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The Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry
Helping to transform society's production and use of chemicals and materials
The University of California Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry is an academic program that advances green chemistry through interdisciplinary scholarship. BCGC pursues innovations in education, research and public engagement. We are faculty, researchers, and students in the Colleges of Chemistry, Natural Resources and Engineering, and the Schools of Public Health and Business.
BCGC April 2016 Newsletter
Sad News: BCGC Loses a Leader
David Dornfeld, a UC Berkeley professor of mechanical engineering and a BCGC associate director, died suddenly of a heart attack on March 27. Dave was an associate director on the BCGC board and teaching collaborator committed to making manufacturing more sustainable. His laboratory was described as a "hub for constant innovation" by his peers, and he encouraged this spirit of innovation and creativity in the many BCGC students he mentored and collaborations he spearheaded. To read more about Dave's life and career, you can read the UC Berkeley tribute here.
BCGC in the News
The work of BCGC leadership including Marty Mulvihill and Alastair Iles was highlighted in a paper by the sociologist Manuel Vallée titled "Obstacles to Curriculum Greening: The Case of Green Chemistry." The paper articulates the obstacles curriculum "greening" reformers face when trying to change standard curriculum in their departments. The paper is available for download here.
BCGC's curriculum reform efforts were also highlighted in a write-up on the "Science and Technology Studies" conference that took place in Denver last year. The article, published here, references BCGC's "'public ethics' framework -where ethical issues are prioritised through a series of courses that interweave STS with practical problem-solving."
Patagonia and the University of California, Berkeley have joined forces to present a first-of-its-kind case competition open to graduate students across the country seeking to redefine the relationship between business and a healthy planet.
On Earth Day, April 22nd, 2016, graduate student teams from leading business schools across United States will come together at the Haas School of Business to compete in the development of potential solutions to a real and urgent problem faced by Patagonia: the toxicity of chemicals treatments that keep people dry while wearing outdoor gear.
This is the final round of a first-of-its-kind case competition, which invited students from interdisciplinary backgrounds to help develop a less toxic alternative to Patagonia’s current fluorocarbon-based waterproofing treatments that maintains the company’s standards for long-lasting performance – a requirement critical for keeping gear out of landfills and reducing significant damage to the planet associated with making more stuff over time.
Come watch finalist teams compete for a total of $17,500 in prize money and a trip to Patagonia headquarters to meet with executives. Depending on the results, Patagonia aims to implement the winning proposal as part of their business strategy. The top three winning solutions to the case will be developed into a case written by the California Management Review and taught in classrooms to enhance sustainability curriculum.
The GCC Green Chemistry Education Webinar Series presents: Environmental and Green Chemistry at The George Washington University April 26, 2016 2-3pm EDT, Register Now!
Dr. Jakub Kostal, The George Washington University
Abstract: Growing public awareness about the state of the environment, chemical product safety and new chemical regulatory policies is driving demand for leaders who are able to understand the science underlying environmental challenges and develop innovative solutions.
The Master of Science in Environmental and Green Chemistry trains the next generation of experts with an interdisciplinary curriculum that fosters proficiency in evaluating the state of the environment and designing greener technologies. This unique 30-credit hour program emphasizes both environmental chemistry and green chemistry, the design of new chemicals and chemical processes with minimal environmental impact.
Learn more about this exciting new program, including a new course on Designing Safer Chemicals that integrates toxicological information into synthetic design. Join Dr. Jakub Kostal from The George Washington University as they discuss this new program.
May 24-26 Innovators Roundtable, GC3, Burlington VT
The GC3 Innovators Roundtable is a vital forum where leading experts in business, government, and not-for-profits gather to:
Learn about new business strategies and emerging policy issues that influence the application of green chemistry in industry
Network and discuss challenges and solutions to mainstreaming green chemistry
Form new business partnerships
Design and get involved in strategic, collaborative GC3 projects
The Roundtable presents a unique opportunity for businesses to connect across supply chains and sectors. Networking events and receptions are productive and enjoyable. Attendees focus on developing practical solutions in a safe, collegial environment.
GC3 members and non-members are welcome to attend.
June 14-16, Green Chemistry and Engineering, Portland, OR
Celebrate the 20th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, hosted by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute®, in the eco-green city of Portland, Oregon this June 14-16, 2016.
With three days of programming, the longest running annual green chemistry conference invites students, scientists, industry leaders, advocates, and other key decision-makers to learn, share, and design the green innovations of tomorrow.
The Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design (TISED), in McGill University’s Faculty of Engineering, is recruiting a Scholar-in-Residence to spend up to six months with us during the 2016-2017 academic year. The Scholar-in-Residence will participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary research and teaching with an emphasis on advancing sustainability in one of the following areas: (a) Sustainable Infrastructure and Urban Development; (b) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency; and (c) Sustainable Industrial Processes and Manufacturing. They would be engaged in policy-focused research enabling significant advances in sustainability in those areas.
Student opportunity: Help create ten-year roadmap for electronics industry
There is an opening for an interested graduate student to serve on the Sustainable Materials (for electronics) Committee with IBM, Alcatel, and Intel to craft a ten-year plan for the indsutry. The position would require 8 hours a month from April until June. For details, contact Pamela Gordon at Antea Group: Pamela.Gordon@AnteaGroup.com or 1-510-406-9460
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David Dornfeld, a UC Berkeley professor of mechanical engineering and a BCGC associate director, died suddenly of a heart attack on March 27. Dave was an associate director on the BCGC board and teaching collaborator committed to making manufacturing more sustainable. His laboratory was described as a "hub for constant innovation" by his peers, and he encouraged this spirit of innovation and creativity in the many BCGC students he mentored and collaborations he spearheaded. To read more about Dave's life and career, you can read the UC Berkeley tribute 
