The NYU SPS Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab
The NYU SPS Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab is an education and research platform serving business, philanthropic, and public sectors to advance evidence-driven sustainability solutions locally, nationally, and globally. Housed within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs, the ECJS Lab drives positive change by promoting social justice in energy and food security, community resilience, urban sustainability, climate finance, and low-carbon development. We believe addressing climate change justly will enhance quality of life for all.
What We Do
The SPS Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab conducts policy-relevant, evidence-based research on the impact of climate change on energy security, food sustainability, environmental justice, and community resilience. We develop related coursework for CGA degrees and programs. Our agenda addresses emerging themes such as geopolitical risks, energy transition, urban sustainability, and sustainable finance. ECJS Lab builds collaborations across NYU and with external partners through research initiatives, grant writing, and public forums.
Climate Justice
Climate change is a pressing global challenge. Addressing it through the transition to lower-carbon energy sources presents unique opportunities for a more just and equitable energy system. ECJS Lab, in collaboration with NYU’s Institute for Public Knowledge, will explore integrating justice-oriented objectives into energy transition programs for impacted communities like Appalachia and the Southwest USA. Our research will also analyze global climate finance, enhancing policy discussions and developing innovative funding solutions for climate adaptation.
Energy Transition and Geopolitics
The world is undergoing a major energy transition, moving from fossil fuels to a low-carbon system. This interim period, with both old and new energy systems in play, can lead to cost issues and price volatility. ECJS Lab will research how to optimize this transition, ensuring energy security and affordability. We will assess policies needed for a smooth shift and explore leveraging existing infrastructure for lower-carbon energy. Collaborating with partners, we will also investigate how digital solutions can improve energy demand management and efficiency.
Climate Resiliency and Sustainability
Heat and severe weather events are increasing across the USA. Last year alone saw 28 billion-dollar disasters, impacting health, displacing populations, and causing energy cutoffs. ECJS Lab’s research on climate resiliency and sustainability aims to understand how people experience extreme weather, wildfires, and flooding, and how community preparedness can mitigate these impacts. The program seeks to improve outcomes by sharing knowledge among communities, specialists, and practitioners, focusing on those most vulnerable to climate events.
The Electricity Initiative
The mission of the NYU Electricity Initiative is to help elucidate new trends—both local and international—that are shaping the nature of electricity markets and influencing the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of electricity supply in the United States and the world. The Initiative aims to help foster ideas on how to improve understanding of the technological, economic, and social forces influencing energy markets today, with discussion and research on advancing solutions and public policy.
The Center for the Built Environment
The Schack Institute of Real Estate hosts the Center for the Built Environment to explore issues related to sustainability in real estate and how to advance best practices across the many disciplines that touch commercial real estate.
Learn More
Our Lab In Action
Our Team
Amy Myers Jaffe
Director of the ECJS Lab and Research Professor, NYU SPS
Carolyn Kissane
Founder and Associate Dean of the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs
Michelle D’Amico
Director, Continuing Education and Public Programs, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs
Saskia Salak
Assistant Research Scientist
Erica Miller
Graduate Assistant
