Connections
We Liked This Energizing Idea
North Carolina native Lewis Reynolds has assembled a compelling case for a more sustainable energy future with his new book, America the Prisoner – The Implications of Foreign Oil Addiction and a Realistic Plan to End It. This is a must-read, pointedly opening with a sobering dedication: “For all those who have lost their lives in the unwitting pursuit of oil.” For more, visit: http://www.bookmasters.com/marktplc/02949.htm
And This One . . .
The Washington Post recently featured Charlotte’s rise as a national energy hub. The article provided an overview of how the energy sector is helping the Charlotte economy diversify at a time when its financial sector is under increasing pressure. For more, read here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/with-electricity-firms-investment-charlotte-looks-to-become-energy-capital/2011/09/06/gIQAzBzGFK_story.html
And Last But Not Least . . . This, Too:
Frequent CALOR collaborator Randy Lucas, CPA, got ink in the fall issue of Green Mechanical Contractor for his low-down on bonus depreciation strategies for green projects. Learn more at:
http://www.greenmechanicalcontractor-digital.com/greenmechanicalcontractor/fall2011?fm=2#pg38
Enjoy browsing the following resources and links for more clean, green ideas!
Federal Resources
Department of Energy - Energy.gov
Menus of links to energy programs across the US
National Renewable Energy Lab - NREL.gov
Research in all forms of renewables
United States Energy Star - Energystar.gov
Program for energy efficiency in homes, appliances, businesses, products, college campuses
Environmental Protection Agency - EPA.gov
Deep resource for waste, Brownfield development, sustainable recovery
North Carolina Resources
NC State Energy Office - EnergyNC.net
Administers of Federal energy dollars to NC
NC Sustainable Energy Association - EnergyNC.org
Research, advocacy, policy for NC renewables
Energy, Carbon and Renewable NGO’s
Alliance to Save Energy - ASE.org
DC lobby for energy efficiency, many resources
Carbon Fund - Carbonfund.org
Non profit aimed at decreasing global warming through carbon education, increasing renewable energy adoption
NC Green Power - ncgreenpower.org
Voluntary donations to renewable energy production in NC
Envision Charlotte - envisioncharlotte.com
Energy initiative between private and public sector in Uptown Charlotte
NC Solar Center - ncsu.edu
Programs for increasing energy awareness, technical assistance in renewable energy, industrial efficiency & data
Education Resources
Central Piedmont Center for Sustainability - cpcc.edu/cfs
Education in sustainable technologies
Catawaba College Center for Environment - centerfortheenvironment.org
Education in environmental stewardship and sustainability
Nicholas School - nicholas.duke.edu
Environmental education and research department at Duke
Non-Profits for Sustainable Systems
Slow Food Charlotte - slowfoodcharlotte.org
Organization focused on developing the local food movement around Charlotte and helping small farms survive
Friendship Trays - friendshiptrays.org
Community garden and kitchen serving Charlotte’s homebound and elderly through Meals on Wheels
Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition - 4cleanfuels.com
Charlotte region Department of Energy’s Clean Fuels Program; reduce foreign petroleum, increase air quality.
United States Green Business Council - USGBC.org
Aimed at certifying energy efficient buildings across the US
Power2Charlotte - power2charlotte.com
Promoting efficiency education, environmental quality, economic vitality in Charlotte
Certification Programs
Cradle to Cradle Certification - C2Ccertified.com
Certification for products that use safe, recyclable, materials
Benefit Corporation (B Corp) - Bcorporation.net
For businesses serving social and environmental problems
Renewable Energy Certification - green-e.org
Certifies environmental commodities and products that mitigate climate change and build a sustainable energy future
Green Business Bureau - gbb.org
Assessment, solutions, guidance, marketing tools for businesses incorporating sustainability initiatives
Professional Networks
Young Professionals in Energy - ypenergy.org/ypecharlotte
Non-profit energy industry networking organization
Green Drinks Charlotte - greendrinks.org/NC/Charlotte
Environmental minded business professionals networking
