Around WakeTech
College Earns National Recognition for Sustainability
WENDELL, NC (May 1, 2025) – The Education and Innovation Center at Wake Tech East in Wendell has been named Green Globes® Project of the Year Runner Up by the Green Building Initiative.
Designed by BSA LifeStructures and constructed by Monteith Construction Company, the 110,000-square-foot facility is the hub of innovative student learning for the campus, with smart classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, an auditorium, a library, dedicated tutoring and study spaces and student services offices. The honor was announced at a virtual awards ceremony on April 24.
This is Wake Tech's second Green Globes® award. The college received the Green Globes® Project of the Year last year for the Central Energy Plant at Wake Tech East, which provides heating and cooling through geothermal wells for the entire campus. It was also the first facility in North Carolina to earn a Four Green Globes® certification for sustainability.
"We are so honored to be recognized by the Green Building Initiative for our efforts to create sustainable, healthy and resilient educational facilities that benefit both our students and our faculty and staff," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls.
The Education and Innovation Center includes the following sustainability features:
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity
- Sun shading devices
- District heating and hot water provided by geothermal wells at the Central Energy Plant
- Occupied green roofs that support rainwater harvesting and stormwater strategies
- Locally sourced materials reduce embodied carbon and support regional businesses
- Collaboration spaces
- Light-colored paving
- Native and adaptive vegetation
- Bike racks and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Administered by the Green Building Initiative, Green Globes® is a nationally recognized green rating assessment and certification system that ensures projects meet clearly defined criteria in seven assessment areas: Project Management, Site, Energy, Water, Resources, Emissions and Indoor Environment. In addition to evaluating documentation in each of these performance areas, the Green Globes® certification process includes an onsite third-party assessment to verify implementation.
