Strategic Areas

Strategic Areas

EREC will develop innovative technologies and policies that implement best practices and solutions. We will integrate ideas from multiple streams of knowledge. Our holistic approach will therefore explore new terrain between the environment, human societies, and natural resources and sustainable development. Our philosophy goes beyond the conventional divides between hard and soft sciences since engineers can learn from the insights of the humanities and fine arts. Our Cluster will seek to multiply innovations for people, raise public awareness, and engage citizens. Our founding principles, Cluster structure, and team composition assure the delivery of these ambitious targets.The Strategic Areas of Research are:

Environment

This is the overarching strategic area of EREC and covers all environmental media, i.e. Air, Water/Wastewater and Soil.

Resource Efficiency

It supports the shift towards sustainable growth via a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy. It includes recycling, waste management and natural resources, and the governance of the raw materials needed for a green economy.

Energy-Environment Nexus, Climate Change & Adaptation

Interaction between energy and the environment; energy development creates environmental degradation and sustainable use of energy as well as renewable energy can contribute to the solution of the environmental problems.

Green Production & Circular Economy

Life cycle of resources and products, smarter & eco-design, circular economy, recycle, reuse and recover, zero waste, green industrial production.

People Health & Well-being

This area includes air pollution, noise, drinking water quality and dangerous chemicals in products.

Ecosystems, Biodiversity & Food Security

Agricultural diversity, soil health, food security, eco-agriculture and environmental microbiome are included in this area.

Environmental Monitoring

This area includes geospatial research, environmental sensors, environmental databases, statistics and economics.

Environmental Humanities

This area includes environmental history and geography, environmental values and ethics, the relationship between nature and culture, and the long-term resilience of local communities.