Why Sustainability?
Our communities, state, nation and world face increasingly complex global challenges. Institutions of higher education are crucial to preparing graduates equipped to solve these problems.
Sustainability is a core value at NC State University. As our campus integrates sustainability in its operations, academics and research, the university improves efficiency and stewardship while also developing leaders and innovations for a more sustainable future.
Our Mission
Engaging campus and community in creating a more
sustainable future.
Guiding Policies
NC State’s sustainability efforts are rooted in numerous sustainability-related policies, procedures and commitments.
CAMPUS COMMITMENTS
- Wolfpack 2030: Powering the Extraordinary, NC State’s 2021-2030 Strategic Plan
- University-wide Sustainability Policy
- Campus Sustainability Standard Operating Procedures
- Sustainability Strategic Plan, which provides a five-year comprehensive roadmap for advancing campus sustainability. Every year tactics are updated and progress is reported in NC State’s Annual Sustainability Report
OTHER COMMITMENTS
- University Sustainability Policy, 2014
- Sustainability Standard Operating Procedures, 2014
- Campus Mobility Plan, 2012
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2012
- Sustainability Strategic Plan, 2017
- Climate Action Plan, 2011
- Strategic Energy Management Plan, 2011
- Physical Master Plan
- Centennial Master Plan
- University Construction Guidelines
- University of North Carolina General Administration Sustainability Policy, 2009
- Energy Star Partnership, signed 2008
- American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, signed 2008
- All new construction built to LEED – Silver standards, announced spring 2008
- UNC Tomorrow: NC State Response, May 2008
- Recommendations of the NC State Environmental Sustainability Task Force, 2000
- Commitment to Environmental Sustainability-Guiding Principles, 1999
N.C. COMMITMENTS
- Session Law 2010-196(HB 1292) – reinvestment legislation for energy savings at universities, 2010
- Session Law 2007-546(Senate Bill 668) – conservation of energy and water use in state, university and community college buildings, 2007
- Session Law 2002-167 (HB 1215) – reduce water consumption in state agencies by at least 10 percent, 2002
- NC Executive Order 26 – water system protection, 2002
- NC Executive Order 156 – state government environmental sustainability, reduction in solid waste and procurement of environmentally preferable purchasing, 1998
- NC General Statute 143-58.3 – purchase of products with recycled content , 1994
Areas of Focus
A sustainable campus promotes socially just and vibrant communities, is economically responsible and conserves finite resources.