Sustainable engineering research

Sustainable engineering research

The central thrust behind sustainability is the capacity of metropolitan areas to grow and prosper without destroying or depleting natural resources.

Our research focuses on the dynamics of sustainable systems, including restoring and improving urban infrastructure, access to clean water and clean air, advanced construction techniques and management, hydrology and water resources, transportation planning as well as geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering.

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Focusing on arid regions

Arizona’s high population growth rate, need for water and rapid urbanization present a perfect environment for our research on arid regions. 

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Supporting ASU's sustainable goals

Sustainability is a core tenet at ASU, which has a campus-wide commitment to carbon neutrality, zero waste, active engagement and principled practice.

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Sustainable collaboration abroad

We are working locally and globally—from advancing transportation systems in Phoenix to implementing sustainable water management systems with partners abroad.

Research Expertise

Development of urban systems models to engineer and manage infrastructure systems that achieve sustainability goals.

Application of life cycle assessment—with a focus on energy production and usage and sustainable urban systems—to develop metrics and quantifiable goals by 2030.

Application of modeling and monitoring tools to support management of water resources and design of water infrastructure.

Approaches to improve public health by assessing current and preventing future exposures to pollutants that lead to disease.

Addressing how the use of membrane technologies can reduce water dependency as an obstacle for sustainable urban living.

Development of urban transportation systems that are sustainable, resilient and intelligent.

Development of novel or smart materials and technologies that improve the sustainability of urban infrastructure systems, in particular, greener buildings.

Evaluation and design of virtual experiences to aid in sustainable design.