[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

Archived (see updated opportunity)

~$100,000/year for 1–3 years (unsolicited); CAREER: 5 years; total program funding ~$7.07M

Supports engineering research on sustainable systems that balance human well-being, ecological protection, and economic stability.

This opportunity is archived—see [the latest program version](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/environmental-sustainability/pd23-7643) for current deadlines and requirements.

--- ## Description The Environmental Sustainability program, part of NSF's Environmental Engineering and Sustainability cluster, funds research to develop sustainable engineered systems that promote human well-being while protecting and sustaining natural environmental systems. The program supports projects that address ecological services vital for human survival, considering long-term impacts and potentially integrating social sciences and ethics. Research should aim to balance ecological protection with stable economic conditions. Four principal research areas are supported: - **Industrial Ecology**: Modeling and assessment tools (e.g., life cycle assessment, materials flow analysis), novel sustainability metrics, and innovations in industrial ecology. - **Green Engineering**: Sustainable manufacturing, green buildings, infrastructure, systems approaches to green engineering, and innovations in distribution, stormwater management, recycling, and water reuse. (Note: Water treatment proposals should go to the CBET Environmental Engineering program.) - **Ecological Engineering**: Engineering approaches to restoring ecological function and enhancing natural capital for sustainable development. - **Earth Systems Engineering**: Large-scale engineering addressing greenhouse gas mitigation, climate adaptation, and global environmental challenges. Proposals should be grounded in engineering principles and explicitly address environmental sustainability. Integration of graduate and undergraduate students in research is expected, and interdisciplinary approaches involving social, behavioral, or economic sciences are welcomed. --- ## Due Dates - **Archived Opportunity**: This solicitation (PD-17-7643) is no longer accepting proposals. - **Current Deadline**: See the [latest program version](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/environmental-sustainability/pd23-7643) for updated deadlines and application windows. --- ## Funding Amount - **Typical Award**: ~$100,000 per year for 1–3 years (unsolicited proposals). - **CAREER Awards**: 5-year duration. - **Total Program Funding**: Approximately $7,066,000. - Proposals requesting significantly higher amounts require prior consultation with a Program Director. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants**: Unrestricted—open to universities, colleges, non-profits, for-profits, and other organizations. - **Additional Notes**: - Proposals must comply with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - Non-compliant or late proposals will be returned without review. --- ## Application Process - **Submission**: Proposals must be submitted in accordance with NSF guidelines and within the specified proposal window of the current program version. - **Pre-Submission Consultation**: Strongly recommended, especially for proposals outside the core research areas or requesting higher funding amounts. - **Special Proposal Types**: - **CAREER**: Early career faculty encouraged to apply. - **Conference, Workshop, and Supplement Proposals**: Discuss with Program Director before submission. - **RAPID/EAGER**: Must be discussed with Program Director prior to submission. - **GOALI (Academic Liaison with Industry)**: Encouraged if integrating fundamental research with translational results. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should clearly address the novelty and/or potentially transformative nature of the research. - The impact on engineering science and broader societal or industry benefits should be articulated. - For research outside the U.S., explain the benefit to the U.S. - Involvement of students (graduate and undergraduate) in research is expected. --- ## External Links - [NSF Environmental Sustainability Program Page (archived)](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505338) - [Latest Environmental Sustainability Opportunity](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/environmental-sustainability/pd23-7643) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Browse Funded Projects](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=764300&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Notes | |-----------------|-----------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------| | Bruce Hamilton | [bhamilto@nsf.gov](mailto:bhamilto@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7066 | Program Director | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | Technical/application assistance | ---

Environmental Sustainability

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