Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

Mission and Approach

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is dedicated to optimizing human well-being while minimizing resource utilization and environmental impacts. Our mission is to protect and enhance global biodiversity and natural capital through strategic, science-based research and education. We strive for leadership in our field to maximize our impact and ensure planetary sustainability for current and future generations.

Research Disciplines

CML's research is structured around two complementary disciplines:

1. Industrial Ecology

In industrial ecology the focus is on analyzing the physical functioning of the economy and its environmental impacts.

Objectives:

• Develop decision-making tools for sustainable production and consumption
• Optimize resource use in industrial systems
• Promote circular economy principles

Key Research Areas:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Impact Assessment
• Material Flow Analysis (MFA)
• Sustainable urban development
• Renewable energy systems
• Waste management and recycling

2. Environmental Biology

In environmental biology the focus is on understanding and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on natural systems.

Objectives:

• Elucidate the effects of current and emerging anthropogenic threats on biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Facilitate strategic management of natural resources
• Address urgent challenges related to ecological mechanisms and their cross-scale interactions

Key Research Areas:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Ecological monitoring
• Ecosystem services assessment
• Ecotoxicology
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems
• Environmental risk assessment

Thematic Research Areas and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our research addresses critical global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• Urban (SDG 9, 11)

   - Sustainable infrastructure
   - Resilient urban planning

• Food (SGD 12, 15) 

  - Agri-food life cycle assessment
  - Sustainable land use

• Water (SDG 6, 14) 

  - Aquatic ecosystem conservation
  - Sustainable water use in industry

• Biodiversity (SDG 13, 14, 15) ​​​​​​​

  - Ecosystem resilience
  - Biodiversity impact assessment

• Resources and Energy (SDG 7, 12)​​​​​​​

  - Renewable energy transitions
  - Resource efficiency optimizatio

Additional SDGs are integrated systemically into our research:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
• SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Our educational programs specifically incorporate:

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
• ​​​​​​​SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

Methodological Excellence

CML is committed to developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies in environmental science and sustainability research. Our aim is to maintain global leadership in:

• Quantitative sustainability assessment
• Environmental impact modeling
• Systems analysis and optimization
• Big data analytics for environmental applications
• Integrated assessment modeling

Impact-Driven Research

We strive to create tangible impacts through:

1. Policy Influence: Translating scientific findings into actionable policy recommendations
2. Industry Collaboration: Partnering with businesses to implement sustainable practices
3. Public Engagement: Communicating research outcomes to promote environmental awareness
4. Interdisciplinary Integration: Fostering collaborations across scientific disciplines and sectors

Through our comprehensive approach to research and education, CML aims to drive innovation in environmental science and contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts.