Division of Environmental Science
Biofuels: A high growth area
Contact Us
Cariann Linehan
Office Coordinator
clinehan@esf.edu
315-470-6528
SUNY ESF researchers have been actively pursuing the use of biofuels as part of a
more sustainable energy future. For instance, ESF works with university, private,
and public partners to research and develop shrub willow for renewable energy and
environmental applications. Willow systems can be multifunctional and produce sustainable
energy along with other value-added benefits to ecosystems and communities. SUNY ESF
also has a state-of-the-art combined heat-and-power (CHP) system that produces 65
percent of campus heating needs and 20 percent of its electrical needs. The CHP system
uses biomass to drive a steam turbine and produce electricity, while natural gas is
used for steam heating along with additional electricity. This building alone is responsible
for reducing ESF's carbon footprint by an estimated 22%. SUNY ESF researchers are
also working with lignin found in hardwoods as solvents that can be used to convert
biomass to alternative fuels and chemicals, a new and exciting area where wastes are
converted into value-added products. Such eco-friendly and sustainable research is
what SUNY ESF is all about! Faculty involved with biofuels can be found in the GPES
C&E Study Area.