CHASE Solar Hub pioneers liquid fuel conversion
At the center's Chapel Hill headquarters, more than 100 researchers work to turn sunlight into methanol.
Sustainability and the environment
At Carolina, faculty, staff and students are seeking and creating solutions to address the effects of climate change and seek environmental justice. Students also learn about and practice sustainability through field sites, organizations, internships, coursework and research in the field and in the lab.
With an eye toward the future, pan-University teams are thinking strategically about water conservation, waste management and building designs. Keep scrolling to learn more about these efforts.
Climate progress
The University brings technological advancements to energy operations, decreasing carbon emissions and pushing forward its transition from fossil fuels. The University's Climate Action Plan enables the UNC Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Carolina to link campus operations with schools, departments and centers.
Carolina is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. These statistics illustrate the University's progress in sustainability.
- 67%decrease in water use intensity since 2002
- 36%decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2007
- 43%of campus waste recycled or composted
Groundbreaking research
CDR collects Carolina’s climate research
See climate’s impact on algae to zoos in Carolina Digital Repository’s curation of open access articles.
EnviroLab gets NASA grant for heat mapping
The Data-Driven EnviroLab will track and predict extreme heat, often fatal to people in low-income urban areas.
Urban habitats lessen coastal flooding impacts
Lawns and stormwater ponds remove nitrogen and improve water quality, a Carolina study says.
Carolina researchers take lead on historic NASA water survey
The first satellite to measure Earth’s surface water launched late last year, and Tamlin Pavelsky's team is verifying its data.
Capstone project looks at impact of light pollution
Students at UNC Outer Banks Field Site research how artificial light at night affects wildlife.
A more sustainable North Carolina
Trash Force picks up after campus
What started as an extra credit opportunity grew into a club who has fun keeping Carolina clean.
Tar Heels in the field
In the mountains, coastline and cities in North Carolina and even the tropical rain forests of Thailand, undergraduates at the UNC Institute for the Environment's field sites have a semester-long opportunity to explore real-world issues.
EFC steers NC breweries to sustainability
Improving water usage in the craft beer industry is the focus of a UNC Environmental Finance Center project.
Battle Grove: soothing sounds and scenery
A 2017 restoration has made this water-centric outdoor space an environmentally friendly place to see spring in bloom and maybe glimpse an otter or “KP” the turtle.
Environmental careers
EcoStudio matches Tar Heels with internships
Since 2018, the program has helped 466 students explore careers in environment and sustainability.
Cleantech program students help plan summit
Three of the 15 Institute for the Environment interns share what excites them about clean technology.
