Sustainability is in Everything we do

Dr Naoko Komori is a Lecturer in Accounting & Financial Management at Sheffield University Management School, with a specific interest in Japan. Dr Komori discusses why a greater emphasis should be put into examining local culture and customs when planning sustainable economies.

Resource scarcity seems to be a major worldwide problem. Professor Lenny Koh presents a compelling argument against this view; instead, Professor Koh believes this is a matter of ineffective resource management, utilisation and efficiency. Professor Lenny Koh,is an Associate Dean, Chair Professor in Operations Management, Founders and Directors of Advanced Resource Efficiency Centre (AREC), the Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) Research Centre at the Management School, the Faculty’s Centre for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (CEES) and Cross Cutting Chief, Strategic Futures on Resource Sustainability (SCRS).

What does sustainability mean to you? At Sheffield University Management School it's in everything that we do, but has many definitions. We spoke to 11 of our academics about sustainability in the context of their research - from consumer behaviour, supply chain management and the fashion industry, to food security, learning and development, and social housing. Issues in sustainability impact on lives all over the world and our research is making a difference.

Stephen McGlynn looks at sustainability from a unique angle - a learning and development viewpoint. Sustainability from an employers perspective helps to recruit and maintain the best talent, whereas Sustainability from an employees perspective may include the ability to quickly adapt to new jobs and career types.

Across the country, public leisure facilities are under threat. After cutbacks in Sheffield, volunteers now look after a number of the public libraries in the city. Although a valuable resource, reliant on volunteer support, Dr Nichols examines the sustainability of this proposition across the UK and Europe. Dr Geoff Nichols is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Leisure Management at Sheffield University Management School.

Dr Oates's research looks at why some people 'want' to be sustainable, and why some people find it harder to engage. Dr Caroline Oates first became interested in sustainable behaviours when she assisted Sheffield City Council with the launch of the blue bin recycling service. With recycling collections now an integral part of most councils waste management policy, Dr Oates describes how being a sustainable individual is far more complex than taking the bins out once a fortnight. Dr Caroline Oates is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Sheffield University Management School. Music is Fives by Poddington Bear.

Dr Diana Gregory-Smith researches consumer behaviour surrounding sustainable products and purchasing. As companies are trying to be more mindful of waste, Dr Gregory-Smith looks at sustainability in the workplace, such as employee recycling initiatives. Dr Diana Gregory Smith is a Lecture in Marketing at Sheffield University Management School.

Dr Sonal Choudhary describes the importance of producing sustainable food throughout the whole supply chain. Dr Choudhary discusses all the contributing factors which may affect the sustainability of the food chain; including resource scarcity and climate change. Dr Sonal Choudhary is a Lecturer in Sustainable Management at Sheffield University Management School. Music is Dust in Sunlight by Poddington Bear.

Dr Andrea Genovese describes how by optimising the supply chain, and using methods such as circular supply chains can maximise sustainability in the production industries. Dr Andrea Genovese is a Lecturer in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Sheffield University Management School.

Fashion is not known as being a sustainable, eco friendly industry. New lines appear almost weekly on the shelves of high street retailers, and clothes are seen as an almost disposable commodity by some. Dr Claudia Henninger describes her research into the Slow Fashion industry, where collections only come out a few times a year, and careful thought is put into the sourcing of materials, labour and design to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the clothes. Dr Claudia Henninger is a University Teacher in Marketing at Sheffield University Management School. Music is Camp by Poddington Bear.

We are surrounded by products and businesses making 'Sustainability Claims' - defining their products as being green, eco friendly, CFC free, against animal testing, fair trade, and more. Dr Panayiota Alevizou, lecturer in Marketing at Sheffield University Management School examines these claims, and researches how they affect consumers.

Economic growth is a key measure of success, but Dr Smyth offers a frank view on the social inequalities this can produce in the developed world, particularly in regard to sustainable social housing. Dr Stewart Smyth is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting at Sheffield University Management School, and is Co-Director, The Centre for Research into Accounting and Finance in Context (CRAFiC).