Each year, the Energy & Environment: Design and Innovation team engages students in the exploration of energy challenges that result in prototypes of new energy technologies, systems or approaches.

This subteam examined green roofs, also known as vegetative or eco-roofs, which are roofs covered with layers of waterproofing, irrigation, and plants. They have considerable benefits, such as helping keep a building cool, reducing pollution and even combating the urban heat island effect. However, there is currently a lack of cohesive guidelines about the construction of green roofs, leading to significant shortcomings in their design and longevity. 

This team created a website aiming to inform potential green roof owners of common issues and best practices to maximize the longevity of green roofs constructed across North Carolina. In addition to providing information and tips, the website recommends contractors with experience in green roofs. The team then conducted beta testing to evaluate the effectiveness of their site.

Check out their poster below and see what other subteams developed, including an energy-harvesting speed bump, a low-cost wind turbine that can fit into a backpack, new heat capture systems for solar cells, and bricks made of recycled plastics.

North Carolina Guide to Green Roofs 

Poster by Alex Bussey, Audrey Hicks, Colin Lee, Ginny Naughton, Emma Quig, Sagar Shah and Ava Weinreb (winner, Bass Connections Poster Competition, Judges’ Selection)