Sustainability, in development, transportation, commerce, and community networks, is certainly a hot topic at the moment.

The successful launch of Sustainability Issaquah has proved that there are many people on the Eastside, business owners — engineers, and technical professionals as well as those traditionally termed ‘environmentalists’ — interested in exploring new ways to improve the relationship of our growing cities with the environment.

The city is also currently discussing ways to work alternative energy infrastructure into its municipal code.

Issaquah resident Matt Tighe represents that new generation of young, educated, and motivated professionals with an eye to the future of his community.

This Thursday Tighe will launch a club he hopes will form the basis of a network to drive sustainability improvements in the city.

“My goal with the green energy club is to have people with all sorts of backgrounds who are willing to network and educate people about current and future technologies,” he said. “I want the club to give people the ability to control their own energy destiny within their home, business and vehicle by discussing the various options within the club. In my mid 30s, I am now growing more and more aware of my environment and ways to protect it.”

Tighe said that recently his interest in resource conservation has grown, as he learns more about its possible applications.

“I went to my first Green Convention in Seattle this year and I was hooked,” he said. “I recently started taking a Shoreline Community College course in zero energy, which focuses on how to be an energy auditor and also has two courses on solar, both thermal and photovoltaic.”

Solar energy is one of the avenues that Tighe will be exploring in the new club.

“Although we don’t live in a perfect solar environment, this area is a great candidate for solar and works very well,” he said. “Germany’s climate is similar to the Northwest and they have an outstanding amount of solar production each year.”

If you are interested in renewable/responsible energy and would like to attend the club’s first meeting, at the Issaquah Highlands Fire Station between 7-9 p.m. on June 25, contact Tighe at matttighe@gmail.com.