Sustainability in Action: Bridging Research, Learning, and Climate Goals
Global warming has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions threaten ecosystems, human health, food security, and economic stability. According to the United Nations, limiting global warming to 1.5°C is critical to avoiding the most severe impacts of climate change. Achieving this target requires urgent, coordinated efforts across governments, businesses, universities, and communities worldwide. The consequences of inaction are severe, ranging from rising sea levels to biodiversity loss and economic disruptions that will affect generations to come. In response, the international community has rallied behind the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action. These frameworks emphasise reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices at every level of society. Importantly, they call upon universities and research institutions to lead by example, producing knowledge, shaping future leaders, and partnering with industries and communities to drive meaningful change.
In alignment with this global call, Ƶ Business School hosted the Sustainable Business for Society International Conference (SBSIC) 2025, held from 2–4 September. Among the participants, Dr Kavitha Sathasivam was awarded the Best Presenter Award (Management Category) for her research titled “Technology Meets Climate Action: Reducing Emissions in the Warehousing Sector.” Her research highlights the critical role of automation technologies in advancing sustainability within global supply chains. Warehouses, though indispensable to logistics, account for nearly 11% of total logistics-related emissions worldwide. The research work demonstrates how technologies such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart warehouse management systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can revolutionise warehouse operations by reducing carbon footprints. By adopting energy-efficient systems and intelligent automation, businesses can cut waste, optimise energy use, and align with international sustainability standards. To illustrate, energy-intensive warehouse operations like cooling systems, lighting, and equipment handling often operate continuously. Intelligent automation can schedule these systems more efficiently, while robotics can minimise unnecessary energy use. These innovations collectively reduce both costs and emissions, showing how technology can serve as a bridge between profitability and sustainability.
The research emphasised two powerful themes:
- Innovation with Purpose – Automation is not merely about efficiency; it is a pathway to sustainability, helping industries reduce emissions, minimise waste, and embed greener practices into daily operations.
- Bridging Research and Practice – The findings provide practical insights for industries in Malaysia and beyond, equipping them with actionable strategies to stay competitive while contributing to global climate targets.
What makes this study even more significant is its direct connection to teaching and learning. The research is actively integrated into classroom discussions, ensuring that students are exposed to real-world sustainability challenges. By incorporating live case studies and practical applications, learners are able to:
- Build critical thinking skills by analysing the intersection of technology, business, and sustainability.
- Apply theoretical frameworks, such as the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, to understand how industries adopt green technologies.
- Gain practical insights into how organisations can innovate responsibly while meeting global sustainability goals.
Beyond technical knowledge, this approach fosters global citizenship among students, encouraging them to see themselves as active participants in solving worldwide challenges. By linking research to classroom learning, students are inspired to adopt sustainable behaviours in their own lives and carry these values into their future workplaces. The recognition gained in SBSIC 2025 reflects Ƶ University’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainability-driven research and education. The work strengthens the institution’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s climate goals while contributing to the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the wider community and industry, the research offers actionable solutions ranging from energy-efficient warehouse technologies to smarter supply chain practices. This ensures that academic contributions are not confined to publications and conferences but have a tangible impact on industries and society.
Dr Kavitha Sathasivam
Ƶ Business School
Email: @email