What Green|Spaces does

Green|Spaces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and headquartered at 63 East Main Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee, operating a portfolio of interconnected sustainability programs across the surrounding nine-county region. Its work spans four domains: residential energy efficiency (Empower Chattanooga, a free workshop program claiming 5-25% utility-bill savings for more than 3,000 residents); workforce development (Build it Green, a 6-month to 1-year AmeriCorps-affiliated training for ages 18-24 with documented 90% graduation and 80% placement rates); K-12 STEM education (The Green Prix, a GreenPower USA electric race car program reaching 45+ schools and 1,000+ students); and business certification (green|light, a nine-topic sustainability badge program for 40+ participants, and green|leader, a self-paced professional certificate). Newer vertical programs include Chattanooga Healthy Homes (asthma prevention through value-based care contracts), Understory (a four-year tree planting and urban forestry workforce program launched in 2024), and Climate Action Plan coordination tied to the City of Chattanooga's 2050 carbon-neutrality goals.

The underlying technology is principally human-delivered curriculum, in-person workshop facilitation, and partnership-driven community operations rather than software platforms. Documented credentials produced through the ecosystem include 150+ LEED Green Associates, 23 Certified Duct Testers, and 6 HERS Rating Providers. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors under CEO Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier (appointed 2021, credentials include CFRE/ACNP/GPC), with a Director of Operations (Meghan Greene), a Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, and program Directors for Build it Green and the three Understory tracks.

Green|Spaces is funded through a hybrid of individual and business memberships ($25/year students, $125/year individuals, $100/year Sustainability Professionals of Greater Chattanooga, plus Gold/Silver business tiers revised for 2025), tax-deductible donations (including cryptocurrency via Engiven and planned giving), and project-restricted grants from EPB, City of Chattanooga, TVA, USDA Forest Service (Inflation Reduction Act), AmeriCorps, CNCS, Lyndhurst Foundation, Benwood Foundation, Kendeda Fund, Footprint Foundation, and United Way of Greater Chattanooga. One 2023 partnership with EPB and the City of Chattanooga raised over $2.2 million for 350 home energy upgrades. Go-to-market is community-led: free or low-cost workshops, school partnerships, lunch-and-learn events, the Spirits & Sustainability networking series, an online Green Business Directory, and volunteer-driven engagement — making the organization simultaneously a program operator, a professional association, and a regional convening body for sustainability practice.

Name

Green|Spaces

Legal name

green|spaces

Website

https://greenspaceschattanooga.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Green|Spaces is a Chattanooga-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers sustainability programs — energy efficiency education, green construction workforce training, K-12 electric-vehicle STEM, business certification, tree planting, and asthma-prevention housing — across a nine-county region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Education and Community Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Civic and Social Organizations (81341)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable/Green Building & LEED Consulting (BPAHAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Urban & Community Reforestation / Street Tree Planting (AFAMACAL), Eco-Certification, Auditing & Standards (Green Lodging, Tour Operator Certification) (THAAANAA), Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital Programs (Water, Biodiversity Credits, PES) (IMAMAJAK)

Keywords

• Sustainability education
• Green business certification
• Workforce development training
• Energy efficiency workshops
• Community environmental programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from individuals ($125/year), students ($25/year), and businesses at various tiers (Gold, Silver levels). Members receive access to Lunch & Learns, discounts on programs, and promotional benefits.
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations supporting the nonprofit mission. Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
3. Government and Foundation Grants: Funding from government agencies and foundations including EPB, City of Chattanooga, TVA, AmeriCorps, Lyndhurst Foundation, Benwood Foundation, Footprint Foundation, Kendeda Fund, and others for specific programs.
4. Cryptocurrency and Planned Giving: Accepts cryptocurrency donations through Engiven platform and planned giving options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Green|Spaces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers sustainability education, green workforce training, and community certification programs across the Chattanooga region. Its core offerings include free residential energy efficiency workshops (Empower Chattanooga), green construction workforce training for young adults (Build it Green), student STEM programs building electric race cars (Green Prix), tree planting and environmental equity initiatives (Understory), a verified corporate sustainability certification (green|light), and an online sustainability professional certificate (green|leader). The organization funds these services through individual and business memberships, grants, and donations.

Product overview

Green|Spaces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating a portfolio of interconnected sustainability programs for the Chattanooga region. The core offerings include: green|light (green business certification) and green|leader (professional sustainability certificate) for business and workforce development; Empower Chattanooga (energy efficiency education) and Build it Green (construction workforce training) for residential and community impact; The Green Prix (EV STEM education) and Understory (tree planting with workforce development) for youth and environmental initiatives; and Chattanooga Healthy Homes (asthma prevention) for public health. Supporting programs include Lunch & Learns and Spirits & Sustainability (networking events), Youth Sustainability Board (youth leadership), Climate Action Plan coordination, and the Sustainability Professionals membership organization. The organization serves as a community resource center advancing regional sustainability through advocacy, education, training, and incentive campaigns.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• green|light Green Business Certification Independently verified corporate sustainability certification for Chattanooga-area businesses, covering nine sustainability topics (Environmental Literacy, Energy Efficiency, Green Cleaning, Transportation, Waste Reduction, Landscaping, Staff Participation, Water, Purchasing). Certified businesses receive window clings, logos, and inclusion in the Green Business Directory.
• green|leader Sustainability Professional Certificate The nation's first localized Sustainability Professional Certificate, an online self-paced course designed to help working professionals, students, and citizens acquire understanding of environmental challenges and business opportunities. Designed to be completed in eight weeks by a full-time professional and offered through Chattanooga State.
• Empower Chattanooga Free energy efficiency program serving residents of Chattanooga and surrounding counties (Bledsoe, Grundy, Marion, Meigs, McMinn, Rhea, Polk, and Sequatchie). Teaches no- and low-cost ways to reduce utility bills through in-person and virtual workshops covering weatherization, insulation, lighting, and appliance efficiency. Clients save 5-25% on electric bills after taking the free workshop.
• Build it Green (BIG) Workforce Development Program Workforce development training program for young adults aged 18-24, preparing them for careers in construction and energy services. A 6-month to 1-year program providing community outreach training, personal development, and technical training in weatherization and green building. Partnership with AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service Initiative. Features 90% graduation and 80% placement rates.
• The Green Prix STEM EV Program Student-led, designed, and built electric power race car STEM education program using GreenPower USA curriculum. Supports over 45 local schools with students from elementary through high school (ages 9-18) designing, building, and racing electric race cars. Free for public schools with teacher stipends, parts, and instructions provided. Spans electrical engineering, wiring, mechanics, aerodynamics, and renewable energy education.
• Understory Tree Planting Initiative Four-year tree-planting initiative focused on growing communities, opportunities, and trees in the most nature-deprived corridors of Chattanooga. Includes community engagement, workforce development, and environmental equity components addressing climate change through tree canopy restoration.
• Chattanooga Healthy Homes Asthma Prevention Program In-home asthma prevention program addressing Chattanooga's high asthma rates through a three-step strategy: community health workers providing education, home improvements through Build it Green and EPB's Home Uplift, and value-based payment arrangements with TennCare managed care organizations. Returns $5.30-$14.00 for every $1 invested based on reduced ER visits.
• Lunch & Learns Monthly Education Events Monthly educational and networking events held on the 2nd Wednesday, providing free learning opportunities for Chattanoogans on sustainability topics. Free for members, $15 for non-members including lunch.
• Spirits & Sustainability Networking Events Monthly networking events typically hosted on the last Tuesday of each month, providing educational and networking opportunities for Chattanoogans. Free for the public to attend. Formerly known as Green Drinks.
• Green Business Directory Online directory showcasing certified green businesses with Gold, Silver, and Nonprofit membership tiers for consumer discovery and support of sustainable Chattanooga businesses.
• Youth Sustainability Board Collective of high school leaders across Chattanooga dedicated to shaping a sustainable future. Platform for young leaders to research, design, and implement real-world sustainability initiatives, currently focused on net metering policy research.
• Climate Action Plan Coordination Collaborative initiative supporting Chattanooga's 2023 Climate Action Plan adopted by City Council, with goals including carbon neutrality by 2050 and zero waste. Organized into CAP Project Teams including Community Engagement, Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Waste Reduction, Water Quality, Tree Canopy, and Food & Biodiversity.
• Sustainability Professionals of Greater Chattanooga Membership-based professional organization for sustainability professionals in the Chattanooga area. Provides monthly roundtable meetings, bi-annual field trips, targeted workshops, and continuing education units. Yearly membership fee of $100.

Quantifiable outcome

• Clients save 5-25% on electric bills after taking Empower workshops
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to operate Build it Green workforce development program, providing AmeriCorps members for young adult training and education awards for participants. The program started in 2018 and prepares young adults ages 18-24 for careers in construction and energy services.
• EPB (Electric Power Board)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary utility partner for Empower Chattanooga, Build it Green, and Understory programs. Co-funds energy efficiency initiatives including Home Uplift program and sponsors employee volunteerism.
• City of ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Climate Action Plan, healthy homes program, and various sustainability initiatives. City charter includes internal sustainability team.
• LifeSpring Community HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner for Healthy Homes Asthma Prevention program providing community health workers who educate patients about asthma triggers and supply resources.
• Green and Healthy Homes InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization from Baltimore, MD that led feasibility study and pilot program for Chattanooga Healthy Homes, providing expertise in addressing home-related health risks.
• Tennessee Farmers CooperativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Empower and Empoderate programs providing energy efficiency education.
• Erlanger Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare provider for asthma-related emergency and hospitalization serving as referral source for Healthy Homes program.
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater ChattanoogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner providing home improvements for Healthy Homes program participants.
• Volkswagen ChattanoogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Green Prix races at their manufacturing facility in Chattanooga.
• GreenPower USAcoreTechnology or IntegrationCurriculum provider for Green Prix electric race car program, supplying parts and build guides for student teams.
• Scenic City SolarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold level business member specializing in solar installation services.
• Ruby FallsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold level business member, Chattanooga attraction committed to sustainability practices.
• Strategic Sustainable SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilver level business member providing sustainability consulting services.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Emerging players

• Green For All Cities (or local green-business networks): Comparable business-focused sustainability networks offering green business certification and member directories. Similar in scope and mechanics to green|light's badge-based sustainability certification across nine categories.
• Green For All (Dream Corps): National advocacy organization focused on environmental and economic equity in the green economy. Comparable to Green|Spaces' Healthy Homes and Understory programs that prioritize low-income and nature-deprived communities.

Direct peers

• Green Umbrella: A Cincinnati-based regional sustainability alliance that convenes hundreds of organizations across water, food, energy, and built-environment programs. Highly comparable as a mid-sized-city sustainability hub with similar advocacy, education, and convening functions.
• Conservation Legacy: National nonprofit operating Conservation Corps programs that combine workforce development with environmental stewardship on public lands. Comparable to Build it Green in combining young-adult AmeriCorps-style workforce training with environmental outcomes.
• Sustainable Pittsburgh: Regional sustainability nonprofit operating business certification programs and sustainability-focused workforce/community initiatives in the Pittsburgh metro. Closely matches Green|Spaces' green|light-style certification model and multi-stakeholder convening approach.
• Trees Atlanta: Urban forestry nonprofit running tree planting, community engagement, and workforce development in metro Atlanta. Directly comparable to Green|Spaces' Understory program on mission, geography scale, and community-based delivery model.
• TreePeople: Los Angeles-based environmental nonprofit combining urban tree planting, youth education, and policy advocacy. Comparable to Understory and the Youth Sustainability Board, with a larger operational footprint and broader policy influence.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Green Building Council (Local Chapters): National organization behind LEED certification; its regional chapters deliver green-building education, networking, and credentialing. Green|Spaces' LEED project work (43 projects) and 150+ LEED Green Associates credentialing overlap directly with USGBC chapter activities.
• ICLEI USA: Global network supporting local governments on sustainability and climate action planning. Directly comparable to Green|Spaces' role facilitating Chattanooga's Climate Action Plan adoption and ongoing implementation.

Regional players

• Southeast Sustainability Network: Regional sustainability convening organization spanning Southeastern U.S. Comparable to Green|Spaces as a Southern regional sustainability hub, though operating at a multi-state rather than single-metro scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/greenspacescha
• Instagraminstagram.com/greenspacescha
• Xx.com/greenspacescha
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greenspacescha

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Green|Spaces