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.

Five innovations out of U of T Engineering making the future greener

March 30, 2016

These five projects are helping make the world greener, from the fields of Nicaragua to the nearest airport

Xueli Zheng, left, and Dr. Bo Zhang set up their device to efficiently split water to store energy as hydrogen. The key is a catalyst made of tungsten, iron and cobalt that is over three times more efficient than the current state-of-the-art. (Photo: Marit Mitchell)

Saving sunshine for a rainy day: New catalyst offers efficient storage of alternative energies

March 24, 2016

International team led by U of T Engineering designs world’s most efficient catalyst for storing energy as hydrogen by splitting water molecules

Aimy Bazylak, Director of U of T Engineering’s Institute for Sustainable Energy, on a recent trip to Ireland.

The future of sustainable energy: Q & A with Professor Aimy Bazylak

March 23, 2016

Professor Aimy Bazylak (MIE), Director of U of T Engineering’s Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE), discusses how the centre is catalyzing energy solutions for the future

More than 100,000 commercial flights take place each day around the world. The Centre for Research in Sustainable Aviation at U of T’s Institute for Aerospace Studies aims to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions, saving money and reducing environmental impact. (Photo: Travis Olbrich, via <a>Flickr</a> (Creative Commons))

Lightweight structures and “smart skin” make aviation more sustainable

March 23, 2016

U of T engineers are researching technologies like lightweight materials and flow control, which could potentially improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce emissions in the aviation industry

Three students making sustainability part of their education

March 23, 2016

Undergraduate students are making sustainability and the environment key components of their education through Engineering minors

Gimmy Chu, a U of T Engineering alumnus, co-founded the green technology company Nanoleaf. The company developed the Nanoleaf LED light bulb, the world's most energy-efficient bulb. (Credit: Johnny Guatto).

Federal government backs three U of T Engineering startups and their clean tech innovations

March 11, 2016

Nanoleaf, QD Solar and ARDA Power Inc. received a total of almost $6 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Before drilling underneath a city of skyscrapers, engineers such as Professor Giovanni Grasselli need sophisticated models of how the rock underneath might react to physical forces. (Credit: Jonathan Moore via Flickr)

Advanced imaging techniques let U of T engineers see inside rock

March 10, 2016

Professor Giovanni Grasselli’s research improves predictions of how different rock types respond to engineering activities, from hydraulic fracturing to excavating a new subway tunnel to capturing carbon underground

The past, present and future of flight: Q & A with Professor David Zingg

March 1, 2016

From the rise of drones to the push for greener planes, the world of aeronautics and space has changed dramatically in the past decade, and Professor David Zingg has had a front-row seat

Prof David Sinton (MIE) has been awarded a 2015 E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). (Photo: NSERC)

10,000 greenhouses: Professor David Sinton awarded E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship

February 16, 2016

Award supports research into optimizing the growth of photosynthetic microorganisms that can use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into chemical products and ultimately fuels

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