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Archive for the ‘What’s Happening in Charleston’ Category

Local Companies Setting the Benchmark on Sustainability

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Not only has Charleston, SC been voted the most attractive and friendliest city in the United States, we are beginning to notice a trend with companies adopting a more environmentally conscious and energy saving attitude.

We already know Boeing is going to be the largest renewable energy warehouse on the East Coast, but local outdoors company, Half-Moon Outfitters is adopting the same philosophy. So much so, they constructed a solar tree located in the states capital, Columbia, SC to partially power their new store at 2920 Devine St. The decision to build a solar tree derived from the fact the building was not suited for a solar rooftop array.

Renewable energy and green construction is part of Half-Moon Outfitters company’s brand and mission. The renovated Half-Moon Outfitters corporate office and warehouse located in North Charleston, SC was awarded the US Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum. The building’s exterior utilizes photovoltaic panels on the roof, rainwater collections tanks in back, and extensive native vegetation while the interior boasts locally harvested wood, salvaged materials and rapidly renewable agrifiber boards.

In addition, not only are local restaurants using fresh, local ingredients, like 17 North who grow their own herbs and vegetables out back, they are also looking to reduce their operating costs by installing solar water heaters, such as Runaway Bay. Organizations such as Lowcountry Local First and The Sustainability Institute are leading efforts to increase awareness and action among Charleston’s residents. It’s a trend we are noticing pick up steam, and one that makes us excited. Not only is Charleston the most attractive, it’s business owners and residents realize giving back to the community is what makes this beautiful city thrive.

It’s Time! It’s Time! Spoleto Arts Festival is Near!

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Buy your tickets, grab your binoculars, and prepare yourselves for the influx of tourists that will flock to our great city as we prepare for the annual Spoleto Arts Festival. Entering its 24th year, Spoleto celebrates the performing arts in opera, dance, theatre, classical music and jazz. For nearly 3 weeks multiple performances occur lending young artists the experience of the more seasoned directors, designers and performers.

Established back in 1977, founders Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene, and others selected Charleston, SC as the American counterpart to their annual Festival dei 2 Mondi in Spoleto, Italy. Historic Charleston, SC boasts theatres, churches and other performing spaces that offer the intimate yet enthusiastic city feel vital for the success of America’s premiere performing arts festival.

Spoleto begins the 17-day festival on Thursday, May 26, 2011 with a classical Khmer dance evolved into modern dance. Every day thereafter will boast performances in dance, music and theatre. For a complete schedule of the performing acts, you can check out http://www.spoletousa.org/category/date/.

A few acts we are sure to be checking out: Circa – Australia’s most innovative circus company, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones – a master of the banjo, Trombone Shorty – Grammy nominated contemporary jazz, and Khmeropedies I & II – classical Khmer dance evolved for modern age.

So, make sure you don’t miss out on America’s premiere performing arts festival: Spoleto Arts Festival 2011.

Boeing: Not Just Airplanes Anymore

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

In 2009, when Boeing announced the arrival of an assembly plant in North Charleston, SC, I bet the furthest thing from anyone’s mind was that Boeing would become the largest solar installation in the Southeast and the sixth largest in the nation. Local Charleston residents often discuss the size of the plant asking, “Have you seen how large the building is?” To put it in perspective, according to an article on www.TheTandD.com, 18,000 solar panels will cover the roof, spanning about the size of 8 football fields. That’s a lot of solar power. (more…)

S.C. Pushing Renewable Energy

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

“New energy-efficiency standards in South Carolina have the power to create 22,000 new jobs in the next 15 years, six times the number to come from the Boeing Co.’s expansion in North Charleston, efficiency promoters said.” 

That quote comes from an article published in the Post & Courier on August 25.  The South Carolina Businesses for Clean Energy organization held a roundtable discussion in late August discussing ways to help promote the interests of South Carolina’s businesses to create new energy policies for the state.   

The push for renewable energy is becoming more and more urgent everyday.  Currently, 30 states have renewable energy policy standards in place.  South Carolina is in the process of talks, and we’re proud of Charleston leaders including Glenn McConnell and Paul Campbell who have been leading discussions on how to meet the state’s energy needs.  

As we move towards consumption of more renewable energy as opposed to using coal and fossil fuels, the benefits will be three-fold.  First, individuals and businesses will save loads of money on monthly bills associated with energy consumption.  Second, the use of renewable energy avenues such as solar energy is much more environmentally friendly.  Third, as the awareness increases and more people begin to “go green” with regard to energy consumption, more and more jobs will be created in an economy where jobs are in high demand.  

The article suggests that an ideal energy policy requires legislative support on many different levels including the need for South Carolina to invest in its higher education institutions, including technical colleges, to develop research and a base of expertise in new graduates. 

At Sustainable Energy Solutions, we completely agree with that statement and agree that the push for renewable energy needs to become more urgent and more publicized.  We also believe that you can be a big part of that push.  As more homeowners and businesses begin to install solar energy products, the awareness WILL increase. 

That’s why we  are currently offering FREE solar site inspections on your home.  No strings attached.  There’s no hidden charges.  There’s no taking down of credit card information just in case, and there’s no obligation whatsoever.  We will come to your house and do a site inspection completely free.  Yes, we do this because we sell solar energy systems and it sometimes results in sales, but we also realize the local and global benefits of a community that uses renewable energy.  

When it comes to renewable energy, SES is pushing for it aling with our local, state, and national governments through discussions, research, grants and tax incentives.  It must be important!  So we’re not going to ask you if you’re pushing for it, but rather, are you open to it?  If so, let us know by responding to this blog or visiting www.sccleanenergy.com and signing up for a free solar site inspection.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Check out Charleston Outdoor Adventures, the Lowcountry’s newest Ecoadventure Outfitter.