Episode 13: The Challenges and Opportunities of Aggressive Climate Action

Guests:Eric EberhardtDirector of Energy ServicesEnergy & Facilities Management ServicesUniversity of California, Office of the PresidentLindsey KalkbrennerDirector, Sustainability, University OperationsDirector, Center for SustainabilitySanta Clara UniversityFletcher AlexanderSustainability Programs Manager, Institute for Sustainable DevelopmentCalifornia State University, ChicoTyler Durchslag-RichardsonSenior Analyst, Facilities Services and Integrated PlanningCalifornia Institute of TechnologyHost: Dave Karlsgodt, Principal, Fovea, LLCThis episode was recorded live on July 10th at the 2018 California Higher Education Sustainability Conference (CHESC) which took place on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dave Karlsgodt moderated the session: “The Challenges and Opportunities of Aggressive Climate Action.” Panelists from a cross-section of California institutions answered questions about their climate action efforts. You’ll hear both success stories from these leading institutions, but also some honest discussion on where they have more work to do. Topics include the nature of their climate action strategies, making the business case for sustainable practices, the dual role of higher ed. to lead and to educate, carbon neutrality, 100% renewable energy and more. Audience members bring up some challenging questions including how to consider equity, social justice, and the stratification of resources to address these challenges. The discussion includes a combination of inspiring success stories and honest self-reflection from sustainability professionals working in the trenches.