UMN-affiliated Research Centers
Center for Sustainable Building Research
The Center for Sustainable Building Research works to transform the built environment in ways that provide for the ecological, economic, and social needs of the present—without compromising those of the future.
Center for Sustainable Polymers, College of Science and Engineering
The Center for Sustainable Polymers within the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering focuses research on the creation of advanced synthetic polymers (plastics) from renewable, natural, or sustainable resources in addition to teaching students about sustainable materials and participating in public outreach events.
The Institute on the Environment (IonE) envisions a world in which sustainable agriculture feeds the world; renewable energy powers healthy homes, efficient transportation and flourishing businesses; every person has access to food, water and shelter; oceans, lakes and rivers are clean and healthy; communities have vibrant economies, neighborhoods and cultures; and thriving ecosystems support thriving economies and societies. Overall, humanity restores and renews resources for the benefit of all living things.
Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, College of Science and Engineering
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers supports interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary materials research and education.
Materials from KDI Materials Collection
External Research Centers and Labs
The Biomimicry Institute supports researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to create nature-inspired solutions for sustainability problems to create a healthy planet.
Circular Construction Lab, Cornell University Architecture Art Planning
The Circular Construction Lab houses a design research program that advances the paradigm from linear material consumption towards circular economy within an industrialized construction industry.
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab focuses on the health of people and the environment in all design decisions.
The Pratt Sustainability Center coordinates and develops resources to further integrate sustainability into professional practices and the curriculum.
Royal College of Art Textiles Circularity Center
The Textiles Circularity Center at the Royal College of Art transform post-consumer textiles, crop residues and household waste into renewable materials for use in textiles, developing new supply chains, textile production, and design and consumer experience.
Rhode Island School of Design Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
The Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab at the Rhode Island School of Design fosters creative inquiry into biodesign, ecology, and the climate crisis by providing a hands-on learning approach with access to advanced imaging systems to investigate ethical, sustainable moders of making informed by natural systems designed to benefit the environment.
University of Colorado Boulder Living Materials Laboratory
The Living Materials Library at the University of Colorado Boulder integrates biology with polymer and cement chemistry to create sustainable, biomimetic, and living materials for the built environment.