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Deep sea

The Case for Deep-Sea Mining

At this year’s Cleantech Summit, Deep Sea Mining is on the agenda for both speakers and panelists. For many, the term “mining” often elicits fear and anger. Mine tailings and deforestation are two of the enormous planetary costs of mining … Read more

Battery graphic

Critical Minerals in Battery Manufacturing

This year’s Cleantech Summit was UNC’s largest event yet, with more than 200 speakers across multiple sectors and companies gathered from around the globe to share their knowledge and perspective about cleantech. One of which was Dr. Elisa Alonso of … Read more

Better future ahead sign

Understanding Local Green Banks: Montgomery County Green Bank

Within the past two decades, a new type of value-based banking has emerged: green banking. While this form of banking has a wide array of goals, at the core of the movement is a dedication to financing green solutions meant … Read more

Puzzle pieces

Environmental Solutions – Pieces Are Sorted, but How Do We Put Them Together?

Imagine you are putting jigsaw puzzle pieces together. Despite having the puzzle box photo as your key, the 5,000 pieces may drive you nuts. Contemporary environmental challenges are similar to, or even more mind-binding than, puzzling. We have the vision of a clean and equitable economy … Read more

Behind the Scenes of Clean Energy Investment – Regional Powers

Aaron Brickman thinks that North Carolina is a powerhouse of renewable innovations. Track 5 of UNC’s Cleantech Summit focuses on the development of cleantech in the Mid-Atlantic region. With North Carolina leading the way, the region is quickly attracting major … Read more

compass

ESG Integration: Is it enough?

There is no doubt that sustainability issues are dominating today’s headlines. As the public and private sectors are increasingly recognizing the urgency of addressing the challenges raised by climate change, corporate firms, and investors are seeking to consider environmental, social, … Read more

Deep sea

The Future of Blue Carbon with Jennifer Howard of Conservation International

As companies, governments, and nonprofits alike look for ways to reduce their carbon footprints, many are turning to carbon offset projects, specifically nature-based solutions. Blue carbon projects are widely considered to be some of the most promising, and we are … Read more

Construction site

Sustainability in the Construction and Real Estate Sector

The construction, design, and use of buildings is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. About 27% of global CO2 emissions in 2021 resulted from energy use in buildings according to a report by the IEA. … Read more

virtual board with hand

Paving a Path in Clean Energy with Mr. David Nenon, Supply Chain Manager for Ford Motor Company

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview one of the Cleantech panelists and a 2014 UNC-Chapel Hill alum, Mr. David Nenon, for the Supply Chain and Manufacturing Track. Mr. Nenon currently works as a supply chain manager for … Read more

Marcos Gregorio UNC Cleantech Corner Initiative blog

Sustainable Intensification of the Agricultural Industry

As the world population continues to grow, how will North Carolina, one of the essential agricultural resources in the United States, keep up with increased crop demands? Maize, rice, and wheat will increase market demand by 70 percent within the … Read more