These techniques include developing and redesigning plant equipment, modifying steps in the manufacturing process, and fine-tuning employees' work procedures on the production line. When pollution-prevention efforts are backed by solid planning and research, companies are often able meet their environmental goals while improving plant efficiency and reducing operating costs. The Institute assembles research teams drawn from all campus academic units and organizes professional training courses on many environmental topics. These agreements, such as TEI's Cooperative Marine Education and Research Program, create partnerships between the University and public agencies that have several benefits. These partnerships encourage an ongoing dialogue between University researchers and agency staff that can lead to the development of mutually beneficial research and teaching programs, enable University researchers to anticipate and respond quickly to agency needs, and provide students with opportunities to gain valuable education and training.
Partnerships also extend to the private sector.
Since 1985, The Environmental Institute has conducted and managed more than 400 projects for public agencies and private firms.