What happens if alternative power is not as green as we hope?

Follow the journey toward a "zero emissions" neighborhood in which solar energy, energy efficiency and changes in behavior eliminate the need for fossil fuels.

Suzanne Tegen is finishing up a Ph.D. in energy policy at the University of Colorado and recently received the Young Wind Advocate award from Wind Powering America, a nationwide group that promotes wind energy. Tegen has worked at the National Renewable Energy Lab and is on the board of the university's Environmental Center, which runs some of the country's most progressive campus environmental programs. She also served as the communications director for the Center for Resource Solutions in San Francisco. Tegen talked to LIME about wind energy, the future of renewables, and what you can do to increase your commitment to wind.

Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing Company, based in Fort Collins, makes some of the country’s best microbrews – including Fat Tire, Blue Paddle, and Sunshine Wheat. But as important as the quality of the beer is the philosophy of the company, which is dedicated to energy efficiency and social responsibility. Founded by a social worker and an electrical engineer in 1991 – in a basement, with a home equity loan – New Belgium has been finding ways to reduce its CO2 emissions for nearly a decade. The brewery is powered by wind energy and uses sustainable technologies and Earth-friendly throughout its business. New Belgium’s media director Bryan Simpson told LIME about the company’s policies, and why he likes going to work every day.

A Minnesota-based energy company that supplies power to ten states is planning to become the nation’s biggest provider of wind energy. The Denver Post reported that Xcel Energy plans to increase its wind capacity in Colorado to a level sufficient to power 235,000 homes. Xcel currently supplies wind energy in Minnesota, Colorado and New Mexico, and the new wind farms would make the company the number one wind supplier in the country.