sustainability

Dec 12, 2011

New Dye Will Lead To More Efficient Solar Energy Technology

A North Carolina State University invention has significant potential to improve the efficiency of solar cells and other technologies that derive energy from light. 

Nov 17, 2011

Study Details Links Between Climate, Groundwater Availability – Will Help Water Managers Prepare For Drought

Everyone knows that climate affects our water supply, but new research from North Carolina State University gives scientists and water-resource managers an unprecedented level of detail on how climate and precipitation influence groundwater and surface water levels in the Southeast. 

Sep 15, 2011

Students build landscape legacy

NC State landscape architecture students have left their mark on the university campus. 

Aug 10, 2011

Students Create Green Oasis

Students show off their green thumbs during a summer design/build studio to renovate the space between two residence halls. 

Aug 9, 2011

Red, White and Green

More than 4,500 new freshmen will make a big impact on NC State. Sustainability efforts will limit their environmental impact during Wolfpack Welcome Week 2011. 

May 31, 2011

Study: Biodegradable Products May Be Bad For The Environment

Research from North Carolina State University shows that so-called biodegradable products are likely doing more harm than good in landfills, because they are releasing a powerful greenhouse gas as they break down. 

Apr 29, 2011

Earthwise Winners Recognized

The Campus Environmental Sustainability Team presented Earthwise awards this week to a faculty member, staff member and student for championing environmentally sound practices on campus. 

Apr 21, 2011

Earth Day: Global Research Challenges

For more than 40 years, Earth Day has been a call to arms to appreciate and protect our natural environment. In order to accomplish that mission, we must first understand the challenges threatening our environmental health and sustainability. 

Apr 19, 2011

In the Driver’s Seat

NC State alumnus Josh Whiton rides the cutting edge of entrepreneurship, launching one business that uses Web technology to track buses in real time and another that's introducing drivers to the power of high-performance electric vehicles. Hear about his road to success at this week's Entrepreneurs' Lecture Series. 

Apr 6, 2011

Researchers ID Microbe Responsible For Methane From Landfills

Researchers have long known that landfills produce methane, but had a hard time figuring out why – since landfills do not start out as a friendly environment for the organisms that produce methane. New research from North Carolina State University shows that one species of microbe is paving the way for other methane producers. 

Jan 27, 2011

ARPA-E Grant Will Fund NC State Research On Smart Grid Technologies

A new grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) will support North Carolina State University efforts to develop new technologies essential to the development of a “smart grid” that can easily store and distribute energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. 

Jan 25, 2011

Voiding Defects: New Technique Makes LED Lighting More Efficient

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are an increasingly popular technology for use in energy-efficient lighting. Researchers from North Carolina State University have now developed a new technique that reduces defects in the gallium nitride (GaN) films used to create LEDs, making them more efficient. 

Nov 10, 2010

NC State’s Solar Center Hosts Free Green-Job Workshop

What: North Carolina State University will host a free, half-day workshop to help job-seekers find employment in North Carolina’s growing green-energy sector. The workshop will explore: Career options in the green-energy market and how to leverage your education and experience How to get plugged into the green network Training programs to take and where to… 

Oct 6, 2010

Study: Fish Near Coal-Fired Power Plants Have Lower Levels Of Mercury

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that fish located near coal-fired power plants have lower levels of mercury than fish that live much further away. The surprising finding appears to be linked to high levels of another chemical, selenium, found near such facilities, which unfortunately poses problems of its own. 

Sep 24, 2010

Mimicking Nature, Water-Based ‘Artificial Leaf’ Produces Electricity

A team led by a North Carolina State University researcher has shown that water-gel-based solar devices – “artificial leaves” – can act like solar cells to produce electricity. The findings prove the concept for making solar cells that more closely mimic nature. They also have the potential to be less expensive and more environmentally friendly…