SEP Research

Whitman professor

The SEP's transdisciplinary collaboration allows for the flexibility to pursue research interests in various fields related to sustainable enterprise, with special focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Possible research questions include:

  • What are the characteristics of sustainable SMEs?
  • What steps are needed to improve the sustainability of existing SMEs?
  • What barriers do SMEs perceive to operating sustainably?
  • How are SMEs responding to sustainability challenges such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and integration of innovative technology?
  • What attitudes towards sustainability are demonstrated by SMEs?
  • Are SMEs generally aware of the environmental and social impacts of their operations? To what extent are those issues understood?
  • What are the implications for SMEs in the supply chain of large, sustainably-managed firms? Does pressure from above increase sustainability? If so, how deep in the supply chain does that pressure extend?
  • What policies impede SMEs from operating more sustainably? What policy innovations would promote adoption and creation of sustainable practices among SMEs?

Mini-Grant Research Program

windmill

To promote research in sustainable enterprise, the SEP makes available mini-grants of up to $5,000. All faculty, Ph.D. students, and other researchers from SU, SUNY-ESF and the SyracuseCoE with interest in sustainable business concepts, practices, metrics and assessments are invited to apply. In keeping with the SEP's emphasis on transdisciplinary collaboration and integration, investigators from at least two disciplines will be required for each proposal.

In 2008-2009, grants were awarded for:

  • "Cow2Sheraton: Sustainable Recycling for Institutional Food Waste Biomass," David Johnson (SUNY-ESF, Environmental Chemistry) and Amanda Nicholson (Whitman School, Retail Management)
  • "LEED-Certified Wood Supply," Rene Germain (SUNY-ESF, Forest & Natural Resources Management) and Pat Penfield (Whitman School, Supply Chain Management)
  • "Technologies for Sustainable Water: Innovations & Architects" Sharon Moran (SUNY-ESF, Environmental Studies), Brenda Nordenstam (SUNY-ESF, Environmental Studies) and Tim Stenson (SU, Architecture)