Remade Institute to update its sustainability roadmap

The Remade Institute, a public-private partnership established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) based in Rochester, New York, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to accelerate the United States' transition to a circular economy.

Responses to Remade's RFI will inform revisions to the Institute's technology roadmap, which is focused on reducing the use of raw and virgin materials, increasing remanufacturing and the use and supply of recycled materials and fostering circular innovations. The RFI also will address Remade's sustainability strategy, including developing circular economy approaches that will help address climate change economy wide.

"Over the last five years, Remade has invested or allocated more than $85.6 million to develop innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption and decrease carbon emissions," says Nabil Nasr, CEO of Remade. "Given Remade's projected impacts so far, it's important to see how we can further accelerate the transition to a circular economy."

In addition to seeking feedback regarding these current activities, the RFI asks where Remade should focus its efforts on electric vehicles and photovoltaic solar power as part of the Institute's future planning. 

The connection between industrial development and climate change is significant. According to DOE, manufacturing accounts for 25 percent of U.S. energy consumption, which costs about $150 billion.

"If we don't reduce industrial energy consumption and industrial emissions, research shows we will only get a little more than halfway to net-zero by 2050, about 55 percent of the way," Nasr says. "A circular economy approach to how we manufacture and use everyday products can help us get to net-zero."

Those interested in learning more can read the detailed RFI here. Innovators and researchers with industry, academia, government and the nonprofit sector interested and involved in the nation's transition to a circular economy are especially encouraged to respond. Responses can be submitted in either short form or long form.