The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) was established in 1989
from its predecessor the Beijer Institute. The SEI is an independent and
non-profit international research institute specialising in sustainable
development and environment issues. Its predecessor—the Beijer
Institute—focussed on key energy and climate issues in the developing
world. The SEI has a staff of approximately 200, spread among offices in
Stockholm (headquarters), York, Oxford, Tallinn, Boston, Bangkok and Dar
es Salaam.
The Climate and Energy programme at SEI has worked throughout Africa,
Asia, Europe and Latin America to spur innovative energy strategies that
support social equity, environmental sustainability and economic
development. Its mission is to support the identification and adoption
of policies aimed at improving access to energy services, advancing
modern bioenergy, mitigating climate change and adapting to climate
impacts.
The approach of the programme is based on research and analysis,
capacity-building, scenarios and modelling tools, and outreach.
Harmonising these elements within its activities has enabled SEI to
establish itself among stakeholders in government, business, NGOs, and
multilateral bodies. Recent and ongoing projects of special relevance
have included: analysis on the EU biofuels sustainability criteria, a
review of international trade in forest-based commodities, mitigation
scenarios assessment for the six largest developing countries, and an
evaluation of the techno-economic options and social and environmental
impacts of bioenergy from sugar cane in southern Africa.
The Future Sustainability programme aims to illuminate the current
state, future prospects and intervention strategies of socio-ecological
systems at various spatial scales. With its emphasis on whole systems,
integration and the future, it complements the thematic foci of SEI's
other programmes and projects.
Working with both governmental and non-governmental partners at a
range of scales, the Future Sustainability programme assists with
sustainability assessment and planning, including capacity building. SEI
has carried out comprehensive studies at the global, regional, and
national level, as well as targeted thematic studies on diverse topics.
To support this work, SEI engages in a wide range of methodological and
tool development for sustainability analysis.
Past projects include contributions to the global sustainability
scenarios of the Global Scenario Group, UNEP's Global Environment
Outlook, and the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in
Agriculture.
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