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Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy

The mission of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy is to advance global sustainability and energy solutions through transformational research, interdisciplinary education, and public engagement.

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About the Trienens Institute

Collaboration across disciplines and organizations for a sustainable future.

We ask questions that lead to new insights and discoveries.

Neil Schweitzer and students in laboratory looking at equipment

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.

Empowering minds for a sustainable future.

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.

Collaboration is vital to the mission of the Trienens Institute.

Participant speaks at Trienens Institute event

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. 

Stay Up to Date

Upcoming Events

Oct
29
2025

CSB Seminar: Author Michael Grunwald, "We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate"

4:15 PM
The Center for Synthetic Biology, in partnership with the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Paula M. Trienen...
Nov
4
2025

Professor Bert M. Weckhuysen Seminar

2:00 PM Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive
Professor Bert M. Weckhuysen Seminar Join the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy for two seminars...
Nov
5
2025

Professor Bert M. Weckhuysen Seminar

2:00 PM Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive
Professor Bert M. Weckhuysen Seminar Join the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy for two seminars...

Featured Event

Michael Grunwald Seminar

Michael Grunwald Seminar

October 29, 2025

The Center for Synthetic Biology, in partnership with the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, Institute for Policy Research, and Global Poverty Research Lab, is excited to welcome award-winning journalist and best-selling author Michael Grunwald who will be discussing his newest book, We Are Eating the Earth.