Seventy four billion pounds of chemical substances are produced in, or imported into, the United States every day, and global chemical production is projected to double in 24 years, rapidly outpacing population growth. While these chemicals provide important products and services, some are harmful to humans and ecosystems, and there are significant knowledge gaps about the human health and environmental impacts of the vast majority of these substances.

Our goal is to inform the design of safer substances by identifying the highest-priority chemicals and toxicity pathways that demand the new solutions offered by green chemistry.

The Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry advances green chemistry principles and practice through interdisciplinary research, education, and novel collaborations among investigators working at the intersection of chemistry, toxicology, environmental health, business, law, and public policy.

With global chemical production expected to double in 24 years, the advancement of green chemistry is a cornerstone of social and environmental sustainability. The science of green chemistry—and the policies that encourage its adoption—offer a means of answering society’s needs while also improving human and environmental health.

Meeting the challenge of global sustainability will require interdisciplinary approaches to research and education, as well as the integration of this new knowledge into society, policymaking, and business. Together, these forms of scholarship and engagement will advance the design and use of safer chemicals and products.

The Berkeley Center will conduct research, teaching, and engagement in three, overlapping spheres of inquiry:

*New Chemistries
*Health and Environment
*Policy and Economy

Participating faculty and researchers are affiliated with the College of Chemistry, School of Public Health, College of Natural Resources, Haas School of Business and the School of Law.