EPA is soliciting research for data, methods, and systems that lead to actionable, scalable change toward chemistry, chemicals and products that support sustainable chemistry. EPA seeks applications to:

• standardize, improve, and operationalize data sharing of chemicals and chemical processing information for sustainable chemistry,
• incorporate novel methods to develop and evaluate more sustainable chemical alternatives, and
• apply life cycle analysis to evaluate more sustainable chemical alternatives to reduce and eliminate adverse environmental and public health impacts while integrating the concepts of sustainability into chemical products, processes, and supply chains.

EPA anticipates the outputs from this research will be novel and comprehensive scientific information, publications, data, and data-sharing platforms, which improve the current understanding of sustainable chemistry practices. Outcomes include a reduction in the depletion of resources and accumulation of waste resulting from chemical production; increased use of readily available and renewable materials for use as building blocks, reagents, and catalysts in chemical production; increased and optimized efficiency in chemical reactions; improved end-of-life management and intentional design of chemicals, materials, and products across their lifecycle that do not adversely impact human health and the environment while promoting circularity, meeting societal needs, contributing to economic prosperity, and use of materials without depleting resources or accumulating waste. Outcomes of the proposed research may improve decision-making to protect human health and the environment from chemical pollution.

Applications should address at least two research areas:

1. Data Sharing Platforms: Research in this area should aim to develop and/or expand next-generation data sharing platforms and tools to advance and implement sustainable chemistry.
2. New Approach Methodologies and Novel Data Streams: Research in this area should aim to develop, apply, and/or expand novel methods to design and/or evaluate chemicals (new or existing).
3. Evaluation of Specific Life Stages of a Chemical: Research in this area should advance the application of life-cycle analysis (LCA) to drive and inform sustainable chemistry and its practices.