EREF is one of the largest sources of private research funding in North America related to sustainable materials management. Our grants program has provided millions of dollars in funding to cutting edge research institutions to help address the many challenges that exist.

EREF has established three key research priorities. The decision comes in response to the urgent need for innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of these pressing environmental challenges. The three selected areas represent some of the most significant issues affecting resource management and the environment today. 

Climate Change Impacts/Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

• Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions, including direct measurement, modeling, data & methodology
• Impacts & reduction strategies from materials management collection & disposal options
• Impact of materials management activities, including how they related to broader emissions in manufacturing/re-manufacturing 

Emerging Contaminants 

• Potential impacts of emerging contaminants on materials management operations including leachate disposal/treatment, composting facility operations, anaerobic digestion facilities and digestate management
• Fate and transport/environmental and health impacts from emerging contaminants, including those managed by materials facilities
• Best practices/effective management strategies during materials collection and disposal

Advancing Materials Circularity & Recycling 

• Evaluation/efficacy of policies that impact materials management or circularity
• Assessment of trade-offs between environmental burdens associated with circular priorities
• Understanding barriers/benefits experienced across the value chain.

Application Deadline: Pre-Proposals due December 1, 2024

Announcement: https://erefdn.org/research-grants/