NCSEA Releases 2009 Report on North Carolina's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries

The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) released the 2009 North Carolina Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries Census on October 9th at their forum “Growing North Carolina’s Green Energy Economy: Learning, Connecting & Creating Opportunities Together,” held at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The NCSEA conducts this annual statewide survey of firms operating in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. This survey presents a snapshot of the direct and indirect jobs associated with the renewable and energy efficiencies industries, and provides a topical analysis of industry dynamics and the core competencies of companies operating in this marketplace. The survey also examines time specific questions of policies and initiatives impacting the growth of the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

To participate in the research, firms had to meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Allocate at least 50% of staff time to work related to renewable energy or energy efficiency
• Generate at least 50% of revenue from work related to renewable energy or energy efficiency
• Generate at least $25,000 in economic gain (revenue, avoided costs, etc.) from work directly related to renewable energy or energy efficiency.

NCSEA identified and surveyed 1,136 firms potentially meeting these criteria. The firms largely represented businesses, but several state agencies, education outfits, and non-profits were also included. A total of 548 firms met the qualifications and responded to the census’ 23 questions. Another 110 firms indicated they did not meet any of the qualifying criteria.
The 2009 report estimates that the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries employ 10,250 full-time equivalent employees across a broad supply chain in North Carolina.  Manufacturers support the greatest percentage of employees – 23% of the reported jobs were with firms that identified manufacturing as most important to their business.

NCSEA estimates that renewable energy and energy efficiency industries generate more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue from North Carolina activities, with the industries maintaining a presence in all 100 North Carolina counties. 

Wake County is leading the state’s green energy economy due to its 141 firms reporting a presence. Mecklenburg County ranks second with 99 firms and Buncombe County ranks third with 57 firms. NCSEA defines a “presence” as having a headquarters, satellite office, manufacturing facility, or remotely located employees. The Research Triangle Region supports 36% of the reporting firms’ headquarters.   For more information, read the complete report here.