N.C. Sustainable Building Design Competition inspires colleges and communities

RALEIGH, N.C. - The N.C. Sustainable Building Design Competition (NCSBDC) is making its mark on colleges, universities and communities throughout North Carolina. Participants of the competition, East Carolina University, Cape Fear Community College and College of the Albemarle, have integrated sustainable building design into classes and projects for the benefit of North Carolina and beyond.

At East Carolina University (ECU), a new class has been introduced into the curriculum of the Dept. of Industrial Technology as a result of the NCSBDC. After successful completion of the class (DESN 3038/9 Sustainable Design) students will be able to integrate renewable energy and sound environmental and construction techniques into their design projects.

“This type of integration of sustainability into established programs, like ECU’s, is exactly what we want to see as a result of the program,” said Kristi Jeffcoats, executive director of the NCSBDC. “One of our program goals is to continually grow the program to involve schools throughout the southeast.”

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is incorporating sustainable design through community involvement and class projects. Ron Wilson, a professor at CFCC and Spirit Leader of NCSBDC, works with his students to increase awareness of sustainability and how to incorporate it in design and construction. “Some of my students have participated in [professional and environmentalist] meetings and community outreach actions,” said Wilson. “We have also obtained a small grant to establish a ‘green’ project somewhere in [Wilmington].”

At College of the Albemarle (COA), involvement with the NCSBDC means a direct influence on the North Carolina building industry. Two of the five students involved in last year’s competition are designing homes with an emphasis on sustainability in the Outer Banks area.

"Last year, was our first participation in the design competition and already there has been a large influence on our community,” said Charles Purser, assistant professor of Architectural Technology at COA and NCSBDC Spirit Leader. “The process has opened my eyes, as an instructor, to the world of sustainable design and how we, as a school, approach design as a whole.”

This year’s competition was held on April 23 at the NCSU McKimmon Conference Center.

For more information about the North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition or its impact on North Carolina’s colleges and universities contact Kristi Jeffcoats at (919) 716-6384.