sustainability

Feb 19, 2013

Program Nets Big Energy Savings

An NC State program to capture energy savings over the winter break netted North Carolina taxpayers more than $280,000. Learn how we did it. 

Dec 19, 2012

NC State Awarded $9 Million to Make Installing Home Solar Energy Systems Easier, Less Expensive

A new grant to North Carolina State University and several partners could make installing rooftop solar energy systems much less expensive and time consuming. 

Oct 8, 2012

Researchers Develop New Way to Determine Amount of Charge Remaining in Battery

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that allows users to better determine the amount of charge remaining in a battery in real time. That’s good news for electric vehicle drivers, since it gives them a better idea of when their car may run out of juice. 

Oct 4, 2012

Researchers Reveal How Solvent Mixtures Affect Organic Solar Cell Structure

Controlling “mixing” between acceptor and donor layers, or solar cell domains, in polymer-based solar cells could increase their efficiency, according to a team of researchers that included physicists from North Carolina State University. Their findings shed light on the inner workings of these solar cells, and could lead to further improvements in efficiency. Polymer-based solar… 

Sep 13, 2012

NC State Makes It Easy to Be Green: Recycled Rafts, Electric Vehicles, Zero-Waste Tailgate

What: Fill up with fun, free food and rechargeable cars at NC State. You won’t find a red Solo cup at the Wolfpack’s green tailgate, but you could win a reusable beverage container to take its place. A zero-waste tailgate demonstration will feature composting, cornhole games with a recycling theme and locally sourced food. During NC State’s… 

Sep 6, 2012

New Rain Garden Set for Unveiling

The Lee Hall Rain Garden will be unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 13 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The garden showcases the work of four students from the College of Design. 

Jun 25, 2012

Nano-Sandwich Technique Slims Down Solar Cells, Improves Efficiency

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a way to create much slimmer thin-film solar cells without sacrificing the cells’ ability to absorb solar energy. Making the cells thinner should significantly decrease manufacturing costs for the technology. 

May 10, 2012

Model Forecasts Long-Term Impacts of Forest Land-Use Decisions

The drive to develop crops for use in biofuels is raising questions about how to use forest land. A new computer model developed at North Carolina State University offers the most detailed insight yet into predicting how these new land uses might impact the environment – and may also help us understand how the forest… 

Apr 30, 2012

Green Awards Galore For NC State

NC State's commitment to sustainability took center stage last week as faculty, staff and students were honored. Meet the award-winners. 

Apr 25, 2012

Green Project Grows

Students put the finishing touches on Phase II of an ambitious project to convert the area between two residence halls into a green oasis. See the results. 

Apr 24, 2012

Compound from Wild Tomatoes is Natural, Effective Herbicide

A naturally occurring compound derived from wild tomato plants is also a fast-acting, nontoxic herbicide, according to researchers at North Carolina State University. NC State entomologist Dr. Mike Roe had previously worked with the compound – known as 2-undecanone – as a natural replacement for the chemical DEET in insect repellents. Both he and his NC State… 

Apr 23, 2012

NC State a Bicycle-Friendly Campus

NC State has been named a bicycle-friendly campus. 

Apr 19, 2012

Used Fryer Oil Converted to Fuel

Engineering students are taking used fryer oil from two campus dining facilities and converting it into biodiesel fuel for tractors and other off-road equipment. 

Apr 18, 2012

Green State

The Princeton Review has named NC State one of the nation's most environmentally friendly universities. 

Apr 17, 2012

NC State Charges Ahead

Drivers of electric vehicles can fill 'er up for free at three charging stations on the NC State campus.