Our mission is to address the existential threat of climate change by creating sustainable energy systems and sustainable ecologies, while educating students and working with community partners to meet these challenges.

Our vision is to pursue innovative scientific, technological, policy and social justice solutions addressing the climate and energy crisis. This includes innovations in clean, secure and energy efficient systems, carbon capture and other mitigation strategies, sustainable ecosystems and environmental justice. We will disseminate knowledge on sustainable energy and environments through patents and commercialization, publications, community outreach, and engagement with policymakers and pedagogy.

Furthermore, we seek to be Virginia’s leading source of expertise on education, outreach, policy and community engagement in the realms of clean energy, climate change adaptation and environmental justice.

Learn more about us and our goals.

News

Harriet Kung, Ph.D., acting director of the Office of Science at the U.S. Department of Energy, will give a lecture titled “Science for Energy” on Oct. 16 in VCU’s STEM Building. (File photo)

Oct. 7, 2024

‘Science as energy’: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science director to give public lecture at VCU symposium

The annual Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment symposium will explore the challenges society faces in sustainable energy and environment.

John Henry Williams leading Movement Ecology workshop

April 3, 2023

Climate Teach-in brings together members of the Richmond climate movement

Facilitators offered participants training in strategies for advocating for climate justice policies with policymakers, ranging from lobbying representatives at local, state, and federal level to organizing nonviolent direct action protests.

Damian Pitt

March 31, 2023

Connecting equity and sustainability: Damian Pitt drives research to advance the long-term future of energy policy

Damian Pitt is an associate professor in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and the associate director of policy and community engagement of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment.

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Climate Action Workshop

Date: Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024

The Workshop brings together faculty, staff, students, and community activists for a lively, interactive, art-filled afternoon of skills-building, friendship-making, and community-strengthening. The event is free and open to the public. Please join us for any portion of the day of activities and please invite your colleagues, classmates, and friends to join us for this inspiring workshop.