Sustainable Production | Golisano Institute for Sustainability

We uncover manufacturing processes and technologies that allow manufacturers and government agencies to pave the way to a sustainable industrial system.

Research Themes

Product and process optimization

Manufacturing technology

Pollution prevention

Recycling and zero waste

Supply chain sustainability

Policy and economic analysis

Featured Work

two men looking at tablet with factory floor in the background

Industry 4.0 Roadmapping

GIS researchers provided a comprehensive enterprise-wide digital manufacturing assessment, including recommendations for strategic upgrades to data collection and a three-year, prioritized investment plan for advancing revenue based on key performance indicators (KPIs).
Partner: RBW.com

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researcher working on device in fuell cell lab

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Improvement

GIS researchers validated a proposed high-volume manufacturing process for membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), a key component of hydrogen fuel cells. This resulted in a product with a higher energy-conversion efficiency.
Partner: Plug Power Inc.

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Corporate Sustainability Planning

GIS researchers worked with a large dairy cooperative to develop baseline data for tracking and reporting carbon emissions; to set goals for reducing energy consumption, water use, and waste generation; to respond to customer sustainability requests; and to maintain a continuous improvement program.
Partner: Upstate Niagara Cooperative

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Design for Manufacture and Assembly

GIS researchers provided design guidance that cleared the path for cost-effectively scaling up a company's innovative product to production.
Partner: You First Services Inc.

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stack of boxes with QR codes in warehouse

Framework for Assessing Supply Chain Risk

GIS researchers created an early-warning, risk-assessment framework to automate decision-making for manufacturers and their stakeholders in the event of supply chain disruptions.
Partners: MxD USA and the Dow Chemical Company

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Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Program

GIS researchers developed a zero-waste-to-landfill program to increase a food manufacturer's landfill diversion rate and to identify best practices for reducing waste.
Partner: Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation

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World-Class Facilities

Our nine applied research labs, architecture studio, student study spaces, and six technology testbeds, including our new state-of-the-art remanufacturing testbed, are geared to help us meet applied circular economy goals.

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