Solar-powered passion

Alex Ratcliff

 Civil & Environmental Engineering senior Alex Ratcliff has worked to increase solar power capacity at the University of Washington throughout his time as a student. Since joining the UW Solar student group as a freshman, Ratcliff has helped oversee new solar installations on the residence halls Maple, Alder and Elm, as well as working on solar installations for the new Life Sciences building.

Students get hands-on experience with solar power

Civil and Environmental Engineering students got hands-on experience with energy conservation and renewable energy this winter.

A class taught by assistant professor Amy Kim used a small solar-power installation on More Hall to power everyday office equipment, such as a computer and table lamp. The course looks at developing sustainability strategies for buildings which promote the health and wellness of the occupants.

New graduate course this fall: "Sustainable and healthy building in global context"

UW Civil & Environmental Engineering Assistant Professor Amy Kim is offering a new graduate-level special topics course this fall. The course, "Sustainable and healthy building in global context," will discuss how to align building sustainability strategies to promote occupant health. More specifically, students will identify building components that affect occupants’ comfort, health, well-being, and productivity.

Earth Day presentation: Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

Jessica Kaminsky is an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Washington. A scholar of engineering projects and organizations, she conducts research on infrastructure for developing communities with a particular interest in topics of social sustainability. As part of the UW's Earth Day celebration, she gave a talk on how cultural values impact sustainability. Read the text below: