Sustainability – Selected Current Activities & MEEM Role · Sustainable Futures Institute...

Sustainability – Selected Current Activities & MEEM Role

John W. Sutherland, Ph.D.Henes Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering,

Dept. of Mechanical Engr. - Engr. Mechanics

Co-Director,Sustainable Futures Institute

Michigan Technological Universitywww.sfi.mtu.edu

www.sfi.mtu.eduSustainable Futures Institute

Brief Overview of ResearchSustainability is Michigan Tech's "claim to fame"• Biotechnology Research Center (BRC)• Ecosystem Science Center (ESC)• Sustainable Futures Institute (SFI)• Michigan Tech Center for Water and Society (MTCWS)• Center for Environ. Benign Functional Materials (CEBFM)• Wood-to-Wheels Graduate Enterprise• Power and Energy Research Center (PERC)• Lake Superior Ecosystem Research Center (LaSER)

Strengths• Water• International Development• Sustainability Education• Industrial Ecology• Natural Resources

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Center for Water & Society (MTCWS)

Established in June of 2005 under the Sustainable Futures Institute (SFI) Support research, education, and outreach in all disciplines at MichiganTech related to water issues Provide the multidisciplinary perspectives and tools to manage water-related problems of local, regional, and international interest

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Senegal

Locations of students (e.g., thru Peace Corps)

International Education

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Center for Science and Environmental Outreach

Developing State’s Middle School Curriculum for ecosystems, land use and human impact, energy, water, and airDesign Guidelines for Community DevelopmentPrograms for pre-college teacher and students

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Industrial Ecology

Shonnard, D.R., Kicherer, A., and Saling, P., 2003, Industrial Applications Using BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis: Perspectives on Green Engineering Principles, Environmental Science and Technology, 37(23), 5340-5348.

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Natural ResourcesAssess potential hydrologic and environmental impacts.Monitor hydrologic and water quality conditions in real-time. Convey information to decision-makers to promote timely actions that maintain key water resources functions. Serve as a tool for environmental education and stakeholder participation.

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Wood-to-Wheels (W2W) Concept

Woody Biomass

CO2

Bio-ProcessingPhoto: Glacial Lakes Energy

Electricity Export and Carbon Credit

Vehicle Systems

Saturn Hybrid

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W2W VisionDevelop and demonstrate technologies in four areas:• Woody Biomass Resources• Biochemical and thermochemical processing• Vehicles and engines• Assessment, sustainable decisions, societal impacts

To facilitate the creation and promote the growth of businesses engaged in the W2W value chain.

Achieve international impact in development of sound science and engineering of systems in the W2W value chain.

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MEEM Strengths & AreasMechanics & Materials• Center for Environmentally Benign Functional

MaterialsEnergy Thermo Fluids• Advanced Power Systems Research Center

(APSRC)• W2W – Engines

Design/Dynamic Systems• W2W – Equipment

Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering• Green Processing• Disassembly / Takeback – Value Recovery

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OpportunitiesRaytheon – solar collectorConsortium – Alternative & Renewable Energy TechnologiesIUCRC – Assembly/DisassemblyMaterials RecyclingBehavior of Socio-Political SystemsERC Wood-to-WheelsOther…

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Discussion

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