In 2004, the College of Engineering at Cornell University identified Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development as one of six strategic areas of significant research focus for the next decade.
Objectives
- Make current technologies cleaner and improve carbon capture
- Explore novel energy technologies that are not fossil-fuel-based
- Ensure renewables are sustainable and understand the climate costs of alternative choices
- Enable Cornell graduates to be leaders in addressing the global energy challenge
The Croll Foundation has provided a lead gift to launch a new initiative in this area. Now there is an urgent need, and tremendous opportunity, to accelerate this progress so that Cornell can fully tap its strengths and help solve what is arguably the most daunting problem facing humanity today.
Goals
Research- To have an impact in creating and evaluating cutting-edge energy solutions that are environmentally benign
Education- Undergraduate: To create a generation of “energy-literate” leaders who are equipped to address the global energy challenge
- Graduate: To educate a new class of energy engineers who understand both the new technology and the environmental impact of their designs, and of earth scientists who work with energy engineers to mitigate climate and environmental impacts
Outreach- To encourage students and faculty to interact with and inform society
Early accomplishments- Created a concentration in Energy Economics and Engineering within the Chemical Engineering Master of Engineering program
- Made progress toward a new graduate curriculum in Sustainable Energy Systems
- Began planning a new program combining a Master of Engineering degree and an MBA in Energy, Sustainability, and the Environment
- Hired a new faculty member—Jeff Tester—as the first Croll Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems
