Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 72.94
Liaison Jim Dees
Submission Date Dec. 5, 2023

STARS v2.2

Appalachian State University
IN-48: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 BJ Tipton
AASHE STARS Scholar
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Solar Vehicle Team

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:

Team Sunergy was established in the Fall of 2013 and is made up of graduate and undergraduate students at Appalachian State University. Students come from a diverse range of departments including Physics, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, Business, Music, History, and Computer Science. Through our unique compilation of skills we seek to represent North Carolina and our University’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives at international solar vehicle competitions. The team researches the most advanced technology and utilizes solar-powered car competitions as a platform to advance sustainable transportation technologies. They also educate the Appalachian Community on the imperatives for finding an alternative fuel solution for transportation, so a sustainable future can be enjoyed for generations.

In 2022, Team Sunergy secured a second-place finish in the multi-occupant vehicle category of the 2022 American Solar Challenge. The team completed 1,549 miles over the eight-day road race and took home the competition’s Electrical Design Award for the second consecutive year. Chancellor Sheri Everts commented that “Throughout their participation — and wins — in these international competitions, Team Sunergy students have served as sustainability ambassadors for App State, the state of North Carolina, the country and the world.”
https://today.appstate.edu/2022/08/05/sunergy

In 2023, Team Sunergy placed second at the 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix. The team clocked the fastest lap time, completed the most laps in the multi-occupant category, and won the competition's Teamwork Award. During the competition, solar cars drove eight hours per day to complete as many laps as possible on the 2.5-mile road course. App State’s solar vehicle, ROSE (Racing on Solar Energy), completed 275 laps for a total of 687.5 miles. From the perspective of Dr. Lee Ball, App State’s chief sustainability officer and Team Sunergy’s lead administrator, “These solar racing events give our students a chance to educate their peers, the App State Community and the public about new technologies that can impact the transportation industry. I’m very proud of their accomplishments.”
https://today.appstate.edu/2023/07/10/sunergy


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.