Master Thesis: Developing a Sustainability Assessment Framework for Non-Profit Organizations

Master Thesis: Developing a Sustainability Assessment Framework for Non-Profit Organizations

How can non-profit organizations navigate the overwhelming array of sustainability solutions to choose measures that actually fit their unique circumstances? While countless environmental technologies and practices exist - from LED retrofits to rainwater harvesting systems - non-profits often struggle to identify which solutions align with their limited budgets, volunteer workforce, and operational constraints. This challenge drives the need for a systematic approach to characterize and evaluate sustainability measures based on their implementation properties and suitability for different organizational contexts.

This master thesis, supervised in partnership with YAGHMA B.V. (a Delft-based consultancy specializing in technology assessment), offers you the opportunity to create practical impact in the sustainability field. You'll develop a comprehensive taxonomy for assessing and prioritizing environmental measures specifically designed for non-profit organizations and validate it for a diverse set of sustainability solutions.

What You'll Do:

∙ Analyse scientific and grey literature on sustainability practices specifically for non-profits and sports clubs to understand current approaches and gaps

∙ Conduct a systematic review of existing frameworks and taxonomies used for estimating sustainability solution’s suitability across different sectors

∙ Design a detailed sustainability solutions taxonomy that characterizes environmental measures by key properties - such as implementation costs, payback periods, technical complexity, maintenance requirements, environmental impact potential, space requirements, and compatibility constraints - enabling non-profit organizations to identify solutions that match their needs, constraints, and capabilities

∙ Test and refine your taxonomy through feedback from real non-profit organizations in YAGHMA's network

∙ Concentrate primarily on energy efficiency, water conservation, and biodiversity measures, with optional integration of social sustainability dimensions based on your interests

What You'll Gain:

∙ Experience in sustainability consulting and framework development

∙ Direct industry collaboration and networking opportunities

∙ Skills in taxonomy design and validation methodologies

∙ Practical knowledge applicable to the growing ESG consulting market

This thesis combines theoretical rigor with real-world application, positioning you at the intersection of sustainability science and organizational management. For more information, please contact Rie at rbl@yaghma.nl