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.
Find a Sustainability-Related Course →
Find a Sustainability-Related Degree Program →
Find Sustainability-Related Faculty Resources →
STUDENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY | More
Architecture Students Design, Build
A student-built facility will help advance productivity of the campus Agroecology Education Farm, which grows sustainable farm-to-fork produce for university dining halls.
At This Campus Lab, Worms Eat Your Leftovers
Worms at the NC State Composting Learning Lab recycle organic material like food waste into compost.
Four Years In, EcoVillage Impact Builds
Since EcoVillage launched in 2013 at Bragaw Residence Hall, more than 250 students have participated in the village’s sustainability-themed experiences.
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 the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service 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.
Find a Sustainability-Related Researcher→
SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH NEWS | More
‘On your mark, get set’: Neutrons run enzyme’s reactivity for better biofuel production
NC State and Oak Ridge National Lab researchers identify reaction that could lead to improved biofuel production processes and lower costs.
Study Finds ‘Smart’ Transformers Could Make Reliable Smart Grid a Reality
A new study finds smart solid-state transformers could be used to make a stable, reliable “smart grid” – allowing the power distribution system to route renewable energy from homes and businesses into the power grid.
Is Biochar a Fix for Sandy Soils?
NC State Extension specialist launches a new research project to see if biochar in a field setting lives up to recent hype.
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.