The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is taking a big step toward a greener future.

The Department of Chemistry and Physics has been championing the integration of green chemistry into its undergraduate curriculum for over a decade, and now, the university has officially signed the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC). 

This pledge reinforces their dedication to teaching students how to create environmentally friendly products and processes that protect both people and the planet. The GCC program, led by the nonprofit Beyond Benign, gives educators the tools to bring green chemistry principles into the classroom. 

Two passionate professors, Dr. Cornelia Tirla and Dr. Moira Lauer, are the driving forces behind this initiative at UNCP. Dr. Lauer, who focuses her research on creating biodegradable and bio-based plastics, emphasizes the importance of sustainable science in today’s world.

“Sustainable chemistry isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. By teaching our students these principles, we’re preparing them to solve the pressing environmental challenges of our time,” said Dr. Lauer in a press release. “We’ve received amazing support from the university administration, especially our provost, and I’m thrilled to see this becoming a priority at UNCP.”

Dr. Tirla shares the enthusiasm, highlighting how green chemistry inspires students and sparks collaboration across disciplines. “Incorporating green chemistry into our curriculum isn’t just the ethical thing to do. It encourages innovation, opens doors for careers in environmental chemistry and helps build stronger connections with our local community,” she said in a press release.

The university has been implementing green practices, like using eco-friendly reagents, reducing waste with micro-scale lab techniques and introducing energy-efficient methods such as microwave-assisted experiments. 

Faculty research projects are also focused on cutting-edge topics like recycling polymers and finding greener alternatives for modern materials. Looking ahead, UNCP plans to revamp its general and organic chemistry labs, making them even more sustainable and aligned with modern environmental goals.