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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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Read the latest news.

cargo ships at a port

Grant Go-Getters

February 17, 2025
MSES students helped the Illinois International Port District land a large portion of over $95M in EPA funding to create a more eco-friendly transportation hub
Ryan sisters

The Sustainability Sisters

February 4, 2025
from MS in Energy & Sustainability
Sarah (MSES ‘22) and Meg Ryan (KSM ‘26) each describe their own Northwestern direction toward full-time jobs in positions of environmental influence

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

Mar
12
2025

Webinar Info Session: Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES)

5:00 PM
You are cordially invited to attend an upcoming online information session for Northwestern University's Paula M. Triene...
Mar
19
2025

Trienens Institute Generate Pillar Seminar · Professor Jinsong Huang

10:00 AM Ryan Hall, 2190 Campus Drive
Trienens Institute Generate Pillar Seminar  Join the Paula M. Trienens Insitute for Sustainability and Energy for an eve...
Mar
20
2025

Helmholtz Institute: High Throughput Methods in Photovoltaics

9:15 AM
Join the High Throughput Methods in Photovoltaics, a research department of the Helmholtz Institute in Germany for an ev...

Featured Event

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2025 Distinguished Lecture: The Challenges in Getting to Net-Zero Global Greenhouse Emissions

April 2, 2025

Nobel laureate Steven Chu will discuss current progress, opportunities, and challenges to achieving net-zero greenhouse emissions, including food production and carbon (CO₂) capture | Apr. 2 at 3:30pm CST | Register to attend