Baker Institute Sustainability Summit
The Recycling Science Council (RSC) was proud to serve as a co-host and participant in the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies’ second Annual Sustainability Summit, held at Rice University in partnership with the University of Houston.
The summit brought together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, students, and sustainability professionals to explore sustainability challenges through a systems-level perspective, with discussions spanning energy, circularity, supply chains, materials management, and emerging technologies.
RSC Co-Chair Marco J. Castaldi, Ph.D., Professor at The City College of New York, participated in the summit’s “Claim vs. Constraint” live adjudication panel focused on advanced recycling technologies. The discussion examined common claims, questions, and challenges surrounding advanced recycling and highlighted the importance of science-based dialogue and interdisciplinary engagement as conversations around recycling systems continue evolving.
RSC also recognizes the leadership of Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, Deputy Director and Fellow in Energy & Sustainability at the Baker Institute and RSC Co-Chair, for helping convene the summit and bring together voices from across academia, industry, policy, healthcare, and sustainability. Throughout the event, discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration, evidence-based approaches, and systems thinking when evaluating complex sustainability and waste management challenges.
Topics discussed throughout the summit included:
Supply chain resilience
Critical materials and e-waste
Sustainability in healthcare
Advanced recycling and plastics
Corporate sustainability
Circularity within broader energy and materials systems
The summit also highlighted the importance of student engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing emerging sustainability challenges. Graduate students from Rice University and the University of Houston participated in poster sessions and broader discussions throughout the event.
RSC appreciates the opportunity to participate in these conversations and support continued science-based engagement around advanced recycling, circularity, and sustainability systems.