The UC Davis Industry & Materials Decarbonization Symposium is a two-day, in-person convening focused on the technical, policy, and deployment challenges of decarbonizing industrial systems and materials production. The symposium is jointly led by the UC Davis Industrial Decarbonization Solutions Hub and the UC Davis Materials Decarbonization and Sustainability Center, reflecting the interconnected role of energy systems and materials across the full decarbonization landscape.

Industry and materials production account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these emissions requires coordinated advances in energy efficiency, electrification, process innovation, materials design, life-cycle assessment, and policy frameworks. This symposium brings together researchers, industry practitioners, utilities, policymakers, and technology providers to examine these challenges and share perspectives on pathways forward.

The Industrial Decarbonization Solutions Hub advances practical, scalable approaches to reducing industrial emissions through applied research, technology deployment, and decision-support tools. Its work spans industrial energy efficiency, electrified thermal systems, industrial heat pumps, load flexibility, grid interaction, and analysis of emissions drivers across U.S. manufacturing and electricity systems. The Hub is directed by Kelly Kissock, Faculty Director of the UC Davis Energy and Efficiency Institute.

The Materials Decarbonization and Sustainability Center focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of building and infrastructure materials through a full life-cycle lens. Its research addresses materials production, embodied carbon, novel materials development, policy and economic mechanisms, and the environmental and community impacts of materials supply chains. The Center is directed by Sabbie Miller, Faculty Director of the UC Davis Materials Decarbonization and Sustainability Center.

Symposium Structure

Day One is designed as a cross-sector forum. The day will feature plenary sessions that frame key policy, programmatic, and market drivers shaping industrial and materials decarbonization, followed by parallel breakout sessions organized around sectors, technologies, and research themes. Poster sessions, informal discussion, and an evening networking reception will provide additional opportunities for exchange across disciplines and organizations.

Day Two is structured as a deeper working and discussion day. Programming will emphasize focused topic areas, early-stage collaboration, and dialogue around research directions, deployment challenges, and program design. Sessions are intended to support back-and-forth discussion rather than formal presentations alone.

Who Should Attend

The symposium is intended for:

• Industry practitioners and facility operators
• Technology developers and solution providers
• Utilities and energy program administrators
• Policymakers and regulatory staff
• Academic researchers and graduate students

What to Expect

Participants can expect technical discussion grounded in current research and real-world deployment experience. Topics will span industrial energy systems, materials production, life-cycle impacts, policy and economic drivers, and strategies for accelerating adoption of low-carbon solutions. A detailed agenda and speaker information will be posted as plans are finalized.

Registration details will be shared on this page when available. Join our mailing list to receive updates when registration opens.