Integrative Design Principles
TThis session will explore the power of integrative design, which combines whole-systems thinking, human-centered design and waste minimization, to radically increase energy- and resource-efficiency.
Starting the design process at the downstream end of the supply chain and optimizing whole systems for multiple benefits, not isolated parts for single benefits, transforms systems to use a fraction of the energy, water or material they once did. We will illustrate the pillars of integrative design with examples from the GSC theme on Sustainable Energy.
About the speaker:
Joel N. Swisher is Adjunct Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University, where he teaches graduate-level courses on energy efficiency (covering resource-efficient technology, demand-side management and integrative design), greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation (covering technical and business strategies to manage GHG risks) and electric utility planning methods (covering supply and demand-side resources, resource integration and expansion planning). Dr. Swisher is also an independent consultant with over 40 years of experience in research and consulting on many aspects of clean energy technology. He is an expert in energy efficiency technology and policy, carbon offsets and climate change mitigation, and electric utility resource planning and economics. He has consulted with numerous utilities, manufacturers and technology companies on resource planning, energy efficiency, vehicle electrification, and clean energy deployment strategies.
Joel holds a PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Stanford.
About the Global Sustainability Challenge:
The Global Sustainability Challenge (GSC) is an annual global challenge where students design, implement, and showcase real-world sustainability solutions—supported by a Stanford-led collective of leading educational institutions and experts worldwide.
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