InteREAM Research Statement
InteREAM has a framework objective to undertake interdisciplinary research on the effectiveness of environmental management tools and techniques in order to promote continuous and sustainable improvements.
This mission encompasses the use of interdisciplinary approaches specifically designed to measure effectiveness in different ways to gain new insights. Specifically, new research models will be applied to the investigation of the influences of processes like Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal on decision-making for sustainability. Similarly, the models will be applied to the investigation of the effectiveness of other tools and techniques used within businesses, including Environmental Auditing, Environmental Management Systems, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ecolabelling and Environmental Communication.
In the field of Environmental Impact Assessment, one specific aim is to develop and apply new research models to examine the effectiveness of the process. In moving beyond the traditional positivist approach, it is anticipated that the current norms of small, incremental improvements to practice can be bypassed and that more radical improvements can be recommended.
There is also a need to promote interdisciplinary applied research on the effectiveness of more recent innovations in environmental management, such as Environmental Management Systems and Corporate Social Responsibility. A key focus of this work is on the interrelationships between management tools and techniques. Thus, research will draw on theoretical frameworks to examine the effectiveness of environmental management tools (individually and collectively) and corporate practices. Through illustrating by example, it is anticipated that clear guidance can be provided on improving practices within these areas.
InteREAM also aims to build capacity in Environmental Management. InteREAM staff are involved in the provision of a Masters programme in Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Auditing and Environmental Management Systems. Staff also participate in short training courses on Environmental Management (some examples are provided on the research pages of this site), and InteREAM is a member of the
UNEP Network of Institutions for Sustainable Development which
helps countries address the challenges of sustainable development by promoting capacity building efforts in different regions.
Contact Details
InteREAM (Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Assessment and Management),
School of Environmental Sciences,
University of East Anglia,
Norwich,
NR4 7TJ,
UK.
Tel. +44 1603 592556
Fax. +44 1603 591327
Email: inteream@uea.ac.uk
Last updated
January 29, 2009
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