What's New at IfS
Although this GAO report is not primarily on water resources, the connections between climate change and water are sufficiently close so as to make it of interest to the water community. For example, the offsets connected to soil and forestry are an important link. The report provides information on key challenges in assessing the quality of different types of offsets and options for addressing key challenges associated with offset quality. This information would be important if the US adopts a program to limit emissions. GAO reviewed relevant literature and interviewed selected experts and stakeholders such as project developers, verifiers, and program officials. However, the report contains no recommendations.Ifs has published the Sustainability Index Factors in Detail. Company representatives interested in learning how the AIChE Sustainability Index can benefit their company should contact ifs@aiche.org for additional information. The Sustainable Engineering Forum launches a newsletter for members and friends of the Sustainable Engineering Forum. For the latest on programming, SEF updates, and virtual meetings, see the SEF newsletter.The Center for Sustainable Technology Practices has developed a number of industry focused publicationsIfS Spotlight
Covanta Energy, the world's largest owner and operator of Energy from Waste (EfW), is now offering a plant tour on Friday, June 8, 2012. Registration and tour information can be found here. Space is limited to the first 30 respondants so sign up now!
Energy education resources are now available. These modules, provided by various academic institutions, were designed to provide learning experience to undergraduate students interested in topics of energy technology and process design. For those interested in sustainability-related modules, AIChE’s Sustainable Engineering Forum (SEF) also offers course modules and reading materials at www.aiche.org/IFS/education.aspx.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has produced a Sustainable Manufacturing Indicator Repository (SMIR) to help companies measure their sustainability performance by providing centralized access to sustainability indicators. The SMIR contains sustainability performance indicators in 5 categories including environmental stewardship, economic growth, social well-being, technological advancement, and performance management.
Summit Media Group’s Greener Package and AIChE’s Institute for Sustainability will produce Sustainable Packaging Symposium 2012 in Houston, Texas, April 3-5. Meghan Statz, Director of Sustainability for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, will co-chair this year’s program.
Speakers discuss obstacles, such as public perception, as well as opportunities for clean energy through the use of nonrecyclable waste.
Summit Media Group’s Greener Package and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE’s) Institute for Sustainability are combining forces to produce a new, one-day event focused on cutting-edge issues in waste-to-energy (WTE). The Exchange, scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2011, will include presentations from industry and academic experts on the potential impact of WTE processes.
Click on the link above to learn more about this year's award recipients.2011 Research Excellence in Sustainable Engineering Award: Dr. Heriberto Cabezas of the US EPA and Prof. Ignacio E. Grossmann of Carnegie Mellon University2011 SEF Student Paper awardees: Mr. Xiang Li of Lamar University and Mr. Viet Pham of Texas A&M University
Jim Hanna is the Director of Environmental Impact at Starbucks. He was one of many speakers that attended the 2011 Sustainable Packaging Symposium March 16-18th at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL. Check out the link above to visit ChEnected and watch his interview.