Energy powers everything NC State does. It drives classrooms, laboratories, research and campus operations. It also shapes the technologies that will define our future.

From Oct. 1–7, NC State will celebrate Energy Week with 16 events that put energy in focus. Students, faculty and staff can explore how the university uses energy, discover the research driving innovation and learn how their choices can help build a more sustainable future.

Now in its 7th year, Energy Week brings the Wolfpack together to examine energy from every angle. This year’s events include behind-the-scenes tours of campus energy systems, conversations about energy research and opportunities to connect with people advancing energy solutions.

“NC State Energy Week is about more than understanding how we use energy on our campus—it’s about preparing the next generation of leaders to think differently about energy and sustainability,” says Damian Lallathin, director of Energy Management. “I hope students, faculty and staff leave these events with practical knowledge, new ideas and a greater appreciation for how their everyday decisions can make a difference ”

Students are also leading events focused on conservation and renewable energy. The Sustainability Stewards will host two activities during the week. One will focus on saving energy in residence halls as part of their annual Energy and Water Competition; the other will showcase solar energy over brunch.

“Our goal for these events is to educate our campus community and drive realistic resource conservation initiatives,” said Georgia Atcheson, a Sustainability Steward team coordinator. “It is extremely important to educate students on energy usage so that as an institution we are reducing resource consumption, but also taking these habits into our future lives and workplaces.”

Explore Energy Week

Join the Wolfpack to explore where our energy comes from, how we use it and how we can shape its future during NC State Energy Week. All events are free to attend, but most require advance registration.

2026 Energy Week Events

• Solar Brunch, Thurs., Oct. 1: Join the Sustainability Stewards for free waffles and smoothies made using solar energy.
• Compost Facility Tour, Thurs., Oct. 1: Discover how NC State closes the loop on campus waste while saving energy through composting. Register to Attend
• FREEDM Systems Center Lab Tour, Fri., Oct. 2: Explore how FREEDM Systems Center is leading the electrification revolution with a tour of its lab spaces. Register to Attend
• Next Stop: Lunch Ride, Fri., Oct. 2: Join NC State Transportation on the bus to visit Morgan Street Food Hall! Use your free GoPass to practice using the bus and enjoy discounts at participating restaurants. Register to Attend
• Solar House Tours, Fri., Oct. 2: Tours start on the hour, every hour. Witness how solar panels, passive heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient appliances work to create an environmentally friendly living space.
• From Assembly to Analytics: Build a Solar Tracker System with Nevados and the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, Fri., Oct. 2: Get hands-on with the system components behind utility-scale solar at NC State’s Agrivoltaics Training Site. Register to Attend
• SolarPack Workshop, Sat., Oct. 3: Join SolarPack, NC State’s Solar Vehicle Team, for a discussion on solar cell technology for automotive applications and tour of their current solar vehicle.
• Zero Waste Wolfpack, Sat. & Sun., Oct. 3 - 4: Join the Zero Waste Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium during and after the game to save energy by diverting recyclables and compost away from the landfill. Register to Attend
• Energy Research SparkTalks, Mon., Oct. 5: Join the Student Energy Club for student-led research presentations and discussion.
• From Labs to Solar at Fitts-Woolard Hall, Tues., Oct. 6: Discover what it takes to power NC State’s energy-intensive research labs. A tour of Fitts-Woolard Hall’s solar array is also included. Register to Attend
• Research Up Close: Constructed Facilities Lab Tour, Tues., Oct. 6: Discover where concrete bends, metal freezes and earthquakes occur every day at NC State. Register to Attend
• Engineering a Cleaner Tomorrow, Tues., Oct. 6: Explore how engineering and sustainable materials are shaping a better future through interactive, hands-on activities. Enjoy free food prepared with cutting-edge outdoor cooking technology! Register to Attend
• Centennial Campus Utility Plant Tour, Tues., Oct. 6: Learn how NC State generates energy on-site by touring the Centennial Campus Utility Plant. Register to Attend
• Energy & Water Competition Kickoff, Wed., Oct. 7: Kickoff the Fall Energy and Water Competition with the Sustainability Stewards.
• EV Showcase, Ride & Drive, Wed., Oct. 7: Explore and drive electric vehicles, bikes and scooters with the NC Clean Energy Technology Center on The Corner.
• KIETS Climate Leaders Program 2026 Fall Symposium, Wed. & Thurs., Oct. 7 - 8: Explore climate mitigation and adaptation solutions during this 2-day event of panel discussions, poster presentations and networking opportunities. Register to Attend

Learn more about NC State Energy Week at go.ncsu.edu/energyweek.