Industry and manufacturing 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 participants working across industry, academia, government, utilities, and related technical fields 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 decarbonizing and reducing other environmental burdens tied to materials production 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 Professor Sabbie Miller of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis.

Symposium Structure

The symposium will feature opening and closing plenary sessions that frame key policy, programmatic, and market drivers shaping industrial and materials decarbonization. The day will also include parallel breakout sessions organized around sector-specific and technical themes, along with poster sessions and informal discussion. An evening networking reception will provide additional opportunities for exchange across disciplines and organizations.

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.