Exploring Climate Solutions Webinar Series 

This series explores innovative and successful climate change solutions across Connecticut and the nation. The webinars provide first-hand accounts of high-profile municipal climate programs, climate initiatives in the corporate world, new greenhouse gas reporting frameworks, statewide sustainability programs, low-carbon fuel initiatives, and other programs and projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or improve climate resilience.

 

Past Webinars

Neighborhood-scale Decarbonization: Geothermal and beyond (June 10, 2024)
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View the Presentation Slides

For years, the U.S. Department of Energy has been promoting awareness of the enormous potential to heat and cool our homes, businesses, schools, and other buildings using heat pumps and geothermal energy. And in the last several years, across Connecticut and the Northeast, there has been a burst of interest in and activity around this little-exploited form of thermal energy. In this webinar, part of the Exploring Climate Solutions Webinar Series, we: look at projects across the region to design and build thermal energy networks that serve entire neighborhoods; look at a range of other low- and zero-carbon thermal energy resources that such networks can incorporate to make them even more versatile and efficient; and look at emerging policies, programs, and practices to empower communities to harness this suite of technologies to rapidly, democratically, and equitably move themselves toward the era of clean energy. The panelists are Jared Rodriguez, Executive Director of Community Decarbonization Partners; Debbie New, Coordinator of Vermont Community Thermal Networks; and Steven Winter, Director of the City of New Haven’s Office of Climate and Sustainability.

 

Coastal Resilience Funding Opportunities for Connecticut (March 17, 2023, 1– 2 PM)
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• Kyle Gray, Manager of Programs and Engagement, Throwe Environmental
• Kim Groff, Project Partner, Throwe Environmental

Federal Funds for Resilience Projects: National Coastal Resilience Fund and Long Island Sound Futures Fund (April 18, 2022, 12 – 1:30 PM)
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Learn about these two grant programs with funds available to support resilience planning and projects in Connecticut. Webinar will provide an overview of the grant programs with an extended Q&A session where participants can receive feedback on their pre-proposals or ideas.
National Coastal Resilience Fund - REQUIRED Pre-proposals due April 21. Planning and design awards of $100,000 - $1,000,000. Implementation awards of $1,000,0000 - $10,000,000.
Long Island Sound Futures Fund - Optional idea proposals due April 22 (not required to submit full proposal). Proposal due May 19. Awards range from $50,000 to $1,500,000 for planning, implementation, education/public participation, and community science/water quality monitoring.

Funding Climate Solutions for Chronic Flooding, Extreme Rainfall Events, and Water Quality with Stormwater Authorities (December 16, 2021, 12 – 1 PM)
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Earlier this year, an Act Concerning Climate Adaptation (Public Act 21-115) was passed, and one of the key components of this act was the expansion of the current pilot program for municipal stormwater authorities which would give all municipalities the ability to create such an authority. As a result, these authorities may address reductions in stormwater pollution and flooding, help municipalities afford green infrastructure and resiliency investments, and leverage additional state and federal funding sources. Join us for a presentation by representatives from UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) and Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) to learn more about stormwater authorities and upcoming opportunities to facilitate their creation across Connecticut. Additionally, Joe Lanzafame, Director of New London Public Utilities, will present the challenges and benefits with Connecticut's first stormwater authority in the City of New London.

Speaker Bios

Connecticut's Zero Carbon Electric Supply by 2040 (November 9, 2021, 12 – 1 PM)
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Join us for a presentation by Julia Dumaine from DEEP's Bureau of Energy, Technology and Policy on the newly released Final Integrated Resources Plan (IRP). The 2020 IRP marks Connecticut’s first assessment of pathways to achieve a 100 percent zero-carbon electric sector by 2040, as directed by Governor Ned Lamont through his Executive Order No.3 (E.O. 3). This IRP focuses in the near term on areas of reform essential to facilitating the transition to a zero carbon electric sector; to ready the grid with modernized transmission systems, to reform the regional wholesale market, and to implement and synchronize policies and programs that promote affordability and equity.

Speaker Bio
Julia Dumaine is an Associate Economist who has been with DEEP's Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy since 2015.  She has worked extensively on the 2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy, the Conservation and Load Management Plans, and most recently the 2020 Integrated Resources Plan.  Julia received both her undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut.  

Responding to Extreme Heat in Connecticut ( August 9, 2021,12 – 1 PM)
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View the Presentation Slides
Connecticut has experienced two heat waves already this summer. Under a changing climate we can expect both hot days and hot nights to increase by 2050. Heat waves have an immediate impact on public health statewide and disproportionately impact our urban communities, particularly the very young, our elders, and those suffering from illness. Please join this webinar to hear from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection team behind the alerts issued by the state in preparation for a heat wave as well as the City of Hartford, Department of Health and Human Services, one of the municipal entities charged with responding to these alerts at the local level.

Speaker Bios

Liany E. Arroyo is the Director of the City of Hartford’s Department of Health and Human Services. In this capacity, she oversees five divisions whose aim is to improve and protect the health of the City’s over 122,000 residents. She also serves as the Principal Investigator for Hartford’s REACH program, a five-year, nearly $4 million investment to connect communities of color with health and social resources to reduce the burden of chronic disease and improve health status of the community. Liany has spent over 20 years working in the non-profit and government sectors developing programs and promoting public policies to improve the health status of communities of color across the nation.

Brenda Bergeron, DESPP/ DEMHS
Doug Glowacki, DESPP / DEMHS
Eric Scoville, DESPP / DEMHS
William Turley, DESPP / DEMHS

The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is a part of the six division Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Working closely with local, state, federal, tribal, and private sector partners, DEMHS provides a coordinated, integrated program for statewide emergency management and homeland security. The division directs and coordinates all available resources to protect the life and property of the residents of Connecticut in the event of a disaster or crisis, whether natural or manmade, through a collaborative program of prevention, planning, preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and public education. This mission includes strategic and operational planning, operations, training and exercise, grants, and disaster relief. DEMHS also coordinates statewide security communications as well as establishes standards and protocols for the use and dissemination of intelligence.

 

Conservation and Load Management Plan (April 1, 2021, 12 – 1 PM)
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View the Presentation Slides

Michael Li, has served as the DEEP BETP Bureau Chief since August 2019 and also serves as the agency’s representative on Connecticut Green Bank Board of Directors. Prior to coming to Connecticut, he worked at the Department of Energy for nearly 10 years in a variety of roles, including Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Brenda Watson is the Executive Director of Operation Fuel, Inc., a Connecticut non-profit driven to reduce the home energy and water utility burden on low- and moderate-income Connecticut residents and is a member of the Connecticut Green Bank's Board of Directors. Her professional career spans 20 years in the areas of transportation planning, municipal government, community organizing, program planning, as well as development and fundraising. Ms. Watson also serves on the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition as Board Secretary, CT League of Conservation Voters, and Water Planning Commission-Advisory Group. Ms. Watson was appointed by Governor Lamont to the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) and also served on the GC3 Equity and Environmental Justice Working Group.

 

Transportation and Climate Initiative 101 (March 25, 2021, 12 – 1 PM)

“No Net Loss of Forest” Policy – Advice from Maryland and New Jersey (December 17, 2020)
The top overarching priority recommendation from the November 6, 2020 Governor's Council on Climate Change (GC3) Natural and Working Lands Working Group/Forests Subgroup Final Report is adoption of a “No Net Loss of Forests” policy for Connecticut. With approximately 60% of Connecticut under tree canopy cover from the rural to urban landscape gradient, keeping forest as forests is a critical cross sector strategy that will enable Connecticut to succeed implementing numerous climate change adaptation, resilience, and mitigation action items within the soon to be finalized GC3 Report. Both Maryland and New Jersey have been implementing “No Net Loss of Forest” policies for several years to slow the loss of forests and enhance multiple benefits trees and forests provide including carbon storage, biodiversity, public health, and green infrastructure. However, each state has taken a different approach. This webinar aims to introduce Connecticut to no net forest loss as a natural climate change solution, gleaning lessons learned from nearby eastern states, and to start the conversation on how a “No Net Loss of Forests” policy might work in Connecticut. Speakers: Carrie Sargeant, Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator for the New Jersey Forest Service. New Jersey’s Urban & Community Forestry program strives to create more sustainable communities through educating and empowering individuals and local governments to manage their forests and trees; Gary G. Allen, President of the Maryland Forestry Foundation since 2009. Gary manages programs in private forest land restoration and tree planting, natural resources careers, higher education fellowships, and Urban and Community Forestry; Eric Sprague, Vice President for Forest Restoration at American Forests in Washington, DC. Eric oversees the implementation of our large landscape forest restoration efforts across North America; Eric Hammerling, Executive Director, Connecticut Forest & Park Association since 2008, and Chair of the GC3 Forests Sub-Group; and Christopher Martin, Connecticut State Forester, DEEP Staff assistance to GC3 Forests Subgroup, and Vice President National Association of State Foresters. (presentation slides) Zoom Recording Maryland additional resources: House Bill 706 Forest Preservation Act No Net Loss of Forests in Maryland Final Report New Jersey additional resources: New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act 80x50 Report No Net Loss Compensatory Reforestation Program Guidelines

Special series: Equity and Environmental Justice in Climate Solutions
Details and Webinar Recordings

• A History of Environmental Justice and Racial Policies in Connecticut (September 10, 2020)
• Social Determinants of Health Disparities and Energy Affordability (September 17, 2020)
• An Adaptation and Mitigation Framework for Climate-Vulnerable Populations in Connecticut (September 24, 2020)
• Transportation and Climate Justice (October 1, 2020)
• Energy Justice (October 8, 2020)
• Environmental Justice and the Urban Natural Environment (October 15, 2020)
• Indigenous Approaches to Climate Change (October 22, 2020)
• Mapping Vulnerable Populations (October 29, 2020)
• Addressing the Needs of Persons with Disabilities in Climate Planning (November 5, 2020)
• State Climate Justice Laws and Policies (November 12, 2020)
• Intergenerational Climate Justice (November 19, 2020)

Build It With Wood  (July 1, 2020)
The manufacture of concrete and steel produces large greenhouse gas emissions, and use of these materials in building construction in turn makes the construction industry carbon intensive. But alternatives are emerging. During this webinar we learn about New England Forestry Foundation’s initiative to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of new mid- and high-rise construction by replacing concrete and steel with engineered timber products. Jennifer Shakun, leader of the Build it With Wood program, discusses how substituting engineered wood for more fossil-fuel-intensive materials can lead to better forest management, promote development patterns that reduce sprawl, help make housing more affordable, and allow buildings themselves to serve as carbon sinks.  (presentation slides) Rhode Island Heating Sector Transformation (June 18, 2020)
In Rhode Island, as in Connecticut, reliance on fuel oil, natural gas, and propane to heat homes, schools, and businesses accounts for a large share of statewide greenhouse gas emissions. During the webinar we will learn about Rhode Island’s broad initiative to create “a cleaner, more affordable and reliable heating future.” Nicholas Ucci, Acting Commissioner of the Office of Energy Resources (OER), provides an overview of the Heating Sector Transformation program, which has engaged scores of stakeholders in public workshops. And Jürgen Weiss and Dean Murphy of The Brattle Group review highlights of a major report that OER and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers commissioned to inform Rhode Island’s policy making and planning. Key technologies and approaches addressed in the report include cold-climate heat pumps, biodiesel, renewable natural gas, district heating, and enhanced energy efficiency. (presentation slides)

Resilient Rhody ─ Financing Solutions to Address the Impacts of Climate Change (April 21, 2020)
Jeff Diehl, leader of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB), will provide an overview of the bank’s approach to integrating climate resilience across operations and programs. RIIB is a leader in accelerating project implementation and led the development, and now implementation, of the State’s climate resilience strategy, Resilient Rhody. The strategy identified priority actions and investments to better prepare Rhode Island for a changing climate. The bank has established innovative programs to identify, fund, finance, and implement projects in a way that can overcome traditional barriers.  (presentation slides)

RMI Decarbonization Study for NJ Integrated Energy Plan (April 15, 2020)
Chaz Teplin from Rocky Mountain Institute will review key findings from the organization’s recent decarbonization study for New Jersey. NJ has set a goal of 80% GHG emissions reductions by 2050 and 100% Clean Energy. Dr. Teplin will describe the key implications for transportation, buildings, and industry, as well as for fossil gas, on- and off-shore wind, and solar. (presentation slides)

GeoVision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath Our Feet (October 15, 2019)
Please join us as Dr. Susan Hamm, Director of the Geothermal Technologies Office for the U.S. Department of Energy, discusses the findings of the Department of Energy’s report: GeoVision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath Our Feet. In addition to addressing the state of geothermal energy in the U.S., the report highlights the opportunities for geothermal to have a sizable role in meeting the nation’s 21st-century energy demands. The report provides a pathway forward for the future of geothermal and what needs to be done to increase the presence of geothermal in the energy sector. Dr. Hamm will also address the challenges and opportunities for geothermal in the Northeastern part of the United States. (presentation slides)

US Forest Service Carbon Estimation Tools (November 26, 2018)
Participants will learn about a variety of Forest Carbon Estimation Tools. The US Forest Service has sponsored or developed a number of tools relating to forest carbon estimation.  These products cover a range of spatial scales from individual forest stands to the continental US, and vary in the amount of data and training required.  This webinar will cover important considerations when choosing a tool and introduce the tools with national level coverage.  While we will focus on Forest Service applications for estimating forest carbon stocks, a wide variety of related tools are also available, and we’ll discuss tips on how to locate and evaluate these products. (presentation slides)

The City Climate Planner Program (September 20, 2018)
Participants will learn about the City Climate Planner Program. Increasing levels of GHG emissions around the globe are a concern for us all. The proper management and reduction of these emissions is a cornerstone for national and local climate planning, which means proper measurement is a must for dedicated professionals. To address this global challenge, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), in partnership with ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), and the World Resources Institute (WRI) have launched the City Climate Planner program.  Webinar Participants will learn about the City Climate Planner Program which includes the Urban Greenhouse Gas Inventory Specialist certification.  They will understand the importance of measuring GHG emissions to climate planning, identify the key aspects of the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC), and become familiar with available training opportunities. (presentation slides)

Connecticut's Lead by Example Program (May 31, 2018)
Join us to hear from Diane Duva, Director of the Office of Energy Demand at the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). Participants will be provided with an update on Connecticut’s Lead by Example program (LBE) and milestone achievements to date. The presentation will describe DEEP’s efforts to reduce energy use in Connecticut’s State buildings and operations through the completion of comprehensive energy improvement projects. (presentation slides)

New Haven's Climate and Sustainability Framework (April 19, 2018)
Join us to learn about New Haven’s recently released Climate and Sustainability Framework. The Framework addresses climate and sustainability through 6 key strategies; Electric Power, Buildings, Transportation, Materials Management, Land Use and Green Infrastructure, and Food. The Climate and Sustainability Framework puts forth a goal of 55% reduction from 1999 emissions by 2030. To achieve this goal, the entire New Haven community- government, businesses, institutions, non-profits, community organizations, and neighbors- will need to work together to affect real change. Guest presenters, Giovanni Zinn, City Engineer, and Dawn Henning, Project Manager- Engineering, will provide an overview of the Framework and highlight related projects underway.

Connecticut's 2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (March 1, 2018)
Join us to explore Connecticut’s recently released 2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES). By statute, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is required to periodically update the CES for all energy needs in the state, including, but not limited to, electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation. The 2018 CES recommends policies that support the state’s broader environmental policies to meet clean air, clean water, land conservation and development, and waste reduction goals, including reducing GHG emissions 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 2001 levels by 2050. (presentation slides)

Connecticut Green & Healthy Homes Project (January 25, 2018)
Join us to explore the Connecticut Green & Healthy Homes Project. The Project is working towards an innovative, statewide model to provide evidence-based housing, health and energy services to low-to-moderate income Connecticut households. These interventions are directly linked with reduced energy burdens, and improved health outcomes (e.g. asthma, lead poisoning, injury prevention), educational achievement, financial stability and quality of life for families. Connecticut Green Bank and the Connecticut Department of Public Health are working with the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative as well as six state agencies and the utility companies to assess the feasibility of implementing this broad service delivery approach given the unique assets and resources in Connecticut.

Sustainable CT (December 15, 2017)
Join us to explore Sustainable CT, a new statewide, sustainability certification program for Connecticut's cities and towns. Lynn Stoddard and Jessica LeClair of Eastern Connecticut State University's Institute for Sustainable Energy will present an overview of the program and describe the certification process. Sustainability actions, policies, and investments deliver multiple benefits and help towns make efficient use of scarce resources and engage a wide cross section of residents and businesses. There are many ways to participate - join us to learn how you can be involved in Sustainable CT!

Department of Energy's Home Energy Score (November 17, 2017)
Join us to learn about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score, a “miles-per-gallon” type rating for homes.  With 75,000 Scores generated to date, predominantly by utilities, the program is now primed to make a significant impact on the real estate market, with home inspectors ramping up to offer the Score, cities beginning to require it at time of sale, and lenders looking to use the Score to offer more favorable loan terms. Learn how the Home Energy Score is being used to drive awareness and investment in residential energy efficiency and its role in supporting carbon reduction goals. Our guest presenter will be Joan Glickman, Senior Advisor and Home Energy Score Program Administrator at the U.S. Department of Energy. (presentation slides)

Hartford's Draft Climate Action Plan (September 6, 2017)
Join us to learn about Hartford's evolving Climate Action Plan. Hartford's Climate Stewardship Council, in partnership with the Mayor's Sustainability Office, has just released a draft of its Climate Action Plan. This draft plan identifies 6 interconnected sustainability action areas: Energy, Food, Landscape, Transportation, Waste, and Water. The hope is to make incremental but consistent progress in each of these areas, using resources that are available to the community stakeholders and decisions that are consistent with three shared values of Public Health, Economic Development, and Social Equity. Guest presenters, Sara Bronin, Chair of the Climate Stewardship Council, and Shubhada Kambli, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Hartford, will provide an overview of the draft plan.

Green Building Rating Systems (June 30, 2017)
Join us to hear from Ross Spiegel, Architect and Specifications Coordinator at The S/L/A/M Collaborative. Mr. Spiegel will provide an overview of green building rating systems and their impact on sustainability, energy efficiency and resiliency. Learn how these programs have been used in Connecticut and how the programs address climate change. Also learn how the Connecticut Green Building Council supports these programs and works to advance green building in the State. (presentation slides)

Applied Associate of Science Degree in Energy Management at Tunxis Community College (May 18, 2017)
Join us to hear from Eric Gribin, Director of Energy Management Programs at Tunxis Community College. Mr. Gribin will talk about the Applied Associate of Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Energy Management and related courses and certificates. The A.A.S. is the first degree program in Connecticut that focuses on reducing energy waste in commercial and industrial buildings. Learn how this dynamic program is bringing together industry leaders and employers to teach and provide job opportunities for students – attracting incumbent energy workers as well as undergraduate and adult students – and is recognized by the Association for Energy Engineers as solid training for the Certified Energy Manager credential. (presentation slides)

Transit Oriented Development (April 28, 2017)
Join us to learn about transit oriented development (TOD) and its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut. TOD is a type of community development that can include a mixture of housing, office, retail and/or other amenities integrated into a walkable and sustainable neighborhood, typically located within a half-mile of quality public transportation. A combination of land use and transportation planning, this approach makes transportation more accessible to all, leading to reduced individual car travel and traffic congestion, both of which contribute to local air quality issues and greenhouse gas emissions. Guest speakers will provide participants an overview of TOD strategies, impacts, and opportunities for Connecticut municipalities to access TOD grant funding.

Connecticut's Lead by Example Program (March 9, 2017)
Join us to hear from Diane Duva, Director of the Office of Energy Demand at the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). Diane will provide us with an overview of Connecticut’s Lead by Example program (LBE) and milestone achievements to date. The presentation will describe DEEP’s efforts to reduce energy use in Connecticut’s State buildings and operations through the completion of comprehensive energy improvement projects. (presentation slides)

Feasibility Study on Renewable Thermal Technologies in Connecticut  (January 31, 2017)
Join us to hear from Helle Gronli, Associate Research Scientist affiliated with the Center for Business and Environment at Yale (CBEY). Ms. Gronli will share the results of a recent study on the “Feasibility of renewable thermal technologies in Connecticut.” Divided into two parts, 1) market potential and a 2) barriers and drivers, the study was implemented in partnership between the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, United Illuminating and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The webinar will focus on the study’s finding and recommendations for market opportunities to advance the adoption of renewable thermal technologies as a means to achieve the state’s ambitious carbon reduction goal. (presentation slides)

Sustainable Connecticut (December 2, 2016)
Join us to hear from Lynn Stoddard, director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University (ISE).  Lynn will discuss Sustainable CT, an exciting new initiative being developed by municipal leaders, ISE, and multiple stakeholders.  Sustainable CT is an emerging municipal sustainability certification program that will include technical assistance, education, detailed sustainability actions and tools, various funding and topic resources, and the opportunity for statewide recognition.  The municipally-driven program is voluntary, incentive-based and beyond compliance.  For over 15 years, the Institute has worked with stakeholders across Connecticut to implement practical solutions that increase energy efficiency, sustainability and resilience. (slides)

Market Potential for Alterative Fuel Vehicles in Connecticut (October 6, 2016)
Join us to hear from Nick Nigro, founder of Atlas Public Policy. Nick is a nationally-known expert on alternative fuel vehicle financing, policy and technology, and will present the details of a report for the Connecticut Green Bank and DEEP assessing the market potential of various alternative transportation fuels. Nick has led the development of complex financial and policy analysis tools, managed a comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation from U.S. transportation, and is a frequent public speaker on advanced vehicle technology and other transportation-related energy and environmental issues. Atlas Public Policy is a policy and technology firm that equips businesses and policymakers with data synthesis solutions for strategic, informed decisions. (presentation slides)

The Land Use Collaborative  (September 9, 2016)
Join us to hear from Jessica Bacher and Joshua Galperin, Principal Collaborators at the Land Use Collaborative.  The Collaborative is a new project that brings together the students, faculty, and staff of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, with the expertise and experience of the Land Use Law Center at Haub Law School at Pace University in order to address the sustainability needs of local governments in Connecticut and across the United States. The Collaborative is dedicated to supporting municipal governments, non-profit organizations, and other entities that have use for leadership training, research, education, or technical assistance related to sustainable land use. The Collaborative is an opportunity to educate students by engaging them with real-world projects that drive real and lasting environmental progress. (presentation slides)

Leading the Green Bank Movement- Coalition for Green Capital and Connecticut Green Bank (July 22, 2016)
Join us to hear from Jeffrey Schub, Executive Director of the Coalition for Green Capital and Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. The Coalition for Green Capital, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has been leading the green bank movement since 2009.  Mr. Schub will provide an overview of the green bank movement across the United States while Mr. Garcia will talk about the nation’s first state-level green bank formed in July of 2011, the Connecticut Green Bank. The CT Green Bank is making clean energy more affordable and accessible by leveraging limited public resources to attract private capital investment and scale-up the deployment of clean energy in Connecticut. (presentation slides 1) (presentation slides 2)

Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (June 27, 2016)
Join us to hear from Dr. Rebecca French, Director of Community Engagement at the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA). CIRCA provides opportunities to Connecticut municipalities to work with the institute on research projects as pilot sites, a Matching Funds program to leverage additional grants for resilience in Connecticut, and a Municipal Resilience Grants program for planning and design for resilience. This presentation will give an overview of CIRCA partnership and funding opportunities as well as ongoing and future planned products for municipalities such as future flooding scenarios and model policy and planning. (presentation slides)

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (May 16, 2016)
Join us to hear from Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. The Yale Program conducts scientific studies on public opinion and behavior; informs the decision-making of governments, media, companies, and advocates; educates the public about climate change; and helps build public and political will for climate action. Consisting of a team of psychologists, geographers, political scientists, statisticians, pollsters, and communication scientists the Program investigates how and why citizens in the US and around the world are, or are not responding to climate change, identifies key audiences requiring tailored communications, and develops strategies to engage these audiences in climate change solutions. (presentation slides) 

British Columbia Revenue Neutral Carbon Tax (April 18, 2016)
Join us to learn about the British Columbia Revenue Neutral Carbon Tax. Fossil fuel use imposes significant costs on society and the environment — costs that traditionally have not been factored into the price of coal, oil, and natural gas. Recognizing that this economic loophole has been one of the principal drivers of climate change, the Canadian province of British Columbia instituted a broad-based carbon tax in 2008. The tax applies to fossil fuels purchased or used in British Columbia — including those for transportation, home heating, and electricity generation. Revenues generated by the tax are returned to taxpayers through corresponding reductions in other taxes, including personal and corporate income taxes. (presentation slides 1) (presentation slides 2)

Renewable Thermal Technologies in Connecticut (April 8, 2016)
Join us to learn about opportunities for renewable thermal technologies in Connecticut.  What are renewable thermal technologies? Are they viable in Connecticut? Participants will learn about how renewable thermal technologies can lead to reduced energy costs and play a role in helping meet state climate goals. Air- and ground-source heat pumps, geothermal, and solar thermal are all examples of renewable thermal technologies that provide heating and/or cooling services for buildings and homes. Participants will also learn about current incentives and financing opportunities for renewable thermal technologies. (presentation slides)

Utah Department of Transportation's TravelWise Program & Clear the Air Challenge (March 23, 2016)
Learn about the Utah Department of Transportation’s TravelWise Program and Clear the Air Challenge.  Guest speakers will review the strategies they are using to encourage residents of Utah to use alternative forms of transportation.  One successful strategy they have implemented to change behavior around driving alone is through competition. The Clear the Air Challenge is a month long competition starting July 1st that gives Utahans the chance to reduce their vehicle emissions by choosing alternative methods of transportation using TravelWise strategies. (presentation slides 1) (presentation slides 2) (related video)

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Smart Materials Management (March 2, 2016)
Join us to learn about leading strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by improving the way you manage and use materials. The EPA’s 2009 report, Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Materials and Land Management Practices shows that approximately 42 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the energy used to produce, process, transport, and dispose of the food we eat and the goods we use. This webinar will look at opportunities to reduce GHG emissions by conserving resources and reducing waste. Webinar participants will learn about best practices on sustainable materials management from Shannon Davis, co-leader of the West Coast Climate and Materials Management Forum and Kristen Brown, Vice President of Waste Zero. Both organizations have developed innovative strategies and partnerships to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through materials management planning. (presentation slides 1) (presentation slides 2)

Multisolving (January 19, 2016)
Learn about Climate Interactive's research on Multisolving — the search for systemic solutions that protect the climate while improving health, equality, and well-being. Examples include energy and transportation policies that also reduce air pollution, energy efficiency measures that reduce living expenses for people on fixed incomes, or land conservation projects that sequester carbon and boost resilience to extreme events. While most people find the idea of addressing climate change in ways that capture co-benefits intuitively appealing, there are often practical obstacles to doing so. Climate Interactive, a not-for-profit organization based in Washington DC, is conducting research on the potential for capturing co-benefits in various aspects of climate and energy policy and opportunities for reducing the barriers that stand in the way. In this webinar Elizabeth Sawin, Co-Director of Climate Interactive, will share from this research, with an emphasis on lessons that are applicable at the state level. (presentation slides)

Workplace Charging Challenge (December 15, 2015)
The U.S. Department of Energy EV Everywhere Workplace Charging Challenge aims to achieve a tenfold increase in the number of U.S. employers offering workplace charging for plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) by 2018. Many PEV drivers do their charging primarily at home, but access to charging at the workplace can help to double their vehicles’ all-electric commuting range, increasing the affordability and convenience of driving an electric vehicle. The Challenge is open to U.S. employers of all sizes whose charging stations are, or will be, primarily for employee use. The Challenge offers benefits to employers who are considering installing charging stations as well as to employers who have already launched a charging program. This webinar will provide an overview of the Challenge and the benefits of workplace charging.

Connecticut's Clean Energy Future: Climate Goals and Employment Benefits (December 11, 2015)
On November 16, the Labor Network for Sustainability is to release a report entitled "Connecticut's Clean Energy Future: Climate Goals and Employment Benefits.” Building on a national report released last month, the Connecticut study found that reaching the state’s formal goal of reducing GHG emissions 80 percent below 2001 levels by 2050 will result in a net increase in jobs and strengthen the economy as a whole. In this webinar, Dr. Frank Ackerman, the Massachusetts economist who led the research team, will review the findings of the Connecticut study. The study was conducted through a partnership between Labor Network for Sustainability, the CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, and Synapse Energy Economics.

California EPA Greenhouse Gas Report Card (December 8, 2015)
As part of California’s aggressive efforts to meet its medium- and long-term GHG emissions reduction goals, the California Environmental Protection Agency is required to prepare an annual report tracking how reduction measures are being implemented by state government agencies. The State Agency Greenhouse Gas Reduction Report Card covers 13 agencies and scores of issues, from the renewable portfolio standard and LED street lighting to biofuels and landfill methane. In this webinar, Dr. William Dean, of California EPA’s Climate Change Unit, provides an overview of the Report Card’s origins, its coverage, and its influence on state policy and agency management. (presentation slides)

Connecticut Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coalition (December 4, 2015)
This webinar presentation identifies strategies and methods for development of Connecticut’s hydrogen fuel cell “Roadmap” document, as well as those of other states in the Northeast. These “Roadmaps” assess: (1) the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for hydrogen and fuel cell industry development; (2) existing and potential markets for hydrogen and fuel cell technology; (3) opportunities to leverage private and government funding; and (4) tactics for the long-term deployment of fuel cells. This presentation will also focus on the regional development of hydrogen infrastructure to support the deployment of fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) fleets in the Northeast. The presentation identifies private efforts currently underway, the role states may have in fostering private investment, and how incentive structures may help facilitate development of a hydrogen fueling network.

Boston Green Ribbon Commission (December 1, 2015)
Learn about the Boston Green Ribbon Commission’s efforts to bring together leaders from all segments of Boston to share ideas, monitor progress, and engage key sectors in implementation of the city’s Climate Action Plan. The Commission is comprised of members of the Barr Foundation, dozens of Boston’s top executives, community leaders, and representatives from each of Boston’s leading economic sectors. Commission members are also working to align the resources of the key sectors, serving as advocates and showing their peers what progress looks like by adopting and promoting leading efficiency and clean energy practices. (presentation slides)

The Regulatory Assistance Project (November 24, 2015)
The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) is an independent and nonpartisan team of experts primarily composed of former air and power regulators. RAP’s team has firsthand knowledge of the constraints and challenges that regulators face. RAP advises public officials on regulatory and utility policies. The organization’s strategy focuses on increased investment in cost- effective energy efficiency, integration of energy and environmental regulation, and establishing policies and regulations that effectively address climate change. This webinar will provide a review on how RAP helps energy and air regulators as well as non-governmental organizations so they can assist in the transition to clean, reliable, and cost- effective energy resources.

California PATHWAYS Project: Long-term Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scenarios (November 20, 2015)
PATHWAYS is a project to develop scenarios for how California can achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050. The results of this analysis have shed light on the transformations that California’s transportation system, electricity sector, buildings, and fuels must undergo to meet this aggressive goal. The project informed the interim target that Gov. Jerry Brown recently established: 40 percent reduction by 2030. This webinar will review the analysis, its results, and its implications. (presentation slides)

Portland, OR, Equity Work Group (November 16, 2015)
Learn about the Equity Work Group from the City of Portland, Oregon. As a part of the city’s Climate Action Planning, the Equity Work group was tasked with identifying opportunities to enhance the benefits of climate change programs and policies for all residents -- and avoid potential negative impacts or missed opportunities for communities of color and low-income populations. The Working Group also provided the city with recommendations on “climate equity metrics” to help measure progress toward equity while achieving the goals of the Climate Action Plan. (presentation slides)

Energize Your Business with Clean Energy Communities (November 10, 2015)
Learn how local energy task forces are partnering with the clean energy communities to engage the business community and increase awareness of EnergizeCT, energy efficiency and sustainability.  Participants will also learn about the EnergizeCT Business Sustainability Challenge (BSC), a utility sponsored program that helps businesses to develop strategies that reduce energy costs in a "Whole Business" approach. Providing the technical and financial resources needed to tackle common business issues like utility costs, waste and recycling costs, employee engagement and brand reputation, the  BSC provides a comprehensive entry point for businesses to access all energy efficiency offerings from both utilities.

BGreen 2020 (October 30, 2015)
Learn about the BGreen 2020 initiative, a public-private partnership between the City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, a consortium of local business groups. By building on Bridgeport’s existing strengths, BGreen will modernize the city’s infrastructure, create wealth, intensify urban amenities, enhance environmental quality, enable revitalization without gentrification, and retain Bridgeport’s historic character. Early priorities are the creation of an Energy Improvement District to support energy efficiency and production, adopting a “Transit First” policy, developing a plan for open space use and maintenance, expanding recycling, and protecting the region’s waterways through enhanced stormwater management. A Green Collar Institute will train workers and act as an incubator for developing green industries.

Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Accounting in Oregon (October 27, 2015)
Learn about the state of Oregon’s consumption based accounting methodology. Conventional greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting methods include GHG emissions generated within the state’s jurisdictional boundaries and exclude emissions from purchased goods (such as electricity) produced outside the state’s physical boundary. A number of studies have examined the relationship between consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at the national and international levels, and Oregon is the first U.S. state to assess emissions stemming from all consumption within its borders. Based on the Stockholm Environment Institute’s modeling analysis, Oregon’s analysis provides estimates of GHG emissions released in the manufacture, transport, use, and disposal of the goods and services Oregonians enjoy. This analysis helps clarify the role of Oregon’s consumption in global GHG emissions, and it identifies the specific contribution of different product types, ranging from food and beverages to clothing and appliances. By improving the understanding of the relationship between consumption and global GHG emissions, the analysis helps Oregon households, businesses, and policymakers chart a path to more sustainable consumption patterns. (presentation slides)

goNewHavengo (October 23, 2015)
Learn about the goNewHavengo active transportation program that encourages healthier, cheaper, and cleaner travel in the Greater New Haven Area. A collective effort of the New Haven Department of Transportation, Traffic, and Parking; CT Transit; the New Haven/León Sister City Project; New Haven Healthy City/Healthy Climate Change; CT Rides; Park New Haven; and the Yale Office of Sustainability, the program brings together organizations and individuals to use active transportation options and promote alternative transit.  Guest presenters will speak about the initiative’s partnership model, successes and lessons learned, and opportunities to bring goNewHavengo model to other municipalities.

Carbon Sinks: Opportunities for GHG Emission Reductions through Land and Forest Conservation in Connecticut (October 19, 2015)
Learn about carbon sink opportunities in Connecticut through utilizing effective land and forest conservation policies. Connecticut has seen a loss of its beneficial carbon sinks due to land converted from forested and vegetated landscape to recent development sprawl. Insufficient accounting methods for land use change have omitted carbon sinks from GHG emissions inventories, leading policy-makers to undervalue Connecticut’s forests and open spaces as agents of regional climate stabilization.  In this webinar, Harvard environmental researcher Linda Powers Tomasso and environmental attorney Helen D. Silver explain state land cover change and its relation to DEEP’s climate change goals. Linda’s carbon accounting using UConn’s CLEAR land mapping lay the groundwork for Helen’s comparative review of front-runner states effectively integrating forest preservation into climate policy.  Their findings result in ten compelling recommendations for Connecticut to consider in state efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. (presentation slides)

Stamford 2030 District (September 22, 2015)
An interdisciplinary public-private-nonprofit collaborative working to create a groundbreaking high performance building district in downtown Stamford. Learn about how one Connecticut city is reducing energy and water consumption, as well as emissions from transportation, all while increasing competitiveness in the business environment and owners' returns on investment. (presentation slides)

Governor's Council on Climate Change

 

Content last updated June, 2024