Dichtel uses his water purification, polymer recycling and organic chemistry expertise to create solutions that promote human health and sustainability.
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.
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.
The Thriving Planet Institute at Northwestern advances systems-level, community-engaged research and education. We tackle interconnected challenges across water, land, and air systems to understand how they shape human and planetary health.
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 industrial, governmental and community partners.
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
Pursuing energy innovation and independence demands 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.
Dunn evaluates systems such as the minerals supply chain, carbon capture and circular economy approaches with life cycle, economic and material flow analyses.
Haile pursues advanced electrochemical technologies for renewable energy storage and delivery, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries and solar-driven thermochemistry.
Highlights
Learn about Northwestern’s leadership in sustainability.
News
See Northwestern’s new developments in support of this priority.
Shape-shifting liquid transforms into an energy-rich gel that stores power for months
Natural water chemistry shields plastics from sunlight and microbes
Researchers, students and external partners to address the intertwined water, land and air challenges that impact human health
Interdisciplinary teams compete for $200,000 in seed funding
Clean energy needs lithium, but climate change could make it harder to mine
Bursts of plasma convert methane into methanol without high heat and pressures