The Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD), which is based within the Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment, was established in July 2004. There are eight research groups in OISD comprising:

• Impact Assessment
• Spatial Planning
• Urban Design
• Architectural Humanities (DOSSier, CENDEP and International Vernacular Architecture)
• Low Carbon Building
• Technology
• Construction and Project Management
• Real Estate and Land Policy

The research groups focus on different spatial scales and processes. Each group has a distinct identity and research strategy, but there are also synergies between them and collaborative working is an important element of our activities. These groups are addressing key questions which include:

• How can we develop robust metrics systems to measure carbon footprints for buildings and cities?
• How can sustainable urban design provide a template for urban development?
• How can we create sustainable, not transient, communities through urban regeneration?
• How can we assess environmental impact to create a sustainable future?
• How can new technologies advance sustainable building design?
• How can we deploy technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects and create sustainable outcomes?
• What are the international lessons we can learn from rapid urban development and its relationship with climate change?

OISD therefore has a key mission to undertake funded research on sustainability in the built and natural environments at all scales. Its aim is to advance knowledge and practice on sustainable environments by:

• Developing concepts, designs, technical and process approaches;
• Informing policy debates nationally and internationally;
• Developing an empirical evidence base; and
• Contributing to enhanced stakeholder participation.

OISD research addresses the multiple dimensions of sustainable development (social, economic, environmental and governance) and the synergies and processes that link them. Each group has a distinct identity and research strategy, but there are also synergies between them and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary working is an important element of our activities. We have an annual turnover of approximately £800,000 per annum from research councils, government, industry and charities.

The Founding Directors of OISD are Emeritus Professors, John Glasson and Mike Jenks.