Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is now focusing its research on the concept of sustainable development in the context of climate change, as reflected in the AIT Research Strategy 2012-2016. This concept is being implemented under 5 thematic research areas within AIT: Disaster Risk Management, Sustainable Land and Water Resources Management, Business and Innovation Models for a Green Economy, Urban and Rural Quality of Life and Sustainability, Lower Carbon, and Sustainable Production and Consumption Technologies & Management.Furthermore, research and development projects and activities as part of the implementation of AIT Research Strategy 2012-2016 show AIT’s full commitment towards sustainability and sustainable development. As a regional higher institution with status as an international organization, AIT has established various research projects related to sustainable development.

To safeguard research and project activities under sustainable development theme, AIT has established a center named Center of Excellence on Sustainable Development in the context of Climate Change (CoE SDCC) which is specifically assist the institute with these activities. The center is mainly aimed to bring together expertise and resources within AIT to work hand in hand in reaching the objective of AIT Research Strategy 2012-2016, to significantly increase, by 2016, AIT's contribution towards sustainable development of Asia and beyond through participatory research in relation to climate change, and implementation of applications to address real life challenges and fill knowledge gaps.The objective of AIT Research Strategy 2012-2016 has clearly explained the time-bound targets of AIT's activity in sustainable development through its research to be reached by 2016, including benchmarking indicators for each thematic area of research. With various experts and researchers working in sustainable development areas, AIT has built strong relationship with various research and development partners regionally and internationally.

Asian Institute of Technology