The Environmental Sustainability program, part of the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability cluster within the NSF's Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (ENG/CBET), aims to support research that promotes sustainable engineered systems. These systems should balance human well-being with ecological preservation, ensuring that vital ecological services are maintained. Research funded by this program often addresses long-term challenges and integrates contributions from social sciences and ethics to achieve stable economic and environmental outcomes.

The program focuses on five primary research areas. Circular Bioeconomy Engineering emphasizes sustainable management of resources like food, energy, water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and materials, prioritizing the reduction and elimination of fossil fuel combustion without carbon capture. Industrial Ecology supports advancements in modeling, including life cycle assessment, materials flow analysis, and innovative metrics for measuring sustainability. Green Engineering focuses on environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes, green infrastructure, and distribution systems, addressing issues such as stormwater management and recycling technologies. Ecological Engineering centers on restoring ecological functions to natural systems, enhancing natural capital to foster sustainable development. Earth Systems Engineering explores large-scale engineering interventions for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and addressing global environmental concerns.

Proposed research must be rooted in engineering principles and explicitly framed within an environmental sustainability context. Projects are expected to involve at least one graduate student and potentially undergraduates, with an emphasis on incorporating social, behavioral, and economic sciences when relevant. Research conducted outside the United States must demonstrate clear benefits for the U.S.

Proposals should highlight the novelty and transformative potential of the research and explain its importance to engineering science and its broader societal and industrial impacts. These aspects must be clearly articulated in the Project Summary. Awards are typically funded for up to three years and often support one graduate student and up to one month of principal investigator (PI) time per year. Larger budgets for multi-investigator projects should be discussed with the program director before submission.

The program strongly encourages proposals for the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program, with a five-year award duration. Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements are also welcome, but PIs are advised to consult with the program director before submission. Additionally, proposals for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) are accepted, provided they align with the program's objectives.

All proposals must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) requirements. Proposals are accepted year-round, but PIs are encouraged to contact the program director before submitting EAGER, RAPID, or GOALI proposals. For guidance and inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact Bruce K. Hamilton (bhamilto@nsf.gov).