Research Publications

The life cycle design (LCD) framework for enhancing design analysis and decision making is demonstrated through a collaborative effort between the University of Michigan, a cross-functional team at Fo...

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) perform traditional architectural functions of walls and roofs while also generation electricity.  The displacement of utility generated electricity an...

The University of Michigan's S. T. Dana Building has upgraded its hundred year old infrastructure. The goal of the renovations was a building where the principles of environmental responsibility are n...

The environmental performance of willow biomass crop production systems in New York (NY) is analyzed using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The base-case, which represents current practices in...

The US food system, from field to table, is at a crossroads for change. Improving the sustainability of this complex system requires a thorough understanding of the relationships between food consumpt...

This paper presents the findings of a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of two different book options - electronic and print. The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to investigate the life cycle environ...

Although recent progress in vehicle technology and regulation has improved the environmental performance of new model vehicles, the continuing use of old, highpolluting vehicles contributes to air qua...

Terrorists’ acts have demonstrated the vulnerability of infrastructure systems. Until and unless the root causes leading people to undertake these terrorists’ acts are addressed and mitigated, one ...

Derived from master's thesis by the same title.

On October 20, 1997 the City of Ann Arbor joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiative's (ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection campaign (CCP).  Under the obligation of the ...

Advances in digital technology and the growth of information networks are revolutionizing human activity. The Internet has been championed as a new tool for environmental improvement. A life-cycle ene...

Through discussion of causative factors and examination of historical data, petrochemical spill prevention in US waters is reviewed. Unintentional petrochemical outflow is analyzed in a comprehensive ...

BackgroundULSAB-AVC (Ultra Light Steel Auto Body - Advanced Vehicle Concepts) is the most recent addition to the global steel industry’s series of initiatives offering steel solutions to the challenge...

Computer networking is a significant and growing socio-technological phenomenon. As with any complex human system, its environmental impacts are difficult to discern. The challenge of determining ener...

Following a review of the April 2001 report (CSS01-03), Stonyfield Farm decided to explore one of the recommended options for improving the environmental performance of their product delivery system.&...

This report seeks to provide a "snap-shot" detailing current management of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the United States. The report is divided as follows:Chapter 1 - Introduction: Focused on estim...

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan (U-M) is an internationally renowned research and undergraduate, graduate, and professional educational institution with a broad curriculum in the liberal a...

Advances in digital technology and the growth of networks are revolutionizing human activity. The Internet has been championed as a new tool for environmental improvement. Much controversy exists as t...

This project assesses the sustainability of the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus (U-M AA).  Objectives are to propose a definition of sustainability and a framework for assessment tailor...

Nationally and globally, commercial buildings contribute significantly to energyconsumption, as well as to other environmental impacts, such as air emissions and solid waste generation. For example, ...

Life cycle design (LCD) is a framework for designing product systems which are both economically and ecologically sustainable. Key elements of this framework are systems analysis, multicriteria analys...

Innovative technologies are required to offset increasing consumption and declining stocks of non-renewable resources. This study examines a possible enhancement of waste management and transportation...

A factsheet that illustrates current unsustainable patterns of agricultural production and food consumption in the United States, supplemented by selected CSS research results on the life-cycle enviro...