Academics and Research
NC State prepares students and innovations for a more sustainable world.
Education about sustainability equips students to solve complex social, environmental and economic challenges that the future holds. NC State is the only university on the East Coast that has colleges and academic departments focusing on agriculture, natural resources, earth sciences, marine sciences, atmospheric sciences, engineering, landscape and architectural design, management, education, economic policy and social sciences. Simply put – sustainability is inherently part of our university’s curriculum.
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STUDENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY | More
Sustainable Spring Break
Many NC State students spent spring break learning about sustainability.
Have You Tried Plogging?
This new fitness trend has an environmental benefit, too.
Unique Course Teaches About Climate, Campus
NC State students in an applied problem solving course explored climate action on campus.
HIGH IMPACT EDUCATION
Not all learning happens in a classroom. Live on campus in the sustainability-themed EcoVillage. Take a semester to study ecology along the N.C. coast or study abroad. Become a better leader through Leadership and Civic Engagement or serve others through a sustainability-focused Alternative Service Break trip. Innovate in the lab through undergraduate research opportunities or build a business with help from the Entrepreneurship Initiative and Social Entrepreneurship Initiative. Use PackLink to find an opportunity to improve campus sustainability while gaining real-world experience.
NC State researchers solve serious sustainability challenges.
Our faculty, students and partners work across disciplines to address problems impacting the environment, economy and society. NC State is innovating in sustainability-related areas, including energy, transportation, materials, human health, economic solutions and policy.
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SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH NEWS | More
For Wineries, Competition Boosts Profits From Sustainability
An international study finds that the more sustainability practices a winery has in place, the better its financial performance – and the effect is enhanced when a winery perceives significant pressure from competitors.
New Electric Car Charger is More Efficient, 10 Times Smaller Than Current Tech
A new electric vehicle fast charger is at least 10 times smaller than existing systems and wastes 60 percent less power during the charging process, without sacrificing the charging time.
Photo Tour: Floating Islands Project
NC State students designed a research project to test how effective floating islands of plants are at filtering runoff that collects in stormwater ponds.
Sustainability-Related Research Centers and Partners
- Advanced Transportation Energy Center (ATEC)
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC)
- Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management Systems Center (FREEDM)
- Institute for Emerging Issues: Environment
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
- Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Center for Environmental and Resource Economic Policy
- Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS)
- Center for Marine Sciences and Technology
- Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education
- Poole College of Management Business Sustainability Collaborative
- North Carolina Sea Grant College Program
- State Climate Office of North Carolina
- Southeast Climate Science Center
- Southeast Regional Climate Hub
- Water Resources Research Institute
- Energy Council
- NC Clean Energy Technology Center
- Sustainable Cities Research Consortium
NC State applies sustainability knowledge to improve lives.
As a land-grant university, NC State has hundreds of outreach programs that leverage the academic resources of the university. By partnering with our faculty and students, you can find solutions that can improve the sustainability of the people, businesses, and communities in North Carolina.
K-12 Outreach
NC State educates North Carolina youth about sustainability efforts through programs such as 4-H, The Science House, The Engineering Place and the FREEDM Systems Center.
Professional Development
Infuse sustainability into your career through the Sustainable Forestry Teacher's Academy, NC Clean Energy Technology Center workshops and certificate programs, Natural Resources Leadership Institute, and Manager of Environmental Health and Safety Certificate.
Industry and Community
The Industrial Extension Service (IES) supports N.C. businesses by increasing productivity, efficiency and quality. North Carolina Cooperative Extension delivers unbiased, research-based information to N.C. citizens. Poole College of Management Business Sustainability Collaborative helps businesses and leaders succeed. People First Tourism connects local entrepreneurs with travelers. Natural Learning Initiative promotes the importance of nature in daily lives of children.