July 26, 2023

Embassy Suites, Loveland

From energy to waste, an increasing number of cities are seeking to achieve aggressive sustainability-related goals. But what does it mean to be “net-zero?” This event will unpack what it means for cities and counties and the reason behind the movement, as well as address implications for the private sector and the regional population at large.

Special Guest

Governor Jared Polis

State of Colorado
Colorado could become 100 percent powered by renewable energy by 2040, a desire of Governor Jared Polis. We’ll hear from the governor about his plans, including the costs, strategies for attainment and reasons behind the effort.

Agenda

Session I | 9:00 to 10:05 a.m. (Private sector)

Climate-Action Bootcamp

Go beyond scientific analyses of climate change to learn practical and proven strategies for climate action on an individual-company level. This session will provide resources and information that will enable public, private and nonprofit organizations to: reduce their own emissions, reduce value-chain emissions, integrate climate into their business strategy and influence climate action in society.

Session I | 9:00 to 10:05 a.m. (Public sector)

Colorado 100

NREL’s groundbreaking report, LA100: the Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study, provides a case study for how communities in Colorado could achieve 100% renewable-energy status. We’ll discuss lessons learned, and see what local communities are leading the charge.

Session II | 10:20 to 11:25 a.m. (Private sector)

Innovating in a New Market: Challenges for Climate-Tech Startups

Most climate-tech companies are early-stage, with many struggling to establish international partnerships. While Asian and European economies are ahead of the U.S. in terms of carbon taxes, mandates and incentives, U.S. companies often lag behind. What strategies can climate-tech startups employ to achieve breakthroughs in advancing their technologies and businesses?

Session II | 10:20 to 11:25 a.m. (Public sector)

Ready or Not?

Technologies and renewable-energy solutions require significant changes on the part of municipal governments. How are local cities prepared to accommodate new electric-vehicle charging stations, increased solar and deployment of batteries?

Session III | 11:35 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. (Plenary)

Regulatory Environment

What regulations will be put in place for the next 20-30 years? What burdens will be placed upon the private sector? What will investors in clean infrastructure demand?

Session IV | 1:05 to 2:10 p.m. (Private sector)

Reinventing Existing Buildings

Have a single building or a house that you want to take to net zero? This panel will discuss best practices and top strategies for conversion of existing properties.

Session IV | 1:05 to 2:10 p.m. (Public sector)

Net Zero for Campuses

Large-scale collections of buildings pose unique challenges for conversion to net zero emissions. What are some strategies that property owners can employ to convert cities, business districts, business parks or other campuses to a net-zero future?

Session V | 2:20 to 3:25 p.m. (Plenary)

Emerging Technologies

Panel on emerging technologies and thinking outside the box. Innovative ways of doing things. Attendees will want to come away with something they can implement within the next year.

2022 Speakers

Buford Barr
COO
New Day Hydrogen, LLC

Christine Berg
Senior Policy Advisor
Colorado Energy Office

Nick Bettis
Director of Marketing and Sales Operations
Lightning eMotors

Christine Brinker
Senior Buildings Policy Manager
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)

Bill Lucas-Brown
Co-Founder & VP of Net Zero Solutions
Helio Home

Frank Bruno
CEO
Via Mobility Services

Michael Carter
Chief Revenue Officer
E Source

Jacquelin Cochran
Director, Grid Planning & Analysis Center
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Brian Debruine
CTO
New Day Hydrogen

Tim Ellis
Energy Resources Manager
PVREA

Jeff Hindman
Founder/Owner
Cottonwood Builders

David Hornbacher
ED, Longmont Power & Communications
City of Longmont

David Ivan
COO
Vestas

Jon Jacobs
CMO
Solid Power

Jonathan Koehn
Director of Climate Initiatives
City of Boulder

Paul Kriescher
Senior Consultant | Bowman Consulting
Executive Producer | Heart of a Building

Carl Lawrence 
President/Owner
Energy Sense

Diego Lopez
Director
Northern Colorado Clean Cities

Ruby Nahan
Associate Director, Strategic Accounts
Namaste Solar

Anna Perks
Owner
Perks Deconstruction Ltd

Josie Plaut 
Associate Director
CSU-Institute for the Built Environment

 

Jared Polis
Governor
State of Colorado

Camille Pollan
Community Sustainability Manager
PACE – Boulder County

Lauren Quillian
Energy & Environmental Policy Manager
Xcel

Tim Reeser
CEO
Lightning eMotors

Stu Reeve
Energy Manager
City of Fort Collins

Eric Reinhardt
CEO
Helio Home

Namit Singh
COO & Co-founder
Microgrid Labs, Inc.

Zac Swank
Environmental Health Lead
PACE-Boulder

Will Toor
Director
Colorado Energy Office

Rudy Verner
Partner
Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti

Bryan Willson
Executive Director
CSU Energy Institute