Who we are:

This committee promotes energy conservation and renewable energy through public policy, planned events and organized actions.

What we do:

• Education – The need for renewables and conservation promoted through publications in local media, forums, alerts on local policy issues, and ECO’s web site and blog.

• Earth Day Energy Expo – On a Saturday, near the traditional Earth Day (April 22), ECO coordinates an Energy Expo at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock.  The event is intended to educate the public on current energy issues, both globally and locally.  Over 200 people attended the Expo held on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The event included: 20 commercial and organization exhibits including about 30 student projects, 6 alternate fuel vehicles, and Steve Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy was Keynote Speaker.  Additionally 4 workshops and other lectures were held.  2010 is the 40^th Anniversary of Earth Day and ECO is gearing up for a big celebration.  Stay tuned.

• Green Home Tour – The Second Green Home Tour was a self-guided tour of the finest green homes in the region that was held on August 22, 2009.  The tour featured homes in Henderson and Buncombe counties that showcased the highest level of green technology that work in concert with nature. Many of the homes featured solar installations, radiant heating, water conservation measures and native gardens.

• Project Green Light - ECO’s outreach to help homeowners achieve conservation.  Project Green Light works with local churches so their members can become better stewards of creation.  By participating in workshops and home energy inspections, congregations of faith can take substantial steps towards lowering their carbon footprint and demonstrating to other residents how to become better stewards of our natural heritage.

• Downtown Hendersonville Going Green – ECO’s in coordination with Downtown Hendersonville Inc. and Waste Reduction Partners (WRP) is working with downtown Hendersonville businesses to improve conservation.

You can make a difference!

The Energy Committee meets the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 pm at the ECO office.