
Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy
Advancing global sustainability and energy solutions through transformational research, interdisciplinary education, and public engagement.
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Collaboration across disciplines and organizations for a sustainable future.

Discover a diverse range of groundbreaking research initiatives centered in the Trienens Institute, stemming from cutting-edge team science across disciplines. Engage with leading scholars and explore innovative projects that address complex societal issues and push the boundaries of knowledge.
Trienens Institute Pillars of Decarbonization
Learn how the pillars are designed to leverage Northwestern strengths to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet our diverse faculty who approach complex local and global sustainability and energy challenges with interdisciplinary insights.
Research Spotlight
The Tobin Marks Group partners with GIANTFab Lab for various projects enhancing solar cell production.
Students prepare to be future leaders through coursework and experiential opportunities in sustainability and energy at Northwestern University. The Trienens Institute collaborates across academic departments and with industry to administer an Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability and Energy plus a Master’s of Science in Energy and Sustainability. Additional programs include study abroad and research initiatives. Students engage with renowned faculty from across the University and industry to learn how to make a meaningful impact on society's most pressing challenges.
Student Insights
Former MS in Energy and Sustainability students share tips on how to build a career in energy.
Study Abroad Spotlight
Trek to Chile opens eyes of engineering students.

Innovative teams bring their unique strengths together to produce transformational research and education initiatives. Alumni play a key role in carrying this mission into the world and giving back to support the next generation. Explore how we foster meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals to address complex challenges and create lasting positive change in the world.
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Trienens-Q CleanTech Accelerator Program creates a clear path from idea design to commercialization.
Alumni Profile
Meet sustainability consultant Asia Lustig (MSES '22) who helps clients reduce their environmental impact.
The Trienens Institute will host a seminar series to review global challenges in sustainable development and the creation of a sustainable global economy and ecosystem. Each seminar will focus on a sector of the economy and will begin with a short presentation to review key challenges and pose questions for consideration.