A rainy Earth Day morning didn’t stop the first annual Earth Day 5K fundraiser event from being a hit. Running enthusiasts came together for a healthier, greener community at Carrier Park for this awesome event earlier this year.
The staff and board members were honored to host the first annual Earth Day 5K — creating a memorable experience for the community and inviting folks to learn more about how they can lower their carbon footprint and support local clean energy projects. With the generosity of our amazing sponsors, we hope that this event will blossom and grow for many years to come. A total of 180 people registered to participate in the 5K race, 1 Mile Fun Run, or Virtual 5K and didn’t let the rainy weather stop them from pounding through the Carrier Park puddles.
All proceeds from the event were donated to Green Built Alliance’s Appalachian Offsets program, a local carbon offsetting opportunity that allocates community members’ offsets toward renewable energy projects for Buncombe County schools or other nonprofit organizations. The United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, located in downtown Asheville, has been selected as the next partner for a free solar energy system via Appalachian Offsets, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and leadership in the fight against climate change.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Green Built Alliance’s Appalachian Offsets program to dramatically reduce our energy consumption and convert the cost savings directly into strategies and solutions that impact youth and families across Buncombe County,” said Dan Leroy, President & CEO. “United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is honored to receive a solar energy system through this program that helps nonprofits like ours transition to a more resilient, climate-friendly community.”
The annual Earth Day 5K fundraiser will play an integral role in Buncombe County’s effort to move to 100 percent renewable energy, and serves as a key piece of Green Built Alliance’s dedication to sustainable living, green building and climate justice through inspired action, community education and collaborative partnerships.
Stay tuned for details on the second annual Earth Day 5K, coming in the spring of 2024, with all proceeds benefiting Green Built Alliance programs.
What is Appalachian Offsets?
The Appalachian Offsets program of the nonprofit Green Built Alliance allows businesses and individuals to calculate and offset their carbon footprint while investing directly in local energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The program launched in 2005 and completed 4 energy efficiency projects in its early years.
Projects made possible by contributions to the Appalachian Offsets program include a 300kW solar array for the Issac Dixson Elementary School, a 10kW PV system for St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist fellowship hall, and energy efficiency upgrades at the Opportunity House in Hendersonville, Asheville Housing Authority, and the YWCA in Asheville. The next Appalachian Offsets project will be an installation of a large PV system for the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County downtown office building. For more information, go to www.cutmycarbon.org.
The Appalachian Offsets program of the nonprofit Green Built Alliance allows businesses and individuals to calculate and offset their carbon footprint while investing directly in local energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The program launched in 2005 and completed 4 energy efficiency projects in its early years. Projects made possible by contributions to the Appalachian Offsets program include a 300kW solar array for the Issac Dixson Elementary School, a 10kW PV system for St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist fellowship hall, and energy efficiency upgrades at the Opportunity House in Hendersonville, Asheville Housing Authority, and the YWCA in Asheville. The next Appalachian Offsets project will be an installation of a large PV system for the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County downtown office building. For more information, go to www.cutmycarbon.org.
Annie McGehrin is the Development & Marketing Manager at Green Built Alliance. After moving to North Carolina in 2016, Annie received her bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University. The Earth Day 5K event was organized by Annie alongside Summer Winkler, Program Coordinator at Green Built Alliance. Connect with Annie at Annie@greenbuilt.org.