Thursday, June 3
1:10 - 1:50 PM (ET)

“ND Energy and University Sustainable Energy Initiatives”

Abstract

The University’s long-range plan is to reduce carbon emissions by 83% from 2005 levels by 2050 and eventually become carbon neutral. To date, the University has eliminated the use of coal 12 months ahead of schedule and has implemented a comprehensive strategic plan that includes fuel switching, cogeneration heat and power, renewable energy, recoverable energy, and purchased power. This strategy has already resulted in a 34% gross reduction in the University’s carbon footprint from 2005 levels in 2020.

Biography

Peter C. Burns has focused most of his research over the past decade on the solid-state chemistry, mineralogy, and environmental chemistry of uranium, as well as the transuranic elements neptunium and plutonium. The Burns lab uses many diffraction, scattering, and spectroscopic techniques to study actinides at various length scales. Burns is the Henry J. Massman Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and concurrent professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He was named Director of the Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame (ND Energy) in July 2014. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Manitoba in 1994.