With its energy-efficient lighting and a dual-flush toilet system that reduces cold water usage by 88 percent in the bathrooms, the new Rockingham County Courthouse complex is being touted as one of the leaders in green construction along the East Coast, the Greensboro News and Record says.

Lawns are irrigated with “reclaimed” water and prime parking spaces are marked for low-emission vehicles, the newspaper reported.

The $34 million building is the first judicial center on the East Coast to meet the benchmark for the construction of green buildings, as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council. The county is the first to earn the group’s gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, an internationally recognized symbol of excellence, according to the paper.

“It’s quite an achievement,” said Ashley Katz, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit told the newspaper. The commendation recognizes energy-efficiency, the use of resources and design innovations. It rewards cost-cutting and reducing carbon footprints.

Western North Carolina has made a lot of headlines as of late for being a bustling hub of sustainability. The following are just of the some initiatives happening in this part of the state. 

WNC is riding the crest of the sustainable jobs wave. Employment in the area's green businesses grew by 6.9 percent between 2005 and 2009. Each county in the region boasts at least one clean-energy company in the industry cluster. A new initiative, EvolveEnergy Partnership, launched in October by Advantage West to promote the region. The EvolveEnegry Partnership is a multi-organizational, 31-county initiative focused on fostering the formation of more clean-energy companies and making Western North Carolina known nationwide and across the globe as a center for sustainable ventures. 

Could Asheville be the host city of the 2013 Solar Decathlon? The event has been held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Department of Energy issued a funding opportunity announcement recently seeking a new location for the 2013 decathlon. 

The partnership between Sundance Power Systems and Deltec Homes demonstrates how Western North Carolina can build a sustainable supply chain, linking a growing number of clean-energy companies across the mountains. 

Three different events in the city last week showcased clean energy.

• The Charlotte Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council had its annual signature event on Oct. 27 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. NCSEA was a sponsor of the event and worked with the Council to  promote energy efficiency, green building and renewable energy. The Charlotte event attracted more than 250 people. Featured speakers were race car driver, Leilani Munter and clean energy advocate, Jerome Ringo.

North Carolina is leading the Southeast in the emerging clean energy economy. Below is a small sampling of what's happening across our state. Click below on each link to learn more about these recent innovations, announcements and advancements.  (And, remember to forward your announcements to amneris@energync.org if you would like your information posted on NCSEA's website and included in our eNews.)

North Carolina’s fourth annual sales tax holiday on Energy Star products runs Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov.6. During those days, certain Energy Star-qualifiedproducts that meet energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the Department of Energy are exempt from sales and use taxes.  

The Biltmore Estate announced plans to install 5,000 solar panels on six acres. The project will be completed over two months at a cost of $5.2 million.  It will be one of the largest solar arrays in North Carolina.

Gov. Bev Perdue recognized Appalachian State University students and faculty for their participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon 2011 international competition. Perdue signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 28-Nov. 4 as Appalachian State University Solar Homestead Week.

Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC, has completed a commercial installation of a solar water heating system at the newly opened Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in Elizabethtown, NC. The solar thermal system will enable this renovated building to benefit from the sun’s energy and offset the majority of the town’s monthly expenses related to hot water heating.

"Using solar in new construction is a forward thinking approach to managing water heating costs as all new buildings have a water heater in the budgeted. With a slightly higher investment up front for a solar thermal system, property owners can profit from 25 plus years of free hot water, courtesy of the sun," says John Donoghue, President of the Wilmington based Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was tasked by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Communities partnership to identify challenges and recommend solutions for developing solar projects on historic buildings and in historic districts. This project is of particular importance given current mandates for expanding renewable energy projects, the need to reduce energy costs, and environmental improvements. NREL and NTHP have been working on a publication to highlight ways in which solar PV projects can be integrated on historic properties in such a way as to not affect the characteristics that make a building or district eligible for historic status and protection. The publication is now available in PDF at the following link: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/51297.pdf. NREL also held a workshop on this important topic in June 2010 and the proceedings are available online at: http://solaramericacommunities.energy.gov/solarprojects.aspx.

NC Sustainable Energy Association joined member partners FLS Energy and the Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council to host a lively networking reception at Highland Brewing Company September 8^th, that drew nearly 200 people. Participants enjoyed food, live music, trivia, and of course, beer while learning more about what makes Western North Carolina a clean energy economy leader in North Carolina.

North Carolina is leading the Southeast in the emerging clean energy economy. Below is a small sampling of what's happening in NC. Click below on each link to learn more about these recent innovations, announcements and advancements:

Green Awards -- Nomination Deadline Extended to Sept. 1, 2011

Deadline Extended: Sept. 1, 2011

Triangle Business Journal'sGreen Awards will honor those in the Triangle who make efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses and their communities. By doing so, they show others how to strengthen the environmental health of our region.

Triangle Business Journalwill recognize individuals, businesses, government leaders and entities, and nonprofit organizations at an awards event tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 27, 2011 -- location TBD. A special focus section will be published in Triangle Business Journal on Oct. 28, 2011.

Work or projects completed from June 2010 to June 2011 will be considered.

The two major categories are General Awards and Green Building Awards. To be considered, companies must have operations in at least one of 13 counties that comprise the Triangle region: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, and Warren.

Each year, NCSEA presents awards to businesses and individuals who show exemplary innovation and leadership in advancing the clean energy economy in North Carolina.  Nominations may be made online by peers, partners or the business or individual themselves.  Award winners will be announced at NCSEA's 2011 Making Energy Work conference on November 9 at the Raleigh Convention Center.  The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 23.