The Rice Sustainability Institute supports faculty research that develops energy and environmental solutions that are economically positive, socially viable, and globally relevant. Acting as a central clearinghouse for sustainability scholarship on campus, the Sustainability Institute enables the bridges between disciplines that allow scientific discoveries to translate to societal impact. The three institute foci are Coastal Futures, Carbon Futures, and Sustainable Energy Futures. Research in Coastal Futures addresses economic, climate, and health risks to coastal industrial communities. Research in Carbon Futures drives CO₂ reduction via technological and nature-based solutions; efficient, effective, high-integrity carbon markets; and large-scale industrial decarbonization via novel carbon materials. Research in Sustainable Energy Futures develops reliable and affordable low CO₂ energy generation and storage, as well as energy-efficient materials, processes, and systems.