Sustainability & Climate

Challenge and Opportunity

How can the earth support a projected population of 9 billion people in 2050? How do we balance the desire for a high quality of life with the preservation of ecological functions critical to our planet’s survival? In other words, how can we provide the material conditions that promote a flourishing life for everyone on the planet in a way that is sustainable for those who will live here long after we are gone?

This is a fundamental challenge that becomes more pressing with each passing year. It is also an exciting opportunity, as breakthroughs in technology will be at the center of addressing it. Columbia Engineering is already leading the way. Below, discover the exciting research going on today and our plans for leveraging our current success for even greater impact in the coming years. 

Leading Innovation for a Sustainable Future

At Columbia Engineering, we’ve had our sights set on sustainability for a long time. We’ve assembled an incredible team of researchers developing key technologies in areas like power storage and carbon capture, and we’ve built relationships across the university to complement and extend our work.  

The Engineering for Global Sustainability and Climate Action Initiative

In the years ahead, we will build on current strengths and harness additional resources to create solutions in several key areas:

• Energy Storage: One of the most important catalysts for a greener future will be cheaper, more efficient energy storage that relies upon safe and renewable materials. We will pioneer improved battery technology, novel storage methods, and more efficient means of energy conversion. 
• Carbon Reduction: A movement towards green energy is an important part of reducing CO2 emissions. Just as important, however, will be improving carbon capture technology and developing low-carbon methods of industrial and resource production.
• Smart and Resilient Systems: We need smarter cities, infrastructure, and transport networks that are more connected, more efficient, and more resilient in the face of climate change.
• Business Models: The market is a powerful instrument for change. We will help create models that facilitate the adoption of sustainable technologies, in areas like distributed power generation and storage and electric vehicles. 
• Energy Poverty: Abundant, affordable energy is a primary driver of economic development. We will continue to work on innovative technologies for meeting energy needs in emerging markets. 

As part of the initiative, we will be constructing new facilities on the Manhattanville campus to act as both a hub of interdisciplinary research and a living laboratory that will showcase and investigate sustainable building and energy technologies.

We will continue to strengthen relationships with current partners and expand our work with entities like the Lenfest Center for the Arts, the Data Science Institute, Columbia Global Centers, and the Columbia Climate School. Collaborations with the neighboring community and the City of New York will advance initiatives for sustainable and resilient urban communities. 

Together, we’ll make a decisive contribution to a more sustainable future to the benefit of all who share our planet. 

Related Degrees & Programs

Undergraduate Programs

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Earth & Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering and Operations Research
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Programs

• Biomedical Engineering, MS
• Biomedical Engineering, PhD
• Chemical Engineering, MS
• Chemical Engineering, PhD
• Civil Engineering, MS
• Civil Engineering, PhD
• Computer Science, MS
• Computer Science, PhD
• Electrical Engineering, MS
• Electrical Engineering, PhD
• Materials Science and Engineering, MS
• Materials Science and Engineering, PhD
• Mechanical Engineering, MS
• Mechanical Engineering, PhD
• Operations Research, MS
• Operations Research, PhD