By Justine Bird

Anyone who roams through one of New Orlean's distinctive residential areas could attest to their beauty, unique charm, and unfortunately, the prevalence of blighted properties. But like the many challenges we face in this city, local leaders look at this trend as an opportunity to re-think how we build and maintain our homes and utilize energy.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy, Green Coast Enterprises, Chris Allen III, Director of Coastal and Environmental Affairs, and Global Green have each been key players in this movement, and set a promising example for the sustainable growth in New Orleans. These entities each have a distinctive plan of attacking what may seem like a lofty goal- changing the rules in a city where there are no rules.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy advocates for the utility consumer and low income community, ensuring “fair, affordable, environmentally responsible, community based energy policies for Louisiana and the nation." In addition to their work with policy makers and regulators, they provide specific instruction and recommendations on energy saving tips and what individuals can do to combat global warming. Together with Global Green, they are the leaders of the Green Collaborative’s Policy Advocacy Committee, uniting and strengthening green organizations in support of common policy interests.

Luckily, this advocacy collaborative has had some success in working with local leaders and are anticipating a productive year in 2012 for sustainable energy policy. A recent gain for Global Green was the completion of thethird greenhouse gas inventory of the City, and from here the organization plans to draft a climate action plan. Mayor Landrieu is noted as a key player in New Orleans’ sustainable ascent.

Beth Galante, Director of New Orleans and Gulf Coast Initiatives explains his indispensable part in the movement: "I’d definitely say that Mayor Landrieu is the key driver of a sustainable NOLA, and his innovative vision in launching the NOLA Wise energy program to provide all New Orleanians with affordable access to energy savings will prove the outstanding sustainability event of 2012. Not only will homeowners who participate enjoy lower utility costs and healthier homes, but NOLA Wise will continue to strengthen our small businesses and provide increasing numbers of jobs to our residents, making all of us stronger."

This year, Global Green plans to expand the NOLA Wise program and also compete a sustainable housing community in the Lower 9th Ward. Not only will the NOLA Wise program provide energy efficiency financing to the low-income community, it will also provide workforce development in our community through a six month apprenticeship program. They hope to complete energy efficiency improvements of 200 homes.

Green Coast Enterprises is a lead participant of the NOLA wise program, given the organization’s expertise in sustainable real estate development and aids their clients by providing a structured project outline and timeline, and handling communication with project partners such as architects or tenants. Armed with knowledge of sustainability, law, finance, and architecture, this group provides a truly all-encompassing package.

Policy is notoriously difficult to fund, and without funding, Nola WISE and other programs evidently could not do what they do best. Re-building a greener New Orlenas takes the collaboration of several specific entities including non-profits, agencies, and utilities.

Between the rise of several sustainability-minded companies, the promise of new effective legislature, and the pivotal work of some dedicated officials, 2012 has a rather green-tinged horizon for homeowners and businesses alike.