The Environmental studies have been identified the following research areas on the basis of current national and global demands and/or needs:

Environmental Studies:

        1. Emissions analysis, control and management

        2. Climate, ecology and socio-cultural change

        3. Health and environmental issues

1. Emissions analysis, control and management:

Air pollutants are responsible for a number of adverse environmental effects, such as photochemical smog, acid rain, death of forests, or reduced atmospheric visibility. Emissions of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels are associated with the global warming of Earth’s climate. Certain air pollutants, including black carbon, not only contribute to global warming but are also suspected of having an immediate effect on regional climates. Putting more energy-efficient vehicles on the road to displace oil consumption, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the nation's energy security requires simultaneous advances in fuel formulation, combustion strategy, and engine design. Emission testing, measurement, analysis and detection services are provided to industry and automobiles that includes:

• Stationary source emission measurement (stack emission measurements, vent emissions, GHG emission calculation, distillation column feed analysis and new emissions testing)
• Particulate matter emission measurement
• Bio-scrubbing
• Engine emission research

Emissions control and management can be achieved by:

• Reducing methane venting, fugitives and flaring represents one of the most significant emissions reduction opportunities for the industry. This can be reduced by advanced methane monitoring and detection, flare down from gas processing solutions to flare optimization, zero-bleed valves to control fugitives and leakage  
• By optimizing power management and after-treatment system control strategies, it is possible to achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions. NOx sensor technology, and NOx storage and regeneration process are also important for emission control and management.

2. Climate, ecology and socio-cultural change:

Managing the risks of anthropogenic climate change poses significant challenges at the nexus of natural and social sciences, ethics, engineering, and mathematics. Realizing this potential, however, requires an integrated assessment of system interactions leading to societal change.  This will in turn require investments in mission-oriented basic research across the involved disciplines. Major initiatives within this theme include, but are not limited to:

• Climate variability and change
• Ecosystem productivity and biodiversity; stressors and resilience
• Food and water security
• Socio-cultural and behavioral aspects of energy production and environmental changes

3. Health and environmental issues:

The environment affects our health in a variety of ways. The interaction between human health and the environment has been extensively studied and environmental risks have been proven to significantly impact human health, either directly by exposing people to harmful agents, or indirectly, by disrupting life-sustaining ecosystems. However, huge economic development and population growth result in continuing environmental degradation. Intensification of agriculture, industrialization and increasing energy use is the most severe driving forces of environmental health problems. Climate change is impacting human lives and health in a variety of ways. It threatens the essential ingredients of good health - clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter - and has the potential to undermine decades of progress in global health. The environments in which we live immediately impact our health. The public health specialization is designed to ensure the creation and maintenance of environments that promote good public health. Making collaboration with other disciplines and sectors, students will identify and manage environmental health problems. IEES is working to facilitate team development and knowledge sharing in this emerging area.