sustainability

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… 

Sep 7, 2010

UAB Gets Aggressive in Going Green

Recent Friday Fest activities not only brought national recording artists Lifehouse before a sellout crowd of 6,000 gathered on Lee Field, but also marked the single-largest "green" event ever held on NC State's campus. 

Sep 7, 2010

Charging Ahead: NC State Provides Free Charging Station For Electric Vehicles

Demonstrating its role as an area leader in promoting new technologies, North Carolina State University has installed the first Level 2 charging station for electric vehicles in Raleigh. The station is available free for public use, though those who use the station will be asked to sign a log book to help researchers collect user… 

Aug 12, 2010

Burning Biomass With Coal Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Across the Southeast, mixing wood and other forest biomass with coal to create energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions when compared to just burning coal alone, according to a new working paper by researchers at North Carolina State University and Duke University. “If we look at all the coal-fired boilers in the Southeastern United States… 

Aug 10, 2010

This Old Hut

Students braved the heat this summer in an enclosure behind Brooks Hall, designing and building stylish and sustainable huts for workers at three Wake County recycling centers. 

Aug 3, 2010

NC State Gets Grants to Prepare Students for Green Jobs

North Carolina State University received grants totaling $1.7 million from the North Carolina Energy Office to provide undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience and training for jobs in the state’s energy economy, including “green-energy” fields. 

Aug 3, 2010

Grassroots Education

Landscape architecture students worked all summer to transform the "squishy nasty" grounds behind Syme Hall into a functioning rain garden. See how they did it. 

Jul 19, 2010

Stormwater Model To Inform Regulators On Future Development Projects

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a computer model that will accurately predict stormwater pollution impacts from proposed real-estate developments – allowing regulators to make informed decisions about which development projects can be approved without endangering water quality. The model could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts across the country. 

Jun 30, 2010

New Technique Improves Efficiency Of Biofuel Production

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants that significantly reduces the waste that results from conventional biofuel production techniques. The technique is a significant step toward creating a commercially viable new source of biofuels. 

Jun 1, 2010

Research: Electric Fields Make Ceramic Production Quicker, Cheaper

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found that applying a small electric field results in faster formation of ceramic products during manufacture at lower temperatures, and enhances the strength of the ceramic itself. 

May 25, 2010

NC State Wins Sustainable Business Award

NC State won the Smith Seal of North Carolina Sustainable Business Award for environmentally conscious practices.