About
Our goal is to shape a sustainable future by tapping into the latent potential of waste and transforming it into advanced carbon resources.
Through pioneering research, cutting-edge smart manufacturing technologies, unparalleled educational programs, and impactful community and industry engagement, we aim to set new standards for promoting holistic waste valorization through a comprehensive sustainability framework (GP4Sustianability) that addresses the needs of people, communities, economies, and the environment through a balanced and responsible approach. Our goal is to inspire individuals, industries, and societies to collaborate in this effort.
Mission
Collectively contribute to a balanced and enduring approach to transforming waste into renewable carbon resources by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
Vision
We will be the global beacon of excellence in waste valorization, manufacturing innovation, teaching, and engagement.
Overview
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ~300 MM tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) were available in the US as of 2018. Of that total material, nearly 50% was landfilled, accounting for 82% of emissions for the waste sector and 17% of all methane (CH4) emissions in the US while resulting in a significant loss of the potential to convert its calorific value into cost-effective and sustainable upcycling to high value biofuels, biopower, biochemicals, and bioproducts.
Our primary focus centers on unlocking the worth of MSW as a plentiful and cost-effective feedstock with the potential to generate fuels and products.
However, the diverse composition of MSW poses substantial challenges to effective conversion into renewable carbon resources. In response, we are actively developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered real-time characterization system for MSW valorization. This innovative technology is designed to bolster separation and preprocessing at material recycling facilities (MRFs), landfill sites, and waste-to-products facilities, ultimately paving the way for economically viable transformation of nonrecycled MSW into valuable resources.
Partners
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Sponsors
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Award Number DE-EE0009669.
