The Sustainable Village is a "social enterprise" - we're trying to use the business model to both benefit people and the environment. We have a special focus on microenterprise projects in developing countries. and work on the interface between markets in America and benefits for the world's 2 billion poorest people.

We provide solutions to global problems using renewable energy and appropriate technology. We help projects in developing countries concerning energy generation, safe water, public health, long-distance communications, sustainable agriculture, and micro-enterprise employment. We provide the "hard technology" for these projects: design and engineering, equipment and parts supply, international delivery, training and installation.

Steve Troy created The Sustainable Village specifically to help developing countries. He has founded or co-founded over 20 businesses including Jade Mountain, Real Goods, and Green China Direct, LLC .

Collaborating Cooperation: How we do Business
Our world has many serious problems: poverty, illiteracy, war and intolerance, poor drinking water, desertification, infant mortality, inequality.....too much for any individual or group or government. To effectively solve these problems, we need to collaborate and work together. We see this networking function as one of our most important roles. To that end, we strive to maintain openness and a focus on positive benefits. We're:

Non-denominational:
Many different religious groups are doing wonderful projects in developing countries. We help based on the good they're doing rather than any allegiance to any particular belief system. Our customers/partners/clients include most Christian denominations, Islam, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist groups.

Non-political:
Democrat, republican, independent, the political parties of the countries we work with, and many of the smaller groups - we look at the work being done, not the philosophy.

Multi-country:
We work with all or at least one NGO, group, individual, government or commercial venture in almost every country.

Multi-ethnic:
Human goodness, integrity, and inspiration are much deeper than skin and culture.

Gender-blind:
We look at the work being done, not the people. We work closely with many women's causes and organizations.