Green Building: Home Grown Solutions to a Global Problem

In a time where everyone is searching for answers to global and community issues, it comes as a surprise to many, that North Carolina has abundant solutions available. Whether your solutions involve green building, clean energy or community sustainability, focused efforts across all regions of North Carolina are pushing these applications into the mainstream.

North Carolina has diverse, home-grown energy resources including, energy efficiency, day lighting, solar electric, wind, micro-hydro, geothermal, biomass and alternative fuels. Further, tax credits, reduced mortgage rates, high performance building product reimbursements and state incentive programs encourage the consumer to make the right choice.

Every October, North Carolina has an opportunity to showcase a portfolio chalk-full of green building technologies and solutions during the NCSEA (North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association) Green Building and Solar Tour. "The tour allows you to see elementary and inexpensive green solutions as well as hi-tech, cutting-edge applications all in the same day," says Chatham Olive, long-time Charlotte resident.

Community developments focused on sustainability - such as Pacifica and Westwood - are becoming more popular as residents are interested in water, energy and quality of life issues. Piedmont Biofuels, a North Carolina based industrial biodiesel producer and member-owned cooperative, provide an exemplary model for how communities can meet their transportation, food and energy needs locally.

Perhaps North Carolina's greatest asset is our businesses, who are willing and able to help consumers meet their sustainability needs. In fact, NCSEA's business members are some of the most proficient and talented in the country. The NCSEA member roster includes architects and developers that are partnering on some of the most cutting edge projects in the United States and industry service providers that are role models for other regions. As a consumer, all you have to do is ask.

More than a dozen green building and sustainable energy businesses will be showcased at the Green Building Pavilion at the Southern Home Spring and Garden Show. Everything from radiant floor heating, rainwater harvesting, non-toxic interior and exterior paint, solar, insulated spray foam, green architecture and building will be on display. The event, which runs from February 27 through March 2, will be located at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.

For more information on NCSEA, business members, the NC Green Building and Solar Tour and the Southern Home Show - Green Building Pavilion, please call McCayne Miller, Community Outreach Coordinator at 919-832-7601 or visit www.energync.org