According to the company, the scholarship was established to underscore the long-term global warming effects carbon emissions have on our fragile ecosystem.

Residential and commercial buildings are responsible for 30-40 percent of carbon emissions in the U.S. alone. Accent is a roofing company striving to reshape perspectives and inspire America's next generation to minimize their footprint and adopt eco-friendly practices.

The company said it believes and is actively using every means possible including research, technology, innovation, and environmentally friendly products to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses.

"We believe we can make a difference and positively affect our climate for the good if we all commit and work together to be good stewards of our planet and its limited resources," says Lonnie Hagan, operations director of Accent Roofing & Construction.

In an effort to expand sustainable practices and reduce environmental ramifications, Accent Roofing & Construction will be awarding their "Green Scholarship" to environmentally-conscious students who demonstrate innovative and thought-provoking ideas surrounding energy conservation.

"Hopefully, through this scholarship opportunity, we can find, develop and eventually influence the implementation of the next significant breakthrough in roofing and construction products for our planet and its environment," says Hagan.

This scholarship opportunity is for students seeking a degree in business, construction management, engineering, finance, or marketing that hold a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

Participants will be asked to submit a 1,500-2,000 word essay answering the following prompts: 

1) Using current technology, what are some practical alternatives to current roofing and construction practices that could reduce the carbon emissions of residential, commercial, and industrial complexes?

2) What are some technologies that could be further developed by the roofing and construction industry to reduce carbon emissions from residential, commercial and commercial complexes?

Essays must be postmarked by Jan. 15 in order to qualify and the scholarship recipient will be announced annually on March 1.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and apply, please visit the Accent Roofing scholarship page.