The Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy brings together UMass Lowell faculty, students, industry, government, and community partners to turn research into practical solutions. Through collaborative research, experiential learning, and partnerships, we advance clean energy, drive innovation in sustainable materials, support entrepreneurship, strengthen resilient communities, and prepare the next generation of leaders.
Research and Initiatives
Connect expertise across disciplines to advance clean energy, sustainable materials and climate resilience through practical, scalable solutions.
Campus Sustainability
Use the university as a living laboratory to put sustainability into practice through campus programs, operations and hands-on learning.
Innovation Ecosystem and Entrepreneurship
Prepare students, startups, and entrepreneurs develop ideas and grow through mentoring, competitions, shared space and connections with partners.
Student Success and Workforce Development
Bridge classroom learning and career preparation through applied research, professional experiences, and hands-on opportunities.
Industry and Community Partnerships
Build partnerships that give companies and community organizations access to university expertise, facilities and student talent.
Funding and Experiential Opportunities
Support students and faculty through fellowships, research awards, and funding for projects, travel, conferences and professional growth.
Rist Institute Impact
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$130M+ In research funding since the Rist Institute’s founding in 2019.
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#1 in Massachusetts for campus sustainability.
(Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)) -
300+ Career-connected and experiential learning opportunities created for students.
Founded in 2019 through a $1 million gift from philanthropists Brian ’77 and Kim Rist, the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy is committed to finding practical, evidence-based solutions that can transform the cities we live in, the energy we use and the planet we inhabit. We create opportunities for students and faculty to pursue research, engage with partners, and expand their knowledge and skills through hands-on projects and professional experiences.
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Upcoming Events
Sustainability News
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Engineering Professor Receives NSF CAREER Award for Sustainable Textiles Research
The National Science Foundation awarded Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Assistant Professor Jasmina Burek a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant worth nearly $600,000 to develop tools that will help decision-makers find the most sustainable strategies for keeping unwanted clothing and other textiles out of landfills. -
Students Install Solar Power in Dominican Republic to Provide Reliable Electricity
Eight students completed a mechanical engineering directed study during the spring semester, which included a one-week trip to Sosúa, Dominican Republic, where they installed solar panels for those without reliable electricity. -
Students, Faculty Go Toe-to-Toe at Sustainable Innovation Challenge
Students, faculty and entrepreneurs pitched sustainability-focused innovations and climate-tech ideas at UMass Lowell’s inaugural Sustainable Innovation Showcase and Challenge. -
UMass Lowell Awarded $4.1M Grant to Develop Climate-Resilient Housing Innovation Testbed
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) awarded UMass Lowell more than $4.1 million to develop a housing innovation testbed, where innovators can reimagine how to retrofit existing homes and design new housing that is sustainable, affordable and scalable.