History

In 1994, the U.S. EPA, in conjunction with the U.S. DOE, launched a pilot program, known as ClimateWise, a voluntary initiative aimed at encouraging efficient energy consumption and emission reduction among industry as a method of increasing corporate assets. Under the administration of James Haven, North Carolina became nationally recognized as the leader in the reporting of GHG emissions for the U.S. Due to federal budget cuts, the pilot program ended in 2000, with no further support to the states. This funding was then contracted for North Carolina State University (NCSU) to continue with the current 25 reporting companies (a total of 39 facilities were reporting). Subsequently, to balance the State budget, the State elected to discontinue supporting the efforts established through the ClimateWise program. NCSU cancelled the program on June 30, 2002 with the 39 facility reports only half completed. This left the company year-end reports in turmoil.

With the need for this program already established and major enhancements coming, the decision was made by James Haven to continue the 39 reports. This reporting cycle was concluded in November 2002. At this time a new program was put together at a DOE / VRGG workshop in Washington D.C., with the assistance of GWI's CED, James Haven. The program was transformed into a non-profit organization with the intentions of improving environmental performance of industries throughout the State of North Carolina. Global Warming Initiatives was formed on January 6, 2003..