News
Carleton creates Sustainable Energy Research Centre to solve real-world energy problems

Ottawa — Carleton University has established a Sustainable Energy Research Centre (CSERC) that will conduct world-class research into sustainable energy.

CSERC will focus on innovative ways to reduce energy consumption, research and explore emerging renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biofuels while looking at strategies for using traditional, non-renewable sources effectively and responsibly.

The Centre integrates both technology and policy, combining expertise from the Faculty of Engineering and Design and the School of Public Policy and Administration while reaching out to other faculties at Carleton.

“This research will establish Carleton as a global leader in research and teaching programs in the area of sustainable energy and help tackle the social, economic, legal and political dimensions of clean and renewable energy solutions,” says Robin Sinha, the new executive director.

Sinha says he took the position because he is inspired to share his expertise with a new generation of graduates. “This new workforce will be critical to deliver the necessary technology solutions we will need to address the climate change challenges we face today and in the future.”

CSERC complements other recent developments at Carleton including the hiring of a new sustainability officer. In 2008, Carleton launched a Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering that will produce ‘green engineers.’ Masters degrees in sustainable energy engineering and sustainable energy policy are in the works. Students in the industrial design program have an opportunity to create sustainable designs and contribute to a model sustainable village in Batawa. The Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism offers a major in conservation and sustainability. Several leading researchers at Carleton are committed to solving real-world problems that affect the environment.

Robin Sinha is a Carleton alumnus (BEng/83). Most recently, he was a deputy science and technology director within the CANMET Energy Technology Centre of Natural Resources Canada, leading a number of public-private domestic and international projects involving the application of energy efficient and clean energy technologies for housing, buildings and communities.

October 20, 2009  By Newswire