A Letter from President Chameau
Dear Alumni and Friends of Caltech
Caltech has always been drawn to the biggest challenges, in terms of difficulty and in terms of potential impact on society. Energy represents both. Energy drives economic development and improves the quality of our lives. However, utilizing conventional sources of energy comes at an ecological cost. We need to shift the goals of science and technology from promoting progress to promoting sustainable progress.
This issue of E&S tells many stories about how Caltech is putting the full force of its creative intellect, collaborative method, and tenacious spirit behind building a sustainable future. A powerful combination of public and private support allows Caltech researchers to explore revolutionary new ways to harness clean energy and make it available on a terawatt scale. We also practice sustainability on campus so that the Caltech innovation engine runs as powerfully yet efficiently as possible, providing a model for other organizations and a source of inspiration for our students.
Several of the projects discussed in this issue orbit the new Resnick Sustainability Institute, which is creating synergies among research in several disciplines in order to find transformative energy solutions. Resnick is also partnering with the new Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, a DOE-sponsored Energy Innovation Hub. Other featured initiatives show what happens when Caltech takes on solar, wind, and biofuel energy challenges, as well as the creation of a “smart grid” that uses such energy more efficiently.
Caltech’s sustainability strategy involves more than discovery in our research labs. We also integrate sustainability into the way we manage our physical infrastructure, as you will see in a special centerfold map featuring the various green initiatives around campus. Caltech and other universities perform as laboratories of innovation in developing new sustainability strategies that can then spread out to surrounding communities and society at large. Welcome to the Campus Green 2.0.
Jean-Lou Chameau
President
Stewart and Lynda Resnick
