Environment and Sustainability

The challenge of sustainability is global, and with it comes new opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, between governments, scientists and business leaders, and among those committed to innovative responses to complex ecological, social and economic issues. Royal Roads University's programs provide the leadership skills and interdisciplinary knowledge that lead to sustainable solutions. As a key part of its mandate, the School of Environment and Sustainability is committed to applied, problem-solving research that supports Royal Roads University's innovative partnerships with communities, business, industry, and the public sector.

Focusing on current needs and trends related to sustainable societies, communities, and organizations, the School of Environment and Sustainability undertakes research to advance capacity building, collaboration and organizational effectiveness, dialogue, environmental protection, pollution mitigation, and resource stewardship. For more information about the school's research activities, please click here.

A Leader in Sustainable Societies and Communities Research

The 2006 university strategic plan positions the university in terms of sustainable development:

"…we will be a leader in sustainable development. This will be achieved through environmental education, research, and a demonstration campus – also a national historic site and future home of the Robert Bateman Centre for Art and Environmental Education – that preserves, protects and showcases Canada's natural and cultural heritage."

Sustainable societies and communities as a research theme is the most advanced of the research themes within the university and has attracted the most funding to the university to date. The majority of the university's current research initiatives fall within this theme which captures environmental, economic, and social sustainability, including the Canada Research Chair for Sustainable Community Development (awarded for an additional five years) and the Centre for Non-Timber Resources. As importantly, both the Centre for Health Leadership and Research and the increased focus by the university on the health sector contributes to this leadership role and the Todd Thomas Institute for Values Based Leadership.

Research Centres

Centre for Non-Timber Resources (CNTR) 
Website: www.royalroads.ca/cntr  

The Centre for Non-Timber Resources (CNTR) has as its mandate to support and encourage sustainable utilization of non-timber forest resources in the temperate and boreal regions of the world, with a principal focus being the wise use of non-timber forest resources to diversify and sustain rural and resource-dependent economies. The Centre conducts research into all areas of non-timber resource utilization as well as the development of policies and institutional arrangements that promote the sustainable utilization of non-timber forest resources.