Hubs & Centers at the Rice Sustainability Institute
At Rice University, sustainability isn’t just a concept — it’s a driving force for innovation, collaboration, and impact. The Rice Sustainability Institute serves as the central hub for groundbreaking research, policy leadership, and creative solutions shaping a more resilient world. Explore the institutes and centers working under RSI’s umbrella to tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
🌱 Carbon Hub
Reimagining Carbon for a Clean Energy Future
Imagine a world where fossil hydrocarbons are no longer burned but instead transformed into clean hydrogen energy and advanced carbon materials. The Carbon Hub envisions a zero-emissions future where sustainable technologies power our industries, build our cities, and reduce our dependence on traditional fuel combustion.
🔗 Explore the Carbon Hub
🌍 E4 Initiative
Earth, Environment, Ecosystems & Energy — Driving Impact
The E4 Initiative is accelerating discoveries, forging powerful partnerships, and training the next generation of sustainability leaders. From biodiversity conservation to energy solutions, this initiative is at the forefront of research that makes a difference for both people and the planet.
🔗 Learn more about E4
⚡ Center for Energy Studies (Baker Institute for Public Policy)
Shaping the Future of Energy Markets & Policy
The Center for Energy Studies provides critical insights into how economics, policy, and regulation influence energy markets. Through rigorous analysis and forward-thinking research, it informs the decisions shaping the global energy transition.
🔗 Discover the Center for Energy Studies
🏛️ Center for Environmental Studies (School of Humanities)
Where Climate Meets Culture
Environmental challenges aren’t just scientific — they’re deeply human. The Center for Environmental Studies brings together humanists, artists, architects, and social scientists to explore the cultural, ethical, and societal dimensions of climate change and ecological disruption.
🔗 Explore Environmental Studies at Rice
🔬 REINVENTS (George R. Brown School of Engineering & Computing)
Engineering the Clean Energy Transition
At the intersection of engineering innovation and sustainability, the Rice Engineering Initiative for Energy Transition and Sustainability (REINVENTS) is developing disruptive solutions that accelerate the shift toward clean energy technologies. By leveraging Rice’s expertise in engineering and computing, REINVENTS is shaping the future of sustainable energy infrastructure.
🔗 Learn more about REINVENTS
🌊 SSPEED Center
Predicting & Preparing for Extreme Weather
Founded in response to the growing threat of severe storms and disasters, the SSPEED Center focuses on research, education, and practical solutions for storm prediction, emergency response, and long-term resilience.
🔗 Explore SSPEED’s work
🏖️ CFAR - Center for Coastal Futures & Adaptive Resilience
Protecting Coastal Communities & Ecosystems
From rising sea levels to shifting ecosystems, the CFAR is dedicated to understanding and addressing the complex environmental and social challenges facing the Gulf Coast region.
🔗 Learn about CFAR’s mission
🎭 EcoStudio
Harnessing the Power of Storytelling for Change
Sustainability is more than science—it’s a story that needs to be told. EcoStudio brings together creative minds to craft compelling narratives that inspire action and amplify environmental awareness.
🎨 Social Design Lab
Designing Solutions for a Sustainable Future
In this multi-disciplinary humanities “design” studio, participants collaborate to develop imaginative, research-driven solutions to the complex challenges of climate, sustainability, and social equity.