2026 Sustainability Symposium
Overview
The Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering at East Carolina University is proud to host the 2026 Sustainability Symposium: Industrial Solar and Clean Energy Solutions for Competitive Communities in partnership with the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center and the NC Sustainable Energy Association. This year’s symposium features a strategic and expanded focus, positioning solar as a key driver of innovation and competitiveness while also highlighting a broader range of clean energy and sustainability solutions.
The event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including manufacturers, utilities, solar providers, and local economic development leaders to explore practical pathways for advancing sustainable operations and energy resilience. Through expert-led discussions, real-world case studies, and cross-sector collaboration, the symposium aims to foster meaningful dialogue, share actionable insights, and strengthen partnerships that support North Carolina’s transition toward a more sustainable and competitive future.
Event Details
Date: May 18th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
Location: East Carolina Heart Institute, Greenville, NC
We invite you to register and join us for this upcoming event. Registration is available at tiered rates to accommodate a wide range of participants:
- Industry/General ($110)
- Government/Non-Profit ($90)
- Faculty/Staff ($75)
- Students ($25)
This symposium will feature a dynamic program designed to explore how energy and sustainability strategies can strengthen industrial competitiveness and support regional growth. Through a keynote presentation and expert-led panels, attendees will gain insights into:
- Energy as a strategic driver for manufacturing performance and community growth
- Industrial solar deployment
- Energy efficiency and process optimization
- Clean energy and economic development
- Real-world perspectives from industry leaders, utilities, and economic development stakeholders
Participants will also have the opportunity to connect across sectors, exchange ideas, and explore pathways for collaboration that support sustainable and competitive manufacturing systems.
Symposium Panels
The 2026 Sustainability Symposium will feature three focused panel discussions exploring key topics in industrial solar, energy efficiency, and infrastructure partnerships. Panelists will be announced soon.
Panel 1 – Industrial Solar Deployment
This panel will explore strategies for integrating solar energy into industrial operations, including perspectives from facility managers, solar developers, and utility providers.
Panel 2 – Energy Efficiency & Process Optimization
This session will highlight practical approaches to improving efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing industrial processes through technical expertise and real-world applications.
Panel 3 – Energy Infrastructure & Utility Partnerships for Existing Industry
This panel will focus on the role of infrastructure, utilities, and regional collaboration in supporting sustainable industrial growth and energy transitions.
Sponsor the Sustainability Symposium
If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 Sustainability Symposium, please contact cse3@ecu.edu
Sustainability Symposium 2018
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