News

CHASE Solar Hub: A Leader in sustainable solar fuel

Sustainable Carolina Intern Sabrina Krupenko sat down with two members of the CHASE Solar Hub. Read More

100 days until we celebrate our waterways

Mark your calendars for March 16-23, 2024 as Orange County gears up for the 3rd annual Creek Week. Read More

Carolina’s Second Energy Transition Town Hall

Carolina’s second Energy Transition Town Hall is Tuesday, November 21 from 12:30 – 2 pm in Toy Lounge. Read More

Highly efficient freezers support research at Carolina

As a Ph.D. student, Assistant Professor Eric Riddell became interested in how animals respond to climate change. He analyzed how salamanders alter their energy use and lose water in response to changes in the environment. In fall 2023, Riddell opened Read More

A future of fluoride-ion batteries? Carolina lab works on a lithium-ion alternative.

Story by Sustainable Tar Heel Intern Sabrina Krupenko. “The transition to a more sustainable society is dependent on innovations in energy production.” Connor Slamotwitz Slamowitz, a graduate student in chemistry and material sciences, works in the Warren Lab within the Read More

Water diplomacy discussions at UNC Global Affairs

On Tuesday, November 2, the Science, Policy, and Advocacy Group and UNC Global Affairs hosted a panel discussion on water diplomacy. The panel featured Georgetown University Professor Mark Giordano, UNC Water Institute Director Aaron Salzberg and UNC Center on Financial Read More

UNC Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences hosts talk on ocean carbon storage

Adrian Burd, a professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia, spoke at UNC Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences’s Fall 2023 Colloquium Series. Read More

Sustainable Carolina releases 2023 Campus Sustainability Report

  In celebration of Campus Sustainability Month, Sustainable Carolina is excited to release our 2023 Campus Sustainability Report. As the hub for sustainability at Carolina, our team looks forward to highlighting the challenges and successes of sustainability every year. This Read More

Eat Sort Win Campaign Back at Carolina Dining Services

Students can volunteer for Carolina Dining Services’ Green Guides program. Read More

Kenan Stadium to host Champion Sustainability Game on Oct. 7

The Champion Sustainability Game, will celebrate the University of North Carolina’s many sustainability accomplishments and educate fans about Carolina’s sustainability goals.  Read More

Sustainability Social brings together student organizations, University staff

Sustainable Carolina hosted its second annual Sustainability Social in the Franklin Porter Graham Student Union Gift Plaza. Read More

Battle Grove Receives Bird Friendly Habitat Designation

On a spring morning, members of UNC Grounds and Landscaping and Sustainable Carolina met up with a New Hope Audubon Society team in Battle Grove. Read More

A look back at the 2023 Sustainability Research Symposium

During Earth Week in April 2023, Sustainable Carolina hosted its first annual Sustainability Research Symposium in Wilson Library. During the event, nine researchers from varying fields led TEDx-style talks. Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Piehler introduced each speaker. Read More

Hanesbrands Interns | Midway Summer Update

This summer, Sustainable Carolina and Hanesbrands are hosting interns for an eight-week internship. Meet the three interns who are getting a crash course in public-private partnerships and the impact of these collaborations on sustainability efforts. Read More

Carmichael Arena LED upgrades highlighted by UNC Athletics

Fans will experience an enhanced and exciting game day atmosphere when they cheer on the Tar Heels at Carmichael Arena during the coming school year. The historic building is undergoing significant lighting upgrades and the installation of new LED video Read More

Video games: Paving the way to sustainability

Amy Xu has wanted to create video games ever since she was a kid. Xu was proficient in HTML and general coding knowledge at a young age. As she continued to play video games, she began to study the design Read More

Undergraduate Research Sustainability Award Winners 2023

For the first time, Sustainable Carolina awarded students prizes for excellent sustainability research at the Celebration of Undergraduate Research. Read More

Alex Lassiter | Placing a Premium on Sustainability

Lassiter, who founded startup GreenPlaces in 2021, loves to ask. Even talking with a representative of one of the largest food brand services in the world—Taco Bell serves 42 million customers on any given week—doesn’t deter him from asking all Read More

CleanTech Summit: 7 things we learned

UNC Institute for the Environment hosted the 2023 CleanTech Summit on March 27 and 28. The Sustainable Carolina team worked as exhibitors at the event and also attended sessions across the conference’s eight different tracks. Below, our team shares the Read More

Make Sustainable Projects at BeAM With allPHA Filament

Priding itself on sustainability, BeAM introduced a new sustainable 3D printing filament, allPHA, to two of its makerspaces this spring. Sustainable Carolina partnered with BeAM and provided funding to quickly introduce the biodegradable filament into the space. In 2014, Carolina Read More

Hanesbrands x Sustainable Carolina summer internship program

Sustainable Carolina is excited to announce its Hanesbrands internship program. The internships, hosted by Sustainable Carolina, run June-August 2023. Interns will work closely with Hanesbrands sustainability staff. Read More

Orange County Creek Week is March 17-26

Mark your calendars! Orange County will host its 2nd annual Creek Week dedicated to celebrating and learning about our waterways. Show your love for Orange County’s streams, lakes, and rivers during Orange County Creek Week, set for March 17-26, 2023. Read More

Design our Earth Day T-shirt!

Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit an Earth Day t-shirt design. Sustainable Carolina will distribute these t-shirts to students during our Earth Day celebration in April. Read More

UNC Student Government to host Energy Transition Town Hall

On January 18, UNC-Chapel Hill Student Government will host an Energy Transition Town Hall. The event is supported by UNC Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Carolina. Administrators, staff, and student activists will gather at Dey Hall in Toy Lounge Read More

2023 Green Resolutions

As we begin to work toward our New Year’s Resolutions, we can’t forget sustainability. Our Green Resolution guide examines strategies within ten different areas for living more sustainably in 2023. Read More

December 2022 | Sustainable semester wrap-up

We are reflecting on the sustainable semester we’ve had this fall at Carolina. This semester, we’ve worked with students via a capstone course and the EcoStudio internship program. Through experiential education opportunities like these, students hone their skills and use Read More

Rooted: Mike Piehler (from UNC Research)

UNC Research featured Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Piehler in its Rooted series, which recognizes long-standing members of the UNC-Chapel Hill community who have aided in the advancement of research by staying at Carolina. Read More

Carolina Sustainability Council gives students a voice

Mary-Catherine (M.C.) Gray’s (’23) enthusiasm for sustainability stems back to seventh grade. Her desire to protect the planet began the way it does for many – Earth Day festivities. Read More

By the numbers: Reducing campus GHGs

Our 2021Greenhouse Gases: By the Numbers report breaks down campus emissions and illustrates the strides the University is making toward its 2040 climate neutrality goal. Read More

Sustainable Carolina Releases 2022 Sustainability Report

Sustainable Carolina is pleased to announce the release of its 2022 Sustainability Report, which highlights campus success stories during the 2021-2022 academic year. Read More

Sustainable Carolina adds Julie Jacobson Vann, Ideliya Khismatova to Carolina Sustainability Council

Julie Jacobson Vann, clinical associate professor at the UNC School of Nursing, has joined the Carolina Sustainability Council. The Council, which has been active since 2020, aims to broaden sustainability research, education, and service work at the University. Read More

Join us for the 2022 Sustainability Social

Sustainable Carolina is hosting a Sustainability Social on Wednesday, August 31 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Student Union Gift Plaza. Twenty-two student organizations, University departments, and community partners will be represented at the Social. During the event, Read More

Design a device sustainability competition open for entries

Sustainable Carolina’s first-ever design competition is open for project submissions. Design a Device encourages students to communicate or demonstrate a sustainability concept through creation of an interactive, educational exhibit. Read More

Sustainability Courses at UNC-Chapel Hill

Sustainable Carolina released a searchable, comprehensive list of sustainability-related courses at UNC-Chapel Hill. The list is a resource for students who want to learn more about the interconnectedness of society, ecology, and economics. Read More

Digging into Nutrient Cycling in Carolina’s Streams

After 75 years underground, Carolina’s stormwater experts brought Battle Branch Creek back to life through stream daylighting. The process slows down water and removes sediments and nutrients from the water. Since 2016 the project has thrived, but one important measurement of Read More

Biking toward a sustainable, and safer future

Since 1956, The League of American Bicyclists has celebrated National Bike Month every May. The celebration focuses on individual and community well-being, along with “safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.” Bike to Work Week is coming Read More

Hurricanes, Climate Change and Community Resilience

Resilience is the capacity to recover after a disaster. As climate change threatens to increase hurricane frequency and strength, community resilience will be key for coastal communities. Read More

Reducing the University’s Water Footprint

Earth Day 2022 marks the release of our Water Plan, which explains how we’re reducing our water footprint. More specifically, it details the University’s accomplishments, current goals, and visions for a future of water sustainability. Read More

Champion Sustainability Fund applications open

The application period for the Champion Sustainability Fund opened at this year’s Clean Tech Summit, held March 29-30, 2022, at The Friday Center. Read More

World Water Day | Water Management at UNC-Chapel Hill

Now in its 30th year, the United Nation’s World Water Day raises awareness for those without access to safe water. Sustainable Development Goal 6: “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” is woven into this holiday, Read More

Celebrating our Creeks Year Round

In 2022, we participated in Orange County’s first-ever Creek Week. Celebrating our creeks with Orange County, Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Carrboro, Town of Hillsborough, and OWASA has been a highlight of our spring semester. As a University, there’s Read More

March 2022 Sustainability Council Meeting

The upcoming Carolina Sustainability Council Meeting is virtual and will be streamed on YouTube. The Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC) will give an update on their work. Melanie Elliott, sustainability analyst, will give an update on the Water Sustainability Plan. Read More

Apply Today | Efficient Freezer Rebate Program for UNC-CH Labs

The spring 2022 Efficient Freezer Rebate Program (EFRP) and My Green Lab Freezer Challenge are now open! Eligible labs have the chance to receive a rebate of 35% of the cost (up to $5,000) of a new ultra low freezer. Read More

Electric School Bus Charging | Fleets of the Future

In a new study, Sustainable Carolina Analyst Melanie Elliott created an innovative model to show how electric school bus charging schedules can aid in energy storage. Read More

Electric School Bus Charging | Fleets of the Future

In her study, Sustainable Carolina Analyst Melanie Elliott created an innovative model to show how electric school bus charging schedules can aid in energy storage. Right around the time Sustainable Carolina launched in fall 2020, Melanie Elliott, a senior on Read More

Limited-Time Mask Recycling Trial Launches on Campus

Sustainable Carolina is working with partners across campus to reduce waste going to the landfill. The latest program to launch is a limited-time recycling initiative for disposable face masks. Read More

A confluence of uses: How water makes its journey through UNC’s campus

Whether you’re washing your hands in a campus bathroom or filling up your water bottle in your dorm, the water that you’re using at UNC makes a lot of stops before it reaches you.  Read More

Sustainable Carolina releases 2021 report

As part of its goal to tell the story of campus sustainability, Sustainable Carolina released a report that highlights results and progress for the year of 2021. Read More

A Creek Runs Through It

Water springing from a granite ridge millions of years in the making is a main reason for Carolina’s location. Read More

A crash course on nitrogen footprints

Reactive nitrogen in the environment causes impacts to environmental and human health. Examples of reactive nitrogen include nitrogen oxides, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. Read More

Updated Climate Action Plan and tracking greenhouse gas emissions progress

Sustainable Carolina announced a new Climate Action Plan (CAP) in April 2021, renewing the University’s commitment to sustainability progress through concerted actions. Read More

September 13 | 2021 Carolina North Annual Report public information meeting

A public information meeting will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13 to receive comments and feedback on the 2021 Carolina North Development Agreement Annual Report to the Town of Chapel Hill. Read More

Sustainable Carolina debuts podcast

Sustainable Carolina added a new tool to its messaging kit this summer as the team published its debut podcast episode. Read More

Don’t Ditch It, Donate It: Connecting with the Chapel Hill Community

Don’t Ditch It Donate It is the annual end of the year sustainability program hosted by Carolina Housing, Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling (OWRR), Carolina Thrift, Carolina Cupboard and TROSA Thrift Store to collect unwanted items. Read More

Carolina launches innovative sustainability programs thanks to new Champion Sustainability Fund

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will soon get a big boost as it works to create a more sustainable campus. A $1 million investment from the Champion Athleticwear brand, part of the North Carolina-based HanesBrands’ portfolio, will Read More

Carolina’s chief sustainability officer explains the University’s new Climate Action Plan

Michael Piehler details Carolina’s new Climate Action Plan, which was announced April 16. The new, aggressive strategy sets the University on a path to be carbon neutral by 2040. Read More

Carolina announces new Climate Action Plan, seeks public input

The plan’s 25 strategies were developed by adapting to the advances in technologies, ideas and resources available to the University as Carolina continues its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read More

UNC-Chapel Hill earns STARS Gold for sustainability achievements

UNC-Chapel Hill has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Read More

UNC-Chapel Hill named to Best Workplaces for Commuters 2021

UNC-Chapel Hill was named one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters by the National Center for Transit Research, making it more than 15 years the University has received this designation. Read More

Piehler launches Carolina Sustainability Council

The Council will support the transition to Sustainable Carolina, a new comprehensive initiative to move Carolina’s sustainability efforts forward, including the Three Zeros Environmental Initiative. Read More

Mike Piehler named Carolina’s chief sustainability officer

In his new role, Mike Piehler will provide leadership and coordination of broad sustainability efforts on campus, develop a consistent plan to reach short- and long-term goals and serve as chair of the University’s Sustainability Council. Read More

Carolina ranks 2nd in US, 22nd in world in 2020 ‘Times Higher Education’ impact rankings

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks second in the United States in the 2020 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure sustainability among institutions of higher education. Read More

UNC Uses Earth Day to Create New Sustainability Commission

A new University-wide commission will oversee and advise on Carolina’s sustainability efforts, UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz announced Wednesday in conjunction with Earth Day. Read More