For the 2011 NC legislature session, the USGBC has actively been promoting the NC Energy Conservation Code and solar power growth in North Carolina. 

Please add your support by individually contacting your local representatives (found here) and Speaker of the House Tom Tillis ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) in regards to both the Energy Conservation Code and the Solar Jobs Bill.

Copy and paste both the email subject and text for each bill into your own email, and remind our General Assembly about the importance and opportunity of green building.  For more information, all bills can be found on the NCGA website.

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2012 NC Energy Conservation Code 

EMAIL SUBJECT:  Support S708/H648 and the Energy Conservation Code

EMAIL TEXT:  The US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, a volunteer-based organization with three chapters in North Carolina, fully supports HB 801 and the 2012 NC ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE.

S708/ H648  requires energy reduction for new construction –15% for homes and 30% for commercial buildings. This bill will encourage economic growth, increase local jobs, and reduce energy demand. This bill addresses standard building practices.  Renewable energy is not mandated in the proposed code and bill.   A recent study at Appalachian State University provides true costs to the 2012 NCECC. In Raleigh, code compliance would result in an additional $100 per year in mortgage payments, but also an annual utility bill savings of $235.  In Charlotte, code compliance would result in an additional $71 per year in mortgage payments, but also an annual utility savings of $172.

Energy conservation also creates jobs. Construction activity related to this updated NCECC will add 1200‐1500 jobs in North Carolina over the next 3 years. 

Please vote YES on S708/ H648.

YOUR NAME

US Green Building Council – Triangle Chapter

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Solar Jobs Bill

EMAIL SUBJECT: Vote Yes on House Bill 495/ Senate Bill 473 – Solar Jobs Bill

EMAIL TEXT:   The US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, a volunteer-based organization with three chapters in North Carolina, fully supports House Bill 495/ Senate Bill 473 – SOLAR JOBS BILL.

I am a volunteer member of the Triangle Chapter of the US Green Building Council and I support the Solar Jobs Bill – House Bill 495/ Senate Bill 473.  Doubling the minimum power from solar PV from 0.2% to 0.4%, and limiting the number of solar renewable energy credits utilities can buy from outside the state, would increase solar power in NC’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and create approximately 4,000 new jobs in the state.

North Carolina ranks 14th in the nation in the number of solar jobs. The growth that emerged from a 2007 renewable energy standard led to 22% growth in clean energy systems statewide between 2009 and 2010 alone. North Carolina’s competitive renewable energy and energy efficiency industries now employ more than 12,500 people (conservative estimates) at approximately 1,800 companies.

You have seen the success of the existing program has had to  create North Carolina jobs, let’s continue that progress.

Please vote YES on HB 495/ S473.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

US Green Building  Council – Triangle Chapter

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Thanks for supporting the Triangle USGBC advocacy efforts.  If you have any questions, please contact Julia Janaro at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .