Notable Sustainable Companies in Tennessee

Notable Sustainable Companies in Tennessee
February 8, 2019 Emie-Claude Lamoureux
Sustainable companies in Tennessee

Notable Sustainable Companies
in Tennessee

Tennessee is considered a great spot for wilderness adventures, cool scenic caves, artsy cities, and much more. And so, we present to you our list of notable sustainable companies in Tennessee. Some of them relate to conservation and others to clean tech, but no matter what industry they fall in, you’ll get a glimpse at great sustainable initiatives taking place across the state.

There are many more sustainable companies that we may have missed, so if you believe you should be in the Notable Sustainable Companies in Tennessee, feel free to contact us and we will evaluate your sustainable initiative. We did not receive any funding or incentives to feature these companies. Our goal is to create awareness of sustainable development and encourage others to participate. Companies listed here are also welcome to add our eco-badge to their website, located at the bottom of this article. 

Notable Sustainable Companies in Tennessee 

NouriTech™

Photo: NouriTech website

A 37-acre site in Memphis, TN will soon be producing sustainable animal feed. NouriTech™ will produce FeedKind® protein, a family of sustainable, traceable nutritional ingredients for fish, livestock and pets, at commercial scale. NouriTech was formed in 2016 through investments from Cargill and Calysta, along with several third-party institutions.

The venture is building the world’s largest gas fermentation facility, expected to be completed in late 2018 and come online in early 2019. It expects to produce up to 20,000 metric tons per year of FeedKind® protein initially and expand to up to 200,000 metric tons per year when operating at full capacity.

Why does this matter?

  • About 25 percent of wild-caught fish — amounting to about 20 million tons of seafood — are used to make fishmeal that’s fed to farmed fish
  • An area that has been clearly impacted is in Mauritania. In West Africa, sardinella is one of the most important fish species for both food security and job creation; it’s also one prized for the production of fishmeal powder
  • Catches of sardinella in West Africa continue to decline, including in Mauritania, where only 172,000 tons were caught in 2017, down 41 percent from the 292,000 tons caught in 2016
  • Prior to the introduction of the fishmeal industry, the sardinella catch was limited naturally by how much the local market would bear; this natural limit has been removed now that fishmeal factories will buy as much fish as the fishing fleets will bring in
  • The fishmeal factories are causing air and water pollution along the coast and threatening the livelihoods of female fish smokers, who are unable to compete with the fishmeal factories, leaving them unable to purchase fresh sardinella to sell to local markets. Source: Mercola
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Tri-Star Recycling

Tri-Star Recycling is one of the only Nashville-based, R2-certified electronics recyclers in the industry, and we serve clients all over the world. The benefits provided by R2 recycling include the reduction in the impacts of improper recycling to the environment and human health, increased access to reusable and refurbished equipment to the needy, and reduction in energy consumption and other environmental problems associated with the manufacturing of the devices.

They work with small & medium businesses; enterprise; medical & research laboratories; universities; K-12 schools and more.

What is (e-waste)?

E-waste (electronic waste) refers to the improper disposal of information and technology items no longer in use. Byproducts from these devices are harmful to our environment and communities worldwide when not methodically broken down, sorted and repurposed or responsibly recycled.

Electronic recycling facilities are very important and should be endorsed by local communities. Here’s a small documentary that highlights the toxicity e-waste can generate without recyclers.

 

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Hutton Hotel

Photo: The Good Trade

In the downtown hub of this fast-growing city, the luxurious Hutton Hotel operates with environmental sustainability in mind.

Known as one of Nashville’s greenest hotel, the Hutton resides in a repurposed building from the 1970s. The hotel uses biodegradable cleaning products, implements recycling initiatives, uses LED bulbs, and uses soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers to reduce plastic waste. They also offer entirely electric courtesy cars and have electric car charging stations.

 

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The Land Trust for Tennessee

Photo The Land Trust for Tennessee Instagram

The Land Trust for Tennessee (TLTT) educates, advocates, and fundraises for land conservation. For more than 19 years, their team has worked with people and communities to protect these irreplaceable landscapes and sites for future generations. It’s a commitment and investment that we all must make today – you can’t put a price on what we are saving for tomorrow.

Their partnership with The Hermitage, a historic hotel in Nashville that contributes a portion of profit to TLTT, is a notable example of their work in the area. Over 75,000 acres have been protected and conserved as a result of this unique partnership.

They focus on protecting farmland, recreational areas, natural resources, wildlife, natural resources, historic land and urban open space.

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The Wild Cow

Photo: The Good Trade

The Wild Cow (TWC) serves vegetarian & vegan fare in a fun, casual environment in the heart of East Nashville. Serving some of the city’s freshest fare – you’ll find neither freezer nor microwave in the kitchen! All ingredients are locally sourced and cruelty-free. TWC donates a portion of their sales to a different charity each month.

They also received Silver level certification through Eat REAL!

Eat REAL is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to fighting diet-related disease by working to transform the food system to better align with consumer health interests. Its a movement of change-makers passionate about disrupting the food system and delivering significant positive social impact.

 

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The Well Coffeehouse

Photo: The Well Coffeehouse

Fill up with a cup of coffee at The Well, which also funds exactly that: wells that provide access to safe, clean drinking water in places like Malawi, Kenya, and Senegal. The Well Coffeehouse is a notable sustainable company with a bold vision — make difference in both our local and global communities.

Until now The Well and its community have built various wells around the world, such as the following:

In Togo, ten wells were built for over 700 people who live in small, rural communities that have been living without clean water till now.

In Lizulu, Malawi, the wells helped provide water to 1,500 people, including about 200 orphans!

In Kenya, after a devastating 5 years of drought, now over 1,200 people have access to safe clean drinking water.

In Congo, they built a well that now provides water for 400 people in an area where one of their partners, Exile Intl, is working with war-torn families.

In Senegal, 2 wells and water were supplied to an area that is brutally hot and within a couple hours drive of the Sahara Desert.

In Chad Africa, after a cholera outbreak in the fall of 2016, 900 people in 3 different villages now have clean water.

In Central African Republic, a well now provides water for 500 people!

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Silicon Ranch

Our modern world needs energy, and a clean way to get that energy is from the sun. Silicon Ranch, one of the leading solar power system providers, has installed over one million solar modules. Silicon Ranch doesn’t just drop panels and run, it builds the system then remains as the long-term owner-operator for all their projects, partnering with landowners, industrial sites, utilities, and developers.

With projects all over the country, we decided to highlight the ones based in Tennessee:

  • On August 17, 2018, BrightRidge, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Silicon Ranch broke ground on the Tri-Cities’ first community solar project, a 5-megawatt solar farm outside of Jonesborough, TN. The BrightRidge Solar Farm is designed to generate ~8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, with zero carbon emissions and zero water consumption.
  • Memphis Agricenter: Agricenter International is host to Tennessee’s first large-scale tracking solar system.
  • Hospital Corporation of America: This innovative partnership allows HCA to show its commitment to a comprehensive environmental strategy while focusing on its core business.
  • Memphis Bioworks: Silicon Ranch constructed covered parking on the top deck of the Bioworks’ parking garage deploying made in Memphis photovoltaic solar panels by Sharp, Inc.
  • Naval Support Activity Mid-South:  Silicon Ranch Corporation and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are working with the Department of the Navy (DON), Millington Industrial Development Board (MIDB), and Memphis, Light Gas & Water (MLGW) to develop a large-scale solar plant at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South facility in Millington, Tennessee.
  • Volkswagen Chattanooga: VW selected Silicon Ranch as its solar partner based on its ability to bring together TVA, Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, and local government officials to agree on a unique approach toward achieving their sustainability objectives, as well as Silicon Ranch’s proven track record in successfully completing complex transactions. Solar is the most visible component of VW’s overall carbon reduction and energy strategy.
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Next Up: Top 15 Sustainable Initiatives in Georgia

The Compost Company

Photo: The Compost Company Instagram

Whether you are a restaurant, grocery store, hotel, or school, let The Compost Company takes care of your organic waste and helps you reach your sustainability goals.

See below their services:

Organic waste collection: Easy, clean, cost-effective organic waste diversion tailored to your needs, at your location. They offer pickup service when you need it using containers that fit your space.

Organic waste dropoff: They accept organic waste of all types at their Ashland City site, and offer free dropoff at two Nashville-area convenience centers. See their interactive map to find the drop-off site closest to you and start composting today.  Every bit counts.

Event composting: No matter the size of the event, their team can help you with bin rentals, waste collection, and compostable materials sourcing.

As of today, their customers include Music City Center, Renaissance Hotels, Country Music Hall of Fame, SustainVU, Loews Hotels, CAT Financial, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville Farmer’s Market, TriStar Skyline, The Old School Nashville, Metro Nashville Public Works, Compost Nashville, Gardens of Babylon, The Great House and Second Harvest Food Bank. Recognize any of them?

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Tennessee Clean Fuels

Tennessee Clean Fuels is comprised of Tennessee’s two Clean Cities coalitions: Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels and East Tennessee Clean Fuels. The mission of Tennessee Clean Fuels is to promote cleaner alternative fuels and vehicles to improve air quality and health, curb dependence on petroleum, and support Tennessee’s economy.

They do this by providing consultation services, fleet support, and up-to-date industry information. In other words, they connect fleets with the information and relationships they’ll need to switch to alternative fuels. Since 2003, 84,861,203
gallons of gasoline saved, 370,332 tons of greenhouse gases reduced and 31,505 alternative fuel vehicles are now in use in Tennessee. 

 

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Appalachian Renewable Resources

Photo: Appalachian Renewable Resources

In early 2010, Scott Noethen started Appalachian Renewable Resources. At the time, the goal was to incorporate renewable energy resources — wind, solar and hydro — into building design. During the course of the past six years, Scott has been involved in the installation and maintenance of over 1MW of solar energy throughout Tennessee and Virginia.

Today, Appalachian Renewable Resources is focused on energy audits, solar photovoltaic, and solar thermal technologies.

Solar photovoltaic systems, or solar PV systems, use solar radiation to convert sunlight into electricity. Appalachian Renewable Resources can help with; outfitting boats and/or recreational vehicles; offsetting residential energy use; or the installation of a residential and/or commercial solar system.

Solar thermal energy systems, or STS, are designed to collect, store, and circulate solar heated water. If you are interested in exploring options in solar thermal applications, from swimming pools to full size residential and commercial installations, their team is capable of providing you with the solutions and guidance.

Energy audits, an energy audit is a comprehensive analysis of a building to identify areas that can be improved for better efficiency. The audit determines where and how your home loses energy, which systems operate inefficiently and recommends realistic measures to renovate it. Appalachian Renewable Resources is certified by RESNET to conduct audits. They have also partnered with Energy Vanguard, a company based in Atlanta, GA, an established leader in building science innovation.

 

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E3 Innovate

Photo: E3 Innovate

E3 Innovate is a team of building science and home performance specialists based in Nashville. From new builds to home improvement and remodeling, this notable sustainable company in Tennesse can also help you create a space that is comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient.

The photo you see above highlights one of their most recent successful projects: Rolling Mill Hill, Nashville.

The first Certified LEED Platinum mid-rise building in Tennessee, the Rolling Mill Hill project consists of two separate buildings housing 109 units of residential housing over a common parking garage. Heating and hot water are fueled by electricity with dedicated split-system heat pumps and tank-storage water heaters serving each of the residential units. The case study compares the actual build with the same structure built to standard code. E3 Innovate provided the following services: crawlspace, quality assurance, construction consulting, LEED Certification, spray foam insulation, cellulose and project planning.

Annual Energy Savings: 28%

Annual Cost Savings: $34,940

Pounds of Coal Saved Annually: 298,235

 

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LightWave Solar

Photo: LightWave Solar Facebook

LightWave Solar, LLC is an experienced turn-key solar installer providing solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services in the Midsouth. Founded in Nashville in 2006, LightWave Solar is 100% focused on solar photovoltaics (PV) with over 800 solar projects installed for businesses, municipalities, and homes in Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi. Their portfolio represents over 40MW of solar installed.

LightWave Solar is also a founding member of Amicus Solar Cooperative; the first purchasing cooperative in the U.S. solar industry, and a founding member of Amicus O&M Cooperative. As an Amicus member, LightWave Solar pools buying power with other installers across the U.S. to deliver high-quality solar systems at the best price. Amicus members share best practices and leverage experience and resources for marketing, sales, operations, engineering, installation and O&M.

 

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Tennessee Parks & Greenways Foundation (TennGreen)

Founded in 1998, Tennessee Parks & Greenways Foundation (TennGreen) is the oldest accredited, statewide land trust in Tennessee. TennGreen serves all Tennesseans, and through collaboration with members, private landowners, local municipalities, and state and federal agencies, the organization works to create parks, establish wildlife corridors, expand existing protected public lands, and enhance public recreation opportunities.

Today, they have three main projects: Bee Rock, Rock Island State Park and Mitchell Cove.

  1. Bee Rock; with its spectacular views and easy access from Interstate 40 near Cookeville, it remains a must-see for anyone looking for a quick hike or wanting to test their climbing skills. For decades, Bee Rock has drawn people from across Tennessee to climb its rocky face or to picnic at the top of the overlook located at the end of a 0.7-mile trail. Many hikers and climbers visited the property while it was still in the private ownership of the Walker family. In December of 2018, Bob Walker donated a conservation easement to TennGreen at Bee Rock, limiting future construction and timbering on the land, and providing permanent public access to the property. With the conservation easement in place, Mr. Walker generously gave the property to the Town of Monterey for its use as a public park.
  2. Rock Island State Park; In August 2017, two TennGreen board members and life-long conservationists, Mary Lynn Dobson and Ann Tidwell, alerted our conservation staff that 45 acres of land were for sale adjacent to Rock Island State Park along the Caney Fork of the Cumberland River. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) expressed interest in acquiring the property to expand the park. TennGreen has now purchased and transferred the land to TDEC, allowing the expansion of the historic park by an additional 45 acres.
  3.  Mitchell Cove; While standing among the ferns in Mitchell Cove, it is easy to imagine generations of people and wildlife finding refuge amid the towering trees. This unique natural area, with its lush forests and peaceful streams, has a rare and rich history that echoes across its ageless bluffs. Thanks to your generosity and outstanding support from Lyndhurst Foundation, The Tucker Foundation, and many individuals, the natural wonders of these wild lands will remain forever undeveloped, safeguarded from the threats of our rapidly changing world. Located near Sewanee on the South Cumberland Plateau, Mitchell Cove is a rare gem that offers a stark contrast to the busy noises and fast pace of modern life. Its breathtaking bluff views and mighty forests, that are home to so many of our plants, fish, and wildlife, are every development and timber company’s dream.
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Wilmot

Photo: Wilmot Facebook

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Wilmot Inc. is a certified woman-owned business that provides consulting services in both the public and private sectors to implement environmentally responsible business practices. Some of their featured projects include:

  • Nashville International Airport (BNA) Master Plan: Wilmot was hired as part of the team of consultants to create the (BNA) Master Plan for the MNAA. With expertise in waste reduction, Wilmot spearheaded the effort of updating BNA’s Recycling, Reuse and Waste Reduction Plan. Through this project, Wilmot conducted an on-site waste characterization as part of a baseline assessment followed by the creation of goals and a conducted a feasibility review for implementation of recommendations, including target materials and reduction opportunities. Finally, Wilmot conducted a cost-benefit analysis of various waste reduction opportunities to assess the impact of various opportunities and recovery scenarios.
  • Solid Waste Master Plan: Wilmot was hired to work as part of the consultant team for Nashville Metro Public Works to create Davidson County’s Long-Term Zero Waste Master Plan. Wilmot worked to analyze municipal solid waste content and amounts, offering expertise in local tax codes surrounding waste and recycling. Wilmot’s knowledge of the recycling market and land use within and around Davidson County was used to help the team identify viable diversion opportunities. The identified strategies focused on reducing and reusing current waste outputs to achieve 90% diversion from landfills by 2030. Wilmot assisted in completing a cost-benefit analysis for the plan using a triple bottom line framework for three final landfill alternatives based on financial and social group modeling across Nashville.
  • Cumberland City Low Water Main: Wilmot was selected by Nashville Metro Water Services (MWS) to complete an assessment using a triple bottom line framework to evaluate the impact of the construction of the Cumberland City Low transmission water main. This water main was created to supply redundancy in MWS’ distribution system. Wilmot analyzed the investment in the Cumberland City Low transmission water main by completing an economic impact analysis (EIA) and identifying additional benefits accruing to the economy, society and environment as a result of the improved infrastructure. Overall, the study found that the project added $42.2M in wealth to the study region and supported or created 338 jobs, with $15.4M in additional benefits to the local economy, society and environment.
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Tennessee Wild

Photo: Tennessee Wild Facebook

Tennessee Wild is a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting wilderness on the Cherokee National Forest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. They educate the public about the benefits of wilderness and promote volunteerism and the sound stewardship of Tennessee’s wild places.

They lead regular outings and trail maintenance trips as a means to create advocates for Tennessee’s wild places.

Tennessee Wild Coalition Members include:

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We hope you enjoyed L’Autre Couleur’s Notable Sustainable Companies in Tennessee!

L’Autre Couleur is a responsible content marketing & design agency that represents companies making a difference in positive impact & sustainability. We offer end-to-end full service in digital marketing services, ranging from content writing & web design to social media and public relations campaign management.

To work with us on content writing or digital marketing projects, feel free to contact us.

This was the 18th post in the Notable Sustainable Companies series; one for every State in the United States. You can expect a Notable Sustainable Companies article for every State in the United States! To stay updated on the up and coming initiatives, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook. Also please comment if we have left out any important sustainable companies in Tennessee that you believe should be part of our list of top sustainable companies, or if you have any thoughts/comments on the article.

Check out some of the sustainable companies happening in your neighbouring country.

 

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