Press Release from the Alliance for Energy Democracy:
“Powering the People” Benefit for Isaac Dickson Elementary School Solar Project
Major Donor commits to match $110,000.
Asheville, NC — WNC Green Building Council’s initiative “Appalachian Offsets” and the Alliance for Energy Democracy (AED) present a benefit and celebration to power Isaac Dickson Elementary School with solar energy. The event is Saturday June 17th (7pm-11pm) at the Altamont Theater in Asheville featuring music by Franklin’s Kite.
Private investors will cover the majority of up-front costs for the $1.1 million solar power system, with Appalachian Offsets raising the remaining balance of $220,000. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the project has secured a matching grant of $110,000. With $7,000 in tax-deductible contributions toward the project in recent weeks, we have $103,000 remaining to reach our goal.
“Appalachian Offsets is the bridge that matches companies and individuals looking to offset their emissions with organizations who need support cutting energy cost and upgrading their facilities,” said WNCGBC Executive Director Sam Ruark-Eastes. “The program encourages all of us to reduce our carbon emissions first, then pay into a fund that collectively helps others do the same.”
Isaac Dickson Elementary School was designed as one of the southeast’s Net Zero Energy schools and has been awaiting the solar system since construction of the school was completed last year. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be developing this truly community solar project for Isaac Dickson as an example of how we can empower ourselves with Renewable Energy,” says Dave Hollister of Sundance Power Systems and Co- Founder of AED. “This is a significant asset for our community due to the fact that over its 30- year life, the system is expected to save the school district over 4.5 million in energy costs. These savings translate as an increase of funds for our kid’s education, not to mention an investment for reducing CO2 emissions which cause climate change.”
Appalachian Offsets is providing an opportunity for Asheville residents to both protect the environment and invest in education, by helping fund Isaac Dickson Elementary School’s much-anticipated 600-kilowatt solar system. Donations can be made via Appalachian Offsets’ website, which calculates a person’s carbon footprint and then allows a donation to offset that footprint. Visit Appalachian Offsets site here: http://www.cutmycarbon.org
The Isaac Dickson School Solar Project Benefit features music by Asheville’s own Franklin’s Kite at The Altamont Theater from 7pm- 11pm. Donations are $10 at the door and can be bought online here.
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