sustainability

a long line of irrigation equipment stands in a field of grain under a blue sky

Aug 17, 2022

Wireless Tech Measures Soil Moisture at Multiple Depths in Real Time

The tech informs irrigation practices to improve crop yield and reduce water consumption.

Postdoctoral researcher Lisa Van den Broeck looks into a microscope while STEPS Center director Jacob Jones watches on by her side..

Jun 6, 2022

STEPS Center Tackles Full Scope of Phosphorus Sustainability

Headquartered at NC State, the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability Center is discovering and developing ways to recycle phosphorus, make our food system more efficient, and protect the environment from waste.

Parking space features sign specifying it is for charging electric vehicles only

Jun 6, 2022

New Model Finds Best Sites for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The model also determines how powerful the station can be without placing an undue burden on the local power grid.

May 19, 2022

Bee-Friendly All Summer

Did you know honey bees are the most important insect pollinator for crops grown in North Carolina? Help promote pollinators with these bee-friendly tips.

Niambé James and Kourtni Curry pose in their graduation caps and gowns

May 16, 2022

‘We’re Stuck’ — Meet #NCState22 Best Friends Niambé and Kourtni

Best friends say 'goodbye' to NC State in the field where they first said 'hello' and started a lifelong friendship.

NC State compost facility operator Matt Ball standing at the facility

May 11, 2022

A Profitable Pivot

When COVID-19 nearly shut down NC State’s compost facility, Matt Ball made the best of the situation — to the tune of $35,000 in cost savings for the university.

Mar 21, 2022

New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans From Plastic Pollution

NC State researchers have discovered how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material.

Baugh seen from the side, working at his lab bench.

Feb 1, 2022

Soft Materials Are an Interdisciplinary Game-Changer

At NC State, transformative research into soft material occurs in numerous colleges and departments.

gloved hands hold up solar cell panels of different sizes

Jan 25, 2022

New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells

The technique will reduce the cost and improve the performance of mass-produced perovskite solar cells.

painting of the early 20th century industrial center in Youngstown, Ohio

Jan 11, 2022

Greening the Rust Belt: An Unexpected Link Between Manufacturing and Sustainability

Study highlights the role economic transitions play in fostering sustainability.

A portrait of Jacob Jones, Jacob Jones, director of the STEPS Center and professor of materials science and engineering at NC State

Sep 9, 2021

New NSF Center Will Advance Phosphorus Sustainability

A new interdisciplinary center will advance ambitious goals to reduce phosphorus dependence — with the support of a five-year, $25 million grant.

hands in latex gloves twist a piece of clear, elastic material that contains liquid metal

Aug 31, 2021

Using Liquid Metal to Turn Motion into Electricity – Even Underwater

To generate electricity, just squish it, stretch it, twist it, or stomp on it.

Aug 19, 2021

Greenhouse Effect: A More Sustainable Campus

Grounds Services is saving money and boosting sustainability by growing flowers and plants in its own greenhouse on the west side of campus.

diagram shows how the new process recycles nanowires

Jul 26, 2021

Researchers Demonstrate Technique for Recycling Nanowires in Electronics

The work is a step toward more sustainable electronics.

Jun 17, 2021

Combining Energy Storage And Solar Offers Unexpected Power Reliability Boost

This is encouraging news for renewable energy.