Research in sustainability at UD

The University of Delaware is at the forefront in research and scholarship on a variety of topics related to sustainability. Across its seven colleges through formally established institutes, centers, and agencies, to more loosely organized groups of faculty and students integrating their research to address common themes, the UD community is committed to furthering the knowledge base upon which sustainable practices can be developed. Some of the highlights of on-going UD research and scholarly efforts include:

The newly formed University of Delaware Energy Institute serves as a focal point for energy-related research, education and outreach at UD. It serves as the umbrella organization for all energy-related groups across campus, including the Institute of Energy Conversion, the Fuel Cell Research Laboratory, the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, and groups interested in offshore wind energy, ocean current energy and vehicle-to-grid technology.

Faculty within the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering, and Marine and Earth Studies are actively engaged in research related to the impact of unsustainable and sustainable practices on the environment, the development of more efficient usage of existing energy sources, and the research and implementation of sustainable energy technologies including solar and wind power.

Within the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy, Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies faculty and students are engaged in “fashioning social responsibility.” They recently sponsored a lecture series devoted to the theme of social responsibility and sustainability.