The Centre for Sustainability, Responsibility, Governance and Ethics (SURGE)

Climate Resilient Future

SURGE explores strategies to enhance resilience to climate change impacts, emphasising adaptation and mitigation efforts. Research in this area encompasses climate risk assessment, sustainable planning and green nudging strategies for businesses and places, and innovative technologies for climate resilience. Additionally, SURGE investigates the influence of environmental hazards, such as air pollution and natural disasters, on the outcomes in society, business and education. Through comprehensive analysis and interdisciplinary insights, SURGE contributes to shaping climate-resilient policies and fostering sustainable development pathways, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). With this main focus, SURGE has been busy building relations with external partners, including Kirklees Climate Commission (KCC), Kirklees Climate TV, Buxton Civic Association, and policymakers from the Global North to Global South, such as Egypt and Chile.

SURGE underscores the importance of community-level interventions in promoting both environmental and economic resilience, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

At SURGE, our dedication to fostering community-level resilience transcends geographical boundaries, as evidenced by our involvement in a project led by Dr. Matt Snell in southwest Ethiopia, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid. This project aims to support conservation livelihoods in the montane rainforests of Southwest Ethiopia, which tackles issues that are inhibiting development of enterprises based on forest-conserving wild coffee and honey. As a result of Matt’s project, community enterprises should receive premium prices for sustainably managed forest-conserving products, thereby demonstrating the economic value of the forests and providing financial incentives for communities to protect their forests and conserve the rich biodiversity. The project is underpinned by a commitment to strengthen the already established Community/Participatory Forestry Management across these forests, which promotes local responsibility and institutional empowerment, sustainable economic development opportunities, and biodiversity conservation.

By recognising the pivotal role of community empowerment, SURGE endeavours to drive positive change and foster resilience, social cohesion, and inclusive governance in communities locally, nationally and around the globe.

Sustainable Consumption and Production Future

SURGE advocates for transitions towards sustainable consumption and production patterns that minimize environmental impact and promote social well-being, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Research efforts address topics such as circular economy, eco-friendly supply chains, and responsible consumption behaviours.

The IAA project (funded by ESRC and AHRC), led by Dr. Jialin (Snow) Wu, aims to co-create sustainability value among stakeholders to promote sustainable practices by leveraging behavioural science and nudging techniques. Drawing on research conducted by SURGE members, including inter-organisational business cooperation, such as strategic alliances, and intercultural negotiations, and supporting social media influencers by Dr Claudio De Mattos, SURGE research-based interventions are informed by diverse perspectives and insights, contributing to a comprehensive approach to sustainable consumption and production.

Governance and Responsibility

In our pursuit of Corporate Governance and Responsibility excellence, SURGE serves as a beacon of collaboration, uniting diverse stakeholders worldwide to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). At the forefront of this mission is our commitment to enhancing the Global Capability Framework (GCF), a groundbreaking initiative born out of the recognition of a critical gap in assessing public relations professionals' capabilities on a global scale.

At SURGE, we are actively involved in extending the impact of the GCF, collaborating with international organizations to update and tailor the framework to diverse global needs. Dr. Gabriel Sadi, among others, has been instrumental in this effort, working closely with professional associations, academic partners, and supranational entities to ensure the framework remains relevant and adaptable. In addition, our discussions on corporate social responsibility, particularly within the health and hospitality sectors, underscore the imperative of aligning business practices with societal well-being and fostering a decent work environment for employees.

For example, Dr. Jialin (Snow) Wu’s research on autonomy support of furlough strategies illuminates the importance of supporting employees through challenging times, emphasising the need for ethical and responsible management practices that prioritise employee well-being and autonomy. Through these multifaceted endeavours, SURGE not only contributes to advancing corporate governance and responsibility but also fosters sustainable development and societal flourishing on a global scale. 

Healthy and Equal Future

SURGE prioritises research on promoting health and well-being for all, recognising the intrinsic link between human health and environmental sustainability. Through empirical studies and policy analysis, we collaborate with stakeholders (e.g. NHS) to identify barriers to healthcare access, propose innovative solutions, and to design evidence-based interventions that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and social cohesion across various contexts. These findings shed light on nuanced aspects of healthcare delivery and inform strategies for optimising patient care and support systems.

Furthermore, Dr. Nic Stenberg's research on peer support interventions for chronic pain management and the community-focused Creative Health initiative in West Yorkshire exemplify our dedication to pioneering solutions for complex healthcare service and management challenges. By addressing these challenges, SURGE contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ultimately working towards a healthier and more resilient global community.

Promoting social equity and equality of opportunity remains a central concern for SURGE, with research efforts led Dr. Simon Kelly delving into feminist parental ethics and organisational age inequality, as well as Dr. Hayley German's exploration of justice judgments and effects over time, collectively underlining SURGE's commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality through targeted funding applications and international partnerships for broader impact, such as Dr. Kelly’s work on equality, supported by the IAA impact fund (AHRC funded), constitutes SURGE's commitment to promoting social equity and equality of opportunity. All these efforts are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

AI and Sustainable Future

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is important to recognise the growing significance of digital technologies in shaping the future. SURGE has introduced a new focus area on Digital Future for Sustainable Development. This strand of research explores how digitalisation can be leveraged to advance sustainability goals through the intersection of digital technology, management practices, and environmental concerns to creating a resilient future. While doing so special attention is given towards addressing ethical, governance, and equity concerns, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Key areas of inquiry include:

• Digital Innovation for Sustainability: Investigating how digital innovations, such as artificial intelligence, and digital platforms, can contribute to sustainability efforts in areas such as management (including human resource management), sustainable performance and climate adaptation. For example, Dr Rabia Imran’s research delves into the impact of technological innovation on sustainable performance through sustainable green practices including green HRM, to establish guidelines and enhance digital literacy for SMEs.
• Digital Communication and Big data for Social Impact: Exploring how organisations can leverage digital platforms and big data to promote social relations and build meaningful initiatives with their stakeholders to promote sustainable practices. SURGE aims to nurture research on effective strategies for managing big data and digital communication that can influence organisational social impact initiatives, enhance stakeholders’ engagement and amplify voices of marginalised groups. For example, Dr Zhuang Ma’s research explores how AI technologies influence the future of work and reshape workplace dynamics in ways that promote both organisational efficiency and human dignity.
• Ethical Use of Digital Technologies: Examining ethical considerations in the development and deployment of digital technologies and big data including data privacy, ethical digital marketing communications, and digital inclusion, such as Dr Snow Wu and Dr Rabia Imran’s ongoing research on the impact of AI on healthcare workforce. SURGE advocates for responsible digital practices that prioritise human rights and social justice. SURGE seeks to ensure that digital platforms contribute to, rather than undermine, sustainability and social responsibility.

SURGE contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13 – Climate Action
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals