Civil and Environmental Engineering

Biomass fuel researcher to present findings in India

Producing fuels from under-utilized biomass instead of fossil based feedstock is an effective means of alleviating concerns about climate change and energy security, according to an engineering professor who will present his research at a conference in India this week.

“These are the major factors driving our search for cheap renewable energy sources,” said Jerald Lalman, a professor in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Renewable energy prof's predictions for 2030 available in podcast

A video podcast of a lecture featuring engineering professor Rupp Carriveau and his predictions for what life will be like in Ontario in 2030 is now available on line.

Dr. Carriveau, whose expertise is in renewable sources of energy, is the university’s representative in a campaign called Research Matters. Organized by the Council of Ontario Universities, its aim is to increase public awareness about the importance of university level research.

Audit turns up additional opportunities for recycling

Sorting through the University’s garbage can be a little disheartening, says Taylor Purdy.

A master’s student of environmental engineering, she combed through a pile of trash Friday outside the maintenance compound on Union Avenue, conducting an audit of the waste produced on campus.

“At least half of this could have been recycled,” Purdy said. “It’s especially sad because this pile comes from the Centre for Engineering Innovation, a LEED-certified building where we are not recycling like we could be.”

Wind energy can boost depressed economies, says research institute CEO

Besides supplying clean, renewable energy, Canada’s rapidly growing wind generation sector can provide plenty of economic benefits for depressed areas, according to a national wind energy research leader who will speak here Wednesday.

Scott Harper

Wind Energy Institute of Canada CEO Scott Harper.