The following list is by no means inclusive of the vast array of web and electronic information available on these topics. We have selected some which we think are particularly useful and user friendly.

There are many articles of interest on these and related topics through NC LIVE and through the library’s collection (LeoCat).

The following search terms will help you get started: green business, green products, sustainable development, sustainable buildings, green marketing, natural products, deconstruction, renewable energy sources.

North Carolina State Energy Office

Promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy.The agency provides tips for homeowners in reducing energy use. Homeowners can take an online energy audit and research information on buying appliances.  Want to find out the available programs for saving money on energy efficient appliances and home AC and heating? Click the link for Transportation to see  tips on fuel-efficient driving.

Rocky Mountain Institute

An entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. They do this by inspiring business, civil society, and government to design integrative solutions that create true wealth. Includes some very useful consumer downloads. Look on the Library page.

The United States Department of Energy

The Consumer's Guide section provides a comprehensive listing of resources for homeowners.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

Provides consumer resources including home energy checklists and links for tax incentives by state as well as the newest federal tax incentives.

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Building Resources

Building Green Suite

A subscription-based online resource for environmentally sensitive design and construction. Building Green Suite offers a wide range of information including articles, product listings and project case studies.

Department of Energy

The Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy Division provides a downloadable guide to best practices in building in a hot and humid climate.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. Conducts in-depth technical and policy assessments and educates businesses and consumers.

NCSU'S Solar Center

Provides Business and Energy Professionals with quick links to their most requested sites.

Waste Reduction Resource Center

A collaborative effort of the U.S. EPA Region IV and the NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.  The documents in this core sector show energy conservation steps for both the commercial and residential sectors, many of which are easy and inexpensive, often involving only a change in attitude or work procedures. Includes an extensive list of sites, and downloadable fact sheets.

Oikos

Devoted to serving professionals in sustainable design and construction. Extensive collection of downloads are available through the Library.

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GreenBuilder

Describes how most construction waste goes into landfills, increasing the burden on landfill loading and operation. Gives tips on planning for optimum use of any materials leftover from construction. Saves money and space in landfills.

ToolBase Services

The housing industry's resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems. Under Home Building Topics, you can find "Information about selected innovative products & processes that can help you build or remodel homes at lower cost, with higher quality and/or energy efficiency, and/or that are safer."

NC Healthy Built Homes Program

Provides a certificate for homes meeting "green home guidelines" built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high performance building strategies.

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Government and Coalition Resources

North Carolina’s Dept of Energy and Natural Resources

Technical Assistance for Businesses page includes information on Air Quality, Industry Specific topics, sources for recycling, Water, Waste Reduction and other topics.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Leading a national consensus for producing a new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside and out. This coalition is represented by every segment of business and has set voluntary, national standards. Has developed LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), a green building rating system.

North Carolina Triangle Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council

Aims to be the regional point of contact to promote construction practices and buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Includes list of all LEEDS projects in NC.

Sustainable Sandhills

Provides assistance to Cumberland and surrounding counties in achieving sustainability planning. The website includes an impressive list of resources.  Provides some excellent opportunities to volunteer for worthwile causes.

Sustainable North Carolina

An independent non-profit that works to bring organizations together to realize the benefits of sustainable development.

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Sustainable Business

Offers products and services "that fulfill society’s needs while contributing to the well-being of all earth’s inhabitants.”  Highlights of the site include a listing of “Green Dream Jobs.”  Also, the Business Connections section matches partners, distributors, and venture capitalists with green business opportunities. The Resources provide links to key organizations offering grants and assistance to small businesses.

North Carolina Solar Center

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.  Provides useful links on such topics as Home, Businesses, Clean Transportation, Teachers and Students, and Building and Energy Professionals.

The Recycling Business Assistance Center

A partnership between several state agencies. Provides useful information for developing a recycling business, selling recyclable building waste and other waste.

Books and DVD's at Your Library

"Energy Crossroads : a burning need to change course"

[dvd format] produced by Tiroir A Films Productions : written and edited by Christophe Fauchere. Denver, Colo. : Tiroir A Films, c2007