The Institute of Environmental Planning and Management, established in 2002, aims to cultivate inter-disciplinary talents in environmental management field with international vision and innovative thinking. The institute has built up international cooperation with universities and research institutes in USA, Germany, Norway, Italy, Korea, Kenya. The institute has also established strategic partnership with national and local government and enterprises, including State Oceanic Administration, Polar Research Center of China, Green Technology Bank, Zhang Jiang High Tech Park, Shanghai International Resort and China Baowu Steel Group. It has undertaken 12 national projects on environmental management and sustainability, and received 17 scientific and technological awards at national and provincial levels. More than 100 consultation reports on environment and sustainability have been provided for government, enterprises and institutions.

Research fields includes urban sustainability assessment, environmental planning and management, water resources management, international environmental conventions, polar and marine environmental management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecological civilization and green development, etc.