Sustainability Success Stories
Real Businesses. Practical Solutions. Lasting Impact.
Across North Carolina, businesses are discovering that sustainability is more than an environmental commitment. It's an opportunity to reduce operating expenses, conserve valuable resources, improve efficiency, and build stronger, more resilient businesses.
The Raleigh Sustainability Connector highlights businesses and projects demonstrating how practical sustainability investments can create environmental and economic benefits.
Explore these examples for ideas and inspiration you can apply to your own business.
Raleigh Iron Works: Transforming Industrial History into a Sustainable Future
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Sustainability Focus: Adaptive reuse, energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable development.
Raleigh Iron Works demonstrates how preserving existing buildings can create new economic opportunities while supporting environmental sustainability.
Developed by Grubb Ventures and Jamestown, the project transformed historic industrial buildings once associated with Peden Steel into a vibrant destination for offices, restaurants, retail, and community gathering.
Sustainability Highlights
LEED Gold Certification: Recognized for sustainable neighborhood development.
Building Reuse: Preserved and repurposed historic industrial structures and building materials.
Energy & Water Efficiency: Incorporated LED lighting, efficient water fixtures, and smart thermostats.
Sustainable Landscaping: Integrated native and adaptive plants, smart irrigation, and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
The Business Takeaway
Sustainability and economic development can work together. Raleigh Iron Works illustrates how thoughtful investments in existing buildings, efficient technologies, and resource conservation can create attractive spaces for businesses and communities.
Larry's Coffee: Brewing a More Sustainable Business
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Sustainability Focus: Water conservation, sustainable building practices, and environmental stewardship.
For more than 30 years, Larry's Coffee has been part of Raleigh's local business community, demonstrating how environmental responsibility can be integrated into everyday business operations.
Located near Raleigh's Five Points neighborhood, the coffee roasting company has incorporated sustainability features into its facilities, including rainwater collection and reuse systems, solar-conscious building design, and a pollinator-friendly garden.
Sustainability Highlights
Water Conservation: Rainwater collection and reuse systems support irrigation and facility needs.
Sustainable Building Practices: Building design incorporates solar-conscious features.
Environmental Stewardship: A pollinator garden supports the surrounding environment.
The Business Takeaway
Small businesses don't have to undertake major construction projects to begin their sustainability journey. Practical investments in water conservation, building efficiency, and environmental stewardship can make sustainability part of everyday operations.
Nester Hosiery: Reducing Energy Consumption Through Smarter Manufacturing
Location: Mount Airy, North Carolina
Sustainability Focus: Energy efficiency, resource tracking, and manufacturing improvements.
Nester Hosiery, a North Carolina manufacturer of performance socks, demonstrates how businesses can reduce energy consumption by monitoring their operations and identifying opportunities for improvement.
The company tracks energy and water use monthly and has worked with a local community college to identify and repair compressed-air leaks in its production processes.
Measurable Results
In 2020, Nester Hosiery used 393,229 fewer kilowatt-hours of electricity than in 2019.
The Business Takeaway
Tracking energy consumption and addressing equipment inefficiencies can help manufacturers reduce waste and control operating costs.
Need Help Making the Connection?
Not sure where to start or which resources are right for your business?
We're here to help! Complete our short assistance request form and tell us what your business needs. The Raleigh Sustainability Connector will help connect you with the right resources, technical assistance, and experts to support your sustainability goals.
Let Us Help You Get Connected!
