Sustainability at the Libraries

Physical Spaces

The James B. Hunt Jr. Library was designed with energy sustainability concepts in mind. The design supports clean energy, sanitation, and climate action. Additionally, the Libraries Sustainability Committee completed the Sustainable Workplace Certification in 2023 and is recognized as a Sustainable Workplace Champion. We have made numerous improvements to our physical spaces and amenities to reduce waste by adding water bottle refilling stations at Hill and Hunt Libraries and providing a composting bins in addition to recycle and landfill bins at Hunt Library. Beginning in 2023, the Libraries will offer recycling for markers, pens, and pencils. Hill Library also provides an Interfaith Prayer & Meditation Space for the campus community.

Supporting Academics & Pedagogy

The Libraries' core responsibilities and mission are naturally in alignment with the UN SDGs of Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Technology Lending reduces inequality by ensuring that students can access their course materials or checkout technology to complete their coursework. In doing so, we're also supporting a quality education for all. Our Textbook Program recognizes the cost of textbooks as a barrier to student success and aspires to make a copy of required textbooks available to students through a two-hour lending period. Going beyond textbook lending, the Libraries Alt-Textbook program promotes the use of Open Educational Resources. OER empowers faculty to innovate pedagogically, enhances access for all students to high-quality, tailored educational materials, and reduce the financial burden of expensive textbooks. OERs use Creative Commons licenses which allow users to revise, remix, reuse, retain and redistribute content.  

Each year, the Libraries hosts the Make-a-thon, a weekend-long event co-sponsored by the Sustainability Office where student teams compete to prototype a solution to a sustainability challenge.

Services & Technology

The Libraries lends Wellness & Accessibility tools to promote good health and well-being by enabling physical and emotional self-care. We host and co-sponsor numerous activities and events throughout the year to support student well-being.

Staff activities and involvement

The Libraries has several active committees dedicated to the UN SDGs, including the Community Service Committee, Accessibility Committee, the Safety & Sustainability Committee, and supporting Feed the Pack.

Ready to read for a greener tomorrow? Check out the Safety & Sustainability Committee's Reading List and explore the ideas driving sustainability forward!

Other NC State sustainability resources