The UNL Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENVR) program provides pathways for students to explore environmental careers and produce meaningful impacts in the communities in which they work. Project Energy Nebraska is a current example of a student-led project that is making an impact. Since 2021, Project Energy Nebraska has aimed to prepare Nebraskan communities to mitigate and adapt to climate change while providing students with valuable experience.
In the summer of 2023, students, with the support of ENVR Program Director Dr. David Gosselin, analyzed the potential of using a waste-to-energy (WtE) system in rural Northeast Nebraska. WtE systems are significant in their ability to create cost savings, enhance revenue streams, stimulate the economy, and minimize environmental impacts.
Working with two Nebraskan towns, Norfolk and Wayne, students practiced real-world problem-solving. For Norfolk, Nebraska, a WtE framework was created that could divert waste from the landfill to a WtE facility. Applying this framework, findings revealed a 25%-75% reduction in waste to the regional landfill could save up to $828,436 per year in tipping fees and transportation costs. Additionally, feasibility studies were conducted on establishing a material recovery facility for both Norfolk and Wayne that could generate additional revenue.
Emma Kurtz is one of nine students interning for Project Energy Nebraska. Emma details how she has “developed professionally and personally” as she has analyzed “the potential future of waste management in the United States”.
Products, including policy briefs, reports, flyers, and education materials, were provided to clients following each year of this program.
Overall, the Environmental and Sustainability Studies program challenges students to consider the environment and the interconnected economic and social spheres. Through real-world scenarios such as Project Energy Nebraska, ENVR students gain the agency to make change.
More details at: https://esp.unl.edu/