Right now, throngs of tech geeks, journalists and retailers are getting a first glimpse at the gadgets, tech toys and mobile devices of the near future at the International Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. Among them are some great sustainable innovations. But the trade-group behind the show, the Consumer Electronics Association, just did something more meaningful to support the community and sustainability.

They made a $75,000 donation to Green Chips, a Las Vegas-based non-profit focused on sustainability and co-chaired by Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman.

So while visitors to the exposition are going to run into unique solar innovations, like a solar-powered remote control, Green Simian’s solar-powered iPhone charger and the Joos personal device charger—which coincidentally won the Best of Innovations Award at the show, Green Chips is now deciding how best to use the donation.

“It was quite surprising, but much appreciated,” said Reggie Burton, a spokesperson for the organization.

The donation is not the first green donation the Consumer Electronics Association has made.

Last year it made a $50,000 donation to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department to purchase seven Vetrix electric motorcycles.

Of this year’s donation, association spokesperson Tim Doyle said, “Green Chips is a worthy recipient of our donation. We are committed to giving back locally at CES and greening Las Vegas.”

The donation was made to Green Chips’ Non-Profit Energy Audit and Retrofit program.

“This contribution will enable Green Chips to conduct more audits and prepare more buildings for clean solar energy,” Goodman said in a press release.

The program previously helped fund the Shade Tree Shelter’s energy efficiency audit and retrofit.

“Typically, we provide financing for the cost of energy efficiency audits and retrofits. If part of the process of retrofitting…solar may be possible,” Burton said. For example, the organization also helped the domestic abuse shelter install solar panels.

The organization is in the process of determining which non-profit organizations to partner with as recipients of the funds.

“The goal is to identify the non-profits. Get the project underway and get it done by the end of the year,” said Burton. “So it can be presented at next year’s conference.”

He said the funds may benefit up to three projects.

Image courtesy of Green Chips.