Seriously Sustainable
Technical:
In order to ensure the highest degree of project success and long-term NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) viability, Green Empowerment helps partners obtain the technical skills, equipment, and knowledge to complete environmentally sound, community-based renewable energy projects. We hold trainings in renewable energy and potable water technologies in Peru annually in addition to trainings on-site on a project-by-project basis. We also host forums to share technical expertise and current technology among our partner NGOs.
Economical:
Maintenance, replacement parts, and community technicians cost money. Instead of supplying yearly sub-grants, we build a project around a community committee that oversees ownership and operations. With our help, the community devises an appropriate tariff system, like a utility company, so that users generate revenue long into the future for system operations and maintenance. Additionally, each village incorporates micro-businesses that boost crop values and local income.
Social:
Community leaders approach our local partners and together we formulate a plan that stems from actual needs as opposed to preconceptions. With community directives, we build the appropriate sized systems to meet current and future desires for water or electricity. Community contributions include physical building, supplying locally available materials, providing food or lodging for project advisors, and transportation support. By involving the community at every phase from design to implementation the community feels a strong connection to the project and assumes an ownership that runs deeper than any title could suggest. They feel connected to the project. The want to see it succeed and are determined to prove they can operate their system long into the future.
Environmental:
Environmental sustainability takes precedence in all our development projects. Our communities are methodically instructed in environmental education programs to connect the health of water/soil/forest resources to improved livelihoods and a long-term supply of water and energy. In order to establish the fundamental link between a full water cycle, healthy watersheds, and an abundant supply of drinking water, we emphasize watershed education, restoration, and preservation. Our energy projects use renewable resources and have operational lives of 20-30 years. In that time period they mitigate climate change by reducing deforestation, eliminating kerosene and diesel consumption, and discharging zero emissions.
