http://hdl.handle.net/10379/5332 2017-10-29T23:09:55Z 2017-10-29T23:09:55Z Hynes, Michael http://hdl.handle.net/10379/6823 2017-09-21T01:00:22Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Consuming distance or (all) consuming work? The case of telework Hynes, Michael The reality of anthropogenic climate change and the consequences for society and environment is of growing concern to many worldwide. Sustainable Development - development which addresses existing human needs while preserving sufficient resources for future generations to meet their requirements has emerged as a fundamental aspiration in efforts to reconcile the desire for economic growth and greater social justice with the need for environmental protection. Ecological Modernisation approaches that advocate a greening of current economic and social systems through technological innovation have tended to dominate Sustainable Development debates. Technology is frequently perceived in (over)optimistic terms, with little evidence of measures to restrict growth-centric models of production and consumption.   Work takes up a considerable portion of people s lives whilst travelling to and from work has become a key feature of everyday mobility. A significant contributor to Greenhouse Gas emissions, the transportation of people and goods in its current form is deemed unsustainable. Teleworking has been suggested as a virtual mobility option which potentially can diminish the overall consumption of distance associated with regular commuting. Given its emphasis on the application of technology to solve environmental problems, telework constitutes a prime example of an unsophisticated Ecological Modernisation policy approach. Despite the prominence of Ecological Modernisation rhetoric in environmental policy-making, rigorous theoretical and empirical testing of its key assumptions remains incomplete. This paper draws on a multi-method exploration of telework in Ireland to reveal current interpretations of Ecological Modernisation remain shallow and largely limited to technological fix solutions, contributing little to curbing the consumerist impulses of contemporary economic models and lifestyles. The environmental benefits associated with telework are also questioned. Furthermore, any environmental sustainability gains attributed to telework frequently occur at the expense of individuals who work from home, their families and society, thereby bringing the three key pillars of sustainability into conflict.

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z Khoo, Su-ming http://hdl.handle.net/10379/6790 2017-09-13T01:02:38Z 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Solidarity, equity and rights-based to health provision Khoo, Su-ming This brief contribution addresses the central, but neglected principle of solidarity in universal health coverage reforms. Solidarity is the key to understanding rights-based approaches to health, while ensuring a good fit with broader sustainability goals.

2015-01-01T00:00:00Z Hamilton, Stephen F. Hamilton, Mary Agnes DuBois, David L. Martínez, M. Loreto Cumsille, Patricio Brady, Bernadine Dolan, Pat Núñez Rodriguez, Susana Sellers, Deborah E. http://hdl.handle.net/10379/6592 2017-06-27T01:02:15Z 2016-12-13T00:00:00Z

Youth-adult relationships as assets for youth: promoting positive development in stressful Ttmes Hamilton, Stephen F.; Hamilton, Mary Agnes; DuBois, David L.; Martínez, M. Loreto; Cumsille, Patricio; Brady, Bernadine; Dolan, Pat; Núñez Rodriguez, Susana; Sellers, Deborah E. [No abstract available]

2016-12-13T00:00:00Z Hynes, Michael http://hdl.handle.net/10379/5331 2015-11-18T02:00:11Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

What's smart about working from home? Telework and the sustainable consumption of distance in Ireland Hynes, Michael The use of technology is pervasive in contemporary society transforming lives and work environments.  The internet and the availability of portable personal communication devices have resulted in immense societal change.  Frequently held views of the relationship between individuals and technology are dominated by a production-centric perspective, with limited attention being paid to the social and environmental impacts of consumption.  Elevated by improvements in information communication technologies and infrastructure, telework was heralded as an innovative way of working with the added potential of reducing travel demand.  But early optimistic expectations failed to materialise, largely due to a poor understanding of social, political, and personal issues involved.  This paper presents an examination of telework in Ireland and argues for a more holistic approach to investigation.  Before telework can be accepted as a potential benefit to the sustainable consumption of distance the environmental consequences of changes in working practices must be understood.  Researching an organisation with a telework culture this paper investigated the environmental impacts of individuals working from home.  Teleworkers reported no increase in water and other goods consumption, and no additional travel needs.  However, they felt they increased their domestic food and energy consumption, and produced more waste working from home.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z