About the Centre
A centre of the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, working on the sustainability challenges of the built and natural environment through research, policy and advocacy, and training.
Who we are
Centre for Sustainable Development
Sustainable development has become the frame for policy, research and advocacy the world over, from the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 to the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030. Ghana has shaped its own development policy to match, through the Poverty Reduction Strategies, the Shared Growth and Development Agenda and the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter.
The Centre for Sustainable Development was established by the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment to contribute to those goals through research, policy options and advocacy. It works on the sustainability challenges tied to the built and natural environment, from the local to the global, and supports interdisciplinary study across the Faculty.
Our approach
The Centre is structured to draw industrial, commercial and societal partners into one body of work, so that separate lines of critical thinking come together as interdisciplinary research rather than staying apart. What comes out of that research is meant to be used: real-world solutions with commercial, industrial and societal value.
The Centre studies new sustainable development strategies and technologies, and how people use and interact with the environment. The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is high on its agenda. It takes part in developing the standards and guidelines that remove barriers to effective sustainability technologies, and it provides policy advice, tools, guidance and training in its areas of work.
Our Vision
To become a world-class and recognised Centre in conducting cutting-edge research, and in providing outstanding policy advice and training in the field of sustainable development.
Our Mission
To improve the integration of sustainable development principles and concepts in all facets of the built and natural environment, by providing timely, unbiased information on policy, technologies, designs and operational techniques that enhance the environment, society and the economy.
At a glance
- A centre of the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment
- 3 research theme collectives
- A seven-member board
- National and international partners
Focus and mandate
Three areas of work
Research
Conducting world-class research within the Centre's areas of work, whether the Centre begins it or another institution commissions it.
Policy & Advocacy
Advising government and private institutions on policy and regulatory frameworks, and championing the sustainability questions that need the status quo to change.
Training & Development
Building training programmes out of research findings and industry feedback, to raise the capacity of professionals and close the skills gap in the Centre's areas of work.
Governance
The Board
The Centre is overseen by a seven-member board. The seats are held by post rather than by named appointment, so the board changes with the offices themselves.
- Dean of the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment
- Two Heads of Department from the Faculty
- The Head of the Centre
- The Director of Research of the University
- An experienced sustainability professional from industry
- A researcher of international repute in the field of sustainable development
Who runs the Centre
Head / Director
A member of staff at professorial level leads the Centre. A Senior Lecturer holding a PhD may be appointed to act as Head. The tenure of office is as the statutes provide for the head of a centre.
Experts
Experts and inventors from industry are appointed as associates, to support the Centre's work on innovation and its advice on sustainability.
Researchers
Professors and Senior Research Officers are appointed as Research Fellows and Associates, to lead research, training and advocacy.
Research Assistants
Graduate students and early-career academics support the Centre's research and work alongside the Research Fellows and Experts.
Administration
An administrator manages the Centre's administrative work. The Faculty accountant keeps its accounts until the Centre is large enough to appoint its own.
Collaborations
Building a network
The Centre is building a network of national and international partners, and works with industry in delivering its services — including through industry representation on its board. The institutions below are those the Centre is working towards partnership with.
Working on a sustainability question?
Talk to us about commissioned research, policy advice, technical training, or a partnership with the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment.