A Legacy of Sustainability: Ilha do Arvoredo

Class of 1924 mechanical engineering alumnus Fernando Lee purchased Ilha do Arvoredo off the Brazilian coast in the 1950s. A trailblazer, Lee’s vision was to transform the “enchanted island” from a barren rock into a demonstration center for the development and application of nature-based design and sustainable systems. This included some of the first solar panels ever used in South America. Currently, the island's infrastructure is in need of renovation to upgrade its water, energy, and food systems. Under the leadership of Professor David Brandes, the Walter A. Scott '59 Chair of Integrative Engineering, students in Environment and Energy Systems Engineering are collaborating with the Nova Maré Institute (INMAR), the island's overseeing body. The goal of the project is to develop preliminary design plans for system upgrades on the island, with a particular focus on enhancing the island’s water and energy systems. Students traveled over spring break to tour the island, meet with INMAR staff, and collect data.