Mission
The Rutgers Energy Institute is engaged in four principal areas of activity: education of undergraduate and graduate students; pioneering research; outreach to the community to share information and engage the public; and policy advice to government, business, and civic leaders who require current knowledge about energy use, alternatives, and innovations to guide decision-making and public planning.
Each of these four areas is critical to the overall mission of the institute: to foster both fundamental and applied scientific research and policy research to develop sustainable energy production compatible with economic growth and environmental vitality.
New! 2018 REI Brochure
Learn more about our education initiatives, research, outreach, members, and facilities in our brochure. Click the icon below:
Save the Date: 14th Annual REI Energy Symposium -- May 8
REI is hosting our annual symposium on Wednesday May 8, 2019. Mark your calendars for the most anticipated energy event of the year. Spend the day with leaders, experts, and peers in the field as they address the newest initiatives, developments, and phenomena in energy .
We look forward to seeing you! More details to come.
REI Energy Contest Winners announced for 2018
(Left to Right: Maya Robles, Emily Cheng, Stephen Petrides, Zijun Xu, Swati Modhwadia, Evan Lutz, Emily Nanneman)
The Rutgers Energy Institute (REI) annually challenges Rutgers undergraduates to develop implementable plans for reducing energy consumption on campus.
The three winning entries were awarded prizes at the 2018 REI Annual Symposium.
1st Place for $2,500: The Collegiate Carbon Exchange
Emily Cheng and Maya Robles
Cheng Major: Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior Minor: Economics
Robles Major: Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior Minor: Spanish and Cultural Anthropology
Abstract: Our solution is a cap and trade program among the Big 10 universities that will accelerate the process to achieve carbon neutrality. The program, called the College Carbon Exchange (CCX) will provide the mechanism for universities to invest in clean energy and energy efficient operations and engage students to improve their energy behavior. CCX will incentivize universities to take strong action on an issue where cost has usually been a barrier. Schools part of the trading scheme will include the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, University of Iowa, Indiana University, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, and Rutgers University. CCX will enable these large, public universities to be climate leaders.
2nd Place for $1,500: Savings Found From Reforming Laundry Room Habits and Installing New Clothes Dryers at Rutgers New Brunswick
Evan Lutz, Emily Sukenik, Zijun Xu, Stephen Petrides, Swati Modhwadia
Students for Environmental & Energy Development (SEED)
Abstract: Students for Environmental & Energy Development (SEED) found that by modifying student habits in the laundry room, the university could save $88,500 per year and by installing all new dryers, could save $81,200 a year. Altogether, this proposal indicates $150,300 in possible savings per year if students were to modify their habits and use new dryers. If money saved from implementing new student habits went into purchasing new dryers, the university could be outfitted with new dryers after six years.
3rd Place for $1,000: Lighting the Way to Savings with LED's
Kyra Frank and Emily Nanneman
Frank Major: Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior and Philosophy
Nanneman Major: Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior
Abstract: With the majority of traditional style residence halls at Rutgers lit by inefficient fluorescent light fixtures, dorm lighting uses large amounts of energy and costs a substantial amount of money each year. To cut back on Rutgers’ energy use, we propose replacing fluorescent lighting with LEDs controlled by occupancy sensors. LED bulbs are at least 75% more efficient than fluorescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. While the initial costs of LEDs are greater, the potential savings make the switch a sound investment.
Thirteenth Annual REI Energy Symposium
Rutgers Energy Institute Annual Symposium - May 2, 2018
The annual energy symposia by the Rutgers Energy Institute (REI) provide faculty, students, staff, government officials, and community members with the opportunity to learn about the new methods, processes, and initiatives being developed by energy thinkers at Rutgers, in New Jersey, and across the country. This year's theme is Energy Storage and Policy.
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For more information, go to our event web page by clicking here
Agenda
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required
The symposium will also include awards to the winners of this year's student Energy Innovation contest, sponsored by the Rutgers Energy Institute, to develop the best plans to reduce student energy consumption and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the Rutgers, New Brunswick Campus.
- Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2018
- Time: 8:30 am (registration and refreshments) - 2:00 pm
- Location: Elmer Easton Auditorium, Fiber Optics Materials Science Building, Busch Campus, Rutgers University
- Special note on parking: Visitors may park in Lots 51, 59, 60a, and 60b without permits and does not include free metered parking. Faculty, Staff, and Students must park only in lots they are authorized to park in.
Please contact Program Coordinator Beatrice Birrer, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if you have any questions.
Paul Falkowski Awarded Prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Sciences
The 2018 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement – often described as the ‘Nobel Prize for the Environment’ – has been awarded to Paul Falkowski and James J. McCarthy, for their decades of leadership in understanding – and communicating – the impacts of climate change. Paul Falkowski is a Rutgers distinguished professor in the departments of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Marine and Coastal Sciences as well as director of the Rutgers Energy Institute. James J. McCarthy is from the Department of Biological Oceanography at Harvard University.
Read more at the SEBS Newsroom.
