What's the future of energy? Discussion is Jan. 15

Joel Swisher, director of Western Washington University’s Institute for Energy Studies, will speak on next-generation energy systems as part of WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, in Communications Facility Room 120 on campus.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

The four pillars of a next-generation energy system are massive efficiency improvement, de-carbonization of energy sources, electrification of fossil fuel demand, and integration of the system through smart, distributed energy grids, motivated by new energy business models. In his talk titled “Next-Generation Energy Systems for a Low-Carbon Campus and Economy,” Swisher will discuss how this approach can also be applied to pursue a carbon neutral target at the campus level, where students, faculty and staff can work together to link classroom learning to campus action and wider impact.

Swisher is director of WWU’s Institute for Energy Studies and professor of Environmental Science at Western’s Huxley College of the Environment. Most recently, he has been a consulting associate professor at Stanford University and an independent consultant in clean energy technology and business strategy. He was formerly CTO at Camco International, and managing director of Research and Consulting at Rocky Mountain Institute. Swisher holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in Engineering from Stanford.

The presentation will include a question-and-answer period. Anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend and participate. This lecture is also part of the Alaska Airlines Speaker Series, made possible by a generous contribution to the WWU Institute for Energy Studies.

The Huxley College Speaker Series, sponsored by Western’s Huxley College of the Environment, is intended to bring together environmentally-minded members of the WWU and Bellingham communities. Speakers address topics of contemporary environmental concern in the region and the world.

WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment is one of the oldest environmental colleges in the nation and a recognized leader in producing the next generation of environmental professionals and stewards. Huxley’s distinctive, interdisciplinary curriculum reflects a broad view of the physical, biological, social, and cultural world, and has earned international recognition for quality.

For more information, please contact Huxley College of the Environment at 360-650-2554.