Appalachian State University
ER-15: Sustainability Research Identification

Definition of Research and Scholarly Activity Research is the process of systematically planned and performed investigation of a problem or concept to gain new insights or knowledge into facts, principles, theories, applications, or creative works designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge. It may use the scientific method or other approach that reflects an open mind and verified using facts and result in the discovery, interpretation or development of methods for the advancement of human knowledge. It is important to note that this definition rightly includes creative endeavors and performances. Contributing : John Pine Director of ASU’s Research Institute of Energy, Environment and Economics Research is considered to be associated with sustainability when it exhibits or one of the following learning objectives (check one or more): * Integration of basic and applied knowledge from multiple disciplines, including the natural and social sciences, to analyze human-environment interactions; * Analysis of trade-offs or co-benefits involved in managing resources for the social, economic, and environmental welfare of current and future generations; * Development of alternative strategies for the use of natural, human, and fiscal resources that are compatible with the constraints on these resources; * Implementation of practical solutions to socioeconomic and environmental challenges, relating to energy, technology, ecosystems, social transformations, food systems, policy, and governance.

A survey to all tenure-track faculty sought to capture names, departments and research title and abstract information for all research and creative endeavors that relate to sustainability. Research is considered to exhibit a sustainability attribute when it pertains to one or more of the following: - Integration of basic or applied knowledge from multiple disciplines, including the natural and social sciences, to analyze human-environment interactions; - Analysis of the management of resources for the social, economic, and environmental welfare of current and/or future generations; - Development of alternative strategies for the current or future use of our natural, human (social/cultural), built, or economic resources; - Implementation of practical solutions that address challenges to our social cultural, economic, built or environmental resources. If faculty members could answer yes to any of this criteria, the survey considers their research and creative endeavors to hold a sustainability attribute. This survey was developed by the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Research Institute for Energy, Environment and Economics, and the Office of Sustainability.