HISTORY
The Center for Sustainable Systems is an evolution of the National Pollution Prevention Center for Higher Education (NPPC), which was created in 1991 by a US EPA competitive grant between 28 colleges and universities. NPPC's primary mission was to collect, develop, and disseminate educational materials on pollution prevention. Click here to watch the NPPC Overview video [11:51 minutes].In 1997 the center's scope was broadened to focus on systems analysis and sustainability. The new name, Center for Sustainable Systems, reflected the shift in focus. Research became the primary activity, with education and outreach continuing as key goals.Besides the growing library of research reports, journal articles and conference proceedings, our most popular publications are the Factsheets, that examine current trends of a particular system, such as Personal Transportation or Residential Buildings. Much of the research underpinning these resources is based on a methodology called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a way of modeling the inputs and outputs (of materials, energy, desired product, and undesired pollution) of a system.The Center continues to grow as it passes the 25-year milestone at the University of Michigan. More students are becoming involved through paid fellowships, Master's projects, internships, visiting scholars and volunteers.
MISSION
The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems at the School for Environment and Sustainability creates systems analysis methods, models, and metrics for advancing sustainable futures.We engage with diverse stakeholders in interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach to achieve measurable outcomes with the greatest impact. Our expertise spans life cycle assessment, sustainable supply chains, circular economies, emerging technologies, the nexus of systems, and social and economic impacts. Our work with stakeholders catalyzes the transformation of systems (energy, urban and built environment, mobility, food, and water) to enhance sustainability.We measure success by our research innovations, the accomplishments of the student leaders and change agents we train, the designs and technologies that we improve, the policies that we help shape and ultimately the systems that we help transform.
VALUES
Fundamental to the Center’s success in accomplishing its mission and realizing its vision are the values to which we are committed:Accelerate transformations through discovery, education, and engagement – Seek transdisciplinary solutions.Promote Diversity, Equity, and InclusionApply nature as a model Protect the planet’s life support system Be transparent, comprehensive, and thorough
