Recent Headlines
ESF Receives $745K EPA Grant to Boost Sustainable Building Practices
SYRACUSE, NY – Aug. 19, 2024 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) nearly three-quarters of a million dollars ($745,748). The funding will support the creation of tools and guidelines to drive the use of salvaged and recovered building materials for more sustainable construction practices.
Dr. Mohammad Uzzal Hossain, assistant professor in ESF’s Department of Sustainable Resources Management, will lead the team in developing easy-to-use templates and a detailed inventory to help builders understand the environmental benefits of using salvaged materials. The project will also include guidelines that consider various environmental factors beyond global warming potential. To ensure the tools are practical and reflect local practices, ESF will work with local waste management companies and recyclers. The team will use real-world examples to test and refine these tools and share their findings through workshops and publications.
“This grant empowers ESF to promote a greener construction industry through the exceptional work of our researchers. By developing innovative new tools, Dr. Hossain and his team will help drive progress toward more environmentally conscious building practices. Their commitment and expertise will be critical in advancing the use of recycled materials, setting new standards for environmental responsibility, and supporting sustainable practices,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney.
By making it easier to understand and verify the benefits of using recycled materials, this project hopes to encourage more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
The ESF project was one of 38 funded nationally by the Inflation Reduction Act Notice of Funding Opportunity for Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Construction Materials and Products grants from the EPA. Nearly $160 million was awarded to support clean U.S. manufacturing of steel and other construction materials. The grants will support the renewal of American manufacturing by helping businesses produce low-carbon materials.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.