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Institute for Energy and Environment

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Institute for Energy and Environment

Securing the future of our planet through innovations that begin in Tennessee

A large wall of screens showing data, including a map, in a CURENT lab.
A woman works with small samples in a microbiology lab.
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STEWARDING TENNESSEE’S RESOURCES

UT Research uncovers sustainable ways to create value from the state’s natural and industrial resources while protecting the environment and enhancing communities.

FORGING CONNECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN OUR IMPACT

We draw on diverse perspectives and multi-sectoral partnerships to solve real-world challenges.

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Illustration of orange building with connectivity lines above it.

BRINGING RESEARCH TO REAL LIFE

We work with communities and organizations to create solutions that make life and lives better.

Anna Herring and Haochen Li deposit red dye during a PIV experiment.

Our Priorities

A student collects a sample of moss in Nick Zhou's lab.

CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY

Renewable resources like switchgrass, poplar, and other crops power the circular bioeconomy. They help advance our decarbonization goals, sustain our rich ecosystems, replace the myriad of fossil-based products in widespread use today, and reduce the volume of waste being sent to landfills.

Learn about UT’s Circular Bioeconomy Research

Graduate student Lance Drouet and senior Levi Holler measure plutonium beryllium sources in the Graphite Pile Lab.

CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

Energy is a driving force in modern society, but is too often a source of pollution that threatens life and lives. The development of next-generation clean energy systems will power communities across the state and around the world while mitigating threats associated with greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn about UT’s Clean Energy Systems Research

A student in shadow looks at a map showing energy needs across the United States in CURENT's Visualization Lab.

Engaged Communities

The solutions to complex problems often lie within the communities they impact. Community voices are critical in the identification of real-world challenges and in the development of equitable solutions that preserve natural resources and sustain modern life.

Learn about UT’s Engaged Communities Research

John Schwartz and a student work in a mobile lab in the Smoky Mountains.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Natural ecosystems encompass not only a diverse array of living organisms, but also the intricate tapestry of environments that support them. The stewardship of these ecosystems and the sustainability of life and resources within them necessitate the collaborative dedication and coordinated efforts of all.

Learn about UT’s Sustainable Environment Research

Marshall Prado operates the KUKA robotic arm in the Fab Lab.

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

The built environment—and the processes used to create it—impact the well-being of people and the natural environment. New approaches must be developed to reduce the environmental burden of infrastructure while also guiding the future design of structures, the planning of communities, and the delivery of essential services, including clean energy and water.

Learn about UT’s Sustainable Infrastructure Research

World-Class Faculty

IEE faculty represent all UT colleges. They come together to share their expertise, explore solutions to complex challenges, engage industry, government, community and other partners to solve complex problems, and prepare future generations of creators, innovators, and leaders.

Meet Our Faculty

The university is recruiting faculty who share a passion for working together to tackle grand challenges facing Tennessee and beyond as part of its Cluster Hire Initiatives. Visit the Cluster Hire Initiatives website to learn more.

Sandra Bogetic and Emma Houston discuss experiment results as students work in the background.

IEE News

  • J. Wesley Hines, Postelle Professor and Chancellor's Professor, speaks with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter while taking a tour of the Zeanah Engineering Complex and Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee.

    State Leaders Explore Economic Impact of UT Research

    June 27, 2025

    Stuart McWhorter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, visited UT to meet nuclear engineering faculty and tour facilities.

    Read this story

  • Beauty shot of Ayres Hall with mountains in the background.

    UT Partners with Y-12 To Establish National Security Prototype Center

    May 30, 2025

    UT’s expertise in next-generation materials and manufacturing will advance national security imperatives.

    Read this story

  • Photo of an area of ground that hasn't seen rain in a long time.

    The Conversation: Exposure to Perceptible Temperature Rise increases concern about climate change, higher education adds to understanding

    April 23, 2025

    A generation ago, climate change seemed to be more theoretical prediction than common experience for most people in the U.S. Younger generations may see the world differently. For them, climate change has been a reality in their developing years.

    Read this story

Read More News

Institute for Energy and Environment

Research Areas
Circular Bioeconomy,
Clean Energy Systems,
Engaged Communities,
Sustainable Environment, &
Sustainable Infrastructure
UT Research supports five gateways defining the university’s strategic priorities—the Institute for Energy and Environment is one of them. Find out about the other four gateways here.
The university is committed to recruiting top-tier faculty members across multiple disciplines who are interested in addressing the nation’s greatest challenges. Learn more about the Cluster Hire Initiatives.
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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
865-974-1000

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.

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