Impact

The benefits of waste conversion are abundant. Not only will students on the original design team benefit from the hands-on experience of creating and assembling a production facility, but students for years to come will have the opportunity to learn from the various processes at work. Additionally, the production and use of biodiesel as a greener energy alternative is in line with our commitment to sustainability at Rensselaer.



What You're Supporting

A new initiative, the Biofuel Project aims to assemble a production facility that will convert waste vegetable oil to usable quantities of biodiesel. In the short term, ESW is looking for funding to support research costs to enable them to start with small scale production and strategically grow the program.



Why Support Us

Rensselaer is always on the cutting-edge of technology. With sustainability issues being evermore pressing, our students will have the opportunity to expand their academic skills and utilize real-world experience to enhance their knowledge by converting waste into useful energy. Other universities and institutions have been successful in similar endeavors, and we believe Rensselaer is poised for success in this area. The intent of the project is not only to experiment with future energy systems but to serve as a learning tool for the community and provide a valuable educational and research opportunity for Rensselaer students.



About the Organization



ESW-RPI was founded May 2005 and officially recognized by both ESW National and the Rensselaer Union that fall. In its first four semesters, the members of ESW-RPI engaged in a flurry of activity, including hosting a workshop on the benefits of biodiesel, designing a sustainable water pumping and filtration system for the Nigerian village of Umuluwe, facilitating Earth Day activities on campus and collaborating with EcoLogic on numerous projects related to environmental issues on campus. By fall of 2007, 61 students and 2 faculty/staff members were affiliated with ESW-RPI, and the club was also recognized as a “developing” chapter of Engineers Without Borders. Since then, ESW-RPI completed several projects, including a milk pasteurization system in Langui, Peru, a solar powered computing classroom in Lascahobas, Haiti, and a shipping-container medical ward in Rantlamouaie, Haiti. For more information, please visit the ESW-RPI website