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Eric Masanet

Head, Industrial Sustainability Analysis Lab; Professor and Mellichamp Chair at UC Santa Barbara

Eric Masanet is a distinguished academic and expert in industrial sustainability and decarbonization who was recently appointed to the Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC) by U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in January 2024.12

Professional Background

Eric Masanet holds several notable positions:

  • Professor and Mellichamp Chair in Sustainability Science for Emerging Technologies at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)2
  • Courtesy appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCSB2
  • Faculty Scientist in the Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory2

Research and Expertise

Masanet's work focuses on:

  • Developing models, datasets, and roadmaps for decarbonizing industrial and information technology sectors2
  • Energy systems analysis
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Sustainable manufacturing
  • Data centers and information and communications technology3

Notable Achievements and Roles

Throughout his career, Masanet has held several significant positions:

  • Head of the Energy Demand Technology Unit at the International Energy Agency in Paris (2015-2017)2
  • Lead Author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report2
  • Author of the Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment2
  • Member of the Research Advisory Board of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (2019-present)2
  • Consultant at the U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (2022-2024)2
  • Former Editor in Chief of Resources, Conservation, and Recycling journal2

Education

Masanet holds advanced degrees in mechanical engineering:

  • Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley
  • M.S. from Northwestern University
  • B.S. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison2

His appointment to the ITIAC underscores his expertise in industrial emissions reduction technology development and his potential to contribute to the committee's goal of decarbonizing America's industrial sector.13

Highlights

Aug 19 · linkedin

Just how much energy does AI currently use and where is its energy demand headed?

Answers to these questions are critical for energy and climate policy, but the energy analysis community currently lacks many of the data needed for robust modeling. However, there are ways to unlock the needed data--and fairly quickly.

My colleagues Nuoa Lei, Jonathan Koomey, and I lay out the energy analyst's most critical data needs and the key initiatives and stakeholders that can address them in our new commentary in Joule, which is out today:

Jul 24 · linkedin

At the 2035 Initiative, we're laser focused on conducting timely and policy-relevant research to accelerate energy system decarbonization. We're now recruiting a Senior Energy Analyst to expand our impact. Come join us!

https://lnkd.in/gVNpUkXv

The 2035 Initiative at UCSB is a "think and do tank" aimed at confronting the climate crisis. We are seeking a Senior Energy Analyst to take on analytical, research, and project management tasks, with a particular focus on industrial decarbonization and energy systems analysis. A reasonable estimate for this position is $70,000 - 85,000. The University of California is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Related Questions

What are Eric Masanet's main responsibilities on the ITIAC?
How has Eric Masanet contributed to industrial decarbonization efforts globally?
What is the Industrial Sustainability Analysis Laboratory at UCSB?
What are the key initiatives Eric Masanet has supported at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy?
How does Eric Masanet's work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory impact his role on the ITIAC?
Eric Masanet
Eric Masanet, photo 1
Eric Masanet, photo 2
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Location

Santa Barbara, California, United States