Meeting the challenge of global climate change requires significant new investments in renewable energy. Yet the renewable energy economy depends on toxic chemicals. Lead in solar panels. Cadmium telluride in solar cells. Hydrofluoric acid in manufacturing operations. Are all examples of toxic chemicals in the solar energy economy. From decades of experience in pollution prevention and clean production, we know the most efficient and effective pathway for managing toxic chemicals is to design them out of chemicals and materials in the first place. Now is the time to ascertain the chemical footprint of renewable energy and set goals to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives.
 
The Collaboratory for a Regenerative Environment (CoRE) brings together academic experts in materials science with entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations to accelerate clean production and sustainable materials in the renewable energy economy. Clean Production Action in partnership with the Department of Materials Design and Innovation at the University at Buffalo and Niagara Share created CoRE and a strategy for reducing the use of toxic chemicals in the renewable energy sector through tools like GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals and the Chemical Footprint Project. 

 

Check out our latest report, Elements of change: Moving forward together toward a cleaner, safer future, which details CoRE’s strategy and join us on the journey to a renewable energy economy based on clean production. Contact us to get more information.