Center for Sustainable Systems - A Decade of Accomplishments
Sustainability Challenges
The sustainability challenges facing society in the 21st century include global climate change, declining fossil resources, persistent organic pollutants, freshwaater scarcity, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, overpopulation and access to basic human necessities in developing countries. Due to the scope, complexity and potential consequences of these challenges, academica, industry, government and civil society must work together to develop appropriate solutions. Over the last decade, through its research, education and outread, the Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) has reached across disciplinary boundaries to develop systems-based solutions to these challenges.
Research
The Center has copmleted more than 50 research projects on topics such as renewable energy, hydrogen infrastructure, transportation, green buildings, consumers products and packaging. A complete list of projects and publications is listed on the CEnter's website (http://css.snre.umich.edu). Methods and tools employed in these research endeavors include life cycle assessment, life cycle design, life cycle costing and life cycle optimization.
Posted on June 24, 2005