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.

2024 Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment Annual Symposium

Dates: Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 – Friday, Oct 18, 2024

This three day symposium invites speakers with diverse expertise to outline the challenges and ways to mitigate the adverse effects caused by fossil fuels that are consistent with the goals of the ISEE. The symposium also provides opportunities to educate the students and disseminate knowledge of sustainable environment and energy to the general public.