sustainability

Jan 14, 2015

Holiday Energy Effort Reaps Mega Savings

Over the last 10 years, NC State has saved $2.76 million in energy costs with its conservation efforts during the university's holiday break, including a savings of $274,987 during the most recent shutdown. 

Nov 20, 2014

How to Properly Degrease the Holidays

After you deep fry your turkey, deep six your used cooking oil with the "Cease the Grease" campaign, a joint venture between University Housing and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Center. 

Oct 21, 2014

Researchers Take Big-Data Approach to Estimate Range of Electric Vehicles

NC State researchers have developed new software that estimates how much farther electric vehicles can drive before needing to recharge. 

Sep 17, 2014

‘Building Doctors’ Deliver Energy Savings

Facilities experts optimize the HVAC systems in buildings across campus, improving efficiency and saving more than half a million dollars — so far — in energy costs. 

Sep 3, 2014

Reinforcements to Fight Cankerworms

The ongoing battle to save campus trees from cankerworms enlists some new recruits. NC State students, parents and families join the fray as part of an annual service project. 

Aug 20, 2014

Talley Pilots Composting Stations

NC State's student union is helping divert food waste from landfills with the introduction of two composting stations this fall. 

Aug 8, 2014

Green Efforts Merit Top Award

The hardworking facilities team leads NC State to a national award for integrating sustainable policies and green practices across campus. 

May 21, 2014

Dam Removal Improves Shad Spawning Grounds, May Boost Survival Rate

Research from North Carolina State University finds that dam removal improves spawning grounds for American shad and seems likely to improve survival rates for adult fish, juveniles and eggs – but for different reasons. 

May 1, 2014

Increased Drought Portends Lower Future Midwest Crop Yields

Increasingly harsh drought conditions in the U.S. Midwest’s Corn Belt may take a serious toll on corn and soybean yields over the next half-century, according to research published today in the journal Science. Corn yields could drop by 15 to 30 percent, according to the paper’s estimates; soybean yield losses would be less severe. North… 

Apr 18, 2014

Study Suggests Dan River Water Is Suitable for Irrigation and as Drinking Water for Livestock

Using projections of water-quality trends based on hundreds of water analyses made during a 40-day period following the release of approximately 39,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan River on Feb. 2, 2014, North Carolina State University soil scientists conclude that the river water is suitable for use as irrigation water on crops and… 

Apr 14, 2014

Strawberry Fields Forever

North Carolina is the nation’s No. 3 strawberry producer, but many of the state’s berries grow on small plots lacking the acreage to carry out sustainable growing practices like crop rotation. That, combined with constant concerns about soil pathogens and reliance on chemicals to rid plants of ubiquitous pests like spider mites, puts immense pressure… 

Mar 12, 2014

Bucking Conventional Wisdom, Researchers Find Black Sea Bass Tougher Than Expected

In a new study, fisheries researchers from North Carolina State University found that black sea bass (Centropristis striata) can usually survive the physical trauma that results from being hauled up from deep water then released at the surface. The finding is part of a larger study of the fish’s mortality rate, which will inform stock… 

Feb 26, 2014

Superabsorbing Design May Lower Manufacturing Cost of Thin Film Solar Cells

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a “superabsorbing” design that may significantly improve the light absorption efficiency of thin film solar cells and drive down manufacturing costs. 

Jan 30, 2014

Savanna Vegetation Predictions Best Done by Continent

A “one-size-fits-all” model to predict the effects of climate change on savanna vegetation isn’t as effective as examining individual savannas by continent, according to research published in Science this week. Savannas – grasslands dotted with trees – cover about 20 percent of the earth’s land and play a critical role in storing atmospheric carbon, says… 

Jan 21, 2014

Study: Electric Drive Vehicles Have Little Impact on U.S. Pollutant Emissions

A new study from North Carolina State University indicates that even a sharp increase in the use of electric drive passenger vehicles (EDVs) by 2050 would not significantly reduce emissions of high-profile air pollutants carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides.