This presentation will focus on struggles faced and achievements realized in building a largely energy independent model community at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Within 3 years, CHSR has moved from a resort with extreme inefficiencies to become a world leader in renewable energy and sustainable development. Projects undertaken include on-site geothermal power generation, year-round food production, geothermally powered absorption refrigeration, hydropower, biofuels, and hydrogen production. The talk will cover the ingredients necessary to make a project successful, and what steps can be taken to encourage sustainable development elsewhere in Alaska. The projects at CHSR have received international recognition, including Power Project of the Year Award in the Renewable Energy category by Power Engineering Magazine, the 2006 Green Power Leadership Award, and most recently the first Alaskan project to win an R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazine.