Humanity is in a high-stakes race against time to develop new materials and energy sources, respond to worsening natural hazards, increase environmental sustainability, and actively combat climate change. Cornell Engineers are leading research efforts and university-wide partnerships in critical areas that provide exciting pathways to accelerate the national energy transition, including enhanced geothermal energy, critical minerals recovery, decarbonization, agrivoltaics, and geoengineering.
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2035
The year Cornell aims to be carbon neutral.
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82,000
Tons of carbon dioxide Cornell’s Earth Source Heat could prevent from being emitted each year.
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36
Percent of all Cornell faculty contribute to sustainability research.
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2001
Year Cornell students established the original chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World.
Latest News
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![John Marohn, professor of chemistry and chemical biology, and doctoral candidate Virginia McGhee inspect a electrostatic force microscope that is used to study perovskites.]()
Solar solutions: ‘Crazy’ perovskite offers sustainable alternative to silicon
Over the last decade, perovskite photovoltaics have emerged as the most exciting alternative to silicon, with Cornell researchers studying how the material can be grown to be more durable for optimal performance, and be recycled.
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Fast-charging lithium battery seeks to eliminate ‘range anxiety’
A team in Cornell Engineering created a new lithium battery that can charge in under five minutes – faster than any such battery on the market – while maintaining stable performance over extended cycles of charging and discharging.
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Student-made wave converters aim to seize the sea’s energy
Two Cornell Engineering undergraduates are working to make arrays of wave energy converters – devices catch the waves and turn them into electricity – and move the technology closer to actuality.
Select Centers and Facilities
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability
- Cornell 2030 Project
- Center for Transportation, Environment, and Community Health
- Northeast Regional Climate Center
- DeFrees Hydraulic Lab
- Earth Source Heat
- Center for Alkaline-based Energy Solutions
- Cornell Energy Systems Institute
- Laboratory of Plasma Studies
Select Programs
- Minor
- B.S.
- M.Eng.On Campus
- M.Eng.Distance Learning
- M.S.
- Ph.D.
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Biological and Environmental Engineering
Combines biology, engineering, and environmental science to develop sustainable solutions for global challenges like food production, clean water, and renewable energy. It’s ideal for those passionate about sustainability and innovation.
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Chemical Engineering
Focuses on transforming raw materials into valuable products through chemical processes. Great for those interested in industries like pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing.
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Civil and Environmental Engineering
Designs and builds infrastructure while solving environmental issues. Ideal for those passionate about sustainability, urban planning, and creating resilient communities.
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Mechanical Engineering
Involves the design and analysis of machines, engines, and systems. Perfect for those fascinated by motion, energy, and innovative mechanical solutions.
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Aerospace Engineering
Involves designing and testing aircraft and spacecraft. It’s ideal for those excited by flight, space exploration, and advancing technologies in propulsion and aerodynamics.
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Systems Engineering
Focuses on designing and managing complex systems. Ideal for those interested in coordinating processes to create efficient, scalable solutions for global challenges.
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Electrical and Computer Engineering
Focuses on developing electrical systems, from circuits to computers. Great for those interested in hardware, software, and advancing technology.
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Operations Research and Information Engineering
Optimizes complex systems using data and mathematical models. Ideal for those interested in logistics, decision-making, and improving processes.