RFP: EMS Sustainability Fund for Research and Innovation
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Sustainability Council is pleased to announce the 3rd annual request for proposals to an EMS Sustainability Fund for research and innovation. The aim of the fund is to support activities that reduce or offset the carbon and overall environmental footprint of the College, and thereby accomplish the same for the University and society as a whole.
Some examples of potential projects may range from 1) CAUSE-like classes to guide students in providing carbon and energy accounting to groups who wish to minimize emissions and/or increase energy use efficiency, and help them achieve their goal; to 2) research in solar cells, grid stability, battery technology, carbon capture, storage and sequestration, and many other topics not listed here; to 3) changes in operations and infrastructure that lead to lowered emissions and/or greater energy and resource use efficiencies. An outreach component should be considered, at minimum to build a presence on the EMS Sustainability website.
We request one-page proposals that describe the proposed activity, lead and co-leads of the activity, and a single-value budget. We anticipate funding on the order of 5-7 proposals each in the $7000 - $10,000 range though smaller and larger requests will be considered including the possibility of funding a single visionary and ambitious project. Highly ranked proposals may be required to provide a more detailed budget. Proposals that act or build on EMS Sustainability Goals will be prioritized.
Proposal submission for 2023 closed on February 6, 2023. Proposal are currently being evaluated and funded projects will be listed soon.
Projects Awarded in 2022
- Sanjay Srinivasan – Methane leak detection and mitigation on PSU campuses and nearby lands including with student interns and courses.
- Guido Cervone – Thermographic inspection of EMS building(s) using infrared camera and drones, and outreach to EMS community.
- Meng Wang - develop a novel Anaerobic Electrochemical Membrane Bioreactor to mitigate membrane fouling of the bioreactor and produce renewable energy (H2) and high-quality water for reuse. Includes PSU waste water