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 diverse 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 diverse 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

Addressing climate change and pursuing new forms of energy demand 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.

Ted Sargent

Sargent works to develop efficient CO2-recycling fuels and CO2-sequestering materials.

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.

Aaron Packman

Packman leads development of water-energy technologies and nature-based solutions for climate resilience in the Center for Water Research.

Highlights

Learn about Northwestern’s leadership in sustainability.

Researching Climate Extremes

The Climate Change Research Group utilizes numerical models, environmental observations and statistical analyses to study a wide range of climate-related issues. This group is particularly focused on understanding the intersection of society and infrastructure with climate change.

Attending COP28 in Dubai

For the third consecutive year, Northwestern sent a faculty and graduate student delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties. Their participation underscores Northwestern's commitment to advancing and implementing actionable global solutions to climate challenges.

Reporting on the Environment

Starting in Fall 2024 and sponsored by Medill and the Trienens Institute, the Trienens Institute Scholars program will offer scholarships to support two journalism graduate students each year who are committed to covering environmental stories focusing on solutions, health and ecojustice.