Radical energy efficiency: the key is integrative design
Welcome to Stanford’s Integrative Design for Radical Energy Efficiency Learning Hub
This learning hub is based on the groundbreaking work of Amory Lovins, RMI co-founder and energy efficiency visionary. It features lectures and readings from Stanford’s Extreme Energy Efficiency course, co-taught by Amory Lovins and Joel Swisher.
This learning hub explores the power of integrative design (whole systems thinking) to radically increase energy efficiency. Optimizing whole systems for multiple benefits, not isolated parts for single benefits, transforms systems to use a fraction of the energy they once did. The potential benefits, for both people and the climate, are tremendous.
Amory Lovins on Integrative Design (4 minutes)
Our Mission
Our mission is to spread and speed the practice of integrative design for radical energy and resource efficiency. We hope to inspire a community of engineers, policymakers, educators, and others to transform the way we design and use our homes, buildings, vehicles, and factories. Please join us!
Your Guide to Integrative Design for Radical Energy Efficiency
Foundational Knowledge
Recommended Prerequisite
If you’re new to energy efficiency, we recommend reviewing the Energy Efficiency page of our Understand Energy Learning Hub.
About the Experts
Amory Lovins
Amory Lovins, renowned energy visionary, is cofounder, chair emeritus, former CEO and chief scientist, and 43-year trustee of RMI (founded as Rocky Mountain Institute). For more than five decades, Lovins’ revolutionary ideas about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and a world without fossil fuels have shaped public energy discourse. Lovins has advised major firms and governments in more than 70 countries. A prolific lecturer and author, Lovins has largely or wholly written more than 900 papers and 32 books, including the groundbreaking works Natural Capitalism and Reinventing Fire.
Learn more about Lovins and his rich body of work on our dedicated Amory Lovins page.
Joel Swisher
Joel Swisher is a professor, licensed Professional Engineer, and consultant with more than 40 years of experience in clean energy technology and climate change mitigation. As RMI’s former managing director of research and consulting, Swisher led teams that used whole-systems thinking to help companies around the world achieve ambitious energy efficiency targets. Swisher is an innovator in energy-focused training for engineers. He designed the curriculum for Western Washington University’s Institute for Energy Studies, one of the nation’s first interdisciplinary energy programs for undergraduates. Swisher holds a PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Stanford.
Banner photo credits from left to right: Maria from Pixabay, Erik Zarazua, Kaz Okuda from Pixabay, Danor Aharon from Pixabay