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.
2026 Guest Speakers
Brian Wrenn
Director,Environmental Compliance
Strata Clean Energy
Jason Niemiller
VP of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment
Strata Clean Energy
The 2026 Symposium Highlights
This year featured 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 gained 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
Symposium Panels
The 2026 Sustainability Symposium featured three focused panel discussions exploring key topics in industrial solar, energy efficiency, and infrastructure partnerships.
Panel 1 – Industrial Solar Deployment
This panel explored 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 highlighted 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 focused 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 2027 Sustainability Symposium, please contact cse3@ecu.edu
Our 2026 Sponsors and Partners
Event Highlights…
