"I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Global CO₂ Initiative (GCI). My research at GCI helped further my passion for the environment and opened my eyes to the massive opportunity for environmental work in the buildings space." 

~ Alex Rees, Residential Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Water Heating lead in the Building Technologies Office (BTO) at the U.S Department of Energy.

Alex oversees a wide range of projects spanning demonstration, field validation, and market transformation of the HVAC and water heating sector to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and save money in all homes (especially through the increased adoption of heat pumps). Previously, he was an ORISE fellow in BTO. His mechanical engineering degrees include both a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Michigan, where he did research with the GCI on carbon utilization policy, both locally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and internationally.

What is a simple explanation of your job?

I help make buildings better for the environment and better for the people in them. To do that, I work with folks across the U.S. to help address challenges related to that goal. I particularly focus on heating/cooling equipment (both for the air and water in buildings). I also work on improving the entire embodied carbon space for buildings, which includes all of the extended emissions related to buildings, (e.g. emissions from manufacturing the bricks that are used to make them or from demolishing them at the end of their useful lifespan).

In practice, my work involves working with researchers, business owners, equipment manufacturers, utilities, state/local governments to understand their thoughts and perspectives on emission related issues and then providing funding and technical expertise to folks with great ideas to solve those issues.

News in a Nutshell

GCI seeks a postdoc to research carbon removal opportunities via durable CO2-based products

Recording now available from the DOE/NETL 45Q Carbon Oxide Conversion LCA Training Workshop

Europe Will Not Reach Climate Neutrality without Carbon Capture and Utilisation

Swiss WorldCargo Enters Collaboration with Climeworks

A European Push Could Help India Fill Carbon Removal Gaps

Direct Air Capture Coalition Launches CDR Job Board

Imminent Events

Active Communication International's

European Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Summit

September 18 -19, 2024

Explore the forefront of innovation and sustainability; Join experts, researchers, and industry pioneers converging to showcase, discuss, and catalyse solutions that harness the power of carbon dioxide to build a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.

Carbon Capture and Utilization Challenge on Uplink

Abstract submissions due September 12, 2024

To source solutions that capture, reuse, and recycle industrial carbon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning and Ministry of Energy are launching the Carbon Capture and Utilization Challenge on UpLink. Winners of the innovation challenge will join an active network of business partners dedicated to scaling purpose-driven start-ups that help solve the world’s biggest challenges. As part of a thematic cohort, challenge winners will gain access to selected events, communities, visibility opportunities, and share a prize fund of up to 300’000 CHF.

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Keep in touch

We want to hear from you! Is there something or someone that you would like to see featured in a future issue? Let us know!