What is Sustainability?
Since I first started my job at the Global Institute of Sustainabilty I have had a lot of people ask me what sustainability is. One of the better definitions I found came from wikipedia.
Sustainability can be defined both qualitatively in words, and more quantitatively as a ratio. Put in qualitative terms, sustainability seeks to provide the best outcomes for the both the human and natural environments both now, and into the indefinite future. In the terms of the 1987 Brundtland Report, sustainable development is development “[m]eeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.“
NCE SMART
Specifically, I work for the National Center on Excellence on Sustainable Materials and Renewable Technologies (SMART) Innovations for Urban Climate + Energy. I know what you’re thinking, that’s quite possibily the longest title in the world. I can assure you every word is necessary.
I work in the Thermal Storage + Radiative Characterization (TSARC) lab at the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology II Building.
The lab I work in researches the effects and mitigation strategies for the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI). One of the ways we do this is through testing the thermoconductivity of concrete, asphalt, and other materials. Check out my photo section for a better understanding.
Other ways we research UHI is through:
- Modeling
- Testing Composite Materials
- Testing Surface Kinetics & Remote Sensing
- Satallite and Handheld Thermal Imaging
- Radiative Engineering
- Testing Spectral Radiation
- Testing Emissivity
If you want more information feel free to contact me or check out the NCE website at http://www.asusmart.com.