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.

Minister Ya'ara Saks at U of T Engineering's Myhal Centre

Climate Positive Energy-led Grid Modernization Centre receives $10M in federal funding following on-campus announcement

The Centre supports Canada’s electrical grid and businesses developing clean technologies.

A rendering of a single-family, suburban home superimposed on a larger, mid-rise apartment building.

How to build more with less: New model shows how Canada can reconcile its housing and climate targets by adopting established sustainable construction practices

U of T Engineering researchers created the future infrastructure growth (FIG) model to quantify the reduced emissions associated with known sustainable construction strategies

Two researchers hold up a catalyst prototype in their lab.

New contaminant-tolerant catalyst could help capture carbon directly from smokestacks

Electrochemical catalyst for converting CO2 to valuable products can stand up to an impurity that poisons current versions

A Toronto subway train opens its door at a station. From a distance, passengers are seen exiting and embarking the train.

New U of T Engineering study identifies sources of indoor air pollution in Toronto subway system

Research led by Professor Greg Evans (ISTEP, ChemE) and Keith Van Ryswyk (ChemE PhD 2T3) points to two ways to improve subway air quality

Dense housing superimposed on suburban housing

U of T Engineering study highlights the tension between Canada’s climate and housing goals

Researchers from the Centre for the Sustainable Built Environment show that current construction practices cannot restore housing affordability while also meeting emissions targets

From left to right: ChemE PhD candidate Jaesuk (Jay) Paeng stands next to Professor Gisele Azim. They are both in a lab setting and are wearing personal protective equipment: white lab coats, blue gloves and goggles.

This new way to recycle steel could reduce the industry’s carbon footprint

Professor Gisele Azimi (ChemE, MSE) and her lab group have designed a new electrochemical pathway to remove contaminants such as copper from steel scrap

Seen from above, a Polestar electric car prepares to park at an EV charging station. Four other vehicles are parked in the charging station spots.

U of T Engineering to launch new certificate in Electric Vehicle Design in fall 2024

Certificate will include a new course, APS380: Introduction to Electric Vehicle Design

From left to right: PhD student Niloufar Yousefi is seated next to Professor John Simpson-Porco in a classroom setting. They are both looking at material on their shared workspace. There is black chalk board in the background. (photo by Matthew Tierney)

Ontario Early Researcher Award supports research on control systems to improve grid reliability

Professor John Simpson-Porco (ECE) has received funding from the province to develop data-driven control and estimation systems to improve grid reliability

Aimy Bazylak wears a striped blouse and she stands against a softly lit interior background with a green plant partially visible behind her.

U of T Engineering professor Aimy Bazylak receives a Dorothy Killam Fellowship

Award supports outstanding Canadian scholars across a wide range of fields