Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability
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Item Open Access PROSPECTUS FOR A YORK CENTRE FOR APPLIED SUSTAINABILITY(1996-06-12) Faculty of Environmental StudiesItem Open Access Item Open Access Item Open Access The Idea of a Radio Series(2000-03-28)Item Open Access Sustainability, Social Capital and the Canadian ICT Sector(2001)In this paper we explore the possibilities of information and communication technology (ICT) companies creating economic, social and ecological value – primarily with reference to two theoretical constructs: sustainability and social capital. We take a global overview and provide commentary on private and public sector applications of digital technologies around the world. We develop a Canadian perspective on sustainability, social capital and the ICT sector and we report on preliminary research with the sector undertaken for the Sustainable Canada project. We observe that at the present time Canadian ICT companies do not see the issue of sustainability as a defining characteristic of their identities or of their business strategies. However, there is a good understanding of the importance of practical commitments to environmental and social good practice and there is potential for ICT companies based in Canada to enter into strategic partnerships with government and civil society organizations in order to help address a range of social and ecological issues in Canada and internationally. We suggest that pursuit of ‘made in Canada’ initiatives in sustainable development may enhance social capital in the ICT sector which may in turn improve the reputation and competitiveness of Canadian ICT firms.Item Open Access Item Open Access The Role of Government in Advancing Corporate Sustainability(2002-03-27) Bell, David V. J.Item Open Access A Study of Social Capital and Sustainability(2002-04-22) Medalye, JacquelineItem Open Access The Role of Business in Development(2002-11-18)In recent times, the role of business organizations in development has come under greater scrutiny. The shift of resources for development from official development assistance and loans to foreign direct investment and outsourcing by business has meant that at a practical level, economic development has become more intimately linked with the policies and practices of large business organizations. Economic, technological and cultural globalization is largely driven by multinational companies (MNCs). Many corporations command resources – technological and financial – far in excess of those enjoyed by many of the countries and communities in which they operate around the world. This has not always been seen as a positive trend, and opponents of globalization have typically targeted ‘business’ as both a cause and an accelerator of negative social and ecological outcomes of economic development. In contrast, even the most trenchant critics of globalization recognize the need for economic development at the local or regional community level. Many social and environmental advocacy organizations and international development agencies are researching and publishing material on the importance of sustainable livelihoods – where economic, social and ecological factors are integrated to the benefit of society and nature. In this paper we describe the response of ‘business’ and provide a contemporary perspective on development which acknowledges the importance of economic development and entrepreneurship to community development. We introduce the notion that ‘business’ might be better defined as a creative, entrepreneurial act involving multiple collaborating partners rather than as an institution associated with particular multinational interests, and we describe a number of cases that help illustrate why this is relevant to the notion of development. Finally, we reprise recent developments in the management literature which envisage a new role for multinational corporations in development and add some conclusions about how new perspectives on business might resolve some of the current tensions and ambiguities about the roles of different actors.Item Open Access SELF-ASSEMBLY FURNITURE, THE VIRTUOUS WAY:IKEA supplier makes all the right moves.(The Design Exchange, 2003) Wahba, AndrewItem Open Access BACK TO NATURE: The Biowall returns clean air to commercial spaces.(The Design Exchange, 2003) Doody-Hamilton, ChristineItem Open Access Turf Wars: A pair of self-trained horticulturalists help clients rethink(The Design Exchange, 2003) Fernando, NicoleItem Open Access Affordable, Developer-Friendly and Green: New direction for residential building that can please all stakeholders.(The Design Exchange, 2003) Rappaport, BryanItem Open Access Thinking Outside the Box: The corrugated box inspires creative play and a new business.(The Design Exchange, 2003) Burden, TrinaItem Open Access Changing the Way We Build: Architects and Engineers Get Together(The Design Exchange, 2003)Item Open Access A Passion for Organics: Squeezing profits, social and environmental value from healthy juice in a bottle(The Design Exchange, 2003)Item Open Access REDESIGNING ENGINES, NATURALLY: High performance, low emissions and solid business prospects.(The Design Exchange, 2003)Item Open Access What's in the Design? Leaders in office furniture are transforming their manufacturing process.(The Design Exchange, 2003)