HARC | Houston Advanced Research Center

Every community deserves to thrive 🌱  Carbon Capture and Storage: A Critical Tool for a Low-Carbon Future - John Hall, HARC’s President and CEO, participated in a panel discussion about the innovation and vision that are going into a low-carbon energy future at the Center for Houston's Future Fall Salon in Houston, TX. Mr. Hall joined Chris Walker, Ph.D. of bp., Ken Medlock III, Ph.D. of Rice University's Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies (CES) and Colin Young, Ph.D. of DexMat. The panelists focused on carbon capture and storage, innovation and technologies that are tools in the energy transition, while also considering equity issues that surround the new and emerging economy. Mr. Hall emphasized the importance of strategically implementing carbon capture in the right region, ensuring that this technology not only mitigates climate change, but also supports fenceline communities. Communities living closest to industrial facilities often bear the brunt of pollution. Training and career paths are important components of the success of the energy transition. He underscored the importance of engaging these communities in conversation, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns properly addressed. Learn more about HARC’s Climate Equity goals here https://bit.ly/3zS6YlJ Learn more about John Hall here https://bit.ly/JLHall   #HARCResearch #CommunitySuppport #CarbonCapture #CarbonCaptureandStorage #CarbonEmissions #CleanEnergy #SustainabilityResearch #ClimateExpert #CCUS 

Texas wants Solar Energy ☀️  As the Texas 89th Legislative Session approaches, it's crucial to reflect on what Texans are saying about solar energy. A recent poll revealed that Texans largely support solar and the clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act. Poll respondents agree that policymakers should be encouraging the use of solar energy and oppose additional permitting requirements for solar. HARC's policy work and participation in Solar for All aims to reduce barriers and promote equitable access to solar energy across the state. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the legislative session, our work in Solar for All, and clean energy and policy here https://bit.ly/4b5ZmZX Read the Solar Energy Industries Association, Global Strategy Group, and North Star Opinion poll here https://bit.ly/3XZy2rm   Read about Solar for All here https://bit.ly/TXSolar4All   For more information about HARC's policy work, please email us at HARCMedia@harcresearch.org #HARCPolicy #HARCResearch #TexasSolar #EnergyPolicy #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SFA

HARC is pleased to announce that John Hall, HARC’s President and CEO, will be speaking at the Resiliency Workforce Collaborative Resource Fair on October 18th at the Houston Community College's (HCC) West Loop Campus. Mr. Hall will share his insights on the critical intersection of climate and workforce initiatives, discussing how they contribute to building a sustainable future and also drive economic growth. He will delve into his vision for fostering resilient communities through innovative workforce solutions, discussing HARC’s current initiatives: Texas Solar for All, ForUsTree, and HyVelocity Hydrogen Hubs. The Resiliency Workforce Collaborative aims to boost disaster resilience and career opportunities for underserved Houston communities. Learn more about Mr. Hall here https://bit.ly/JLHall  Learn more about the Resiliency Workforce Collaborative here https://bit.ly/3U8vtlt #HARCResearch #Communitybuilding #Communityengagement #IndustryInsights #CommunityImpact 

ClimeCo is honored to partner with HARC | Houston Advanced Research Center to support the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in establishing Technical Assistance Partnerships (TAPs) for industrial facilities and other large energy users to increase the adoption of onsite clean energy technologies in the Southcentral region. Contact us today for more information. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gSRcc4VC #ClimeCo #EnvironmentalMarkets #CarbonMarket #CarbonOffsets #RenewableEnergy #ESG #Decarbonization #ClimateGoals #Energy #HARC #DOE

John Hall, HARC’s President and CEO, and Dr. Stephanie Piper, PhD, HARC Research Associate in Climate and Equity, will be speaking about HARC’s climate equity research at the Citizens' Environmental Coalition(CEC) Annual Environmental Summit on October 18th, at the University of Houston-Downtown.  Mr. Hall will be highlighting the Texas Solar for All project, an initiative that aims to reduce the solar equity gap and promote community resilience. Dr. Piper will be focusing on the recent heat mapping campaign and talking about impacts to vulnerable populations around Harris County. Don’t miss this opportunity to foster dialogue, education, and collaboration on solutions to the health impacts of environmental degradation in the Houston/Gulf Coast region. Register here https://bit.ly/4eDN1ya 🌱🌎🤝  Learn more about Solar for All here https://bit.ly/TXSolar4All   Learn more about the H3AT Mapping campaign here www.h3at.org  #HARCResearch #EnvironmentalSummit #HealthyCommunities #Equity #CommunitySupport #UrbanHeatIslandEffect #HeatMapping #TexasHeat #SolarEnergy 

Empowering the next generation for a resilient future.  HARC is observing the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, as we emphasize the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of disaster. Through innovative research and community collaboration, we aim to enhance our ability to respond to environmental challenges and protect our communities. The rising frequency of disasters, many of them worsened by climate change, poses significant risk to children and youth. UNICEF estimates that around one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate-related disasters. By empowering children through education, we can equip them to evaluate risk, protect themselves and inspire positive change in their families and communities. Together we can build a more resilient and equitable future.   Learn more about International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction here https://bit.ly/3Y270ki Learn more about HARC’s research on climate resilience and adaptation here https://bit.ly/47WTtxz    #HARCResearch #DRRDay #AreYouReady24 #ClimateDisasters #ClimateResearch #ClimateChange

As I look back at what John Hall said a year ago, I am even more inspired and committed to the leadership that HARC | Houston Advanced Research Center is taking with the energy transition and the people who are impacted through education, training and equitable access to clean energy.

We are proud to share that HARC’s Benefits Hub Framework was recently cited by the The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) (ACEEE) Summer Study Paper.📄 HARC’s Benefits Hub Framework brings together community members, industry stakeholders, and other relevant groups to discuss community needs and preferences. It actively involves disadvantaged communities in the decision-making process to ensure that they receive a fair share of climate protection, helping to alleviate the unequal burdens created by climate change. The ACEEE Summer Study Paper addressed how implementing a Community Benefits Plan enables social and environmental equity through community engagement during decision-making. The Benefits Hub Framework was presented at the ACEEE Summer Study conference at the end of Summer. Learn more about HARC’s Climate Equity commitment here https://bit.ly/ClimEquity Read the ACEEE Summer Study Paper here https://bit.ly/3XPLCNS   #HARCResearch #ClimateEquity #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateResilience #CommunityImpact 

As the IT sector faces a staggering 50% rise in electricity demand by 2030, largely fueled by generative AI and cryptocurrency mining, the call for sustainable practices has never been more urgent. One of HARC’s talented EfTA interns, Rohit Pillutla, dives into this critical topic in our newest blog.   Mr. Pillutla discusses how green software can cut carbon emissions through energy efficient coding, hardware longevity, and carbon aware usage. Decarbonizing data centers with renewable energy and innovative cooling solutions is crucial for a greener future. We can embrace innovation while protecting the planet. Interested in IT and sustainability? Read here https://bit.ly/3U0OMNy 🌱💻 Mr. Pillutla comes to us from the EfTA Student Internship Program, which provides high school students with the opportunity to work with career professionals and gain real-world experience. HARC and EfTA have collaborated for several years providing students with valuable experiences and skills, also enriching our own work with fresh and diverse perspectives. Learn more about our Education for Tomorrow Alliance interns here https://bit.ly/3A2pEiz 🤝 #HARCResearch #GreenComputing #Decarbonization #DataCenters #SustainableTech #EfTA

HARC proudly sponsored the South Union Community Development Corporation’s (SUCDC) 3K Cancer Walk / Bike Ride on October 5th, in the Sunnyside community of Houston.  This half day SUCDC family-friendly event aimed to educate the community on the history of the Sunnyside neighborhood, STEM, cancer prevention and treatment, workforce development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and to engage community workers for the 50MW Sunnyside Energy Solar Farm project, Houston’s first solar farm built on a former landfill. This project is expected to remove 120 million tons of carbon from the air, create local job opportunities, and lower electricity bills for the Sunnyside community. The culminating event was a talent show that showcased the many talents, interests and relationships of the community. HARC focuses on empowering organizations by providing support and expertise to enhance their capacity for community innovation. Learn more about HARC’s community impact here https://bit.ly/3zS6YlJ  Learn more about the South Union CDC here bit.ly/4dyskT5 #HARCResearch #WalkforCancer #CommunityCollaboration #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityChange #SolarEnergy