Sustainability news

Sustainability programs and research at U of T Engineering are at the forefront of alternative technologies that can mitigate the impact of climate change.

Fengwang Li demonstrates the copper-based catalyst that he and his collaborators have designed. Placed within an electrolyzer, the catalyst is capable of efficiently transforming waste CO2 directly into ethylene, a valuable commodity chemical. (Photo: Tyler Irving)

U of T Engineering and Caltech collaborate on pathway to carbon-neutral plastics

Improved catalyst transforms renewable electricity and waste CO2 into ethylene, one of the world’s most widely-used commodity chemicals

Professors Tracey Galloway and Chris Beck in one of the planes used to transport food, supplies and passengers to remote Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. (Photo courtesy of Chris Beck)

Reconciliation through Engineering Initiative to improve transportation and housing in Indigenous communities

Indigenous leaders, U of T researchers begin collaborations to mitigate indoor mould and improve air transportation of food and goods in Northern Ontario

Olugbenga Olubanjo (back row, second from left) poses for a photo with members of the Reeddi team, local community members and his startup's power-providing capsules during an August pilot project in Ayegun, Nigeria (photo courtesy of Olugbenga Olubanjo)

U of T Engineering entrepreneur creates his own job post-graduation: Delivering clean, affordable energy to Nigeria

Olubanjo is set to graduate with a job that he created: CEO of Reeddi, the startup he founded and incubated at the Entrepreneurship Hatchery to bring clean and affordable electricity to energy-starved communities in Nigeria and beyond

A national study led by Professor Greg Evans (ChemE) reveals the proportion of diesel vehicles as a key factor contributing to near-road air pollution. Nearly 30% of Canadians live within 250 metres of major roads. (Photo: Matthew Henry/Unsplash)

National air pollution report calls out rush-hour traffic, diesel truck emissions as major areas of concern

U of T Engineering study of near-road air pollution in Toronto and Vancouver raises questions about health risks to one-third of Canadians living near a major roadway

Diatoms (Nitzchia palea), the most abundant algal taxa in the world’s oceans, stained with a fluorescent dye (Nile Red) to reveal the abundant neutral lipid (yellow) contained in these algal cells. (Photo: Professor Michael T. Arts, Ryerson University)

Food for thought: Climate change could impact omega-3 levels worldwide

Computer simulations suggests that warming ocean temperatures could limit the ability of algae to produce a key nutrient

A BikeShare Toronto station on U of T’s St. George campus. A new study from U of T Engineering researchers shows that Toronto’s cycling infrastructure is disconnected, creating barriers for people who might otherwise cycle to work. (Photo: Kevin Zolkiewicz, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons)

Why don’t more Torontonians cycle to work?

New U of T Engineering study maps cycling stress levels and accessibility across the city

Laura Burget (ChemE 1T6) created her own skincare company, NIU BODY, after discovering an untapped market for affordable all-natural skincare products in an engineering entrepreneurship course. (Photo: Roberta Baker)

This U of T Engineering alumna spotted a blemish in the skincare industry — and started her own company to tackle it

Laura Burget shares her experience launching natural beauty line NIU BODY and how a fourth-year class inspired her entrepreneurial journey

Oil sands in Fort McMurray, Alta. (Photo: Kris Krug via Flickr)

Researcher’s review of oil sands monitoring lays groundwork to reduce environmental impact

U of T Engineering professor Jeffrey Brook gives in-depth report on recent monitoring work in Alberta oil sands, highlighting gaps and challenges in current environmental monitoring efforts

Olugbenga Olubanjo holding two Reeddi Capsules. (Photo: Phill Snel, Civil and Mineral Engineering/ U of T)

Putting power in the hands of the people

Alumnus Olugbenga Olubanjo is the founder of Reeddi Inc., a startup that brings clean, affordable and portable power to the people of Nigeria