You don't have to look far in Western North Carolina to see examples of the growing clean energy industry. Restaurants and hotels sport solar thermal water heating panels on roofs and high efficiency lighting in dining rooms. We've all seen the solar electric vehicle charging stations popping up throughout the region. More and more local news stories feature clean energy; whether it's the success of companies like First Light Solar, which was just named the top growing company in NC by Inc.500, or the many renewable energy and efficiency projects being undertaken by local governments throughout the region.

Rapid growth in the clean energy industry is happening across North Carolina. A recent report by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council showed that NC solar photovoltaic capacity doubled during 2011, increasing by 45.5 megawatts or 114%. NC is a national leader in renewables, ranking 11th in the nation in total installed solar PV capacity and capacity installed.

The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) is an organization that has played a pivotal role in forwarding change in the clean energy arena. Founded in 1978, NCSEA is a 501�3 nonprofit membership organization of individuals, businesses, government, and nonprofits working to ensure a sustainable future by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy through education, public policy, and market intelligence research.  

NCSEA plays a pivotal role in developing and advocating for clean energy policies and programs that make clean energy more affordable and accessible. NCSEA has assisted in or led the passage of over 70 clean energy related bills, most notably the NC Renewable Energy Tax Credit and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. NCSEA is the state's go-to organization for reliable research and information on many facets of the clean energy industry and political landscape. NCSEA also offers a suite of services to help its member businesses get the information and visibility they need to succeed.

"On September 6 at the Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, NCSEA will be hosting Clean Energy in the Mountains: Bluegrass, Brews and the Latest News.   Please come join us to learn more about the work we do.   To view our publications, sign up for our events, or sign up for our newsletter, please go to  www.energync.org. We meet our constituents where they are and want your voice to be heard," said Joan Walker, WNC's Outreach Representative for NCSEA. Please feel free to contact Joan Walker at joan@energync.org. 

Build it Naturally is WNC's premier green building supply store, focusing exclusively on sustainable and non-toxic building materials. This includes flooring, countertops, non-toxic paints, finishes, stains, cabinetry, plywood, tile, insulation, cleaners, adhesives, and more. Build it Naturally keeps high standards in order to maintain integrity and stand out among the rest. Mike Benito, Store Manager, noted, "We strive to offer the most sustainable, durable, and unique items available. We are not exclusively high end. We offer a wide range of design styles for the economic budget as well as premium options. Let us help create your home or business interiors with environmental integrity."

Well, how could we resist? BRSI received consultation and bamboo flooring from Build it Naturally to enhance the sustainability of the BRSI office space and to provide a healthier, more productive working environment for the many volunteers, staff and community members who frequent the space.

Build it Naturally and Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute create a powerful partnership. Together we have a mission with an effort to help promote, educate, and encourage people to be aware of alternative initiatives and products that create a more sustainable and healthy environment for ourselves and future generations. New technologies and constant innovations make it an important priority for the sustainably conscious community to stay informed. Such a large portion of the green and sustainable living movement is a slow process of educating the public about why the standard is not good enough for our future. Making this information easily accessible to the public will make these necessary changes happen at a faster pace. Please feel free to contact Build it Naturally or Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute to learn how you can make a difference in creating a healthier, more sustainable future.