The College of Earth and Mineral Science, with its breadth of expertise spanning the environmental, social, energy, and materials sciences, is uniquely poised to find the most effective solutions to the problems posed by supplying abundant, affordable energy while addressing anthropogenic climate change and global warming. Hence, we have a responsibility to lead by example and to lead the way in sustainability research, addressing many issues affecting the globe. The college is also working towards doing research more sustainably.
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Sustainability Council is pleased to announce the 4th 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.
Project topics
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.
How to apply
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 3-5 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. Please submit your proposals to Tim White, EMS Sustainability Officer (tsw113@psu.edu) by 5 p.m. on February 9, 2024. Decisions will be made prior to spring break 2024.