Lead in decarbonization, renewable energy and sustainability

University Priority

Guiding the Energy Transition

The world needs bold and creative solutions to preserve the planet for future generations.

Northwestern’s proven leadership and exceptional strengths in sustainability-focused areas are driving impactful action and solutions to the climate crisis.

Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy

With rising global carbon emissions and the increasing impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events to biodiversity loss, the Trienens Institute’s focus on rapid and deep decarbonization is critical. Thanks to a recent $25 million naming gift, the institute is pursuing global energy and sustainability research, advancing scientific understanding while translating this knowledge into practical, scalable solutions that can be adopted worldwide.

Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience

CESR brings together experts to tackle urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, water quality, clean energy and pollution, accelerating the development of innovative technologies and sustainable solutions with real-world impact. Its focus on education and training ensures the next generation of leaders is equipped to address ongoing environmental degradation.

Center for Water Research

The Center for Water Research links the University's water research efforts in basic sciences, technological advancement, law and policy, and systems analysis and simulation. Nationally renowned faculty develop globally translatable solutions for current and emerging grand challenges in water systems and regional water problems by engaging industrial, governmental and community partners.

Environmental Advocacy Center at Pritzker School of Law

The EAC addresses some of the most pressing environmental and energy issues facing our region through a diverse docket of projects that covers environmental justice in the Chicago area, climate change and energy policy advocacy in Illinois, and the protection and restoration of natural resources.

Meet Some of Our Experts

Pursuing energy innovation and independence demands multi-pronged approaches.

Northwestern faculty are climate game-changers, bringing a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise from engineering and the sciences to business, law and beyond to create innovative solutions for a brighter, better future.

Will Dichtel

Dichtel uses his water purification, polymer recycling and organic chemistry expertise to create solutions that promote human health and sustainability.

Jennifer Dunn

Dunn evaluates systems such as the minerals supply chain, carbon capture and circular economy approaches with life cycle, economic and material flow analyses.

Sossina Haile

Haile pursues advanced electrochemical technologies for renewable energy storage and delivery, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries and solar-driven thermochemistry.

Highlights

Learn about Northwestern’s leadership in sustainability.

Defusing Disasters

The Buffett Institute’s Defusing Disasters Working Group aims to mitigates the adverse effects of extreme weather events in Chicago and beyond by leveraging diverse expertise, research and community engagement.

Partnering with Industry

The Trienens Institute Industry Affiliates Program drives collaboration among industry leaders and University researchers to accelerate global energy innovation.

Reporting on the Environment

Sponsored by Medill and the Trienens Institute, the Trienens Institute Scholars program offers scholarships to support two journalism graduate students each year who are committed to covering environmental stories focusing on solutions, health and ecojustice.