Environmental Resources for Businesses
As businesses and consumers move towards more environmentally-friendly approach to doing business, learning about the right programs for the commercial sector can sometimes be confusing.  Fortunately, there are a variety of programs designed to assist businesses in becoming "green".  Use the resources below to discover ways to:

• reduce your energy consumption
• lower your energy bills
• receive tax credits and financial incentives for implementing energy-efficient programs
• do business with the City
• learn about contracting opportunities

Assessment & Auditing
How much energy does your business/facility consume each month?  How much money could you be saving by installing energy-efficient products? 

• N.C. State University: The Industrial Assessment Center is funded through the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technology Program.  Offers cost reduction assessments for small to medium sized manufacturers and education to the next generation of energy managers: 
  www.engr.ncsu.edu/ncsc/energy-stimulus/NCSU_IAC.php
  
• Duke Energy: Use Duke Energy's Energy Assessments to help you identify ways to improve your facilities energy efficiency and lower your energy costs:
  www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina-large-business/energy-efficiency/energy-assessments.asp
  
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities (CMU): Do a self-audit on your water consumption:
  www.charmeck.org/Departments/Utilities/WaterSmart/home.htm 

Incentives, Programs & Education
Discover programs available to educate businesses on different options and possibilities for efficiency upgrades.  Incentive programs also exist to help make environmentally-responsible choices financially feasible. 

• DSIRE: Learn about all of the available state and federal incentives, loan programs and tax credits available for energy efficiency programs:  www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=NC&RE=1&EE=1
  
• Air Quality: Mecklenburg County has numerous programs to limit and minimize air pollution from cars, trucks, and off-road equipment such as construction equipment and lawn mowers:  www.charmeck.org/Departments/LUESA/Air+Quality/Mobile+Sources/Home.htm
  
• CMU: Learn about all of the WaterSmart programs available to conserve resources: www.charmeck.org/Departments/Utilities/WaterSmart/home.htm
  
• Piedmont Natural Gas: Find out about all of the programs and rebate options available for improving natural gas efficiency: www.piedmontng.com/residential/aboutNaturalGasSection/efficiencyPrograms_main
  
• CPCC: CPCC is now offering many classes focused on energy conservation and environmentally-conscious practices to prepare students for "green jobs".  Programs range from green building techniques to solar panel installation: www.cpcc.edu/energy

Doing Business with the City
Stay on top of all of the contracting opportunities that come available as stimulus funds help finance municipal projects.

• SBE: Become a recognized Small Business Enterprise by The City of Charlotte and stay abreast of opportunities to do business with the City:
  http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Economic+Development/
  Small+Business+Opportunities/home.htm#SBE
  
• Vendor Registration: To do business with the City you must be a registered vendor
  https://cityvendors.charmeck.org/mnt/Login.asp?sk=ygEsmY4POPYx03R
  
• Contracting Opportunities: Find out about specific contracting opportunities with the City http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Business+Support+Services/
  Procurement/Doing+Business/home.htm
  
  http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Utilities/Customer+Service/
  Contractor+and+Subcontractor+Page.htm

 
Stimulus Funds:

• Federal Contracting Opportunities:  All federal agencies must announce proposed contracts expected to exceed $25,000, including all major solicitations, contract awards, subcontracting opportunities, surplus property sales and foreign business opportunities. For actions related to funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, use the "Search Recovery Action" option on the website below   www.fbo.gov
  
• Federal Grant Opportunities: The federal government offers over 1,000 different grant programs totaling awards in excess of $400 billion annually.  For specific information on Recovery Act funding select "Recovery Act Opportunities" option on the site below:  www.grants.gov
  
• Federal Loans: Learn about federal loan opportunities    www.govloans.gov
  
• Weatherization: Opportunities for businesses that conduct residential energy audits and perform the work needed to make the subsequent efficiency improvements.  Contact Gaston Community Action directly in order to become a vendor:  http://www.gastonca.org/services.htm
  
• City Stimulus Page: Monitor federal stimulus funds here in charlotte.  Learn about how those funds will be utilized and what programs and projects will be receiving funding.
  http://www.charmeck.org/charlotte/City+Economic+Recovery/Home.htm