The University of California, Berkeley Center For Green Chemistry

Background

Despite their ubiquity, the health and environmental impacts of some 80,000 industrial chemicals used in the United States today are largely unknown, according to the University of California. Where good information exists, there is cause for concern: A UC Berkeley study authored by Kim Harley linked reduced fertility to flame-retardant chemicals commonly found in household consumer products such as foam furniture, electronics, carpets and plastics.

"The concern is that findings like these may be just the tip of the iceberg," said Dr. Megan Schwarzman, a UC Berkeley research scientist. In fact, chemical and pollution-related diseases among children and workers in California cost the state an estimated $2.6 billion, according to UC Berkeley and UCLA researchers.

A group of faculty from the colleges of chemistry and natural resources and schools of business, law and public health decided it was critical to partner together and address this critical health and environmental issue, and in 2009 created the very first multidisciplinary approach to research, education and engagement in sustainable chemistry practice: the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry.

Organization Mission

The Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry is advancing green chemistry through research, teaching and engagement in three interdisciplinary areas of inquiry: New Chemistries, Health and Environment, and Policy and Economy. Green chemistry, alongside carbon-neutral technologies, is increasingly being noted as a cornerstone of environmentally sustainable development and the green economy.

The center, which recently received a $500,000 curriculum development award from the state, will train the next generation of synthetic chemists, chemical engineers, business leaders and policymakers to design products and make decisions that are better for the environment and human health. The center brings together faculty from the UC Berkeley College of Chemistry, Goldman School of Public Policy, School of Public Health, College of Natural Resources and Boalt Hall School of Law.

Full Circle Fund Role

The world-class faculty at UC Berkeley have a wealth knowledge in their areas of expertise, but found that they could use a partner with business acumen to help this new department and reach its goals. They found that partner in Full Circle Fund's members. Full Circle Fund's project aims to help the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry develop the business case for green chemistry. Projects under this partnership include:

• Designing a clean-tech to market curriculum in green chemistry technologies within Haas School of Business
• Developing a strategic plan for organization growth
• Building a network of businesses who see the value of green chemistry
• Developing a toxics scorecard for consumer products.

NAME: The University of California, Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry (BCGC)
LOCATION: Berkeley
WEB: bie.berkeley.edu/cgc/home
GRANT TERMS: 2010-2011
TEAM LEADS: Chris Hobbs and Braden Penhoet