The Appalachian Offsets program, done through the WNC Green Building Council, originally began in 2005, completing four efficiency retrofits in the following two years. However, interest waned with the recession and the program fell into dormancy. The relaunch is made by possible by grants from the Kendeda Fund and the Ray Anderson Foundation. 

Through Appalachian Offsets, supporters can offset their emissions by paying into a community fund that helps make energy-¬efficiency improvements within local nonprofits, schools and low-income housing. The goal is to reduce the global impact of climate change while making a local impact through upgrading inefficient lighting and supporting use of clean energy. 

Projects will be transparent, ensuring that buyers know which specific projects their contributions help fund.

A carbon calculator for businesses and individuals to determine their footprint and learn more about projects to be supported by the offsets is available at www.cutmycarbon.org.