100% Renewable Strategic Plan for Buncombe County
We’re doing the hard work to get to 100% Renewable Energy in Buncombe County, and you can too. We need your help!
About the Plan
In 2017, Buncombe County and City of Asheville voted to adopt a resolution for the community to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2042. Our community is the first in Western North Carolina and the second in the state to commit to such a goal. And now, in collaboration with the Blue Horizons Project, we are focusing on how to achieve this goal in all sectors.
In addition to its ongoing efforts to help equitably transition the community to clean energy, the BHPCC has worked for the past two years on creating a Strategic Plan detailing how to achieve its 100% renewable energy goals by 2042. The process has been incredibly collaborative and includes the input of over 100 community members who have contributed endless wisdom, insight, and expertise. The BHPCC and various committees and subcommittees have worked tirelessly to bring the plan to fruition.
The next step? Gather community support and start making this dream a reality.
"As a mother and climate activist, I am encouraged that Buncombe County now has a road map for transitioning to 100% renewable energy, and can serve as a model for other communities in the South East. In the process of electrifying our homes and businesses, we will create a more sustainable, resilient community with cleaner air, and safer streets for walking and biking."
— Michelle Myers, Chair of the Blue Horizons Project Community Council
The Clean Energy Dream Campaign
We need support from the whole community to make the 100% Renewable Plan a reality. Green Built Alliance is tasked with leading three main priority initiatives from the Strategic Plan: Energy Savers Network, Blue Horizons Project, and Appalachian Offsets. We are seeking funding support to continue our staff's capacity to coordinate these programs and serve our community.
Help us make a difference in the lives of our community members, improve the wellbeing of everyone in Buncombe County, and make a direct and meaningful impact in fighting the climate crisis.
Energy Savers Network is seeing an immediate gap in funding for the next fiscal year. This reduction directly translates into unreached income-qualified households. Energy Savers Network leverages volunteers and professional crew leaders to improve the homes of those who are most impacted by climate change through energy efficiency upgrades.
Neighbor to Neighbor Solar, coordinated by Blue Horizons Project, is currently short on its goal of funding 20 rooftop solar projects by the end of next year. Each installation provides an average of 5,500 kWh and provides up to 75% bill savings for income-qualified clients.
With the upcoming completion of Appalachian Offsets’ latest project with Asheville Buncombe United Way, efforts are underway to fund the next commercial solar project for a local nonprofit organization, church, or school building.
Be part of the solution.
You can also contribute a donation in the following ways:
- A check made out to Green Built Alliance with "Clean Energy Dream Campaign" in the memo, mailed to PO Box 2594, Asheville, NC 28802.
- Cash or check given to a staff member (at an event or at our office at 1 Haywood St, Office 463, Asheville, NC 28801)
- Venmo @greenbuiltalliance
- Paypal
For questions about donations, email [email protected].
For questions about volunteering or joining a committee, email [email protected].
"This marks a significant milestone for our community as we unveil the '100% Renewable Energy by 2042 Strategic Plan.' This plan showcases our shared commitment to a sustainable and equitable future. By embracing local renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices, we're taking essential steps toward combating the climate crisis while ensuring a just transition for all residents."
- Brownie Newman, Buncombe County Commission Chairman
"As a member of the Blue Horizons Project Community Council, I am proud to be part of this effort to address and plan for climate change. Our collaborative work outlines the path to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2042. This plan reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and underscores the importance of community engagement. By collectively adopting clean energy solutions, we're shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for Buncombe County."
- Maggie Ullman, Asheville City Council Member
"As a mother and climate activist, I am encouraged that Buncombe County now has a road map for transitioning to 100% renewable energy, and can serve as a model for other communities in the South East. In the process of electrifying our homes and businesses, we will create a more sustainable, resilient community with cleaner air, and safer streets for walking and biking."
- Michelle Myers, 2023 Blue Horizons Project Community Council Chair
"To think about how far this work has come, it's refreshing to see the committee be so inclusive. They have been open, transparent and most of all caring. This plan is not the ending, but the beginning of something beautiful for the whole community. With an eye towards inclusive development, our community is fortunate to have so many experts collaborating in community with local people who are experts on the lived experience. Together nothing is impossible. We envision 100% renewable energy by 2042 as a reality for us all."
-J Hackett, Founder of Black Wall Street AVL and the BHP Equity Taskforce
"It has been inspiring to work with such a passionate and committed group of people who work hard to make a real positive impact for our local and global communities. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the insight, expertise, and dedication of the numerous individuals and groups who helped make the Strategic Plan come to fruition. I strongly believe that it can guide our community along the path to achieving our energy and equity goals."
-David Gordon, Lead Author of the 100% Renewable Strategic Plan