impose a food donation program?
Why is it important to support local food markets?
Can cafeteria or restaurant food leftovers be donated to homeless shelters?
Should cities mandate community gardens to reduce food waste?
What are the most effective methods of growing your food?
Research the problem of global food scarcity.

Food Sustainability Research Topics for Assignments

Importance of sustainable food systems and sustainable food industry
Organic farming and food sustainability
Scientific agriculture and its impact on food sustainability
Discuss the Sustainable Food Initiative of WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
What is climate smart food systems
What is social movements, institutions as well as governance?
What are the perceptions of and attitudes towards sustainability by students and staff?
What are ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
To what extent are students and staff aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
What are the best technologies on the market to reduce waste in large cities?

Sustainability Research Topics on Waste Management

In what ways do improved recycling technologies impact the waste that ends up in landfills?
Why is it so important to keep waste from ending up in our oceans?
Do taxes on single-use items reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills?
What can people do in the community to reduce unnecessary waste?
What has Denmark done to reduce its food waste?
Discuss how Sweden has been able to turn its waste into heating.
What are the types and amounts of waste produced in educational institutions?
How government regulations will affect certain waste types?
What are innovative practices in reducing waste going to landfills or incineration?
Developing an Efficient Waste Management Strategy

Interesting Sustainability Research Topics

Why Recycling and Reusing Plastic is Vital to Waste Management
What can cities do to create community gardens?
How does gardening or landscaping improve air quality around the home?
Should cities mandate the use of solar panels in their larger buildings?
How do “green universities” help the mental health of students?
Does keeping the home at a certain temperature help reduce energy costs?
What can be done to help developing countries maintain clean water?
How can we improve the quality of air by reducing pollution?
How does pollution increase the level of sickness in people?
Does buffet-style dining help or harm sustainability efforts?

Amazing Sustainability Research Topics

What are the benefits of getting a fair-trade certification on university campuses?
Should cities impose a special tax on single-use plastic items?
What is the correlation between overpopulation and pollution?
How does the use of plastic floating balls reduce evaporation in reservoirs?
What is the correlation between a country’s GDP and pollution?
Are paper towels more effective than hand dryers at reducing the spread of germs?
Describe the impact our carbon footprint means on future generations.
How do solar panels make a home energy efficient?
Can game theory be applied to challenges in sustainability?

Wrapping Up

From the list of unique sustainability research topics recommended in this blog post, feel free to use any topic of your choice. In case, you need more sustainability topic ideas, contact us for assignment help . We have a team of professional academic writers to assist you in finding a good topic. Also, we offer help in preparing high-quality research papers on any subject topic.

To make use of our reliable research paper writing service , just submit the order form by filling your requirements in it. Based on your specifications, we will deliver the academic paper at a fair price without missing the deadlines. Remember, we are well-known for delivering top-scoring, plagiarism-free research papers. Also, as a part of our service, we provide unlimited paper revisions and 24/7customer support. So, without any hesitation, quickly place your order and get instant academic help from us.

Book Your Assignment

200+ Exclusive Legal Thesis Topics For 2024

How to write methodology in thesis, boost your thesis writing: 11 proven tips with statement examples, the ultimate guide to crafting a killer thesis statement, 6 essential steps to kickstart your thesis writing process, popular categories, get assignment help from subject matter experts.

4.7/5 rating | 10,000+ happy students | Great tutors 24/7

ONLINE TO HELP YOU 24X7

OR GET MONEY BACK!

OUT OF 38983 REVIEWS

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Publications
Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

Advanced Search
Journal List
PLoS Comput Biol
v.16(9); 2020 Sep

Ten simple rules to make your research more sustainable

Anne-laure ligozat.

1 Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, LIMSI, Orsay, France

2 ENSIIE, Evry-Courcouronnes, France

Aurélie Névéol

Bénédicte daly, emmanuelle frenoux, introduction.

Sustainable development can be defined as a principle that regulates human activity without causing irreparable damage to the Earth's natural system. It also aims to preserve resources so that future generations can benefit from them as much as present generations. To address the global challenges today's world faces to manage the impact of human activity on the environment, the United Nations have defined a set of sustainable development goals to be achieved in the next decade [ 1 ].

The climate changes induced by human activities have been accelerating alarmingly as reported by scientists since 1979 [ 2 ]. Scientists can observe an increase in pollution (e.g., depletion of oxygen in water, eutrophication), natural resource scarcity, and a significant and accelerated loss of biodiversity. All these changes have led geologists to propose the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch, reflecting the impact of human activities on Earth's ecosystems[ 3 ].

To mitigate this effect, a paradigmatic shift represented by sustainable development is needed in all fields of human activities, including research. As individuals and researchers, we are concerned with these challenges and deeply aware of the necessity to be more sustainable. But in practice, what does this entail? How can a researcher's activity be “sustainable,” and how do we integrate sustainable practices into research projects? Where do we start?

There is currently no global policy from French research institutes to federate collective action of the scientific community towards sustainable development goals, but working groups focusing on sustainable development have published recommendations [ 4 ]. There are also examples of good practice in the United Kingdom (S-Labs [ 5 ], Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework [ 6 ]) and the United States (International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories [ 7 ], My Green Lab [ 8 ]).

Taking action to address the emergency situation is not only a moral responsibility we have as citizens but also a necessary contribution to gathering an understanding of the impact of research activities on the environment and how to make them more sustainable.

This article is the result of the work carried out by the "sustainable development" committee created at the French Laboratoire d'informatique pour la Mécanique et les Sciences de l'Ingénieur (LIMSI) [ 9 ] in 2019 to bring together researchers interested in addressing these questions in the context of the activities of our laboratory, which conducts theoretical and experimental research in a diversity of scientific fields, including fluid mechanics, energetics, human language technology, human machine interaction, medical informatics, and augmented and virtual reality.

The first task of the committee was to assess the carbon footprint of research activities over the year 2018 [ 10 ]. The next task is to analyze the results of this study and draw a roadmap towards reducing the carbon footprint and, more generally, the environmental impact [ 11 ] of our research activities in subsequent years.

Herein, we propose a list of actionable rules to facilitate the contribution of anyone in the community towards sustainable research. We selected a set of rules that address a variety of topics with different levels of potential impact with the goal of illustrating the breadth of possible actions.

Rule 1: Cherry-picking is allowed

Why does it matter.

It can be daunting to think about all you should be doing to strive towards sustainability. However, in the words of popular wisdom, Rome wasn't built in a day, and every little thing helps. We want to acknowledge here that integrating sustainability into our research is a big step for many of us and that this change may need to be gradual, according to behavioral theory [ 12 ]

How to address it?

You can start your path towards sustainable research today by picking only one of the suggestions below and committing to it. Depending on your particular field of research or interests, some rules may be easier to implement than others.

Rule 2: Be informed

Information is the foundation of sustainable action. According to the Paris Agreement [ 13 ], we have a global goal of achieving carbon neutrality in 2050 and halving current carbon emissions by 2030. Drastically reducing the carbon footprint of human activities can only be achieved if we are well aware of the specific impact of the different carbon-emitting activities.

Research institutes should ensure that their staff receive some training on environmental issues related to energy, climate and biodiversity. Training courses are available on this subject, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) through popular platform such as Université Virtuelle Environnement et Développement Durable (UVED) [ 14 ] in French and Coursera [ 15 ] in English. The sustainability literacy test [ 16 ] is a tool approved by the United Nations for learning general knowledge relating to the environment that could also be used to enhance workers’ and students’ knowledge. In addition, general public documents such as summaries of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports or reports from think tanks such as the The Shift Project or the Green Alliance can also be used as information material, as well as documents from environmental nongovernmental organizations such as 350.org or Greenpeace. Awareness of these issues will facilitate their inclusion in lab operations and scientific work.

Evaluating the carbon footprint of your lab/institute is an excellent start. An information search for reports of carbon footprint assessments conducted by laboratories or institutes in the same field can also help identify major trends. Typically, for research labs, travel accounts for a significant portion of carbon emissions. Other major sources of carbon emissions include electricity used for building operations as well as computer power. In France, the labos1point5 [ 17 ] collective is offering support to labs interested in assessing their carbon footprint.

Carbon footprint assessment can also be done at the scale of specific research activities. Researchers can apply their knowledge of how to evaluate and compare the impacts of two alternatives. For example, from an environmental point of view, is it better to continue using legacy equipment that may require more power or to invest in new equipment that will require less power but incur environmental construction costs [ 18 ]? Which videoconference system incurs the lowest energy consumption [ 19 ]?

Although these questions may be hard to answer, some of them can be addressed using widely recognized methodologies, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA enables the assessment of environmental impacts of a service or product by taking into account all the stages of its life cycle according to different criteria, including but not limited to carbon dioxide CO 2 measurement. This again requires that research staff be trained on these methodologies, in order to apply them properly. The results obtained may differ substantially on a case-by-case basis because the assessment is dependent on the location and specific set-up. For example, whether the electricity used comes from low-carbon sources will have an impact. In some cases, the LCA will nevertheless remain difficult if key relevant data (e.g., electric power provenance) is not available.

Rule 3: Prefer train over plane

The main source of global CO 2 equivalent emissions in several research institutes is travel. For example, at LIMSI, in 2018, travel accounted for 50% of the total emissions [ 10 ], including about 35% for transportation to attend scientific meetings or conduct field work and an additional 15% for employees’ commutes. Other case studies at two academic institutions in Switzerland and in the US also found travel to account for a large share of their carbon footprint, with air travel alone accounting for 30% of all CO 2 emissions [ 20 , 21 ].

Fig 1 presents a sample comparison between plane and train travel for two sample itineraries to illustrate the CO 2 emission gain offered by train travel for medium range journeys: one international journey within Europe (Paris–Turin, 584 kilometers/363 miles) and one domestic journey withing the US (New York, New York–Washington, DC, 474 kilometers/295 miles).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is pcbi.1008148.g001.jpg

Plane emissions were calculated with the https://co2.myclimate.org/en/flight_calculators/newmyclimate flight calculator. Flight durations are estimated using https://www.expedia.fr/expedia . Train emissions and durations come from oui.sncf/SNCF for the Paris–Turin journey and from https://www.virail.frvirail for the New York, New York–Washington, DC journey.

This data shows that carbon emissions associated with train travel represent a mere fraction of those associated with plane travel (9.2% for New York/Washington and 1% for Paris/Turin), while travel duration increases by about 2 hours (precisely 2 hours 12 minutes for New York/Washington and 2 hours 21 minutes for Paris/Turin), which is arguably equivalent to the time associated with air travel formalities, including city/airport commute and airport security procedures.

This data shows that traveling by train instead of plane can massively reduce the footprint of academic travel. While travel is perceived as essential to a researcher's activity [ 22 ], it was also shown that air travel has a limited influence on academic professional success [ 23 ] for senior researchers. Therefore, train travel should be favored whenever possible. We also encourage researchers to reduce their travel footprint by favoring attendance to scientific meetings in locations that can be reached by train and to limit their conference travel, which scientists seem willing to do [ 24 , 25 ].

This rule applies mainly for short distance travel, which only accounts for a fraction of academic travel. Typically, the train is not an option for traveling from Paris (France) to San Franciso, California (US). The impact of a Paris–San Francisco round-trip flight in terms of CO 2 emissions (2.9 tons according to myclimate) is roughly equivalent to 10 times that of a domestic Paris–Toulouse round trip (314 kg according to myclimate). Favoring train over plane will not reduce emissions related to long-distance trips and thereby may have limited impact over global travel-related emissions if long-distance travel accounts for the majority of travel. As a result, it is necessary to limit long-distance travel by assessing the need for travel, encouraging local collaboration, and adopting publication methods that restrict travel, such as journal publications or domestic conferences.

Rule 4: Take advantage of remote participation

As discussed above, it is necessary to limit long distance travels because they incur a high level of carbon emissions within the overall travel category, which is a major source of emissions for research institutions.

Remote participation in conferences and webinars can be encouraged and facilitated.

Pioneer events showed that entirely remote conferences can be organized to the satisfaction of an overwhelming majority of participants: 10 years ago, computational biologists published a set of guidelines for organizing such events as an effective low-cost educational strategy [ 26 ]. More recently, the University of California at Santa Barbara also devised a plan to organize remote conferences [ 21 ] in which conference participants were invited to record their talks ahead of the event; the videos were then made available on the conference website, and direct interaction with the authors was supported by message forum within the conference timeline. A similar set-up was used for the Cochrane Colloquium 2019 after the event had to be cancelled due to local political events [ 27 ]. A more complete list of conferences aiming to limit their carbon emissions is available at https://www.appropedia.org/List_of_low-carbon_conferences , and recent guidelines provide support for organizing non–real-time events [ 28 ]. The recent global public health crisis due to the COVID-19 outbreak is providing additional motivation for organizing remote events[ 29 ].

These events show that it is technically feasible to engineer fully remote participation in conferences. However, one of the benefits of conference participation is the networking and personal interactions between colleagues occurring during coffee breaks and social events. For this reason, the scientific community may want to continue fostering in-person meetings. To support this middle-ground solution, remote participation can be promoted as a systematically available option for all conferences and meetings [ 30 ]. This way, researchers may balance their conference attendance between in-person and remote attendance.

Another option that can help reduce the carbon footprint of conferences is to create small groups of participants that can meet in person in a local venue to attend a remote event. The 2010 "Signs of Change" conference was organized according to this model and offered five locations throughout New Zealand for participants to meet [ 31 ].

Rule 5: Work collectively and reproducibly

Many of the resources allocated to research activities—including resources that have an impact on the environment—are wasted due to a multiplicity of factors related to the organization, planning, and evaluation of research [ 32 ].

For example, the inadequate use of statistical methods or the fact that novelty is valued more than reproducibility results in waste that could be otherwise avoided. The practice of sharing protocols, research material such as code, and results contributes to collective work and avoids waste in the form of duplicate efforts.

Applying the classic scientific method is particularly useful here. First, do a thorough literature search to identify useful related work to a new project. If existing systems or models addressing the task at hand are identified, they should be reused. Novelty and originality does not necessarily come from new methods; an existing method can be novel if applied to a new context or used differently from usual practice. Furthermore, reusing existing material can also bring added value by demonstrating its reproducibility, documenting a reuse case from the perspective of users with a different background or experimental set-up [ 33 , 34 ].

If a thorough literature search does not uncover readily usable solutions, it makes sense to develop new methods or tools. In this case, working reproducibly will help researchers make the most of their work, by documenting protocols and sharing material. In fact, the value of reproducibility is increasingly promoted by "reproducibility challenges" that seek to reproduce prominent work and gather information about the process. The events Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) 2019 Reproducibility challenge [ 35 ] and the Shared Task on the Reproduction of Research Results in Science and Technology of Language,"REPROLANG 2020" [ 36 ] are examples of reproducibility tasks in the fields of Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning. In 2020, the Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP) conference added reproducibility criteria during the submission process about the description of experimental results, parameters, and datasets, based on [ 37 ] and [ 38 ], which is also a good way to promote reproducibility of research work.

Rule 6: Encourage bottom-up sustainable initiatives

Engaging the community on the topic of sustainability will create interest in the topic and in how it is addressed within the community. Empowering members of the community will contribute to the emergence of solutions that are tailored to the community culture and that will find stronger support within the community [ 39 ].

Researchers are creative. Let them implement ideas towards more sustainable practice.

Typically, many of the initiatives cited in this manuscript came from researchers themselves and have been widely adopted. Methods for organizing remote conferences are one example which has shown increased popularity with the recent pandemic.

Supporting this type of initiative (environmental impact of research operation/policy) as a research question will help with researching and adopting some of these ideas. There are many ways this support can translate into actionable policies for a variety of actors in higher education and research: by funding researchers' work in this area, even if it is outside of their main expertise, e.g., labs could fund researchers experiments towards addressing these questions, journals could waive publication fees for this type of work, and institutes could recognize this type of contribution in staff evaluation or provide special allowance to allocate a portion of their time working on these issues.

Rule 7: Evaluate the impact of your research practices

Like all human activities, research has an environmental impact that we need to be aware of (see Rule 2). Until now, we have mainly discussed the impact of the research environment rather than research activities in and of themselves. The raising awareness for environmental issues combined with the increasing energy needed for implementing modern machine learning algorithms has brought about the emerging field of so-called "green" artificial intelligence, which seeks to reconcile powerful computing with environment friendly research [ 40 ].

When conducting research, factor in the direct, indirect, and structural environmental impacts of your research. Direct impact covers the carbon footprint of the operational conduct of the research. For example, it includes the carbon footprint of overall research practice and can be taken into account by addressing questions such as the following: When two methods are otherwise equivalent in performance, which one has the smaller carbon footprint? Did you take computational cost and its environmental impact in your method evaluation/reporting [ 38 , 41 ]?

Indirect and structural impact covers the consequences of the new knowledge or findings obtained as a result of the research. For example, improving the energy efficiency of a learning algorithm could lead to increased experimentation, which, in the long run, does not reduce energy use (this typical rebound effect is described in [ 18 ]). Indirect and structural impact can be taken into account by addressing questions such as the following: What are the consequences of the discoveries we make? Do they contribute to a more sustainable world or, on the contrary, to a runaway machine, even indirectly?

Rule 8: Ask sustainability research questions

Rule 2 and others have highlighted how information is key to address sustainability. Research aims to create new knowledge and therefore can have a contribution to our information on sustainability issues and how to address them.

Computer science (CS) is well positioned for offering analysis of problems using predictive models, simulation and visualization methods that can be applied to a large range of sustainability problems. The National Research Council Committee on Computing Research for Environmental and Societal Sustainability has suggested that "[s]marter energy grids, sustainable agriculture, and resilient infrastructure provide three concrete and important examples of the potential role of IT innovation and CS research in sustainability." [ 42 ]

However, the benefit of work on sustainability research questions must be balanced with the impact of such research (see Rule 7). For example, although information and communication technologies are often considered as a means for reducing energy demands and emissions, a recent study [ 43 ] showed that digitalization actually increases energy consumption. Standard methodologies can be used here, such as attributional LCA (see Rule 2), which takes into account the direct environmental impacts. The more general and long-term impact of research work can be difficult to anticipate or predict. Typically, researchers investigating electricity in the 17th and 18th century may not have foreseen the climate crisis we are facing today due to CO 2 emissions generated by electricity-powered technology. In order to assess research impact at a global level, consequential LCA can also be used. It goes beyond the direct impacts and may require multidisciplinary work involving economists, sociologists, philosophers, etc.

Furthermore, researchers can be encouraged to think about research questions outside of their main expertise (see Rule 6). For example, several French groups with an interest in advancing sustainability policies [ 17 ] drafted incentive and coercive plans to reduce airplane travel in research labs. The incentive measure consists in making it mandatory to compensate the carbon emissions linked to travel by funding compensating projects. The coercive measure consists in banning travel as soon as the yearly carbon quota defined either per lab or per researcher has been reached. They are suggesting enforcing these policies in pilot institutes as a scientific experiment to test adherence and impact.

Rule 9: Transfer ecofriendly gestures from home to the lab

Studies show that individual actions towards sustainability in the form of ecofriendly gestures can contribute towards achieving up to 45% of the carbon footprint reduction that needs to be achieved collectively by 2050 [ 44 ].

Ecofriendly gestures practiced at home by many are also relevant in a professional setting and can have a significant impact. These ecofriendly gestures are not necessarily trivial to implement in the workplace because individuals are not directly involved in the global administration of the infrastructure. Typically, for security and logistical reasons, electric facilities cannot be openly accessible to all. Nonetheless, based on recommendations for carbon reduction [ 44 ] and our own example of carbon emissions at LIMSI [ 10 ], the following points can be brought to the attention of infrastructure management officials within an institute:

Limit the use of (plastic) disposable material [ 45 ].
Practice printing sobriety: think before you print and collect printed documents.
Encourage employees to use soft modes of transport for local commutes (see also Rules 3 and 4).
Favor local, seasonal, and vegetarian food when organizing events.
Practice digital sobriety: use less material, make it last as long as possible, and consider donations when research use of otherwise-functioning equipment is no longer appropriate.
Organize trash collection to encourage or facilitate recycling.
Consider the feasibility of switching off lights and servers during off–peak-use periods.

Rule 10: Raise awareness

Sustainable actions have an impact both at the individual and collective level. The strength of the impact directly depends on the support of many individuals. As a result, it is important to raise awareness to convince and gain the support of others.

Communication officers at research institutes are in charge of internal communication using diverse means including custom visual tools and social media. They are excellent assets to support an awareness campaign on sustainability issues. For example, the contribution of LIMSI's communication director to the sustainable development committee includes the creation of a series of handouts around the theme of "Mon labo écolo" (My green lab). Fig 2 presents sample handouts produced by the LIMSI communication officer to raise awareness of lab members on major issues such as power use ( Fig 2A ) and travel ( Fig 2B ).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is pcbi.1008148.g002.jpg

(A) Translation of hand-out content into English: “My Green Lab—BUILDINGS—(electricity) 90,000 € pa, 2/3 for server room (heat) 26,000 € pa (action) Switch off servers, computers, screens, lights when not in use. Open window? Radiator off!” (B) Translation of hand-out content into English: “My Green Lab—TRAVEL—(map) travel is responsible for half of the lab’s carbon footprint, with plane travel accounting for 99% of the travel footprint (action) prefer train over plane; question the necessity of travel.” Text and design by Bénédicte Daly .

These documents are used at LIMSI to promote sustainable action around the lab and can be used/customized as desired.

The goal of this article is to provide researchers with guidance for integrating sustainable practices into their activities. These 10 rules are positioned in the paradigm of science as it is conducted today. We posit that modern environmental and public health issues suggest the need for a massive paradigm shift. Calls to this effect have already been issued within the scientific community [ 46 ], such as the "slow science manifesto" [ 47 ].

In this situation, we stress the importance of cherry-picking and easing into change step by step to avoid being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task.

A major step towards achieving sustainable research requires being informed about the impact of our activities as well as the impact of the simple choices we can make, as outlined by this set of 10 rules.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Gabriel Illouz, Mathilde Véron, and members of the sustainable development committee at LIMSI for fruitful conversations during the preliminary stages of preparing this manuscript. Portions of this article were written by post-editing text that was translated from French into English with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version).

Funding Statement

This work was supported by CNRS, ENSIIE, and Université Paris Saclay. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Past, present, and future of sustainable finance: insights from big data analytics through machine learning of scholarly research

Original Research
Published: 04 January 2022

Cite this article

Satish Kumar 1 , 2 ,
Dipasha Sharma 3 ,
Sandeep Rao 4 ,
Weng Marc Lim 2 , 5 &
Sachin Kumar Mangla ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7166-5315 6

40k Accesses

93 Citations

1 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

A Correction to this article was published on 10 February 2022

This article has been updated

Sustainable finance is a rich field of research. Yet, existing reviews remain limited due to the piecemeal insights offered through a sub-set rather than the entire corpus of sustainable finance. To address this gap, this study aims to conduct a large-scale review that would provide a state-of-the-art overview of the performance and intellectual structure of sustainable finance. To do so, this study engages in a review of sustainable finance research using big data analytics through machine learning of scholarly research. In doing so, this study unpacks the most influential articles and top contributing journals, authors, institutions, and countries, as well as the methodological choices and research contexts for sustainable finance research. In addition, this study reveals insights into seven major themes of sustainable finance research, namely socially responsible investing, climate financing, green financing, impact investing, carbon financing, energy financing, and governance of sustainable financing and investing. To drive the field forward, this study proposes several suggestions for future sustainable finance research, which include developing and diffusing innovative sustainable financing instruments, magnifying and managing the profitability and returns of sustainable financing, making sustainable finance more sustainable, devising and unifying policies and frameworks for sustainable finance, tackling greenwashing of corporate sustainability reporting in sustainable finance, shining behavioral finance on sustainable finance, and leveraging the power of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things, and machine learning for sustainable finance.

Environmental-, social-, and governance-related factors for business investment and sustainability: a scientometric review of global trends

Hadiqa Ahmad, Muhammad Yaqub & Seung Hwan Lee

Mandatory CSR and sustainability reporting: economic analysis and literature review

Hans B. Christensen, Luzi Hail & Christian Leuz

The Influence of Firm Size on the ESG Score: Corporate Sustainability Ratings Under Review

Samuel Drempetic, Christian Klein & Bernhard Zwergel

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

1 Introduction

As a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone around the world, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that have been adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 and expected to be achieved by 2030 (United Nations, 2020 ). The United Nations estimates an investment in the range of $5 trillion to $7 trillion to achieve the SDGs (Craig, 2021 ). With the unprecedent outbreak of a global pandemic in 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the SDG Finance Taxonomy to provide a roadmap for manage the financing and transaction costs of projects that are aligned to the SDGs (Wang et al., 2020 ). The taxonomy also calls for private capital, finance instruments, and support from financial institutions to contribute toward achieving the SDGs. SDG 17, which is about partnership for goals, is earmarked as a lynchpin for meeting the finance needs required for activities dedicated to achieving the SDGs (MacDonald et al., 2019 ; Rizzello & Kabli, 2020 ).

Sustainable finance has emerged as an important concept at the intersection of finance and the SDGs. More than $400 billion of new funds have been raised on capital markets in 2020, which includes $357.5 billion from sustainability bonds and $76.5 billion from green bonds (Refinitiv, 2020 ; United Nations, 2020 ). The definition of sustainable finance, however, is very broad, encompassing myriad dimensions of sustainable ways to attain finance and investment goals. The European Commission ( 2021 ) defines sustainable finance as an evolving process of considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in financial and investment decisions. However, this definition, which is limited to ESG factors, is very narrow. This calls for a broader and more encompassing definition that speaks to sustainability at large. In this regard, we propose that sustainable finance should encompass all activities and factors that would make finance sustainable and contribute to sustainability , a definition that we opine complements the myriad goals by different stakeholders, such as the European Commission’s ESG and the United Nations’ SDGs. Indeed, the attainment of sustainable policy objectives across numerous jurisdictions can be achieved through various ways such as climate finance, carbon and ESG disclosure, green bonds, and socially responsible investment (Alsaifi et al., 2020 ; Barua & Chiesa, 2019 ; Lokuwaduge & Heenetigala, 2017 ; Migliorelli, 2021 ; OECD, 2020 ; Widyawati, 2020 ), all of which can be covered under our umbrella definition of sustainable finance.

Considering the broad nature of sustainable finance and its importance for achieving the sustainability agenda, many studies have been undertaken to enhance the understanding and practice of sustainable finance. The recent review of sustainable finance by Cunha et al. ( 2021 ) exemplifies this observation, as the authors found that the extant literature on sustainable finance to be “excessively fragmented”, which makes it difficult to “identify what constitutes the field and what differentiates it from traditional finance”. However, their review, which shed light on the critical features of sustainable finance, the global initiatives for the promotion of sustainable finance, and the strategies and outcomes of the main players in sustainable finance, considered 166 articles only, though the field is in fact very much larger, as we demonstrate through the present review consisting of 936 articles. Noteworthily, no review, to date, has attempted to analyze the burgeoning field of sustainable finance without making excessive concessions, wherein overly stringent criteria are imposed to trim the corpus for review to a manageable size for review, as witness in the review by Cunha et al. ( 2021 ).

In this study, we aim to provide a state-of-the-art overview of sustainable finance research, taking into account all aspects and related articles in the field. That is to say, this study covers the entire spectrum of sustainable finance, and thus, it is not limited to any single aspect of the concept, as in the case of past reviews such as climate finance (Giglio et al., 2020 ) and green finance (Malhotra & Thakur, 2020 ). Moreover, this study uses an objective and a powerful review method, namely bibliometric analysis, which is highly suitable for reviewing fields with a large corpus of articles using quantitative techniques (Donthu et al., 2021a ; Pattnaik et al., 2020 ; Paul et al., 2021 ). Specifically, bibliometric analysis exemplifies the use of big data analytics through machine learning of scholarly research in two major ways, namely

the search for big data (bibliometrics) is carried out on an artificial intelligence-powered scientific database (Scopus), wherein the scientific database uses specified keywords for supervised machine learning , as a subset of artificial intelligence, to extract large amounts of bibliometric data relating to articles relevant to sustainable finance, and

the analysis of big data (bibliometrics), which is multi-faceted (e.g., journal, author, institution, country, keywords), multi-formatted (e.g., numbers, words), and large-scaled (e.g., thousands of data points across the multiple facets of 936 articles), is powered by unsupervised machine learning , as another subset of artificial intelligence, to discover latent relationships (e.g., interrelated keywords) and the equivalent clusters of latent relationships (e.g., major themes).

In this regard, this study significantly extends Cunha et al.’s ( 2021 ) review on sustainable finance to uncover the insights that they were not able to provide due to the inherent limitation of their manual and qualitative review of only a small corpus of the literature. Specifically, this study sheds light on the performance analysis and science mapping of the entire corpus of sustainable finance research using a bibliometric analysis, wherein the former unpacks the publication trend, the top articles and contributing journals, authors, institutions, and countries, and the methodological choices and research contexts, whereas the latter reveals the major themes and topics underpinning the intellectual structure of the field. In doing so, this study will contribute enriching insights that answer six research questions (RQs) that are typically reveal through bibliometric reviews (Donthu et al., 2021b , 2021c ; Kumar et al., 2021a , 2021b , 2021c ; Rao et al., 2021 ), and thus, provide a more accurate representation of the state of sustainable finance research as a whole as opposed to the piecemeal representation that emerges from a sample of the field, as in the case of Cunha et al. ( 2021 ):

RQ1. What is the publication trend for sustainable finance research?

RQ2. Which are the most influential articles and top contributing journals for sustainable finance research?

RQ3. Which are the top contributing authors, institutions, and countries for sustainable finance research?

RQ4. What methodological choices and research contexts exist for sustainable finance research?

RQ5. What are the major themes and topics for sustainable finance research?

RQ6. What are the future research directions for sustainable finance research?

The insights from this review can be used in several useful ways. First, both new and seasoned researchers in sustainable finance can gain an overview and up-to-date understanding of its publication trend to gauge its interest in the scientific community over time (RQ1). Second, prospective authors can identify key literature (articles, journals) (RQ2), potential collaborators (authors, institutions, countries) (RQ3), as well as methodologies and contexts (RQ4) for sustainable finance research through this review. The same applies for policy makers and industry practitioners who wish to identify experts for consultancy, key literature to inform decisions, as well as methodological and contextual guides for applied research. Third, prospective authors can use the major themes and topics revealed through this review as a means to differentiate and position their contributions or novelty against existing streams of sustainable finance research (RQ5). Fourth and finally, prospective authors can gain inspiration from the curation of research directions herein to embark on new and potentially fruitful sustainable finance research (RQ6). These directions can also serve as a teaser into new knowledge that policy makers and industry practitioners can expect to see from the literature in the near future. These contributions, which are typically expected of well-done reviews, are in line with the authoritative guidelines for literature reviews of the field (e.g., Donthu et al., 2021a ) and Paul et al., 2021 ).

The rest of this paper is organized as follows. The paper begins with an overview of sustainable finance. Next, the paper discloses the methodology and reports the findings of the review. Finally, the paper concludes with a future research agenda and a series of research questions for each major theme that can be used as a guide by prospective researchers to advance and fertilize the field of sustainable finance.

2 Sustainable finance

The literature on sustainable finance can be traced back to Ferris and Rykaczewski ( 1986 ), who addressed the concerns and benefits of social investing in portfolio management. Following this seminal article, the next decade of research (1986–1995) expanded the literature on the key success factors of socially responsible investing (Camey, 1994 ; Diltz, 1995 ). New research in the subsequent decade (1996–2005) extended understanding on socially responsible investing in terms of its performance against conventional funds (Guerard & John, 1997 ; Hutton et al., 1998 ; Statman, 2000 ) and the need to expand its scope to account for ethics (Wilson, 1997 ) and the environment (Heinkel et al., 2001 ) such as climate change and renewable energy (Van Der Laan & Lansbury, 2004 ). The later decade (2006–2015) sees the introduction and boom of new research such as carbon finance (Aglietta et al., 2015 ; Bredin et al., 2014 ; Purdon, 2015 ; Yenneti & Gamaralalage, 2012 ; Yeoh, 2008 ), climate finance (Brunner & Enting, 2014 ; Hogarth, 2012 ; Jakob et al., 2015 ; Vanderheiden, 2015 ), conscious capitalism (Sisodia, 2009 , 2013 ; Wang, 2013a , 2013b ), ESG-CSR and firm performance integration (Dorfleitner et al., 2015 ; Eccles & Viviers, 2011 ; Friede et al., 2015 ; Halbritter & Dorfleitner, 2015 ; Himick, 2011 ; Nielsen & Noergaard, 2011 ), and ethical investing (Bauer et al., 2007 ; Belghitar et al., 2014 ; Chow et al., 2014 ; Pender & Brocchetto, 2011 ; Richardson, 2009 ; Säve-Söderbergh, 2010 ; von Wallis & Klein, 2015 ; Watson, 2011 ). The most recent half decade (2015–2020) is characterized by research responding to the Paris agreement and the launch of the SDGs in 2015, with exponential growth in publications focusing on impact investing (Agrawal & Hockerts, 2019 , 2021 ; Caseau & Grolleau, 2020 ; Lieberman, 2020 ; Robb & Sattell, 2016 ; Viviani & Maurel, 2019 ) innovative financial instruments such as social impact bonds (Carè et al., 2020 ; Giacomantonio, 2017 ; Rizzello & Kabli, 2020 ; Torre, et al., 2019 ), and ESG investing and firm performance (Alessandrini & Jondeau, 2020 ; Chen & Mussalli, 2020 ; Giese et al., 2019 ; Landi & Sciarelli, 2019 ; Schramade, 2016 ). The summary of the brief evolution of sustainable finance research is presented in Fig. 1 , and will be investigated further in the later sections of this study.

Evolution of sustainable finance research. CSR Corporate social responsibility. ESG Environmental, social, and governance. SDG Sustainable development goals

Given the burgeoning research on sustainable finance, past researchers have also attempted to review the extant literature in the field. However, in most instances, such reviews were limited to a specific aspect of sustainable finance, and not sustainable finance as a whole. For example, using systematic reviews, researchers have consolidated the extant literature pertaining to climate finance (Giglio et al., 2020 ), ESG (Daugaard, 2020 ; Widyawati, 2020 ), green finance (Malhotra & Thakur, 2020 ; Zhang, et al., 2019 ), impact investing (Clarkin & Cangioni, 2016 ), and socially responsible investing (Camilleri, 2020 ; Fabregat-Aibar et al., 2019 ; Rahman, et al., 2020 ; Revelli & Viviani, 2015 ; Viviers & Eccles, 2012 ), and using bibliometric analysis, researchers such as Bui et al. ( 2020 ) have revealed insights on sustainable corporate finance albeit from a small corpus of 227 articles. Apart from Cunha et al. ( 2021 ), which is the only and most recent review of sustainable finance prior to the present review, no other review has attempted to review the field as a whole. Yet, as mentioned previously, the review by Cunha et al. ( 2021 ) remains limited to a small corpus of 166 articles, and thus, providing a snapshot rather than a state-of-the-art overview of sustainable finance research, wherein the absence and need of the latter to provide a comprehensive stock take of the field motivates the present review, whose methodology will be disclosed in the next section.

3 Methodology

This study collects bibliometric data on sustainable finance research for its review. To do so, this study adopts and implements the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol, which consists of three major stages, namely assembling , arranging , and assessing of articles (Paul et al., 2021 ). The summary of the review procedure is illustrated in Fig. 2 .

Systematic review procedure using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol

3.1 Assembling

To assemble the corpus of articles on sustainable finance, this study identified its search keywords relating to sustainable finance from the preliminary review of relevant literature in the previous section and consulted 10 experts to ascertain the suitability of those keywords to represent sustainable finance. This led to a combination of 17 keywords that can be organized into the following search string:

“carbon credit” OR “carbon finance” OR “carbon tax” OR “climate finance” OR “conscious capitalism” OR “ESG investing” OR “green bond” OR “green finance” OR “impact investing” OR “SDG financing” OR “socially responsible investing” OR “sustainability financing” OR “sustainability reporting” OR “sustainability risk disclosure” OR “sustainability risk management” OR “sustainable economy” OR “sustainable finance”

Following the identification of search keywords, this study conducted a search for articles using the aforementioned search string in the “article title, abstract, and keywords” on Scopus, which is the largest high-quality scientific database of scholarly articles (Comerio & Strozzi, 2019 ; Norris & Oppenheim, 2007 ), and thus chosen over its alternative, Web of Science, which contains less articles for review than Scopus (Paul et al., 2021 ). In total, 10,850 documents were returned from the search.

3.2 Arranging

To arrange the corpus of 10,850 articles returned from the assembling stage, this study used the category (code) function in Scopus to review the search results according to year , subject area , document type , publication stage , source type , and language , wherein search results were filtered and limited to “2020”, “business, management, and accounting”, “article”, “final”, “journal”, and “English” in those categories, respectively. These filters were imposed in line with the recommendations of Paul et al. ( 2021 ) because 2020 represented the latest full year run; sustainable finance resides within business, management, and accounting; non-articles such as editorials and notes may not be peer reviewed and the inclusion of reviews can lead to double-barreled insights; in-press articles were discarded as they have not been finalized; non-journal sources such as book, book chapter, and conference proceeding were excluded as they may not have undergone rigorous peer review; and non-English articles were not included on the basis of our limited language proficiency in languages other than English. This led to a reduced corpus consisting of 1,530 articles.

Following that, we downloaded and read each article, and eliminated another 594 articles that mentioned the search keywords sparingly. That is to say, the aspects of sustainable finance did not take center stage in the investigation of those articles, resulting in their removal. This led to a final corpus of 936 articles for review, which was confirmed following a random cross-check using other databases such as Google Scholar and publishers website such as Elsevier, Emerald, Sage, Springer, and Taylor and Francis to avoid unintended exclusion of relevant studies in the field (Goyal et al., 2021 ; Harari et al., 2020 ; Lim et al., 2021 ).

3.3 Assessing

To assess the final corpus of 936 articles on sustainable finance, which is a relatively large corpus, this study adopts a bibliometric analysis approach for its review. In essence, a bibliometric analysis uses quantitative techniques to appraise scientific information of scholarly articles (Donthu et al., 2021a ). Noteworthily, systematic reviews using bibliometrics are now a commonplace (Ellegaard & Wallin, 2015 ), including business in general (Baker et al., 2020 ; Donthu et al., 2021a ; Zupic & Čater, 2015 ) and finance in particular (Durisin & Puzone, 2009 ; Linnenluecke et al., 2018; Xu et al., 2018) as a bibliometric analysis can mitigate the potential bias that avail in manual (e.g., error prone) and qualitative (i.e., subjectivity) reviews using quantitative (i.e., objectivity) tools (Broadus, 1987 ; Burton et al., 2020 ), especially when the corpus for review is large (high hundreds to thousands of articles) (Donthu et al., 2021a ), as in the case of the present review (i.e., 936 articles). Following past reviews (Cobo et al., 2011 ; Donthu et al., 2020 , 2021d ; Khan et al., 2021 ), this study performs a bibliometric analysis using a performance analysis to delinate the publication trend, the top articles and contributing journals, authors, institutions, and countries, and the methodological choices and research contexts, and a science mapping via a temporal analysis using word clouds (Bastian et al., 2009; van Eck & Waltman, 2017 ) and a network analysis using keyword co-occurrence (Callon et al., 1983 ; Castriotta et al., 2019 ; Donthu et al., 2021a ; Newman & Girvan, 2004 ; Pesta et al., 2018 ) in VOSviewer (van Eck & Waltman, 2017 ) to unpack the major themes and topics underpinning the intellectual structure of sustainable finance research. To advance insights in the field, this study curates a future research agenda based on our reading of the articles and reflection of extant gaps under each major theme. The next sections report the findings of the review, wherein narratives are supplemented by figures and tables.

4.1 Performance analysis

Performance analysis is a bibliometric analysis technique that describes the performance of a research domain (Donthu et al., 2021a ), and in this case, the field of sustainable finance. This analysis is akin to that of the profiling of participants in empirical studies albeit in a more rigorous way through the use of bibliometric metrics (Donthu et al., 2021a ). In this study, a performance analysis is conducted to reveal (1) the publication trend, (2) the most influential articles, the top contributing (3) journals, (4) authors, (5) institutions, and (6) countries, and (7) the methodological choices and research contexts of sustainable finance research.

4.1.1 Publication trend for sustainable finance research

The year-wise publication trend of sustainable finance research is presented in Fig. 3 . The figure indicates that the first article on sustainable finance published in a journal indexed in Scopus appeared in 1986 (Ferris & Rykaczewski, 1986 ), and that publications in the field have grown over the last 35 years (1986–2020). With only a single publication in 1986 and single-digit publications in each ensuing year up to 2006, the field of sustainable finance has proliferated considerably in the next 15 years, with a record high of 193 publications in 2020. Noteworthily, an exponential increase in publications is witnessed from 2015 onwards, which is the year when the Paris agreement and the SDGs were signed by United Nations Member States. This is supported by a detailed scrutiny of the corpus, whereby close to 70% of articles were published between 2015 and 2020, thereby reaffirming 2015 as a landmark year for sustainable finance research.

Year-wise publication for sustainable finance research between 1986 and 2020

4.1.2 Most influential articles for sustainable finance research

The most influential articles for sustainable finance research in terms of citations are presented in Table 1 . The table indicates that Dedusenko’s ( 2017 ) article is the most cited article in the field, with an average of 43.67 citations per year and a total of 655 citations since its publication in 2006. This is followed by Viviers, Ractliffe, and Hand’s ( 2011 ) and Roundy’s ( 2019 ) articles in Journal of Banking and Finance and Journal of Financial Economics , which have been cited 500 and 431 times, respectively. Interestingly, the top three most-cited articles in the field are about impact investing, which highlights its prominence influence in the field. Noteworthily, the top 25 most-cited articles in the field have amassed a total of 5970 citations, which reflects the significant influence that sustainable finance research has had in the scientific community.

4.1.3 Top contributing journals for sustainable finance research

The corpus of 936 articles on sustainable finance were published across 416 journals, with Table 2 indicating that the top 24 contributing journals with a minimum of five articles on sustainable finance have published 334 (35.68%) articles in the field. Specifically, the top three most prolific journals are Sustainability , Journal of Business Ethics , and Journal of Sustainable Finance and Investment , with 52, 47, and 42 articles, respectively. However, in terms of influence, Journal of Business Ethics leads the pack with 2712 citations, followed by Journal of Banking and Finance and Climate Policy , with 1422 and 458 citations, respectively. Noteworthily, most of the top contributing journals have an impact factor above one and they are rated favorably (3 and 4) in the Academic Journal Guide by the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which indicates that sustainable finance as an area of research has received attention from some of the best journals in the field.

4.1.4 Top contributing authors for sustainable finance research

The top contributing authors for sustainable finance research are presented in Table 3 . The table indicates that Scholtens B. from University of Groningen, Netherlands and Cortez M.C. from University of Minho, Portugal are the two most prolific authors in the field with 10 articles each. This is followed by Richardson B.J. from University of British Columbia, United States and Dorfleitner G. from University of Regensburg, Germany with nine and eight articles, respectively. However, the most influential authors are S. Viviers from Stellenbosch University, South Africa and Hockerts K. from Copenhagen Business School, Denmark with 591 and 577 citations, respectively, though the latter (TC/TP = 144.28; TC/TCP = 192.33) yields a better average return of citations each year than the former (TC/TP and TC/TCP = 118.20). Taken collectively, the top 25 contributing authors for sustainable finance research have contributed a total of 132 (14.10%) articles that have amassed 2127 citations in the field.

4.1.5 Top contributing institutions for sustainable finance research

The top contributing institutions for sustainable finance research are presented in Table 4 . The table indicates that the most prolific institution in the field is University of Regensburg, Germany with 15 articles, followed by University of Oxford, United Kingdom with 13 articles, and University of British Columbia, Australia and University of California, United States with 12 articles each. However, the most influential institution is Tilburg University, the Netherlands with 1050 citations, followed by University of Mino, Portugal and Maastricht University, the Netherlands with 846 and 698 citations, respectively. Taken collectively, the top 25 contributing institutions for sustainable finance research have contributed a total of 211 (22.54%) articles that have amassed 6439 citations in the field.

4.1.6 Top contributing countries for sustainable finance research

The top contributing countries for sustainable finance research are presented in Table 5 . The table indicates that the most prolific country is the United States with 242 articles, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany with 131 and 90 articles, respectively. The United States and the United Kingdom also emerge as the top two most influential countries, with 4,986 and 2,799 citations, respectively, and they are joined by the Netherlands, which is the third most influential country with 2,194 citations. However, Portugal yields the highest average citation of 78.27 for the 13 articles that authors from the country have contributed to the field. While American and European countries dominate the list of the top 25 contributing countries, there is notable representation from African countries such as South Africa, Asian countries such as China and India, and Oceanic countries such as Australia. Despite this representation, only 71 out of 936 articles have drawn samples from African and Asian countries, which shows that the majority of research on sustainable finance continue to be America and Europe focused. Nonetheless, upon detailed scrutiny, we observe that sustainable finance research in African and Asian countries have begun to appear more prominently in the recent decade (2011–2020) (Fonta et al., 2018 ; Rajan et al., 2014 ; Urban & George, 2018 ; Viviers et al., 2011 ), which should and will likely to continue in the future.

4.1.7 Methodological choices and research contexts for sustainable finance research

The methodological choices (i.e., research approach, research design, data collection technique, and data analysis tool) and research contexts (i.e., industry focus, research focus, and geographical focus) for sustainable finance research are presented in Table 6 across decades and over a cumulative period of 35 years (1986–2020).

Panel A of Table 6 depicts the preference of research approach for sustainable finance research. The qualitative approach tops the chart as the most preferred research approach across all decades, with 53% of articles in the field using this research approach. The quantitative approach is the next most preferred research approach, constituting 38% of articles, whereas a mixed combination of the two approaches represents only 7.5% of articles in the corpus. Noteworthily, the share of the qualitative approach has been declining while the quantitative approach and the mixed approach have both gained increasing popularity over time, whereby the increased share of the quantitative approach being a reflection of the growing availability and accessibility of sustainable financial data, and the share of the mixed approach being a reflection of the increasing rigor required to publish sustainable finance research over time.

Panel B of Table 6 exhibits the preference of research design for sustainable finance research. The conceptual and empirical research designs were equally preferred in the field’s early years (37.03%), though a stronger preference for empirical research designs and a declining preference for conceptual research designs occur over time. There is also a notable increase in review research designs as time passes, which indicates the growing maturity of sustainable finance research given that reviews are a stock take of mature fields of research (Donthu et al., 2021a ). The same observation applies for the mixed research design, which is another point to substantial our previous inference that the expectation of rigor in sustainable finance research has increased over time. Nonetheless, interest in modeling research designs fluctuate and continue to remain relatively small.

Panel C of Table 6 illustrates the preference of data collection techniques for sustainable finance research. Noteworthily, archival data is the most preferred data collection technique across all time periods (46.15%), followed by interviews (23.29%) and case studies (19.66%). Surveys account for only 9.08%, whereas laboratory data makes up for only 0.75% of the corpus, which indicates that sustainable finance research have plenty of room to grow using a quantitative approach predicated on primary data. The rest of the 13.03% of the corpus do not utilize any data as they are mainly conceptual articles.

Panel D of Table 6 indicates the preference of data analysis techniques for sustainable finance researcher. Descriptive (28.31%) and regression (23.93%) techniques appear to be most preferred, with a large majority of studies not employing any specific data analysis techniques (38.03%). With regards to the former, we observe that research employing descriptive analysis typically offer basic descriptions of total, percentage, mean, median, and graphical representation of statistics, and advance descriptions using statistical analysis such as frequency analysis, t -test, and chi-square test, whereas research using regression analysis usually provide insights from ordinary least squares, logit, probit, panel, and vector-auto regression models. With regards to the latter, the nascent stage of sustainable finance in developing countries, which have yet to integrate sustainable finance in the economy and financial markets, could have led to a dearth of quantitative and statistical data for analysis, and thus, explaining why a large majority of studies do not employ any specific data analysis techniques. The rest of the 9.94% of the corpus have used other data analysis techniques such as CAPM modeling, Carhart modeling, data envelopment analysis, mathematical modeling, and variance-based techniques such as ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, and MANCOVA.

Panel E of Table 6 presents the industry focus of sustainable finance research. The panel indicates that research in the field have not been very focused to a specific industry as close to 70% of studies have not specified any industry of focus in their articles. Nonetheless, 30% of studies have adopted an industry focus, with services, especially financial services, being a highly popular industry due to the nature of sustainable finance (16.77%). Only 4% of studies have shown a preference for manufacturing, with a special focus given to energy and allied sectors due to the concepts of carbon, climate, and green financing. The rest of the corpus (9%) focus on both services and manufacturing, which have nonetheless been on a declining trend over time, indicating that the differences in each industry may be considerably challenging to be covered in a single study.

Panel F of Table 6 reveals the research focus of sustainable finance research in line with the classification by Gupta et al. ( 2009 ). The vast majority (93.2%) of studies in the field have focused on the application of existing concepts in the real-world settings, with few studies building (0.21%) and verifying (6.62%) theories, which signals immense room for theory development and testing to theorize phenomena on sustainable finance beyond the limited re-use of traditional theories such as agency theory, institutional theory, legitimacy theory, modern portfolio theory, resource dependency theory, and stakeholder theory.

Finally, Panel G of Table 6 shows the geographical focus of sustainable finance research. Though most studies have not focused on any specific country (67.52%), those studies that have are often seen focusing on a single country (22.54%) as opposed to multiple countries (9.94%), most of which are of a developed (89.10%) rather than a developing (10.90%) status.

4.2 Science mapping

Science mapping is an analysis that uncovers and provides a graphical representation of what knowledge exist and how they are interrelated in a domain (Donthu et al., 2021a ), and in this case, sustainable finance research. The science mapping of sustainable finance research is carried out using two bibliometric analysis techniques in VOSviewer, namely a temporal analysis using word clouds to unpack the major topics characterizing sustainable finance research across each time period, and a network analysis using keyword co-occurrence to reveal the major themes underpinning the intellectual structure of sustainable finance research over the last 35 years (1986–2020).

4.2.1 Temporal analysis using word clouds for sustainable finance research

The corpus of articles on sustainable finance research was segmented into four time periods: 1986 to 1995, 1996 to 2005, 2006 to 2015, and 2016 to 2020. The major topics in each time period uncovered through a temporal analysis are illustrated through the word clouds in Figs. 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 .

Sustainable finance research between 1986 and 1995

Sustainable finance research between 1996 and 2005

Sustainable finance research between 2006 and 2015

Sustainable finance research between 2016 and 2020

Figure 4 depicts the advent of “socially” “responsible” “investing” in the initial years of sustainable finance research between 1986 and 1995, wherein aspects such as “activities”, “beliefs”, “costs”, “personal” and “private” “portfolio”, “reputation” “management”, and “successful” “performance” were explored, including the use of theories such as “Keynes”(ian) “economics” (Camey, 1994 ; Diltz, 1995 ; Ferris & Rykaczewski, 1986 ; Herremans et al., 1993 ; Pierce, 1993 ).

Figure 5 exhibits the continued growth of “socially” “responsible” “investing” between 1996 to 2005 through the exploration of new areas that include “business-social” “activism”, “agency”, “challenges”, “responsibility”, and “strategies” for “communicating” and “making” a “difference” in “carbon”, “climate”, “ethical”, and “green” “issues”, the “funds” available for “investment, as well as the “implications” of this “alternative” “finance”, “changing” “behavior”, “debate”, and “diversification” for the “board”, “companies”, “consumer”, “corporations”, “investor”, and “shareholder”. The field in this decade also “gradually” “develops” toward addressing “contradictions” among “capitalists” to create a “better” impact on the “bottom-of-the-pyramid” and “eco-efficiency”, as well as finer-grained insights at the country level, such as those relating to “Austrian” and “Canadian” “companies”.

Figure 6 illustrates the continued growth of “socially” “responsible” “investing” between 2006 and 2015, including the noteworthy proliferation of research that begun in the previous decade relating to “carbon” and “climate” “fund” and “stock”, and the “case” or “evidence” of the “adaptation”, “change”, “impact”, and “role” that such “investments” have for “sustainability” and “sustainable” “development”. There is also ongoing research on “ethical” and “green” “funds” and their equivalent “costs”, as well as a greater presence of “empirical” “analysis” and inclusion of the “global” “economy” and “international” “markets” such as “Africa” and the “European” “market”. “Conscious” “capitalism” also emerges alongside “environmental”, “social”, and “governance” or “ESG” “fiduciary” and “mutual” “responsibility” among “corporate” “investors” and the aforementioned areas in this period (Halbritter & Dorfleitner, 2015 ; Jackson, 2013a , 2013b ; Mekonnen, 2014 ; Ryan, 2012; Viviers et al., 2011 ).

Finally, Fig. 7 indicates that “climate”, “green”, “impact”, and “social” finance” and “investment” took center stage between 2016 and 2020 subsequent to the “Paris” agreement and the launch of the SDGs in 2015. Noteworthily, the “study” of sustainable finance in this five-year period has engaged and presented a “case” “analysis” and “evaluation” of the “bond”, “equity”, and “fund” “portfolio” manifested through the aforementioned sustainable finance concepts in tandem with the “adaptation”, “agreement”, “approach”, “change”, “governance”, “model”, “policy”, and “risk” involved, as well as the corresponding “evidence” of the “role” and “impact” of such “investments” among “corporate” “investors” toward “ESG” “performance” and “sustainable” “development”, including in “emerging” and “international” “markets” such as “energy” and “China”, respectively.

4.2.2 Network analysis

Unlike the temporal analysis that employs word clouds and segments the corpus of articles on sustainable finance according to time periods to unpack the temporal evolution of topics in the field, the network analysis uses keyword co-occurrence on the entire corpus to unpack the major themes that characterize the intellectual structure of sustainable finance research since its inception in 1986 up to 2020. In this regard, the network analysis using keyword co-occurrence consolidates a wide range of topics according to thematic similarity, thereby shedding light on the major themes (or knowledge departments) in the field of sustainable finance. The major themes that emerged from the keyword co-occurrences in the network analysis of the entire corpus generated through VOSviewer are illustrated in Fig. 8 , whereas the accompanying descriptive is presented in Table 7 and the interrelatedness between themes is reported in Table 8 .

Keyword network of sustainable finance research. Red = socially responsible investing. Green = climate financing. Dark blue = green financing. Yellow = impact investing. Purple = carbon financing. Light blue = energy financing. Orange = governance of sustainable financing and investing. (Color figure online)

In total, the results of the network analysis of keyword co-occurrence presented in Fig. 8 and Table 7 reveal eight major themes pertaining to sustainable finance, namely socially responsible investing (first and red cluster), climate financing (second and green cluster), green financing (third and dark blue cluster), impact investing (fourth and yellow cluster), carbon financing (fifth and purple cluster), energy financing (sixth and light blue cluster), and governance of sustainable financing and investing (seventh and orange cluster).

The accompanying metrics in Table 7 shed light on the total occurrence (TO) of each keyword or topic, the degree of centrality (DC) measuring the number of connections for each keyword or topic, and the eigenvector centrality (EC) measuring the relative importance of each keyword or topic in terms of its connection to other keywords or topics, wherein keywords or topics with a high number of connections that are also connected to other keywords or topics with such characteristics will receive a higher EC score (Donthu et al., 2021a ).

The nature of interrelatedness of each major theme is reported in Table 8 , wherein two-way contributions are observed, though the contributions of one way may be notably more than the other way. For example, the table indicates that impact investing (fourth cluster) contributes 19.58% to socially responsible investing (first cluster), whereas the contribution of the opposite is 10.38%. Similarly, the table indicates that energy financing (sixth cluster) and governance of sustainable financing and investing (seventh cluster) contribute 23.50% and 21.23% to climate financing (second cluster), whereas the contributions of the opposite are 10.82% and 6.62%, respectively. Noteworthily, each keyword or topic can be primarily assigned to a major theme or cluster (Total %K = 100%), though their links (relationships) can span across themes or clusters (Total %L > 100%), thereby reflecting both the disciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of research on sustainable finance. The summaries of each major theme or cluster are presented next.

4.2.2.1 Cluster 1 (red): socially responsible investing

The largest cluster pertains to socially responsible investing, comprising 28.14% of total keywords and 42.75% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic in this cluster is “socially responsible investing”, which appears in 175 articles and is connected to another 120 keywords. Other popular keywords or topics in this cluster that are researched in conjunction with socially responsible investing include “investment”, “corporate social responsibility”, “sustainability”, “socially responsible investment”, “mutual funds”, “decision making”, “ESG”, “corporate governance”, and “financial performance”. Under this cluster, researchers have explained the performance of socially responsible funds and their outperformance over regular mutual funds (Jafri, 2019 ), the ethical requirements to fulfill social responsible investing (von Wallis & Klein, 2015 ), and how ESG scores can enhance investment decision making (Chow et al., 2014 ), among others.

4.2.2.2 Cluster 2 (green): climate financing

The second largest cluster relates to climate financing, consisting of 18.61% of total keywords and 42.43% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic on climate financing is “climate change”, which appears in 150 articles and is connected to another 166 keywords or topics. Other popular keywords or topics in this cluster that are researched in conjunction with climate financing include “environmental policy”, “developing world”, “adaptive management”, the “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”, “greenhouse gases” and the “Paris Agreement”. Under this cluster, researchers have focused on the effects of climate change and the need for climate financing to mitigate greenhouse gases contributing to climate change in line with transnational agreements and frameworks (Dam & Scholtens, 2015 ; Gutiérrez & Gutiérrez, 2019 ; Ibrahim et al., 2016 ; Skovgaard, 2015 ), among others.

4.2.2.3 Cluster 3 (dark blue): green financing

The third largest cluster pertains to green financing, containing 15.15% of total keywords and 35.19% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic on green financing is “environmental economics”, which appears in 82 articles and is connected to another 165 keywords. Other popular keywords or topics in this cluster that are researched in conjunction with green financing include “sustainable development”, “China”, “financial system”, “risk assessment”, “green economies”, “sustainable development goals”, “market conditions”, and “financial provisions”. Under this cluster, researchers have highlighted the promise of environmental protection through green finance and policies (Tan et al., 2017 ), as well as the contributions of green bonds and hybrid innovative instruments toward achieving the sustainable development goals (Alessandrini & Jondeau, 2020 ; Muhamat et al., 2017 ; Vazquez & Chin, 2019 ), among others.

4.2.2.4 Cluster 4 (yellow): impact investing

The fourth largest cluster relates to impact investing, encapsulating 12.12% of total keywords and 22.67% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic in this cluster is “finance”, which appears in 110 articles and is connected to another 188 keywords, followed by “impact investing”, which appears in 56 articles and is connected to another 69 keywords. Other popular keywords or topics in this cluster that are researched in conjunction with impact investing include “social impact”, “innovation”, “stakeholder”, “social enterprise”, “strategic approach”, “United Kingdom”, “India”, and “political economy”. Under this cluster researchers have demonstrated how social enterprises and social entrepreneurship engage in social impact investments and innovations through social impact bonds and hybrid instruments (Abadie et al., 2013 ; Richardson, 2014 ; Roehrer & Kouadio, 2015 ), as well as business models for sustainability for impact investing and social impact bonds (Malhotra & Thakur, 2020 ), among others.

4.2.2.5 Cluster 5 (purple): carbon financing

The fifth largest cluster pertains to carbon financing, including 9.96% of total keywords and 24.17% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic on carbon financing is “emission control”, which appears in 36 articles and is connected to another 102 keywords or topics. Other popular keywords or topics in the cluster that are researched in conjunction with carbon financing include “financial market”, “carbon emission”, “commerce”, “clean development mechanism”, “carbon”, “emissions trading”, “empirical analysis”, and “energy efficiency”. Under this cluster, researchers discuss the feasibility and implementation of carbon finance (Pinsky et al., 2019 ), the carbon market crisis and clean development mechanism required for adapting funds and emissions trading (Harmeling & Kaloga, 2011 ) in international markets (Lesser et al., 2014 ), and the societal perceptions of socially responsible financing, including that emerging from carbon financing, for sustainable development (Escrig-Olmedo et al., 2013 ), among others.

4.2.2.6 Cluster 6 (light blue): energy financing

The sixth largest cluster relates to energy financing, which is made up of 8.66% of total keywords and 19.54% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic on energy financing is “renewable energy”, which appears in 27 articles and is connected to another 79 keywords. Other important keywords or topics in the cluster that are researched in conjunction with energy financing include “private sector”, “energy policy”, “alternative energy”, “financial services”, “fossil fuel”, “economic growth”, “Africa”, “environmental impact”, and “investment incentive”. Under this cluster, researchers have shed light on impact investment options that include energy finance focusing on alternative and renewable energy (Geobey & Callahan, 2017 ; Marti, 2013 ), including in developing economies such as the Middle East (Sisodia et al., 2020 ), among others.

4.2.2.7 Cluster 7 (orange): governance of sustainable financing and investing

The seventh largest cluster pertains to governance of sustainable financing and investing, which represents 7.36% of total keywords and 13.22% of total links in the network of sustainable finance research. The most popular keyword or topic in this cluster is “governance approach”, which appears in 30 articles and is connected to another 108 keywords. Other important keywords or topics in the cluster that are researched in conjunction with governance of sustainable financing and investing include “economics”, “economic development”, “environmental management”, “Redd+”, “Japan”, “environmental planning”, “environmental performance”, and “Latin America”. Under this cluster, researchers have focused on the alignment of global financial markets with the Paris agreement (Thomä et al., 2019 ), economic development through sustainable finance (Pinsky et al., 2020 ), and sustainable financing instruments for sustainable development (Zhang et al., 2020 ). For example, Thomä et al. ( 2019 ) explored a common set of accounting principles to be utilized for the alignment of equity and bond asset classes and multiple stakeholders towards the Paris agreement, whereas Pinsky et al. ( 2020 ) shed light on the governance process of REDD+ and performance-based mechanisms to incentive developing countries to engage in sustainable finance.

5 Forging the way forward

Sustainable finance has been and will continue to remain relevant for business schools, financial institutions, financial markets, and regulators. Noteworthily, both developed and developing countries are increasingly seen to be mandating SDG attainments through sustainable finance such as carbon, climate, and green financing (Dikau & Volz, 2021 ; Elavarasan et al., 2021 ; Taghizadeh-Hesary & Yoshino, 2019 ), whose importance are likely to magnify post the COVID-19 pandemic because of the setbacks that the pandemic has inflicted on the world’s progress toward the agenda of greater sustainability (United Nations, 2021 ). Besides that, financial markets are always on the lookout for innovative sustainable finance instruments that they can opportunistically leverage to meet economic demands whilst making impactful contributions toward sustainability and sustainable development, especially with regards to the attainment of the SDGs and the reduction of carbon footprint in accordance with the Paris agreement (Muganyi et al., 2021 ; Yu et al., 2021 ). Similarly, investors today are showing greater interest in ESG and socially responsible investment funds, giving directives to fund managers to screen and pursue funds for impact investing (Alda, 2020 , 2021 ; Chen et al., 2021 ; Joliet & Titova, 2018 ; Yesuf & Aassouli, 2020 ). Taken collectively, a continuous stream of new insights is thus required to ignite and satisfy evolving demands for sustainable finance.

With the growth in the body of knowledge and the availability of data on transactions specific to sustainable finance, future researchers can expect to be in a much more privilege position as compared to past researchers when they examine the direct and indirect causes and effects of myriad aspects of sustainable finance, especially in terms of its performance and return (Chen & Ma, 2021 ; Kling et al., 2021 ; Tian & Lin, 2019 ; Yao et al., 2021 ; Zhang, 2021 ). Indeed, the growing interest in sustainable finance has been evidenced in this review through the notable increase in the number of related research articles over the years, as well as the increased participation of investors and regulators in the field (Li et al., 2020 ; Schulz et al., 2020 ). More importantly, our reading of the articles and reflection of extant gaps under each major theme have led to several suggestions that should pave the way forward for future research to pollinate the field of sustainable finance in meaningful ways. Specifically, we observe that the major themes in the existing corpus have largely focused on the different types of sustainable finance (e.g., socially responsible investing, climate financing, green financing, impact investing, carbon financing, and energy financing), with the theme of governance being the noteworthy exception. While concepts such as green financing, carbon financing, and energy financing appear to be relatively similar at first glance, they can be differentiated through their research focus: green financing concentrates on increasing the financial flow (e.g., banking, micro-credit, insurance, and investment) across sectors (e.g., public, private, and not-for-profit) to sustainable development priorities more broadly, whereas carbon and energy financing focus on doing the same but for sustainable development priorities specific to carbon emission (e.g., greenhouse effects) and energy (e.g., renewable energy), respectively. We also realize that the major themes are interrelated and can therefore affect one another. In light of our learning of the field’s composition and trajectory, we have deliberately decided to curate a future research agenda based on our reflection of the commonalities in the extant gaps and future research directions that we found from literature published within the last five years (2016–2020) that remain relatively underexplored, a summary of which we present in Table 9 and discuss in the next sections.

5.1 Developing and diffusing innovative sustainable financing instruments

The necessity for innovative financing instruments that can mobilize funds toward sustainable development has increased for both developed and developing economies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global catastrophe that has reversed much of the world’s progress in sustainability (United Nations, 2021 ). Though many researchers are addressing this need through studies on socially responsible investing, climate financing, green financing, impact investing, carbon financing, and energy financing, most results remain inconclusive as the field continues to provide limited insights on broad range of financial markets, especially emerging financial markets other than China (Ari & Koc, 2021 ; Sinha et al., 2021 ). Some researchers have reasoned that funding for sustainable finance and sustainable development continues to be developing, and thus, more empirical evidence in both established and emerging markets is needed (Clark et al., 2018 ). Noteworthily, venture capital investments play a pivotal role to propel innovation in sustainable financing and impact investing given the magnitude of funds that they make available, as seen through financial markets such as China, where government interventions and market forces have encouraged such investments in ways that lead to cleaner and sustainable environments (Chen et al., 2021 ). Moreover, the issuance of innovative sustainable financing instruments can assist firms in attaining stock liquidity (e.g., the issuance of green bonds affects stock prices positively), yet limited issuance of such instruments exist in emerging financial markets such as India (Tang & Zhang, 2020 ). More importantly, innovative sustainable financing instruments can only become popular in financial markets if they are supported by formal and information institutions as they play an important role to increase its supply as well as consumer and corporate investors’ awareness, understanding, and demand of the benefits and costs of such financing and investing options in financial markets (Cui et al., 2020 ). Therefore, we propose five research questions to enrich understanding and prescription of innovative sustainable financing instruments, which can be applied to the existing ones discovered through our review or to propel the development of newer ones moving forward:

What value do innovative sustainable financing instruments offer, and how can such value be improved or sustained?

To what extent are innovative sustainable financing instruments feasible for adoption and implementation in emerging markets, and what actions can be taken to improve feasibility?

To what extent are innovative sustainable financing instruments linked with investors preference, and what actions can be taken to improve that link?

To what extent are innovative sustainable financing instruments successful in meeting their objectives, and what actions can be taken to improve or sustain success?

How can formal and informal institutions curate, influence, and shape innovative sustainable financing instruments?

5.2 Magnifying and managing the profitability and returns of sustainable financing

The performance cost of sustainable financing can be managed through optimal adjustments of portfolios (Fu et al., 2020 ). However, the same may not be possible across all markets due to the limitations of available investment avenue sets and tied rewards with impact (Geczy et al., 2021 ). The intermediation cost is also higher for sustainable financing than traditional financing as on the one hand firms in low-income countries with social impact do not have access to funds (World Bank Enterprise Survey, 2017) while on the other hand many investors in high-income countries are unable to find the right cause to invest (Kollenda, 2021 ). Moreover, it was found that the finance cost of green bonds is no less than non-green bonds in China (Cao et al., 2021 ). Therefore, future research needs to offer new ways to manage the profitability and returns of sustainable financing in lucrative and sensible ways, as summarized through the following research questions:

What are the benefits, costs, opportunities, and threats of sustainable financing across markets?

How can the benefits, costs, opportunities, threats, and ways forward for sustainable financing be conceptualized in and managed through an operational framework that accounts for and speaks to myriad stakeholders (investors, institutions, regulators)?

5.3 Making sustainable finance more sustainable

Assessing the sustainability of sustainable finance and rewards of impact investing is difficult. Investors also often demand non-financial performance metrics for such investments, with carbon footprints, exposure metrics, and ESG ratings gaining popularity despite their inherent limitations and shortcomings (Popescu et al., 2021 ). Dorfleitner et al. ( 2021 ) found most of socially responsible funds in the United States to be marred by persistent ESG controversies, which have led to calls by scholars such as Quatrini ( 2021 ) for mechanisms and strategies to address the existing flaws in the assessment of sustainable investments, which is both important and urgent to accelerate the world’s recovery from the aftermath of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the progress of sustainability (United Nations, 2021 ). Therefore, we encourage future research to pursue three research questions that should make sustainable finance more sustainable:

To what extent does investing in sustainable funds lead to sustainable returns, and how can it be improved or sustained?

To what extent does sustainable finance enable firms to avoid controversy related to ESG, and how can it be improved or sustained?

To what extent are sustainable funds sustainable before, during, and after crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic?

5.4 Devising and unifying policies and frameworks for sustainable finance

Regulators and financial institutions are pushing forth the sustainable finance agenda to attain the SDGs across markets (Dikau & Volz, 2021 ; Elavarasan et al., 2021 ; Taghizadeh-Hesary & Yoshino, 2019 ). Past research has indicated that the integration of green financial systems in traditional financial system can lead to sustainability controls and cleaner production (Ng, 2018 ), and that the incorporation of green governance structures can assist in lower financing constraints (Li et al., 2020 ), which suggest that regulators and financial institutions need to set up sustainability performance policies and frameworks (Jan et al., 2021 ). Yet, myriad policies and frameworks exist within and across markets, wherein such inconsistencies or non-complementariness can hinder the potential of sustainable finance. Hence, it is important to understand the role of regulators and financial institutions in sustainable finance, and crucial to that understanding is the development and unifying of policies and frameworks that communicates a common and mutual language, which are noteworthy directions for future research that we summarized through the following research questions:

What is the role and impact of regulators and financial institutions on sustainable finance (e.g., availability and performance of sustainable funds and instruments)?

How can policies and frameworks for sustainable finance be developed and unified within and across markets?

5.5 Tackling greenwashing of corporate sustainability reporting in sustainable finance

While earlier studies focused on the positive signals of ESG and impact investing on firm performance and concluded strong evidences of higher financial performance (Garcia et al., 2017 ; Rezaee & Tuo, 2017 ), recent studies have started questioning the quality of corporate sustainability reporting metrices and provided strong evidences of greenwashing of sustainability reports across markets (Arouri et al., 2021 ; Chen & Yang, 2020 ; Huang, 2020 ; Yu et al., 2020 ), with few studies rejecting greenwashing tendency of firms across sectors and markets (Uyar et al., 2020 ). Government regulations in the form of penalties and tax subsidies have nonetheless been evidenced to be effective to mitigate greenwashing in China (Sun & Zhang, 2019 ). Nonetheless, the evidence that avail remains inconclusive and limited, thereby suggesting potential for future research, especially across markets. Therefore, we propose the following research questions for future undertaking:

To what extent do firms engage in greenwashing of sustainability reports, and how can this be discouraged or mitigated?

To what extent do firms engage in sustainable finance to manipulate traditional financial performance measures, and how can this be discouraged or mitigated?

To what extent do firms engage in earnings manipulation with funds from sustainable financing, and how can this be discouraged or mitigated?

In which markets do greenwashing of sustainability reports more or less prominent, and what can we learn from the latter and to what extent will it work for the former?

5.6 Shining behavioral finance on sustainable finance

In the American and European stock markets, socially responsible investing is associated with large firms and abnormal returns (Mollet & Ziegler, 2014 ), with many socially responsible investors willing to forgo financial performance to pursue ethical or social objectives (Renneboog et al., 2008 ). Most scholars focus on the comparative performance between socially responsible funds and traditional funds along with associated screening and evaluation criteria (Chatzitheodorou et al., 2019 ), with studies showing better performance of socially responsible funds over traditional funds (Pedersen et al., 2020 ), higher market-to-book ratios and higher return on assets for socially responsible investors (Dam & Scholtens, 2015 ), and an opportunity to reduce systematic risk for investors (Cerqueti, 2021 ; Behl et al., 2021). However, little is known about the actual perceptions and behaviors toward sustainable finance, including that of and beyond socially responsible investing, which may be due to the lack of quantitative and survey social science-oriented research in sustainable finance. This is particular important given that the outperformance of sustainable finance may not necessarily continue in the long run due to the external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing awareness of greenwashing of sustainability reports, and the overpricing such stocks (Bofinger, 2021 ). In this regard, we call for additional research that seeks to shine a behavioral finance light in this direction through the following research questions:

How do investors benefit from sustainable finance?

How do investors perceive sustainable finance?

What is the role of personality and behavioral biases of investors while selecting impact investing-based funds over conventional funds?

5.7 Leveraging the power of new-age technologies for sustainable finance

Last by not least, in our final reflection of this review, we stumbled upon the greatly astonishing state of sustainable finance, wherein the application and discussion of new-age technologies in sustainable finance research is almost virtually non-existent despite its omnipresence in other fields such as business sustainability (Sivarajah et el., 2020 ), sustainable automotive (Kamble et al., 2021 ) and humanitarian supply chain (Bag et al., 2020 ), sustainable logistics service quality (Gupta et al., 2021 ), and sustainability marketing (Bolton, 2021 ). In essence, new-age technologies refer to new technologies that emerge as new industrial revolutions surface, with technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things, and machine learning being born out of the recent fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) (Gupta et al., 2020 ). Noteworthily, IR4.0 is characterized as an era of digital transformation, which holds great potential for sustainability (Roblek et al., 2020 ). In fact, new solutions to get the world’s progress on sustainability back on track has never been greater given that the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of existing progress (United Nations, 2021 ), and we opine that future research that explains how new-age technologies can be applied to sustainable finance can make significant contributions to the world’s recovery and prosperity in the post-pandemic era, a contention that is supported by the central role that finance plays in funding digital transformation (Akter et al., 2020) and sustainability endeavors Cunha et al. ( 2021 ). In this regard, we call for new research that deliberately ignites and proliferates insights on the application of new-age technologies for sustainable finance through the following research questions:

How can artificial intelligence and machine learning be applied to screen credit applicants and monitor credit users of sustainable financing (e.g., financial distress prediction, credit scoring, corporate insolvency prediction, credit card anomalies detection, fraudulent financial statement detection)?

How can blockchain and machine learning be applied to track and flag impact concerns or successes in the activities of sustainable financing (e.g., carbon, climate, and energy financing) on sustainability goals (e.g., SDGs)?

How can big data analytics and machine learning be applied to acquire knowledge about public sentiments about sustainability issues, and how can sustainable finance providers automate the incorporation of that knowledge in the evaluation and provision of sustainable financing using sustainable alternatives powered by new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing?

How can cybersecurity and machine learning be applied to create a safe, secure, and trusted marketplace for sustainable finance?

How can machine learning be developed and deployed in ways that detect and prevent algorithmic bias for sustainable finance?

How can new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, cloud computing, and machine learning be integrated in tandem with cybersecurity to achieve operational and impact excellence for sustainable finance, and how can the enablers and barriers to this integration be leveraged and resolved, respectively?

How can firms leverage on new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, cloud computing, and machine learning develop or adapt sustainable financing operations and instruments in innovative, smart, and agile ways?

6 Conclusion

This study follows a systematic literature review approach using bibliometric analysis to shed light on the performance and science of sustainable finance research. This approach, which exemplifies the use of big data analytics through machine learning of scholarly research, is especially noteworthy given the astonishing absence of the application and discussion of new-age technologies in sustainable finance research. In doing so, this study contributes in a novel way by leveraging on the power of big data analytics through machine learning—and providing greater visibility to it in the process—to uncover the most influential articles and top contributing journals, authors, institutions, and countries, as well as the methodological choices and research contexts, and by revealing the temporal evolution of topics and the major themes underpinning the intellectual structure for sustainable finance research. To this end, we summarize five key takeaways and their equivalent implications from this state-of-the-art review of 936 articles on sustainable finance over the last 35 years (1986–2020).

First, the performance analysis indicates a consistent growth in publications in the field following the Paris agreement and the launch of the SDGs. Most publications came from authors and institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom as these countries have adopted sustainable finance frameworks and engaging in socially responsible investing much earlier than other developed and developing countries. In this regard, sustainable finance research should expand to underrepresented countries where sustainable finance is gaining momentum (e.g., Africa, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore).

Second, the performance analysis also reveals that qualitative research is most prominent in sustainable finance due to the nascent stage of its adoption in most countries and thus the lack of cases and data points required for quantitative research, and that most researchers preferred archival data, with few opting to pursue experiments and surveys. In this regard, it may be worthwhile for sustainable finance research to pursue the latter two data collection techniques that remain underutilized due to their potential to measure chronic and primed responses (Lim, 2015 , 2021 ; Lim et al., 2019 ) among potential stakeholders of sustainable finance, thereby curating equally interesting cause-and-effect insights on its feasibility and market reaction prior to its start up or scale up.

Third, the performance analysis also shows that most studies are application oriented where the aim is to develop policies and frameworks for specific contexts rather than to build and test theories, that most studies focus on single country data where earlier studies concentrate on developed economies such as Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom and more recent studies coming from emerging economies such as Asia, Africa, and Oceania, and that most studies are inclined toward the service sector, specifically financial services. Therefore, we encourage prospective researchers to proactively view these gaps as opportunities for making new and novel contributions to the enrich and extend understanding of sustainable finance.

Fourth, the science mapping through a temporal analysis reveals that sustainable finance research has contributed myriad insights overtime starting with a single focus on socially responsible investing (1986 onwards) and branching out progressively to other areas such as ethical and green financing and ethical investing (1995 onwards), carbon financing, climate financing, conscious capitalism, CSR, and ESG (2005 onwards), and more recently, impact investing, innovative financial instrument, and SDG (2015 onwards). Noteworthily, the field of sustainable finance will only grow larger in the future, with new innovative sustainable financing instruments being developed over time—as seen through the rise of carbon and climate financing—to shape and satisfy the demands of funding for sustainability and sustainability development.

Fifth, the science mapping through a network analysis of keyword co-occurrence unveils seven major themes that characterize the body of knowledge or the intellectual structure of sustainable finance research, namely socially responsible investing, climate financing, green financing, impact investing, carbon financing, energy financing, and governance of sustainable financing and investing. We observe that six out of seven major themes relate to the types of sustainable finance, with governance being a unique theme on its own. Noteworthily, our reading of the articles and reflection of the extant gaps under each major theme brought us to several underexplored or underrepresented issues that future research can take up to enrich the major themes in sustainable finance research, which include developing and diffusing innovative sustainable financing instruments, magnifying and managing the profitability and returns of sustainable financing, making sustainable finance more sustainable, devising and unifying policies and frameworks for sustainable finance, tackling greenwashing of corporate sustainability reporting in sustainable finance, shining behavioral finance on sustainable finance, and leveraging the power of new-age technologies for sustainable finance.

Notwithstanding the extant contributions from this seminal state-of-the-art review of sustainable finance research, we concede that our review remains limited in several ways. First, our review is limited to the accuracy and completeness of articles made available through the Scopus database. Nonetheless, we have taken due diligence to correct for errorneous entries and to cross-check against publisher websites and other databases to mitigate this limitation. Second, our review provides only a broad overview of the performance and intellectual structure of sustainable finance research. Though this is in line with the goal and value of systematic literature reviews using a bibliometric analysis, wherein large-scale reviews become pragmatically possible, we concede that this approach falls short of providing finer-grained insights into other deserving and interesting pecularties such as the factors (independent, mediating, moderating, dependent) and relationships (positive, negative, linear, curvilinear) that may entail in sustainable finance. In this regard, we encourage future reviews using alternative approaches such as a framework- or theory-based review on sustainable finance, though such reviews do not necessarily need to be large scale—they can be pursued on a smaller scale (e.g., tens to low hundreds of articles) so that the review remains pragmatic and managable, as in the case of Cunha et al. ( 2021 ).

Change history

10 february 2022.

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-022-04535-4

Abadie, L. M., Galarraga, I., & Rübbelke, D. (2013). An analysis of the causes of the mitigation bias in international climate finance. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 18 (7), 943–955.

Google Scholar

Aglietta, M., Hourcade, J. C., Jaeger, C., & Fabert, B. P. (2015). Financing transition in an adverse context: Climate finance beyond carbon finance. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, 15 (4), 403–420.

Agrawal, A., & Hockerts, K. (2019). Impact investing strategy: Managing conflicts between impact investor and investee social enterprise. Sustainability, 11 (15), 4117.

Agrawal, A., & Hockerts, K. (2021). Impact investing: Review and research agenda. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 33 (2), 153–181.

Alda, M. (2020). ESG fund scores in UK SRI and conventional pension funds: Are the ESG concerns of the SRI niche affecting the conventional mainstream? Finance Research Letters, 36 , 101313.

Alda, M. (2021). The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimension of firms in which social responsible investment (SRI) and conventional pension funds invest: The mainstream SRI and the ESG inclusion. Journal of Cleaner Production, 298 , 126812.

Alessandrini, F., & Jondeau, E. (2020). ESG investing: From sin stocks to smart beta. The Journal of Portfolio Management, 46 (3), 75–94.

Alsaifi, K., Elnahass, M., & Salama, A. (2020). Carbon disclosure and financial performance: UK environmental policy. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29 (2), 711–726.

Ari, I., & Koc, M. (2021). Philanthropic-crowdfunding-partnership: A proof-of-concept study for sustainable financing in low-carbon energy transitions. Energy, 222 , 119925.

Arouri, M., El Ghoul, S., & Gomes, M. (2021). Greenwashing and product market competition. Finance Research Letters, 42 , 101927. (in press).

Baker, H. K., Pandey, N., Kumar, S., & Haldar, A. (2020). A bibliometric analysis of board diversity: Current status, development, and future research directions. Journal of Business Research, 108 , 232–246.

Bag, S., Gupta, S., & Wood, L. (2020). Big data analytics in sustainable humanitarian supply chain: Barriers and their interactions. Annals of Operations Research . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03790-7

Article Google Scholar

Barua, S., & Chiesa, M. (2019). Sustainable financing practices through green bonds: What affects the funding size? Business Strategy and the Environment, 28 (6), 1131–1147.

Bauer, R., Derwall, J., & Otten, R. (2007). The ethical mutual fund performance debate: New evidence from Canada. Journal of Business Ethics, 70 (2), 111–124.

Belghitar, Y., Clark, E., & Deshmukh, N. (2014). Does it pay to be ethical? Evidence from the FTSE4Good. Journal of Banking & Finance, 47 , 54–62.

Bofinger, Y., Heyden, K. J., Rock, B., & Bannier, C. (2021). The sustainability trap: Active fund managers between ESG investing and fund overpricing. Finance Research Letters , 102160.

Bolton, R. N. (2021). The convergence of sustainability and marketing: Transforming marketing to respond to a new world. Australasian Marketing Journal . https://doi.org/10.1177/18393349211005200

Bredin, D., Hyde, S., & Muckley, C. (2014). A microstructure analysis of the carbon finance market. International Review of Financial Analysis, 34 , 222–234.

Broadus, R. N. (1987). Toward a definition of “bibliometrics.” Scientometrics, 12 (5–6), 373–379.

Brunner, S., & Enting, K. (2014). Climate finance: A transaction cost perspective on the structure of state-to-state transfers. Global Environmental Change, 27 , 138–143.

Bui, T. D., Ali, M. H., Tsai, F. M., Iranmanesh, M., Tseng, M. L., & Lim, M. K. (2020). Challenges and trends in sustainable corporate finance: A bibliometric systematic review. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 13 (11), 264.

Burton, B., Kumar, S., & Pandey, N. (2020). Twenty-five years of The European Journal of Finance (EJF): A retrospective analysis. The European Journal of Finance, 26 (18), 1817–1841.

Callon, M., Courtial, J.-P., Turner, W. A., & Bauin, S. (1983). From transaction to problematic networks: An introduction to co-word analysis. Social Science Information, 22 (2), 191–235.

Camey, B. F. (1994). Socially responsible investing. Health Progress, 75 , 20–23.

Camilleri, M. A. (2020). The market for socially responsible investing: A review of the developments. Social Responsibility Journal, 17 (3), 412–428.

Cao, X., Jin, C., & Ma, W. (2021). Motivation of Chinese commercial banks to issue green bonds: Financing costs or regulatory arbitrage? China Economic Review, 66 , 101582.

Carè, R., Rania, F., & De Lisa, R. (2020). Critical success factors, motivations, and risks in social impact bonds. Sustainability, 12 (18), 7291.

Caseau, C., & Grolleau, G. (2020). Impact investing: Killing two birds with one stone? Financial Analysts Journal, 76 (4), 40–52.

Castriotta, M., Loi, M., Marku, E., & Naitana, L. (2019). What’s in a name? Exploring the conceptual structure of emerging organizations. Scientometrics, 118 (2), 407–437.

Cerqueti, R., Ciciretti, R., Dalò, A., & Nicolosi, M. (2021). ESG investing: A chance to reduce systemic risk. Journal of Financial Stability, 54 , 2021100887.

Chatzitheodorou, K., Skouloudis, A., Evangelinos, K., & Nikolaou, I. (2019). Exploring socially responsible investment perspectives: A literature mapping and an investor classification. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 19 , 117–129.

Chen, H. Y., & Yang, S. S. (2020). Do investors exaggerate corporate ESG information? Evidence of the ESG momentum effect in the Taiwanese market. Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, 63 , 101407.

Chen, L., Zhang, L., Huang, J., Xiao, H., & Zhou, Z. (2021). Social responsibility portfolio optimization incorporating ESG criteria. Journal of Management Science and Engineering, 6 (1), 75–85.

Chen, M., & Mussalli, G. (2020). An integrated approach to quantitative ESG investing. The Journal of Portfolio Management, 46 (3), 65–74.

Chen, Y., & Ma, Y. (2021). Does green investment improve energy firm performance? Energy Policy, 153 , 112252.

Cheng, C., Hua, Y., & Tan, D. (2019). Spatial dynamics and determinants of sustainable finance: Evidence from venture capital investment in China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 232 , 1148–1157.

Chow, G. W., Durand, R. B., & Koh, S. (2014). Are ethical investments good? Australian Journal of Management, 39 (4), 645–665.

Clark, R., Reed, J., & Sunderland, T. (2018). Bridging funding gaps for climate and sustainable development: Pitfalls, progress and potential of private finance. Land Use Policy, 71 , 335–346.

Clarkin, J. E., & Cangioni, C. L. (2016). Impact investing: A primer and review of the literature. Entrepreneurship Research Journal, 6 (2), 135–173.

Cobo, M. J., López-Herrera, A. G., Herrera-Viedma, E., & Herrera, F. (2011). Science mapping software tools: Review, analysis, and cooperative study among tools. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 62 (7), 1382–1402.

Comerio, N., & Strozzi, F. (2019). Tourism and its economic impact: A literature review using bibliometric tools. Tourism Economics, 25 (1), 109–131.

Craig, C. D. (2021). Sustainable finance starts with data. World Economic Forum . Available at https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/sustainable-finance-starts-with-data/

Cui, H., Wang, R., & Wang, H. (2020). An evolutionary analysis of green finance sustainability based on multi-agent game. Journal of Cleaner Production, 269 , 121799.

Cunha, F. A. F. D. S., Meira, E., & Orsato, R. J. (2021). Sustainable finance and investment: Review and research agenda. Business Strategy and the Environment . https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2842

Dam, L., & Scholtens, B. (2015). Toward a theory of responsible investing: On the economic foundations of corporate social responsibility. Resource and Energy Economics, 41 , 103–121.

Daugaard, D. (2020). Emerging new themes in environmental, social and governance investing: A systematic literature review. Accounting & Finance, 60 (2), 1501–1530.

Dedusenko, E. A. (2017). Impact investing trends in Russia and tourism. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism (JEMT), 8 (08 (24)), 1474–1481.

Dikau, S., & Volz, U. (2021). Central bank mandates, sustainability objectives and the promotion of green finance. Ecological Economics, 184 , 107022.

Diltz, J. D. (1995). The private cost of socially responsible investing. Applied Financial Economics, 5 (2), 69–77.

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., & Pattnaik, D. (2020). Forty-five years of Journal of Business Research: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Business Research, 109 , 1–14.

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021a). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133 , 285–296.

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Pandey, N., & Gupta, P. (2021b). Forty years of the International Journal of Information Management: A bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Information Management, 57 , 102307.

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021c). Research constituents, intellectual structure, and collaboration patterns in Journal of International Marketing: An analytical retrospective. Journal of International Marketing, 29 (2), 1–25.

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Pattnaik, D., & Lim, W. M. (2021d). A bibliometric retrospection of marketing from the lens of psychology: Insights from Psychology & Marketing. Psychology & Marketing, 38 (5), 834–865.

Dorfleitner, G., Halbritter, G., & Nguyen, M. (2015). Measuring the level and risk of corporate responsibility—An empirical comparison of different ESG rating approaches. Journal of Asset Management, 16 (7), 450–466.

Dorfleitner, G., Kreuzer, C., & Laschinger, R. (2021). How socially irresponsible are socially responsible mutual funds? A persistence analysis. Finance Research Letters , 43 , 101990.

Durisin, B., & Puzone, F. (2009). Maturation of corporate governance research, 1993–2007: An assessment. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 17 (3), 266–291.

Eccles, N. S., & Viviers, S. (2011). The origins and meanings of names describing investment practices that integrate a consideration of ESG issues in the academic literature. Journal of Business Ethics, 104 (3), 389–402.

Elavarasan, R. M., Pugazhendhi, R., Shafiullah, G. M., Irfan, M., & Anvari-Moghaddam, A. (2021). A hover view over effectual approaches on pandemic management for sustainable cities—The endowment of prospective technologies with revitalization strategies. Sustainable Cities and Society, 68 , 102789.

Ellegaard, O., & Wallin, J. A. (2015). The bibliometric analysis of scholarly production: How great is the impact? Scientometrics, 105 (3), 1809–1831.

Escrig-Olmedo, E., Muñoz-Torres, M. J., & Fernández-Izquierdo, M. Á. (2013). Sustainable development and the financial system: Society’s perceptions about socially responsible investing. Business Strategy and the Environment, 22 (6), 410–428.

European Commission. (2021). Overview of sustainable finance. European Commission . Available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/banking-and-finance/sustainable-finance/overview-sustainable-finance_en

Fabregat-Aibar, L., Barberà-Mariné, M. G., Terceño, A., & Pié, L. (2019). A bibliometric and visualization analysis of socially responsible funds. Sustainability, 11 (9), 2526.

Ferris, S. P., & Rykaczewski, K. P. (1986). Social investing and portfolio management. Business & Society, 25 (1), 1–7.

Fonta, W. M., Ayuk, E. T., & van Huysen, T. (2018). Africa and the Green Climate Fund: Current challenges and future opportunities. Climate Policy, 18 (9), 1210–1225.

Friede, G., Busch, T., & Bassen, A. (2015). ESG and financial performance: Aggregated evidence from more than 2000 empirical studies. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 5 (4), 210–233.

Fu, Y., Wright, D., & Blazenko, G. (2020). Ethical investing has no portfolio performance cost. Research in International Business and Finance, 52 , 101117.

Garcia, A. S., Mendes-Da-Silva, W., & Orsato, R. J. (2017). Sensitive industries produce better ESG performance: Evidence from emerging markets. Journal of Cleaner Production, 150 , 135–147.

Geczy, C., Jeffers, J. S., Musto, D. K., & Tucker, A. M. (2021). Contracts with (social) benefits: The implementation of impact investing. Journal of Financial Economics . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfineco.2021.01.006

Geobey, S. E. A. N., & Callahan, J. E. N. N. I. F. E. R. (2017). Managing impact portfolios: A conceptual view of scale. ACRN Oxford Journal of Finance and Risk Perspectives, 6 (4), 17–36.

Giacomantonio, C. (2017). Grant-maximizing but not money-making: A simple decision-tree analysis for social impact bonds. Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, 8 (1), 47–66.

Giese, G., Lee, L. E., Melas, D., Nagy, Z., & Nishikawa, L. (2019). Foundations of ESG investing: How ESG affects equity valuation, risk, and performance. Journal of Portfolio Management, 45 (5), 69–83.

Giglio, S., Kelly, B. T., & Stroebel, J. (2020). Climate finance. NBER Working Paper (w28226).

Goyal, K., Kumar, S., & Xiao, J. J. (2021). Antecedents and consequences of personal financial management behavior: A systematic literature review and future research agenda. International Journal of Bank Marketing . https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-12-2020-0612

Guerard, J. B., Jr. (1997). Is there a cost to being socially responsible in investing? Journal of Forecasting, 16 (7), 475–490.

Gupta, A., Singh, R. K., & Mangla, S. K. (2021). Evaluation of logistics providers for sustainable service quality: Analytics based decision making framework. Annals of Operations Research . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03913-0

Gupta, S., Kumar, V., & Karam, E. (2020). New-age technologies-driven social innovation: What, how, where, and why? Industrial Marketing Management, 89 , 499–516.

Gupta, S., Verma, R., & Victorino, L. (2009). Empirical research published in Production and Operations Management (1992–2005): Trends and future research directions. Production and Operations Management, 15 (3), 432–448.

Gutiérrez, M., & Gutiérrez, G. (2019). Climate finance: Perspectives on climate finance from the bottom up. Development, 62 (1), 136–146.

Halbritter, G., & Dorfleitner, G. (2015). The wages of social responsibility—Where are they? A critical review of ESG investing. Review of Financial Economics, 26 , 25–35.

Harari, M. B., Parola, H. R., Hartwell, C. J., & Riegelman, A. (2020). Literature searches in systematic reviews and meta-analyses: A review, evaluation, and recommendations. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 118 , 103377.

Harmeling, S., & Kaloga, A. O. (2011). Understanding the political economy of the adaptation fund. IDS Bulletin, 42 (3), 23–32.

Hassan, M. K., & Abedin, M. Z. (2021). Special issue: Machine learning technologies on energy economics and finance in times of crisis. Annals of Operations Research . https://resource-cms.springernature.com/springer-cms/rest/v1/content/18979044/data/v1

Heinkel, R., Kraus, A., & Zechner, J. (2001). The effect of green investment on corporate behavior. Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 36 (4), 431–449.

Herremans, I. M., Akathaporn, P., & McInnes, M. (1993). An investigation of corporate social responsibility reputation and economic performance. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 18 (7–8), 587–604.

Himick, D. (2011). Relative performance evaluation and pension investment management: A challenge for ESG investing. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 22 (2), 158–171.

Hogarth, J. R. (2012). The role of climate finance in innovation systems. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 2 (3–4), 257–274.

Huang, H., Xing, X., He, Y., & Gu, X. (2020). Combating greenwashers in emerging markets: A game-theoretical exploration of firms, customers and government regulations. Transportation Research Part e: Logistics and Transportation Review, 140 , 101976.

Hutton, R. B., D’Antonio, L., & Johnsen, T. (1998). Socially responsible investing: Growing issues and new opportunities. Business & Society, 37 (3), 281–305.

Ibrahim, K., Shabudin, A. F. A., Chacko Koshy, K., & Asrar, G. R. (2016). A new framework for integrated climate finance and inclusive responses to sustainable development in Malaysia. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 7 (6), 1754–1768.

Jackson, E. T. (2013a). Evaluating social impact bonds: Questions, challenges, innovations, and possibilities in measuring outcomes in impact investing. Community Development, 44 (5), 608–616.

Jackson, E. T. (2013b). Interrogating the theory of change: Evaluating impact investing where it matters most. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 3 (2), 95–110.

Jafri, J. (2019). When billions meet trillions: Impact investing and shadow banking in Pakistan. Review of International Political Economy, 26 (3), 520–544.

Jakob, M., Steckel, J. C., Flachsland, C., & Baumstark, L. (2015). Climate finance for developing country mitigation: Blessing or curse? Climate and Development, 7 (1), 1–15.

Jan, A. A., Lai, F. W., & Tahir, M. (2021). Developing an Islamic Corporate Governance framework to examine sustainability performance in Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 315 , 128099.

Joliet, R., & Titova, Y. (2018). Equity SRI funds vacillate between ethics and money: An analysis of the funds’ stock holding decisions. Journal of Banking & Finance, 97 , 70–86.

Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., Subramanian, N., Ghadge, A., Belhadi, A., & Venkatesh, M. (2021). Blockchain technology’s impact on supply chain integration and sustainable supply chain performance: Evidence from the automotive industry. Annals of Operations Research . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-021-04129-6

Khan, M. A., Pattnaik, D., Ashraf, R., Ali, I., Kumar, S., & Donthu, N. (2021). Value of special issues in the Journal of Business Research: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Business Research, 125 , 295–313.

Kling, G., Volz, U., Murinde, V., & Ayas, S. (2021). The impact of climate vulnerability on firms’ cost of capital and access to finance. World Development, 137 , 105131.

Kollenda, P. (2021). Financial returns or social impact? What motivates impact investors’ lending to firms in low-income countries. Journal of Banking & Finance , 106224.

Kumar, S., Lim, W. M., Pandey, N., & Westland, J. C. (2021a). 20 years of Electronic Commerce Research. Electronic Commerce Research, 21 (1), 1–40.

Kumar, S., Pandey, N., Lim, W. M., Chatterjee, A. N., & Pandey, N. (2021b). What do we know about transfer pricing? Insights from bibliometric analysis. Journal of Business Research, 134 , 275–287.

Kumar, S., Sureka, R., Lim, W. M., Mangla, S. M., & Goyal, N. (2021c). What do we know about business strategy and environmental research? Insights from business strategy and the environment. Business Strategy and the Environment . https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2813

La Torre, M., Trotta, A., Chiappini, H., & Rizzello, A. (2019). Business models for sustainable finance: The case study of social impact bonds. Sustainability, 11 (7), 1887.

Landi, G., & Sciarelli, M. (2019). Towards a more ethical market: The impact of ESG rating on corporate financial performance. Social Responsibility Journal, 15 (1), 11–27.

Lesser, K., Lobe, S., & Walkshäusl, C. (2014). Green and socially responsible investing in international markets. Journal of Asset Management, 15 (5), 317–331.

Li, W., Zheng, M., Zhang, Y., & Cui, G. (2020). Green governance structure, ownership characteristics, and corporate financing constraints. Journal of Cleaner Production, 260 , 121008.

Lieberman, D. (2020). Impact investing 2.0—Not just for do-gooders anymore. The Journal of Investing, 29 (2), 58–69.

Lim, W. M. (2015). Enriching information science research through chronic disposition and situational priming: A short note for future research. Journal of Information Science, 41 (3), 399–402.

Lim, W. M. (2021). Conditional recipes for predicting impacts and prescribing solutions for externalities: The case of COVID-19 and tourism. Tourism Recreation Research, 46 (2), 314–318.

Lim, W. M., Ahmed, P. K., & Ali, M. Y. (2019). Data and resource maximization in business-to-business marketing experiments: Methodological insights from data partitioning. Industrial Marketing Management, 76 , 136–143.

Lim, W. M., Yap, S. F., & Makkar, M. (2021). Home sharing in marketing and tourism at a tipping point: What do we know, how do we know, and where should we be heading? Journal of Business Research, 122 , 534–566.

Lokuwaduge, C. S. D. S., & Heenetigala, K. (2017). Integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure for a sustainable development: An Australian study. Business Strategy and the Environment, 26 (4), 438–450.

MacDonald, A., Clarke, A., & Huang, L. (2019). Multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainability: Designing decision-making processes for partnership capacity. Journal of Business Ethics, 160 (2), 409–426.

Marti, E. (2013). Investing for a property-owning democracy? Towards a philosophical analysis of investment practices. Analyse & Kritik, 35 (1), 219–236.

Mekonnen, A. (2014). Economic costs of climate change and climate finance with a focus on Africa. Journal of African Economies, 23 (suppl_2), ii50–ii82.

Malhotra, G., & Thakur, K. S. (2020). Evolution of green finance: A bibliometric approach. Gedrag & Organisatie Review, 33 (2), 583–594.

Migliorelli, M. (2021). What do we mean by sustainable finance? Assessing existing frameworks and policy risks. Sustainability, 13 (2), 975.

Mollet, J. C., & Ziegler, A. (2014). Socially responsible investing and stock performance: New empirical evidence for the US and European stock markets. Review of Financial Economics, 23 (4), 208–216.

Muganyi, T., Linnan, Y., & Sun, H. P. (2021). Green Finance, Fintech and environmental protection: Evidence from China. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology , 7 , 100107.

Muhamat, A. A., Jaafar, M. N., Basri, M. F., Alwi, S. F. S., & Mainal, S. A. (2017). Green takaful as a climate finance tool. Advanced Science Letters, 23 (8), 7670–7673.

Newman, M. E. J., & Girvan, M. (2004). Finding and evaluating community structure in networks. Physical Review E, 69 (2), 026113.

Ng, A. W. (2018). From sustainability accounting to a green financing system: Institutional legitimacy and market heterogeneity in a global financial centre. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195 , 585–592.

Nielsen, K. P., & Noergaard, R. W. (2011). CSR and mainstream investing: A new match? An analysis of the existing ESG integration methods in theory and practice and the way forward. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 1 (3–4), 209–221.

Norris, M., & Oppenheim, C. (2007). Comparing alternatives to the Web of Science for coverage of the social sciences’ literature. Journal of Informetrics, 1 (2), 161–169.

OECD. (2020). Developing sustainable finance definitions and taxonomies . Green Finance and Investment, OECD Publishing.

Paul, J., Lim, W. M., O’Cass, A., Hao, A. W., & Bresciani, S. (2021). Scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR-4-SLR). International Journal of Consumer Studies, 45 (4), O1–O16.

Pattnaik, D., Hassan, M. K., Kumar, S., & Paul, J. (2020). Trade credit research before and after the global financial crisis of 2008—A bibliometric overview. Research in International Business and Finance, 54 , 101287.

Pedersen, L. H., Fitzgibbons, S., & Pomorski, L. (2020). Responsible investing: The ESG-efficient frontier. Journal of Financial Economics . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfineco.2020.11.001

Pender, H., & Brocchetto, M. (2011). Retail investors and ethical investment. JASSA, 3 , 26–31.

Pesta, B., Fuerst, J., & Kirkegaard, E. (2018). Bibliometric keyword analysis across seventeen years (2000–2016) of intelligence articles. Journal of Intelligence, 6 (4), 46.

Pierce, T. J. (1993). Keynes’ personal investing: Activities and beliefs. The Social Science Journal, 30 (1), 13–22.

Pinsky, V. C., Kruglianskas, I., Gomes, C. M., & Rezaee, A. (2019). Sustainability research: A grounded theory approach in the field of climate change. Revista de Gestão Ambiental e Sustentabilidade , 8 (3), 468–488.

Pinsky, V., Kruglianskas, I., & Gomes, C. M. (2020). Conducting research in climate finance in Latin America: Challenges and opportunities of using grounded theory methodology approach. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 21 , 49–60.

Popescu, I. S., Hitaj, C., & Benetto, E. (2021). Measuring the sustainability of investment funds: A critical review of methods and frameworks in sustainable finance. Journal of Cleaner Production , 314 , 128016.

Purdon, M. (2015). Opening the black box of carbon finance “additionality”: The political economy of carbon finance effectiveness across Tanzania, Uganda, and Moldova. World Development, 74 , 462–478.

Quatrini, S. (2021). Challenges and opportunities to scale up sustainable finance after the COVID-19 crisis: Lessons and promising innovations from science and practice. Ecosystem Services , 48 , 101240.

Rahman, M., Isa, C. R., Tu, T. T., Sarker, M., & Masud, M. A. K. (2020). A bibliometric analysis of socially responsible investment sukuk literature. Asian Journal of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, 5 , 1–19.

Rajan, A. T., Koserwal, P., & Keerthana, S. (2014). The Global epicenter of impact investing: An analysis of social venture investments in India. The Journal of Private Equity, 17 (2), 37–50.

Rao, P., Kumar, S., Chavan, M., & Lim, W. M. (2021). A systematic literature review on SME financing: Trends and future directions. Journal of Small Business Management . https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2021.1955123

Refinitiv. (2020). Sustainable finance review. Refinitiv . Available at https://www.refinitiv.com/content/dam/marketing/en_us/documents/reports/sustainable-finance-review-first-nine-months-2020-hsbc.pdf

Renneboog, L., Ter Horst, J., & Zhang, C. (2008). Socially responsible investments: Institutional aspects, performance, and investor behavior. Journal of Banking & Finance, 32 (9), 1723–1742.

Revelli, C., & Viviani, J. L. (2015). Financial performance of socially responsible investing (SRI): What have we learned? A meta-analysis. Business Ethics: A European Review, 24 (2), 158–185.

Rezaee, Z., & Tuo, L. (2017). Voluntary disclosure of non-financial information and its association with sustainability performance. Advances in Accounting, 39 , 47–59.

Richardson, B. J. (2009). Keeping ethical investment ethical: Regulatory issues for investing for sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 87 (4), 555–572.

Richardson, B. J. (2014). The evolving marketscape of climate finance. Climate Law, 4 (1–2), 94–106.

Rizzello, A., & Kabli, A. (2020). Sustainable financial partnerships for the SDGs: The case of social impact bonds. Sustainability, 12 (13), 5362.

Robb, R., & Sattell, M. (2016). Socially responsible/impact investing: Theoretical and empirical issues. Capitalism and Society, 11 (2), 2.

Roblek, V., Thorpe, O., Bach, M. P., Jerman, A., & Meško, M. (2020). The fourth industrial revolution and the sustainability practices: A comparative automated content analysis approach of theory and practice. Sustainability, 12 (20), 8497.

Roehrer, C., & Kouadio, K. E. (2015). Monitoring, reporting, and evidence-based learning in the climate investment funds’ pilot program for climate resilience. New Directions for Evaluation, 2015 (147), 129–145.

Roundy, P. T. (2019). Regional differences in impact investment: A theory of impact investing ecosystems. Social Responsibility Journal, 16 (4), 467–485.

Säve-Söderbergh, J. (2010). Who lets ethics guide his economic decision-making? An empirical analysis of individual investments in ethical funds. Economics Letters, 107 (2), 270–272.

Schramade, W. (2016). Integrating ESG into valuation models and investment decisions: The value-driver adjustment approach. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 6 (2), 95–111.

Schulz, K. A., Gstrein, O. J., & Zwitter, A. J. (2020). Exploring the governance and implementation of sustainable development initiatives through blockchain technology. Futures, 122 , 102611.

Sinha, A., Mishra, S., Sharif, A., & Yarovaya, L. (2021). Does green financing help to improve environmental & social responsibility? Designing SDG framework through advanced quantile modelling. Journal of Environmental Management, 292 , 112751.

Sisodia, G. S., Awad, E., Alkhoja, H., & Sergi, B. S. (2020). Strategic business risk evaluation for sustainable energy investment and stakeholder engagement: A proposal for energy policy development in the Middle East through Khalifa funding and land subsidies. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29 (6), 2789–2802.

Sisodia, R. S. (2009). Doing business in the age of conscious capitalism. Journal of Indian Business Research, 1 (2/3), 188–192.

Sisodia, R. S. (2013). Understanding the performance drivers of conscious firms. California Management Review, 55 (3), 87–96.

Sivarajah, U., Irani, Z., Gupta, S., & Mahroof, K. (2020). Role of big data and social media analytics for business to business sustainability: A participatory web context. Industrial Marketing Management, 86 , 163–179.

Skovgaard, J. (2015). Greener than expected? EU finance ministries address climate finance. Environmental Politics, 24 (6), 951–969.

Statman, M. (2000). Socially responsible mutual funds. Financial Analysts Journal, 56 (3), 30–39.

Sun, Z., & Zhang, W. (2019). Do government regulations prevent greenwashing? An evolutionary game analysis of heterogeneous enterprises. Journal of Cleaner Production, 231 , 1489–1502.

Taghizadeh-Hesary, F., & Yoshino, N. (2019). The way to induce private participation in green finance and investment. Finance Research Letters, 31 , 98–103.

Tan, L. H., Chew, B. C., & Hamid, S. R. (2017). Service quality implementation in shaping sustainable banking operating system: A case study of Maybank Group. Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, 9 (4), 359–381.

Tang, D. Y., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Do shareholders benefit from green bonds? Journal of Corporate Finance, 61 , 101427.

Thomä, J., Hayne, M., Hagedorn, N., Murray, C., & Grattage, R. (2019). The alignment of global equity and corporate bonds markets with the Paris Agreement: A new accounting framework. Journal of Applied Accounting Research, 20 (4), 439–457.

Tian, P., & Lin, B. (2019). Impact of financing constraints on firm’s environmental performance: Evidence from China with survey data. Journal of Cleaner Production, 217 , 432–439.

United Nations. (2020). The sustainable development agenda . Available at https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/ .

United Nations. (2021). UN report finds COVID-19 is reversing decades of progress on poverty, healthcare and education. Available at https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/sustainable/sustainable-development-goals-report-2020.html .

Urban, B., & George, J. (2018). An empirical study on measures relating to impact investing in South Africa. International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 10 (1), 61–77.

Uyar, A., Karaman, A. S., & Kilic, M. (2020). Is corporate social responsibility reporting a tool of signaling or greenwashing? Evidence from the worldwide logistics sector. Journal of Cleaner Production, 253 , 119997.

Van Der Laan, S., & Lansbury, N. (2004). Socially responsible investing and climate change: Contradictions and challenges. Australian Accounting Review, 14 (34), 21–30.

Van Eck, N. J., & Waltman, L. (2017). Citation-based clustering of publications using CitNetExplorer and VOSviewer. Scientometrics, 111 (2), 1053–1070.

Vanderheiden, S. (2015). Justice and climate finance: Differentiating responsibility in the Green Climate Fund. The International Spectator, 50 (1), 31–45.

Vazquez, K. C., & Chin, G. T. (2019). The AIIB and sustainable infrastructure: A hybrid layered approach. Global Policy, 10 (4), 593–603.

Viviani, J. L., & Maurel, C. (2019). Performance of impact investing: A value creation approach. Research in International Business and Finance, 47 , 31–39.

Viviers, S., & Eccles, N. S. (2012). 35 years of socially responsible investing (SRI) research-general trends over time. South African Journal of Business Management, 43 (4), 1–16.

Viviers, S., Ractliffe, T., & Hand, D. (2011). From philanthropy to impact investing: Shifting mindsets in South Africa. Corporate Ownership and Control, 8 (3–1), 25–43.

Von Wallis, M., & Klein, C. (2015). Ethical requirement and financial interest: A literature review on socially responsible investing. Business Research, 8 (1), 61–98.

Wang, C. (2013a). Conscious capitalism firms: Do they behave as their proponents say? California Management Review, 55 (3), 60–86.

Wang, C. (2013b). On the scientific status of the conscious capitalism theory. California Management Review, 55 (3), 97–106.

Wang, C. N., Larsen, M. L., & Wang, Y. (2020). Addressing the missing linkage in sustainable finance: The ‘SDG Finance Taxonomy.’ Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment . https://doi.org/10.1080/20430795.2020.1796101 in press.

Watson, R. (2011). Ethical and socially responsible investment funds: Are they ethically and responsibly marketed? Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, 19 (2), 100–110.

Widyawati, L. (2020). A systematic literature review of socially responsible investment and environmental social governance metrics. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29 (2), 619–637.

Wilson, R. (1997). Islamic finance and ethical investment. International Journal of Social Economics, 24 (11), 1325–1342.

Yao, S., Pan, Y., Sensoy, A., Uddin, G. S., & Cheng, F. (2021). Green credit policy and firm performance: What we learn from China. Energy Economics, 101 , 105415.

Yenneti, K., & Gamaralalage, P. J. D. (2012). Carbon finance and decentralized composting in Asia: Potential and future considerations. Environment and Urbanization ASIA, 3 (2), 303–323.

Yeoh, P. (2008). Is carbon finance the answer to climate control? International Journal of Law and Management, 50 (4), 189–206.

Yesuf, A. J., & Aassouli, D. (2020). Exploring synergies and performance evaluation between Islamic funds and socially responsible investment (SRIs) in light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Heliyon, 6 (8), e04562.

Yu, C. H., Wu, X., Zhang, D., Chen, S., & Zhao, J. (2021). Demand for green finance: Resolving financing constraints on green innovation in China. Energy Policy, 153 , 112255.

Yu, E. P. Y., Van Luu, B., & Chen, C. H. (2020). Greenwashing in environmental, social and governance disclosures. Research in International Business and Finance, 52 , 101192.

Zhang, D. (2021). How environmental performance affects firms’ access to credit: Evidence from EU countries. Journal of Cleaner Production , 315 , 128294.

Zhang, D., Zhang, Z., & Managi, S. (2019). A bibliometric analysis on green finance: Current status, development, and future directions. Finance Research Letters, 29 , 425–430.

Zhang, M., Lian, Y., Zhao, H., & Xia-Bauer, C. (2020). Unlocking green financing for building energy retrofit: A survey in the western China. Energy Strategy Reviews, 30 , 100520.

Zupic, I., & Čater, T. (2015). Bibliometric methods in management and organization. Organizational Research Methods, 18 (3), 429–472.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Management Studies, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302017, India

Satish Kumar

School of Business, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Satish Kumar & Weng Marc Lim

Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India

Dipasha Sharma

DCU Business School, Dublin City University, Dublin 09, Ireland

Sandeep Rao

Swinburne Business School, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia

Weng Marc Lim

Jindal Global Business School, O P Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India

Sachin Kumar Mangla

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sachin Kumar Mangla .

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Kumar, S., Sharma, D., Rao, S. et al. Past, present, and future of sustainable finance: insights from big data analytics through machine learning of scholarly research. Ann Oper Res (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-021-04410-8

Download citation

Accepted : 04 November 2021

Published : 04 January 2022

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-021-04410-8

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Sustainable finance
Sustainable development goals
Socially responsible investing
Climate financing
Green financing
Impact investing
Carbon financing
Energy financing
Big data analytics
Machine learning
Bibliometric analysis
Systematic literature review
Find a journal
Publish with us
Track your research

Thesis Helpers

Find the best tips and advice to improve your writing. Or, have a top expert write your paper.

100 Exceptional Sustainability Topics for 2023

Do you have an important environmental studies paper but are having trouble coming up with sustainability project ideas? Have you pored over your class notes and readings but have yet to come up with sustainability ideas you find interesting and challenging? This happens to a lot of students, especially when they are swamped with several other academic responsibilities to deal with.

Best Sustainability Topics For Your Research

We’ve put together 100 exceptional sustainability topics that can be used for a variety of situations. The list covers topics in sustainability for grade school, middle school, high school, college, and graduate school. Check out our list and see what inspires you. Our ecology topics may also come in handy.

Sustainability Topics for Students in Grade School

Describe the impact our carbon footprint means on future generations.
Describe the differences in sustainability education.
Explain how your school can adopt practices for a sustainable campus.
Does your school already adapt to a good sustainability program?
Does your school have solar panels on its buildings’ rooftops?
What are the benefits of adopting sustainability education into curricula?

Sustainability Paper Topics for Middle School

What does the impact of non-plastic waste in our oceans mean for the environment?
What effect do greenhouses have in growing our fruits and vegetables?
Should governments invest more in solar energy technologies?
How do solar panels make a home energy efficient?
Does your school have an optimized ventilation system?
Do modular classrooms improve campus sustainability?

Sustainability Research Topics for High School Students

Explain how modular classrooms can improve sustainability through the use of natural light.
What evidence is there to support that sustainable classrooms reduce absenteeism?
How much energy is saved by setting computers to shut off when they are idle?
What are the benefits of changing classroom hours to utilize natural lighting?
Should school terms be arranged around the seasons to conserve energy?
Can a game theory be applied to challenges in sustainability?

Sustainability Essay Topics for College Students

Explain how carbon footprint and bio-capacity differ in different countries and regions.
What are the biggest challenges companies face when trying to conserve energy?
What are the most impactful environmental groups cleaning up plastic in the oceans?
How many tons of plastic is there in the ocean?
What are the positive effects of reducing the brightness of computer screens?
Which countries have the least environmental protection laws?

Sustainability Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. Students

Compare and contrast non-profit groups focused on advancing sustainability.
Do sustainable classroom designs improve learning in students?
Can employers save on energy costs by adding more natural lighting?
What types of technologies exist to help deter environmental pollution?
Is veganism good for the environment?
Are paper towels more effective than hand dryers at reducing the spread of germs?

Environmental Sustainability Topics for Every Occasion

What is the correlation between a country’s GDP and pollution?
Why do cities with higher poverty rates struggle to start recycling programs?
What are the biggest political challenges affecting the U.S. environment?
What are the positive effects of switching to a vegan diet?
Should the U.S. take a greater role in helping third-world countries become sustainable?
How effective are your local environmental policies?

Interesting Sustainability Topics for Papers

Should college campuses ban the use of plastics?
How does the amount of food consumption impact the environment?
What does Sweden do so differently from other countries regarding its environment?
What are the best technologies in the market to reduce waste in large cities?
How does the use of plastic floating balls reduce evaporation in reservoirs?
Why has the United States failed to reduce the amount of food waste?

Sustainability Topics for Essays to Do Overnight

In what ways do improved recycling technologies impact how waste ends up in landfills?
How bad are plastic straws for the Earth’s environment?
Do taxes on single-use items reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills?
Explain why certain states in the U.S. have had success banning plastic bags?
What is the correlation between overpopulation and pollution?
How will the world’s population in fifty years impact the Earth’s environment?

Sustainability Hot Topics for 2023

Does the Earth have enough resources to support the population in the 21 st century?
What can governments do to increase food resources?
Should cities ban the use of plastic straws?
Why is sea life so important to the ecosystem?
How much of our carbon footprint comes from farm animals?
Why is it so important to keep waste from ending up in our oceans?

Topics on Sustainability for a Long-Term Project

What are the benefits of getting a fair-trade certification on university campuses?
What are the benefits of buying food from local farmers?
Can your city impose a food donation program?
What can you do to bring a farmers market to your community?
Does buffet-style dining help or harm sustainability efforts?
Should cities impose a special tax on single-use plastic items?

Topics about Sustainability for a Short-Term Project

Can cafeteria food leftovers be donated to homeless shelters?
How do food programs help communities?
How much land is necessary to grow vegan food products?
What can cities do to help families with children during the pandemic?
What does it mean to be sustainable in the 21 st century?
Why is it important to support local food markets?

Sustainability Projects Ideas for High School Students

What would happen to greenhouse emissions if people ate less meat?
Can we improve air quality by eating less red meat?
What are the benefits of eating a plant-based diet?
Should your school introduce more vegan food choices?
Are pescatarian diets better for the environment?
What are the negative environmental effects of slaughterhouses?

Sustainability Ideas for Schools with Large Populations

What would happen if restaurants served buffet-like meals?
How difficult is it to reduce air pollution in large cities?
Should cities mandate community gardens to reduce food waste?
What are the benefits of incorporating public transportation systems?
Should cities mandate the use of solar panels in their larger buildings?

Controversial Sustainability Topics for Grad-Level Courses

Should we reduce the amount of technology-use to help the environment?
Do smaller classroom sizes help or harm the environment?
What would happen if we reduced the school week from five to four days?
Do shorter school days help reduce energy use?
In what ways has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the environment?

Fun Sustainability Topics List to Try at Home

Develop a sustainable education program for your family.
Find a new change to make your home more sustainable each week.
Teach your children the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Does keeping a home at a certain temperature help reduce energy costs?
How much food goes unused and ends up in your trash?

Sustainability Topics for Research Everyone Can All Do

How does pollution increase the level of sickness in people?
How does a developing country provide ample water resources?
In what ways does government policy help or hurt the environment?
Should cities create more public spaces (e.g. parks, riverbeds)?
What can be done to help developing countries maintain clean water?

Topics of Sustainability for Young People

Sift through your classroom’s trash and identify what can be renewed.
Discuss how Sweden has been able to turn its waste into heating.
What has Denmark done to reduce its food waste?
How can we improve the quality of care by reducing pollution?
What is the major ecological challenge the U.S. must face in the next 50 years?

Sustainability Research Paper Topics for Everyone

How do “green universities” help the mental health of students?
What are the most effective methods of growing your food?
What can people do in the community to reduce unnecessary waste?
How does gardening or landscaping improve air quality around the home?
What can cities do to create community gardens?

Need more assistance coming up with sustainability topics? Our team of research helpers can develop ideas for any type of assignment. From essays to dissertations, we’ve got you covered. Just let us know what you need and we will connect you with a pro that can work with you from the start to the end of your assignment.

Make PhD experience your own

Sustainability

Campus Sustainability
Suggested Reading
Research Topics
Research Sources

Broad Topic Ideas

Organic foods

Consumption

Waste management

Transportation

Sustainable Building practices (LEED)

Sustainable Cities (planning)

Global Warming/Green House Gas emissions

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Business practices

Potential Research Projects

These research topics were develeped by the CSB Office of Sustainability and are broken down into the 7 priority areas in the CSB Sustainability Master Plan

GIS map of a CSB and SJU Sustainability Tour
Tour the Full Circle greenhouse and create a mini “how to” on greenhouse building procedures and primary considerations that need to be made before building a greenhouse.
Research how sustainable our lawn mowers, snow blowers, sweepers, etcetera on campus are, how many hours a week they are approximately used, etcetera.
Research the impact of salt (for ice in the winter) and grass fertilizer has on watershed and runoff.
Develop signage for sustainable landscaping projects.
Investigate permeable pavements for CSB, how they would impact watershed, how they would look aesthetically, etc.
Examine the Fibonacci sequence at CSB.
Learn more about the bee population at CSB and its role in the flora and fauna.
Collect data about the mosquitoes at CSB in comparison to nearby water, open area, square foot of pavement, and wooded areas.
Follow Monarch butterflies through their life cycle at CSB and compare to surround area Monarch populations.
Compare CSB soil quality by various buildings, near Lake Sarah, in wooded areas, and near paved areas.
Compare weather patterns at CSB for the past decade. Consider tree cover, location, and elevation.
Measure the trees at CSB to calculate the carbon sequestration of each.
Research natural medicine and research native medicinal plants and if they can be found on the CSB campus.
Evaluate the flooding and erosion of various locations on the CSB campus. Investigate which are most commonly flooded or most eroded and why.
Learn about the invasive species on campus, how to stop them and how it pertains to the integrity of the eco-system.
Collect data from Lake Sarah and Lake Sag about various pollutants found. Evaluate the rivers that flow into these lakes and potential non- point sources of population (agriculture, industry, etc).
Examine examples of biomimicry on campus and how these can be applied to technology and lifestyles.
Collect data about the different bacteria present at CSB and SJU. Consider how this bacterium relates to plant growth, nutrient levels, and erosion.
Analyze the CSB compost project, how to improve it and what areas of campus would benefit most from using the composted material the most.
Address the issue of dead grass around the sidewalks each spring- how can this be avoided and is there better solutions than replanting each year.
Work with Common Grounds Garden to research the effectiveness of community supported gardens.

Food Dining

Research on Gorecki’s Apex System (dishwasher) and changes in open hours in order to estimate energy savings, soap savings and other resource savings, if any.
Survey students about the perceived importance of eating at a place that is incorporating sustainable practices. Produce an article on this and inform dining services on campus.
Research food scarcity and food deserts in Stearns County or the St. Cloud area.
Investigate persistent pests of corn and how that would impact our food at CSB.
Evaluate the local foods at the Farmer’s Market, the Co-op, and Gorecki for nutritional quality. Also look at the energy expended in transportation of the foods.
Calculate the size of a compost bin to fit all of CSB’s food waste, MN’s food waste, and the U.S. food waste. How much methane would this omit? Where would the compost go?
Investigate the newest farm bill. How does this change the food CSB purchase? How does it impact Stearns County Farmers?
Devise a plan to start a fish farm on campus. How would this change the CO2 emissions of CSB? How would this restructure our food system?
Create a plan to start a student run grass-fed cow or organic pig farm on campus. How many people would this employ? Would it be a profitable investment? How would the St. Joseph community respond?
Evaluate the legumes grown in the Stearns County area. How does this change the make-up of the soil? How long is it sustainable to grow legumes? How much nitrogen is needed to grow successful legumes?
Analyze the feasibility of using human manure as a fertilizer in MN or in the CSB surrounding area. What steps would it take to certify it as safe? What impact would it have on food quality and quantity?
Devise a hydroponic farm system for CSB. Where would it be located? How much would it cost? What is the technology involved? How much could it produce?
Survey Stearns County to see the age distribution of the farmers. Evaluate how this could impact the sustainability of food in the future.
Investigate antibiotic use in the various foods served by Dining Services. Evaluate their impact on students and the animals involved.
Research GMO’s served by Dining Services. How do these impact farmers? How do they impact students? What makes them different from organic foods?
Compare the food deserts in St. Cloud to obesity rates in the same areas. Is there correlation? Has a causation been proved in the other areas?
Research the demand for local or organic food options in all dining options on campus and find viable options to meet students’ needs.
Create a guide for eating sustainably at CSB including where/what to eat on campus, where to buy local food and what options are best. Incorporate options for the co-op or farmer’s market.
Identify how sustainable eating and nutrition work together. What relationships do the two have and what issues arise in trying to eat nutritionally while also being sustainable in Minnesota?
Compare the coffee available on both campuses to develop a guide of the best options regarding sustainably produced and fair trade. Make suggestions for all campus coffee providers to encourage the best options campus-wide.
Define “local” as it applies to food in the St. Joseph area. How can students or CSB identify what options are truly local and what goes into making these decisions.
Research the problem of food scarcity as it applies to MN, the US and globally.

Responsible Consumption

Compare and contrast and develop a seminar on co-operative versus farmer’s market versus grocery store (Ex: St. Joe Farmer’s Market, St. Joe Co-Op, and Grocery Store)
Examine the entire process of one product, such as a pencil, evaluating where it comes from, how much energy is used, and then the cost in comparison to the work in producing it.
Follow a recycled product and a non-recycled product to see where they each end up and how each impacts transportation, land use, and employment.
Compare compostable disposables, recycled disposables, and non-disposables and their impact financially and environmentally.
Analyze the role body energy could have on energy used in college students.
Learn about the role of “green” investments and how these can change supply and demand.
Evaluate different sources for clothing and fashion goods. Compare cotton, hemp, and synthetics.
Investigate eco-tourism and its impact on the surrounding community, economy, and sustainability.
Analyze the lifecycle of CFL’s in comparison to LED’s and fluorescents.
Learn about battery life and the potential of technological advancement. Consider materials, cost, and capacity.
Identify the impact of the Pacific Garbage patch in the ocean and how consumption is related. Examine the culprits and solutions to this dilemma.
Identify the effectiveness of second-hand clothing stores for college students based on price and available options. Are they meeting consumer demand or is there a better way to encourage reuse of clothing.
Investigate consumption patterns of students in college compared to recent grads to identify whether college creates an environment of more or less consumption of non-essentials (clothing, electronics, and disposable items).
Develop a guide for buying responsibly in the St. Cloud area by identifying what stores or brands have items for purchase that are considered responsible or sustainable.
Research the use of plastic bags on campus and identify locations that use them. Create a plan to incentivize students to use reusable bags to ultimately eliminate plastic bags on campus. Apply the same idea to disposable containers for food (Good to Go, McGlynn’s).
Analyze the development of St. Joseph over the past few decades related to sustainable development and identify which areas were done well/poorly and offer suggestions for the future.
Research various environmental issues as they relate to gender or racial inequalities (eco-feminism, environmental racism, etc)
Paper versus plastic
Quantifying the savings of unplugging appliances and chargers- does it really safe and if so, how much.

Sustainable Education

Sustainable forestry in the Arboretum. How does this halt deforestation? How does this decrease erosion? How does this enhance soil quality and biodiversity?
Climate change in MN and is impact on the natural system (i.e. maple syrup production, an earlier spring, more mosquitoes, movement of biomes, etc).
Investigate the RED list of endangered animals. How does this apply to Stearns County, MN, and the U.S.
Examine the role of recycling on pollution and landfills. Compare this to upcycling or reusing of products.
Develop materials for local community members about the sustainable practices of CSB and SJU and identify the sustainable practices of St. Joseph. Make connections of how each can learn from one another.
Identify what is lacking in education of most public schools regarding basic knowledge of sustainability. Develop materials that would be helpful for educating young students about what sustainability is and why it is important.
Create a forum for community members to discuss sustainability issues relevant and important to their community in St. Joseph (examples: local food, adequate recycling system, etc).
Conduct a STARS audit to update the data for CSB.
Relate a sustainability focused topic to another area of study- theological perspectives of environmental protection, business approaches to dealing with climate change, biological analysis of habitat destruction, communication of environmental topics with the general public.

Sustainable Facilities (buildings and energy)

Conduct an energy audit of a campus building and/or housing and recommend actions.
Investigate alternatives to standard air conditioning in buildings with air conditioning.
Compare and contrast two different types of greenhouses in the St. Joseph area.
Investigate the energy that could be generated from wind, the costs, how much per year, how to implement it through Stearns County.
Compare the costs and benefits of natural gas (our current main energy source) including the process of fracturing, to nuclear or solar power.
Analyze the role of geothermal in central MN and how it could impact the reliance CSB has on nonrenewable energy.
Calculate the total loss of energy as it is converted in each stage from various energy sources (coal, petroleum, nuclear, solar, etc).
Create a blueprint for a passive house at CSB. Calculate the costs involved and the future benefits.
Devise technology to harness the power of algae and other bacterium in Lake Sag or Lake Sarah.
Analyze the potential for mining at CSB and SJU. What materials could be mined? How many jobs would be created? Would it be beneficial for the surrounding community?
Research the effectiveness of lighting on campus and suggest changes to be more efficient.
Identify other campuses’ LEED projects and make suggestions for possible future additions to CSB that fit our needs.
Identifying the benefits and barriers to biodiesel and how they are made.
Research other sustainable building options and identify best options for CSB in future building projects.
Conduct a greenhouse gas inventory for campus. Suggest ways to improve this inventory for the future.

Partnership and Outreach

Shadow/tour local greenhouses and plant production strategies.
Research sustainability in athletic departments across the state/Midwest.
Research energy efficiency investments on campus and how they compare with endowment returns.
Research solar energy opportunities on campus.
Develop a waste reduction event on campus.
Evaluate the unemployment in St. Joseph and determine how sustainable development and sustainable careers could impact the community.
Develop a recycling promotional event on campus.
Research local businesses (Co-Op, the Local Blend, ect) who exhibit sustainable practices and recommend ways to utilize those practices at CSB.
Attend the Mill Stream Arts Festival and work with coordinators to make the event more sustainable (recycling, reusable materials).
Research the Farmer’s Market in St Joseph. Recommend ways to get more students aware/involved with the process.
Hybrid cars vs. electric cars- Compare hybrid vs. electric cars including the science behind it, the potential for success and any challenges/barriers. What obstacles face electric cars (source of electricity)?
WeCar; how used is this new option at CSB and SJU?
Predominance of Carpooling and/or how many cars per person are there at CSB and SJU? (How many students have cars, how often do they drive, how often do other students share rides, etcetera?)
Compare the costs and benefits of petroleum to biofuel or electric energy for the Link.
Investigate the role of bike sharing between campuses.
Redesign the city of St. Joseph to be more walkable and bike friendly.
Evaluate the costs and benefits of CSB and SJU students flying home for breaks and a potential alternative energy for airplanes.
Devise a public transportation system for St. Joseph or St. Cloud. How would this impact the purchases we make? How much would it cost?
Research ways to encourage students

Science Librarian

Biodiversity

Cities & society, land & water.

All research news

All research topics

Learning experiences
Programs & partnerships
All school news
All school news topics
In the media
For journalists

Biology Disease ecology Ecology

Endangered species Environment Evolution

Habitats Mass extinctions Paleobiology

Built environment Economics Engineering Environmental justice Health and wellbeing

Human behavior Infrastructure Materials Mitigation

Policy Social-ecological systems Sustainable development Technology

Adaptation Atmospheric sciences Carbon sequestration Climate change

Climate impacts Climate modeling Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions Greenhouse gas removal Resilience

Electric cars Energy efficiency Energy industry

Energy storage Fossil fuels Power grid

Renewables Transportation

Contaminants Drought Earthquakes Extreme weather

Flooding Heat waves Hurricanes Pollution

Severe storms Tsunamis Volcanoes Wildfires

Agriculture Aquatic ecosystems Fluid mechanics

Forests Freshwater resources Geology

Ice Land use Planetary science

Coastal ecosystems Fisheries and aquaculture Marine biology

Marine conservation Ocean chemistry

Ocean governance Oceanography

SUGGESTED TOPICS
The Magazine
Newsletters
Managing Yourself
Managing Teams
Work-life Balance
The Big Idea
Data & Visuals
Reading Lists
Case Selections
HBR Learning
Topic Feeds
Account Settings
Email Preferences

Making Sustainability More Tangible

Gregory C. Unruh

Both employees and customers value sustainability. Here’s how to help them recognize the impact of your efforts.

A persistent managerial challenge is how to account for the intangible value generated from sustainability initiatives. Executives recognize the impacts these efforts engender with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, partners, politicians, and the like. The challenge is that these important stakeholder impacts are difficult to see or measure — for example, you can’t look at two eggs and identify which one was grown sustainably. To overcome this, the author suggests companies “tangibilize” — that is, make the intangible benefits more clear. He offers an example of how Intel created a program to tangibilize the value of artificial intelligence in the mid-2010s, before ChatGPT made AI a household name.

When I became the sustainability guest editor for the MIT Sloan Management Review a decade ago, I joined a research project sponsored by the Boston Consulting Group to track the evolution of corporate sustainability management. Over the course of nine years, our annual global surveys reached more than 60,000 respondents in 118 countries.

GU Gregory C. Unruh is the Arison Professor of Values Leadership at George Mason University and an expert on sustainable business strategy. His most recent book is Strategy on the Sustainability Frontier (Global Leadership Academy Press, 2020).

Partner Center

Research lights up process for turning CO2 into sustainable fuel

Researchers have successfully transformed CO 2 into methanol by shining sunlight on single atoms of copper deposited on a light-activated material, a discovery that paves the way for creating new green fuels.

An international team of researchers from the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, University of Queensland and University of Ulm have designed a material, made up of copper anchored on nanocrystalline carbon nitride. The copper atoms are nested within the nanocrystalline structure, which allows electrons to move from carbon nitride to CO 2 , an essential step in the production of methanol from CO 2 under the influence of solar irradiation. The research has been published in the Sustainable Energy & Fuels Journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In photocatalysis, light is shone on a semiconductor material that excites electrons, enabling them to travel through the material to react with CO 2 and water, leading to a variety of useful products, including methanol, which is a green fuel. Despite recent progress, this process suffers from a lack of efficiency and selectivity.

Carbon dioxide is the greatest contributor to global warming. Although, it is possible to convert CO 2 to useful products, traditional thermal methods rely on hydrogen sourced from fossil fuels. It is important to develop alternative methods based on photo- and electrocatalysis, taking advantage of the sustainable solar energy and abundance of omnipresent water.

Dr Madasamy Thangamuthu, a research fellow in the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, who co-led the research team, said: "There is a large variety of different materials used in photocatalysis. It is important that the photocatalyst absorbs light and separates charge carriers with high efficiency. In our approach, we control the material at the nanoscale. We developed a new form of carbon nitride with crystalline nanoscale domains that allow efficient interaction with light as well as sufficient charge separation."

The researchers devised a process of heating carbon nitride to the required degree of crystallinity, maximising the functional properties of this material for photocatalysis. Using magnetron sputtering, they deposited atomic copper in a solventless process, allowing intimate contact between the semiconductor and metal atoms.

Tara LeMercier, a PhD student who carried out the experimental work at the University of Nottingham, School of Chemistry, said: "We measured the current generated by light and used it as a criterion to judge the quality of the catalyst. Even without copper, the new form of carbon nitride is 44 times more active than traditional carbon nitride. However, to our surprise, the addition of only 1 mg of copper per 1 g of carbon nitride quadrupled this efficiency. Most importantly the selectivity changed from methane, another greenhouse gas, to methanol, a valuable green fuel."

Professor Andrei Khlobystov, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, said: "Carbon dioxide valorisation holds the key for achieving the net-zero ambition of the UK. It is vitally important to ensure the sustainability of our catalyst materials for this important reaction. A big advantage of the new catalyst is that it consists of sustainable elements -- carbon, nitrogen and copper -- all highly abundant on our planet."

This invention represents a significant step towards a deep understanding of photocatalytic materials in CO 2 conversion. It opens a pathway for creating highly selective and tuneable catalysts where the desired product could be dialled up by controlling the catalyst at the nanoscale.

This work is funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant 'Metal atoms on surfaces and interfaces (MASI) for sustainable future' which is set to develop catalyst materials for the conversion of three key molecules -- carbon dioxide, hydrogen and ammonia -- crucially important for economy and environment. MASI catalysts are made in an atom-efficient way to ensure sustainable use of chemical elements without depleting supplies of rare elements and making most of the earth's abundant elements, such as carbon and base metals.

The University of Nottingham is dedicated to championing green and sustainable technologies. The Zero Carbon Cluster has been set in the East Midlands to accelerate the development and deployment of innovation in green industries and advanced manufacturing.

Energy and Resources
Organic Chemistry
Nanotechnology
Sustainability
Global Warming
Geochemistry
Energy and the Environment
Activated carbon
Scanning tunneling microscope
Common ethanol fuel mixtures
Nanoparticle
Hydrogen-like atom
Electroluminescence
Solar power

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Nottingham . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

Tara M LeMercier, Madasamy Thangamuthu, Emerson C Kohlrausch, Yifan Chen, Craig Stoppiello, Michael W Fay, Graham A. Rance, Gazi N Aliev, Wolfgang Theis, Johannes Biskupek, Ute Kaiser, Anabel E. Lanterna, Jesum Alves Fernandes, Andrei Khlobystov. Synergy of Nanocrystalline Carbon Nitride with Cu Single Atom Catalyst Leads to Selective Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Methanol . Sustainable Energy & Fuels , 2024; DOI: 10.1039/D4SE00028E

Cite This Page :

Explore More

Heart Disease Risk: More Than One Drink a Day
Unlocking Supernova Stardust Secrets
Why Do Some Memories Become Longterm?
What Controls Sun's Differential Rotation?
Robot, Can You Say 'Cheese'?
Researchers Turn Back the Clock On Cancer Cells
Making Long-Term Memories: Nerve-Cell Damage
A Solar Cell You Can Bend and Soak in Water
'Cosmic Cannibals': Fast-Moving Jets in Space
Risk Factors for Faster Brain Aging

ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

This article is part of the research topic.

Learning, Digitalization, and Social Sustainability

Lost Opportunities for Globalisation, Digitalisation, and Socially Sustainable Education? Advocating for Digital and Global Bildung in Swedish Upper Secondary Schools Provisionally Accepted

1 Jönköping University, Sweden
2 University of Gothenburg, Sweden

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Our 2022 pilot study indicates that for some multiethnic, multi-abled, and otherwise diverse upper secondary students underlying, often ethnocentric, norms of Swedish education create hurdles in educational contexts. Firstly, their, in the Swedish context, non-normative and often global experiences are not recognised at school. Secondly, topics addressed in the courses they take are primarily focused on topics originating in a Swedish, Nordic, or Western tradition. This may cause tension, as Andreotti and de Souza (2008) indicate: "uncritical reinforcement of notions of the supremacy and universality of 'our' (Western) ways of seeing… can reproduce unequal relations of dialogue and power and undervalue other knowledge systems." In this article, we point to how the making visible of diverse linguistic, digital, and cultural competences can contribute to more sustainable and inclusive classroom contexts and future societies. Curricular policies must take lost opportunities, which we argue are not socially sustainable, into account as a more global and holistic approach when articulating what educational learning is supposed to be about, for, and for whom (Biesta, 2020), and thus integrating learning, digitalisation, and social sustainability.

Keywords: Learning 1, education 2, globalisation 3, digitalisation 4, social sustainability 5

Received: 06 Dec 2023; Accepted: 28 Mar 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Bäcke and Vigmo. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. Maria Bäcke, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden

People also looked at

share this!

March 25, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

Research team creates global roadmap to advance printable sensors for sustainability and quality of life

by Ray Sharma, Simon Fraser University

A Simon Fraser University professor is helping make strides towards a "sustainable, intelligent world" by propelling printable sensor technologies.

Vincenzo Pecunia, from SFU's School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, has led a team of more than 100 experts from 57 research institutions worldwide in developing a comprehensive roadmap for next-generation printable sensor technologies. By paving the way for everyday objects and environments to acquire sensing capabilities, these technologies could be a game changer in advancing sustainability and enhancing our quality of life.

The work is published in the journal Nano Futures .

By providing real-time data from the world around us, sensors can help people make more informed decisions about how they use resources and improve homes, cities, the environment, security, health care, and more.

"There are truly countless ways in which sensors can help us make our life easier and more sustainable," says Pecunia, lead author of the recently published research. "Think, for instance, of sensors that could realize safer medical exams and targeted health care , or that could help farmers increase yield, or that could help us reduce food waste through accurate food spoilage detection, or that could detect wildfires early enough to prevent their disastrous consequences."

In the roadmap, Pecunia and his global network of collaborators delve into the current and future standing of 45 printable sensor technologies that respond to diverse stimuli, such as light, radiation, force, temperature, gases, chemicals, and biological substances.

Pecunia's group has made major research contributions in this area, spearheading printable optical sensors that could find application in a wide range of sustainability-focused domains.

Realizing all these applications depends on disseminating sensors in large numbers to generate a critical mass of data. That requires the availability of easy-to-make, low-cost sensor technologies.

"Sensors based on printable materials offer an ideal platform, since they can be fabricated from inks using simple methods such as printing and coating in a room-temperature setting, requiring little energy," says Pecunia.

By contrast, the sensors commonly used today are made with technologies that tend to be expensive and have a considerable carbon footprint, often requiring temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius to produce. Pecunia points out that the cost and carbon footprint of such conventional sensors limit the possibility of disseminating them in the large numbers required to make a large-scale impact.

He advocates for establishing homegrown manufacturing for printable sensors , which would realize their diverse applications for the benefit of local communities and avoid the slow and complex supply chain of traditional electronics while bolstering the local clean-tech and high-tech sectors.

While printable sensor technologies hold great promise, Pecunia believes that it is essential to push forward research in this area to overcome the remaining hurdles and unlock the full potential of these technologies.

"Through our roadmap, our ultimate goal is to catalyze further research advances in printable sensor technology to bring us closer to a green sensor revolution for the benefit of all," he says.

Provided by Simon Fraser University

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Atmospheric observations in China show rise in emissions of a potent greenhouse gas

13 hours ago

Supergene research solves the mystery of tiny ant queens

Comprehensive study explores influence of gene expression on primate brain evolution

Magnetic avalanche triggered by quantum effects: 'Barkhausen noise' detected for first time

14 hours ago

Plasma fusion: Adding just enough fuel to the fire

Small birds spice up the already diverse diet of spotted hyenas in Namibia

Biochemists discover first new antibacterial class in decades

Discovering van Gogh in the wild: Scientists unveil a new gecko species

15 hours ago

Study suggests starvation decimated gray whales off the Pacific Coast: Can the giants ever recover?

Study reveals evidence of violence at a time of crisis in ancient Peru

Relevant physicsforums posts, air-to-fuel ratio of ethanol.

Mar 27, 2024

Maximum mass flow in a shell & tube heat exchanger

Mar 25, 2024

Isotopic exchange and SIMS diffusion profile measurement

Mar 20, 2024

Stainless Steel corrosion issue

Mar 5, 2024

H2O2 35% on Al 5083 at 150° gives 'limescale'

Mar 3, 2024

Annealing mu-metal in hydrogen to retain max permeability?

Feb 20, 2024

More from Materials and Chemical Engineering

Global experts propose a path forward in generating clean power from waste energy

Mar 22, 2023

Harnessing AI and advanced imaging for precision plant stress management

Mar 18, 2024

Scientists write 'traps' for light with tiny ink droplets

Oct 23, 2017

A greener internet of things with no wires attached

Dec 28, 2022

Harnessing sensors, smart devices, and AI could transform agriculture

Jan 4, 2024

Building a multifunctional pressure sensor with 3D printing technology

Jul 14, 2021

Recommended for you

Scientists propose theoretical design strategy for room-temperature metal-organic multiferroics

19 hours ago

To capture methane emissions, scientists create nanoshell catalysts

21 hours ago

Electronic device thermal management made simpler and slightly better

20 hours ago

A new fullertube molecule is found

Biocompatible nanoparticles modified with ATP can enhance systemic delivery of cancer immunotherapy

Atomic-scale semiconductor process technology and clean hydrogen technology join hands

Let us know if there is a problem with our content.

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter

DISCOVER THE INNOVATIVE WORK WE ARE DOING ON:

Air, Food & Water
Art & Culture
Cities & Towns
Climate Change
Energy & Technology
Environmental Justice
Law & Policy
Nature & Conservation
Sustainable Business

Awards | 3.28.2024

Announcing Recipients of 2024 The La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards

The UCLA La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science and the UC Natural Reserve System Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve are pleased to announce the 2024 La Kretz Center research awards recipients. These awardees are some of UCLA’s best and brightest undergraduate and graduate students working on a variety of exciting conservation-based projects. Supporting students in their research endeavors is a primary mission for the La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch, and we are enthusiastic about what this year’s winners will accomplish over the next year!

Congratulations to (pictured from top left to bottom right):

Janine Fischer : Effects of interspecific competition on Stephens’ kangaroo rat habitat selection

Anna Ongjoco : Hydraulic function and carbon metabolism of three southern California oak species

Likhitha Yettela : Using eDNA Techniques to Understand the Patterns of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Santa Monica Bay

Sean O Fallon : Determining the drivers of collective behavior in Veromessor harvester ants at the UC Sedgwick natural reserve

Jill Carpenter : Is Prey Availability a Factor in the Decline of a Bat Species in Southern California that is Synanthropic in the Rest of its Range?

Madeleine Pacheco : Integrating Environmental DNA and Epigenetics as a Novel Approach for Age Classification of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model Organism.

Lily Rivas : Effects of artificial lighting at night on bats in Los Angeles County

Nikita Burger : Hyperspectral Imaging for California Plant Ecology

IMAGES

140 Unique Sustainability Research Topics To Focus On
140 Unique Sustainability Research Topics To Focus On
Sustainability Research Topics for Your Next Project (2023)
167 Sustainability Research Topics for Top Grades
Sustainability Topics
Top 145 Sustainability Research Topics for Students (2022)

VIDEO

Micro-certificates in sustainability: Partnering with the Trottier Family Foundation
WBCS FOCUS SERIES || DESCRIPTIVE ENGLISH
TOP 10 BEST RESEARCH TOPICS FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS IN 2024
#sustainablefashion & #slowluxury with Rahul Mishra
Architecture Thesis Topics: Sustainability #architecture #thesis #thesisproject #design #school
The Psychology of Shopping

COMMENTS

80 sustainability research topics for students
You want to do a student research project with impact. We have outlined a range of sustainability research topics for you. The list specifically focuses on how to green your campus. Take action to make your university more sustainable! Our list of sustainability research topics helps students investigate green campus issues.
187 Sustainability Topics For Research Papers In 2023
187 Sustainability Topics For Research Papers In 2023. If you are a student of environmental science or even technology, sustainability is a very important topic for your research papers. These topics help you study the impact of mankind on the environment and different options that are available to prevent further deterioration of the planet.
Sustainability
Research Open Access 22 Mar 2024 npj Urban Sustainability. Volume: 4, P: 19. ... A new framework for sustainable space development must balance technological advancement, protection of space ...
Frontiers in Sustainability
Climate Change and Sustainable Food Security: Prospects and Challenges of Feeding 9 Billion People. Niaz Ali. Zujun Yang. Hamayun Shaheen. 352 views. Aligned with UN Sustainability Development Goals, this journal explores innovations in how we produce and consume products, empowering scientists to be more involved in the sustainability discussion.
Sustainability Research Topics
This guide presents resources related to the themes of the 17 SDGs. Latin American and Caribbean Studies - Environment & Sustainability. This guide provides selected resources on the topics of the environment and sustainability as they relate to these regions. Each resource category provides sources on a regional and country basis. Earth Day 2023.
Review Sustainability and sustainable development: A review of
1. Introduction. The concept of sustainable development has become a reference for scientific research on the environment and has acquired a paradigm character for development (Alvarado-Herrera et al., 2017; Gore, 2015) since its appearance in the Brundtland Report in 1987 (WCED, 1987).Since the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, the concept has become hegemonic and has been incorporated in ...
Research & ideas aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Research knowledge that reforms education, improves our built environment, and promotes sustainable practices while reducing widespread inequality. The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide an international framework to measure societies biggest challenges. This collection gathers freely available articles to support and amplify key themes ...
Top 100 in Sustainability
This collection highlights our most downloaded* sustainability papers published in 2022. Featuring authors from around the world, these papers showcase valuable research from an international ...
The Top 30 Global Sustainability Research Papers in 2019
The top 30 global sustainability articles in 2019, by Altmetric score: World Scientists' Warning of a Climate Emergency (November 2019) BioScience. Altmetric score: 10,966. Climate tipping points too risky to bet against Nature. Altmetric score: 8556. New elevation data triple estimates of global vulnerability to sea-level rise and coastal ...
Integrating sustainability into scientific research
Integrating sustainability into scientific research. Laboratories have a large environmental impact, with high levels of resource consumption and waste generation. In this article, I discuss some ...
190 Excellent Sustainability Research Topics
List of Sustainability Research Topics and Ideas. Sustainability is a wide concept that contains multiple research areas on energy conservation, natural resources, sustainable transport, green building, and renewable energy. You can generate a lot of sustainability project ideas considering the environmental issues and the costs involved.
140 Unique Sustainability Research Topics To Focus On
140 Unique Sustainability Research Topics To Focus On. Sustainability is a theory that concentrates on satisfying the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. In general, it is an interesting concept that maintains stability between the economy, environment, and equity. Especially, to conserve the environment ...
Sustainability Themes
Sustainability Themes. The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability's (SEAS) Sustainability Themes address global challenges at the nexus of environment and society. They are intertwined with everything we do but also serve as rallying points for collaborations around research, teaching, and civic engagement.
Research trends of sustainability and marketing research, 2010-2020
14 research topics of sustainability and marketing over 2010-2020 were obtained from the Latent Dirichlet Allocation. • Two hot topics and one cold topic were identified. • The research trend has shifted from general sustainability concept to environmental and industrial technology.
(PDF) Sustainability: A Comprehensive Literature
The organizations that develop and implement sustainable practices are recognized as a success in sustainability. This chapter aims to provide an outline for sustainability with strategies ...
Sustainable Development Research Paper Topics
In this comprehensive guide to sustainable development research paper topics, we explore the diverse and critical issues related to sustainable development within the field of environmental science.Sustainable development encompasses the principles of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection, aiming to create a better future for present and future generations.
Top 101 Sustainability Research Topics And Ideas To Focus On
Sustainability is a broad concept with many research areas. Some popular research areas in the subject include natural resources, sustainable transport, energy conservation, renewable energy, and green building. Other than these areas, you can also think about the latest environmental issues and generate unique sustainability project ideas.
Ten simple rules to make your research more sustainable
Engaging the community on the topic of sustainability will create interest in the topic and in how it is addressed within the community. ... A major step towards achieving sustainable research requires being informed about the impact of our activities as well as the impact of the simple choices we can make, as outlined by this set of 10 rules. ...
Past, present, and future of sustainable finance: insights from big
Sustainable finance is a rich field of research. Yet, existing reviews remain limited due to the piecemeal insights offered through a sub-set rather than the entire corpus of sustainable finance. To address this gap, this study aims to conduct a large-scale review that would provide a state-of-the-art overview of the performance and intellectual structure of sustainable finance. To do so, this ...
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Dynamics and Control of Human and Animal Viral Diseases: Deterministic and Stochastic Models. Abdessamad Tridane. Fahad Al Basir. Santanu Ray. 575 views. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this journal explores the intersection of food systems, science and practice of sustainability including its environmental, economic and ...
100 Best Sustainability Topics for Academic Papers
Best Sustainability Topics For Your Research. We've put together 100 exceptional sustainability topics that can be used for a variety of situations. The list covers topics in sustainability for grade school, middle school, high school, college, and graduate school. Check out our list and see what inspires you.
Research Topics
Research how sustainable our lawn mowers, snow blowers, sweepers, etcetera on campus are, how many hours a week they are approximately used, etcetera. Research the impact of salt (for ice in the winter) and grass fertilizer has on watershed and runoff. Develop signage for sustainable landscaping projects. Investigate permeable pavements for CSB ...
All research topics
Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Hopkins Internships - Summer Undergraduate Research Funds (HI-SURF) Mentoring Undergraduates in Interdisciplinary Research (MUIR) Summer Undergraduate Program on Energy Research (SUPER) Sustainability Undergraduate Research in Geoscience and Engineering (SURGE) Admissions; Executive education; Field Learning
Making Sustainability More Tangible
When I became the sustainability guest editor for the MIT Sloan Management Review a decade ago, I joined a research project sponsored by the Boston Consulting Group to track the evolution of ...
Research lights up process for turning CO2 into sustainable fuel
Research lights up process for turning CO2 into sustainable fuel. ScienceDaily . Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2024 / 03 / 240325201620.htm
Frontiers
Our 2022 pilot study indicates that for some multiethnic, multi-abled, and otherwise diverse upper secondary students underlying, often ethnocentric, norms of Swedish education create hurdles in educational contexts. Firstly, their, in the Swedish context, non-normative and often global experiences are not recognised at school. Secondly, topics addressed in the courses they take are primarily ...
Research team creates global roadmap to advance printable sensors for
Vincenzo Pecunia, from SFU's School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, has led a team of more than 100 experts from 57 research institutions worldwide in developing a comprehensive roadmap for ...
FAA Invests $27 Million on Research to Reduce Emissions and Noise
The FAA is awarding $27.2 million to 11 U.S. universities as part of its Aviation Sustainability Center ( ASCENT) program. The awards will be matched in-kind by the Center's partners under the ...
Announcing Recipients of 2024 The La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch
Supporting students in their research endeavors is a primary mission for the La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch, and we are enthusiastic about what this year's winners will accomplish over the next year! Congratulations to (pictured from top left to bottom right):
Home: International Conference on Research Reactors: Achievements
In recent years, the Agency has organized major international conferences on topics of interest to the research reactor community every four years. The last such meeting was the International Conference on Research Reactors: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities to Ensure Effectiveness and Sustainability, Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 2019.

80 sustainability research topics for students to explore green campus issues

Sustainability research topics: Education

Biodiversity

Greenhouse-gase (GHG)

Procurement

Transportation and mobility

Behaviour change

Sustainability research topics on governance, strategy and reporting

Monitoring and reporting

187 Sustainability Topics For Research Papers In 2023

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

Easy Sustainability Topics For Research

Best Sustainability Topics For Research Papers

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

Sustainability Topics for All Levels

Environmental Project Topics

Sustainable Development Topics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Sustainability: Sustainability Research Topics

Related Guides

How can we help?

Search By Topic

The Top 30 Global Sustainability Research Papers in 2019

The top 30 global sustainability articles in 2019, by Altmetric score:

Integrating sustainability into scientific research

Access options

Author information

Corresponding author

Ethics declarations

Additional information

Rights and permissions

About this article

Share this article

This article is cited by

Quick links

190 Excellent Sustainability Research Topics

What is Sustainability?

List of Sustainability Research Topics and Ideas

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

Sustainability Research Topics on Environment

Sustainability Research Topics on Education

Educational Research Topics on Sustainability

Transportation Sustainability Research Topics

Additional Transportation Sustainability Research Ideas

Food Sustainability Research Paper Topics

A Few More Food Sustainability Research Ideas

Sustainability Research Topics on Waste Management

Interesting Sustainability Research Topics

Amazing Sustainability Research Topics

Captivating Sustainability Topics For Research Paper

Excellent Sustainability Topics for Study

Unique Ideas for Sustainability Research

Outstanding Sustainability Research Questions

Brilliant Sustainability Research Paper Ideas

Final Words

Related Post

Know about Online PhD in Artificial Intelligence

Theoretical Framework Examples for Research Studies

Learn How to Write a Chemistry Lab Report

Jacob Smith

200 Impressive Business Essay Topics

140 Unique Sustainability Research Topics To Focus On

List of the Best Sustainability Research Paper Topics

Sustainability Research Topics on Environment

Sustainability Research Topics on Education

Food Sustainability Research Topics

Sustainability Research Paper Topics on Waste Management

Transportation Sustainability Research Ideas

Top Sustainability Research Paper Topics

Excellent Sustainability Topics for Research Paper

Trending Sustainability Research Topics

Outstanding Sustainability Research Paper Topics

Wrapping Up

Related Post

220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Read and Understand How to Write a Research Proposal

100+ Controversial Research Topics and Ideas to Focus On

Jacob Smith

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

Sustainability Themes