South By North Strategies, Ltd.

A recent study commissioned by the National Governors Association analyzed the size and scope of the “green economy” in each of the 50 states. For the purposes of the study, the green economy was defined as businesses that produce products or services that provide alternatives to carbon-based energy, conserve the use of resources, or reduce pollution and waste.

As the graph (below) illustrates, North Carolina’s economy enjoys competitive advantages in the areas of energy infrastructure, sustainable agriculture,, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, and water management.  In all of these green fields, North Carolina has experienced an increasing concentration of employment opportunities since 1995.