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Sustainabilty Research & Development
As a U.S. Department of Energy multi-program science and technology laboratory, ORNL is leading the way in sustainability research and development in several key areas. Scientists at ORNL conduct basic and applied research to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that promote sustainability by (1) increasing the availability of clean, abundant energy; (2) increasing the energy-efficiency of buildings and transportation; (3) developing advanced energy-efficient materials; (4) restoring and protecting the environment; and (5) addressing the social, economic and policy issues related to sustainability.
 Advanced Energy-Efficient Materials
ORNL scientists conduct R&D on advanced energy-efficient materials, with studies ranging from fundamental research to the latest applications of virtually all classes of materials. ORNL’s strengths in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization are applied to all areas of emphasis.
Clean, Abundant Energy
ORNL scientists conduct R&D on energy production, distribution, and use and on the effects of energy technologies and decisions on society. Clean, efficient, safe production and use of energy have long been our goals in research and development. At ORNL, unique facilities for energy-related R&D are used both for technology development and for fundamental investigations in the basic energy sciences that underpin the technology work.
Energy-Efficient Buildings and Transportation
ORNL scientists conduct R&D on energy-efficient buildings and transportation. ORNL’s research in building technologies supports the DOE goals of achieving zero energy homes by 2020 and zero energy buildings of all kinds by 2025. Zero energy implies buildings that annually produce as much energy as they consume. For more information about a few (but not all) examples of the types of buildings technology research conducted at ORNL can be found at the Building Technologies site.
ORNL’s Transportation Program comprises research and development primarily for DOE’s FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program. Major research areas are fuels and engines, materials, power electronics and electric machines, and policy analysis. ORNL’s research addresses issues of national significance—such as air quality and dependence on foreign oil—with technology innovations that manufacturers can use to provide the kinds of vehicles that Americans need and want. For more information about a few (but not all) examples of the types of transportation research conducted at ORNL can be found at the Transportation Program site.
Examples of the type of energy research conducted at ORNL
Bioenergy Science Center
Energy and Engineering Sciences Directorate
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources
Engineering Science and Technology
Fossil Energy
Fusion
NanoApplications Center
Nuclear Science and Technology
Nuclear Energy
US ITER
Examples of the types of materials research conducted at ORNL
Physical Sciences Directorate
Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences
High Temperature Materials Laboratory
Materials Science and Technology
M-Plus User Program
Transportation Materials
Catalysis
Restoring and Protecting the Environment
ORNL scientists have more than 60 years of achievement in local, national, and international environmental research. ORNL scientists conduct research, develop technology, and perform analyses to understand and assess responses of environmental systems at the environment-human interface and the consequences of alternative energy and environmental strategies. Studies seek to understand how natural and anthropogenic factors (e.g., global and regional change, environmental stress, and energy production and use) interact to influence environmental systems and society. For more information about a few (but not all) examples of the types of environmental research conducted at ORNL can be found at the Biological and Environmental Sciences Directorate site.
Social, Economic and Policy Issues
ORNL scientists develop methods and models, conduct analyses, and produce tools that address the key social, economic and policy issues related to sustainability. For more information about a few (but not all) examples of the types of social, economic and policy research conducted at ORNL can be found at the Energy and Engineering Sciences Directorate site. |