Renewable Energy
and Sustainability
There are many North Carolinians who are going green and seeking environmentally sustainable lifestyles. These sites give consumers and pro-ducers alternative, renewable resources to explore.
Advanced Energy (Raleigh) - This is an independent, nonprofit organization founded by the N.C. Utilities Commission. Its mission is to create economic, environmental and societal benefits through innovative and market-based approaches to energy issues. It works with member utilities on energy efficiency and conservation projects. It administers NC Greenpower.
Biofuels Center of North Carolina (Oxford) - The Biofuels Center of North Carolina is a state funded non-profit tasked by the General Assembly with implementing North Carolina’s Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership. The goal of the Strategic Plan is for the creation of a statewide biofuels sector to reduce North Carolina’s dependence on imported liquid fuels by developing infrastructure supporting locally grown and produced biofuels. Check out their Biofuel Wiki link!
Biodiesel Producers in North Carolina - Here are a few of the biofuel and biodiesel producers in North Carolina:
Blue Ridge Biofuels (Asheville)
Bull City Biodiesel (Durham)
Carolina Biofuels (Durham)
Piedmont Biofuels (Pittsboro)
Smoky Mountain Biofuels (Cullowhee)
Triangle Biofuels Industries (Raleigh)
Energy Center (Appalachian State - ASU) - ASU has long been home to renewable energy, sustainable development, and an environmentally aware campus community. The Energy Center (working through faculty, staff and students) has programs in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy technology, biofuels, policy analysis, fore-casting, and economic development.
NC GreenPower (Raleigh) - NC GreenPower is an independent, nonprofit organization that was established to improve North Carolina’s environment through voluntary contributions toward renewable energy. Its goal is to supplement the state’s existing power supply with more green energy. It was created by the N.C. Utilities Commission, is supported by all of the state’s utilities, and administered by Advanced Energy.
NC Project Green - In 1998, a N.C. Executive Order challenged the state government to set an example of environmental stewardship. Because of its success, local governments have joined the sustainability initiative. NC Project Green's goal is for state and local governments to be the role model for the state’s citizens, businesses and industries.
North Carolina Green Business Fund (NCGBF) - Administered through the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology, NCGBF awards competitive grants to North Carolina organizations with innovative projects focused on three predetermined priority areas.
North Carolina Solar Center (N.C. State) - The Solar Center has developed into one of the premier renewable energy centers in the U.S. It serves as a clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.
North Carolina State Energy Office - This is North Carolina's lead agency for energy programs and services. It serves as the official source for energy information and assistance for consumers, businesses, government agencies, community colleges and schools, and the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
North Carolina Wind Energy (Appalachian State) - This site is dedicated to wind energy, and has many good resources. It co-sponsors the North Carolina Small Wind Initiative with the N.C. State Energy Office to raise awareness about the benefits and feasibility of wind power in the southern Appalachian region.
The Forest Foundation, Inc. (Durham) - This nonprofit organization promotes sustainable livelihoods locally and around the world. It provides environmental education and “green” business development through a number of ongoing programs.
Western North Carolina Green Building Council (Asheville) - WNCGBC is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally sustain-able and health conscious building practices through community education. This is a membership organi-zation, yet has many great resources for anyone interested in environmentally sustainable lifestyles.