Environmental Science

At Wake Technical Community College, we understand that a healthy, sustainable society requires citizens who understand consequences and the balances among economic success, social equity and environmental conservation.  Wake Tech Community College is therefore committed to promoting a culture of sustainability across its campuses and throughout our community. You can find out more information by going to our sustainability page. 

Our President, Dr. Steven Scott, has signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (opens in new window) and the college is also a member of the Sustainability Education & Economic Development Center (SEED) (opens in new window), the first national coordinated strategy to support community colleges in building the green economy.

Wake Tech's North Campus is a LEED certified campus. By following certain building standards, the campus reduces water and electric usage and creates less impact on the surrounding land from construction.

The cost of lighting the library building was reduced 51.7% compared to the baseline by designing 90% of the occupied spaces with views to the outside and natural daylight. The lights also have an automatic dimming feature to adjust the lighting level relative to the amount of natural daylight which enters the window.

In addition the campus uses:

1. Ultra low flush valves and automatic sensors on the faucets, toilets, and urinals.
2. No potable water is used for irrigation. Plant materials were selected that are drought resistance and do not require regular watering.
3. Orientation to the south.
4. White energy star membrane roof.
5. High performance glass with low -e coating.
6. Roof line extends 10 feet southward beyond the face of the glass for shading.
7. Sun screens to control glare from natural light.
8. Occupancy sensors in rooms to turn off lights when no one is present.