Anagama Kiln Update
Our newest addtion to the GEP is a dual chamber, wood fired anagama ("cave") kiln. The first firing was Saturday, December 10, with kiln opening December 14.
CLASSES
Check back here or call the GEP for information about upcoming classes.
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Join the Friends of the Green Energy Park. Learn more
To view the video of JCGEP's appearance on UNC-TV NC Now, July 31, 2008: Click on the UNC-TV Logo below, then click on the "Play Video" button for JCGEP to view the video.
he Jackson County Green Energy Park (JCGEP) utilizes clean, renewable energy resources to encourage economic development, provide environmental protection, and offer educational opportunities that together will help lead towards a more sustainable future for Western North Carolina. Located in Dillsboro, NC, JCGEP captures methane gas from the old town landfill, then uses the gas as fuel for a series of artisan studios, greenhouses and other ventures.
Sustainable building practices are being demonstrated through the redevelopment of an old warehouse and trash transfer station to house the artisan studios. Old building materials have been reused whenever possible, and several “green” building options (such as living roofs, rainwater collection, and recycled wood products) are being investigated for use in the new facilities. Even the greenhouses were constructed using materials salvaged from an abandoned facility.
Future plans for the JCGEP include a retail gallery, a café, public classroom areas, and a conference room. Once fully operational, JCGEP will have added 20 + jobs to our economy, while forming bridges between local educational facilities and community partners. Through this innovative project, JCGEP is transforming an environmental liability into an economic asset for the community.
Environmental benefits
By burning landfill gas as fuel, our project provides direct and immediate improvements to our environment and local air quality.
Yearly reductions in emissions:
• Prevents 222 tons of methane entering the atmosphere.
• Offsets 550 tons of CO2 that have been created by fossil fuels instead.