Three Faculty Awarded for Climate Innovation Research Initiatives

In a significant stride towards sustainable innovation, the **Climate Innovation Collaboratory** at the University of Colorado Boulder has announced the selection of three esteemed faculty members from the Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) department for its prestigious research awards.

These awards, backed by Deloitte, aim to foster groundbreaking climate solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into practical applications for businesses, organizations, government agencies, and communities.

The selected proposals include Associate Professor Kyri Baker’s study on the *Viability of Long- and Short-Duration Energy Storage for AI Data Centers: Carbon, Cost and Reliability,* and the collaborative project by Associate Professors Mija Hubler and Jeong-Hoon Song titled *Framework for Mix Design Relations of Low-Embedded Carbon using Local Materials.*

These innovative research endeavors are set to address critical challenges in energy storage and sustainable construction, respectively, thereby contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.

Groundbreaking Research in Energy Storage

Associate Professor Kyri Baker’s proposal focuses on the pressing need to develop reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions for AI data centers. As the demand for data processing power surges, so does the energy consumption of data centers.

This makes it imperative to explore sustainable energy storage options that can mitigate carbon emissions.

Key Objectives and Impacts

Baker’s research aims to assess the viability of both long- and short-duration energy storage systems in terms of their carbon footprint, cost efficiency, and reliability. By analyzing various storage technologies, this project seeks to identify optimal solutions that can support the growing energy needs of AI data centers while minimizing environmental impact.

The findings from this study could pave the way for the widespread adoption of sustainable energy practices in the tech industry.

Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Construction

The collaborative research by Associate Professors Mija Hubler and Jeong-Hoon Song addresses the construction industry’s urgent need to reduce embedded carbon in building materials. Their project, *Framework for Mix Design Relations of Low-Embedded Carbon using Local Materials,* aims to develop new methodologies for creating construction materials that are both environmentally friendly and locally sourced.

Research Goals and Benefits

Hubler and Song’s research focuses on leveraging locally available materials to design construction mixes with lower embedded carbon. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects but also promotes the use of sustainable resources, thereby supporting local economies.

The project’s outcomes are expected to provide valuable insights into sustainable construction practices, which can be adopted globally to enhance the environmental performance of the building sector.

Collaboratory’s Vision for Climate Solutions

The Climate Innovation Collaboratory, a joint initiative by Deloitte and the University of Colorado Boulder, is dedicated to translating cutting-edge climate research into actionable solutions.

By funding innovative projects like those of Baker, Hubler, and Song, the collaboratory aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications, driving meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

With the support of the Climate Innovation Collaboratory, these research projects have the potential to revolutionize their respective fields.

Baker’s work on energy storage could lead to significant advancements in the efficiency and sustainability of AI data centers. Meanwhile, Hubler and Song’s research could transform the construction industry by promoting the use of low-carbon materials.

The success of these projects will not only enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in climate research but also provide scalable solutions that can be implemented across various industries.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like the Climate Innovation Collaboratory are essential for fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

By supporting pioneering research and facilitating the development of practical solutions, the collaboratory is playing a crucial role in building a sustainable future.

For more information on the Climate Innovation Collaboratory and the awarded research projects, visit the official University of Colorado Boulder announcement.