UPCOMING EVENTS
RE&IC Roundtable
April 15th 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
This event will be in-person/hybrid at Greentown Labs. We are thrilled to announce that this quarter’s topic will be centered on “District Energy” and sponsored by Bond Brothers Construction and include a representative from the International District Energy Association in the roundtable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are interested in participating in this or future events/roundtables.
TRUE Diversity's 2nd Annual Gala
February 2025
The TRUE Collective (formerly TRUE Diversity) held its 2nd Annual Gala early in February to celebrate the patchwork quilt of passionate and talented volunteers, contributors, and leaders that infuse, envelop and elevate the organization in its mission to create a more just, sustainable, and resilient Taunton. It also was a great event to kick off Black History month. Guests were welcomed by a gifted violinist. Inspiring speeches were given by its charismatic leader, Tanya Lobo and Browning-the-Greenspace’s visionary founder Kerry Bowie. A touching poem recital, award ceremony, expressions of gratitude, laughter and dancing followed. It was an evening full of joy and purpose. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.
Continuity of Operations Event
December 2024
A few weeks ago, ACT hosted Keeping Services Running, a dynamic event focused on fostering cross-sector partnerships to strengthen grid resiliency with clean technology. Held at Greentown Labs, the gathering brought together leaders from municipalities, climatetech companies, and ecosystem organizations to address the growing need for collaboration in safeguarding communities against climate risks.Through insightful discussions, the event highlighted innovative strategies to bolster infrastructure resilience and ensure uninterrupted services amid climate-related disruptions. Events like this demonstrate the power of collaboration in building a sustainable, resilient future. Let's keep the momentum going! (ACT Linkedin)
RE&IC Roundtable
On November 20, 2024, the Resilient Energy & Infrastructure Consortium (RE&IC) hosted its most impactful roundtable yet, focusing on the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and its potential to revolutionize community-based climate projects.
Our expert panelists—shared Impactful and actionable insights. The RE&IC is proud to be a driving force in connecting climate-tech pioneers, project developers, and market enablers to catalyze actionable climate solutions. Events like this one reflect the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a thriving ecosystem working toward scalable, equitable energy resilience.
We’re committed to continuing these critical discussions and expanding the resources available to our members. Your engagement—whether through participation, collaboration, or other avenues—helps ensure these efforts grow and evolve to meet the challenges ahead.
NECEC Green Futures Gala 2024
September 19, 2024: BCI received the Futures Community Impact Award
Beacon Climate Innovations is honored to have received the ACT | The Alliance for Climate Transition (formerly NECEC) Green Futures Community Impact Award at its 2024 Green Futures Gala. It was a privilege just to be in a cohort of equally deserving nominees that include Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), Action for Boston Community Development, Inc., NY Green Bank and Building Audacity Inc on the shared mission of supporting equitable climate action at the community level. A big shout out to Joe Curtatone, the ACT's visionary leader and his awesome staff for orchestrating a joyous evening perfectly synchronized with the roll out of its rebranding initiative - led by Natasha Perez, PMP. The inspiring event reflected the diversity, energy and optimism of the climate transition ecosystem in countless ways. It was especially heartwarming to celebrate with so many of the partners working on projects that BCI is supporting. These folks included Tanya J. Lobo, Misha Thomas, Ted Butler, Kristen Stelljes, Shonté Davidson, Barry Reaves, Eliza Wilson, Ed.D.. JocCole "JC" Burton and several others. Most importantly, I am proud to share this award, the experience of the evening and the firm's journey with my colleagues at BCI Rohit Nayak, Vanessa Fox and Tejas Farkase. Now it's back to the business of equitably accelerating the energy transition. Reiterating the common theme from the evening's speakers - there's much work to be done in an increasingly short amount of time.
RE&IC Popup Event: The Microgrid Architect
2024
“The Doctor is In” was the sign we should have had on the Foley Hoag Conference Room door at Greentown Labs where Dr. Shalom Flank took time from his holidays in the Boston area to meet with a select subset of RE&IC Members to discuss microgrid and district energy projects. Dr. Flank is the Microgrid Architect, one of the foremost experts in microgrid design and technology in the country. Others in the meeting were David Polson of Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department, Joe Kowalik and Chris Dunbar of Marblehead Municipal Light Plant, Ledum Nordee of Transform Power Systems, Sean Becker of Sparkplug Power and Beacon Climate’s own Tejas Farkese and Moneer Azzam. The meeting ran well over but the discussion covered beyond just the technical facets of microgrids but how they can be an integral part of a more holistic approach to DERs and the energy transition.
Reintroducing RE&IC Virtual Lunch and Learn
Introducing RE&IC 2.0, August 27th 2024
We took to the virtual airways of Greentown Labs to reach out to the community of new and existing members and re/introduce the Resilient Energy and Infrastructure Consortium along with a strong sampling of the RE&IC “Resource Partners”. The Resource Partners aren’t developing climate tech per se, but they are either facilitating markets for climate technologies or helping climatetech firms develop market/project opportunities. Resource Partners include: Greenpath Strategies, Solomon Group, Julius Education, Capital Energy, Sparkplug Power, EIT Innoenergy. In short, these are the types of firms that create connective tissue from the climate tech firms to the markets most in need of their developments. We discussed plans to transition the RE&IC from ad-hoc to more structured and intentional - providing more consistent services and opportunities to the membership - while at the same time building upon its core mission - facilitating viable project opportunities. To that end, we introduced Tejas Farkase who will be spearheading RE&IC’s elevation to this higher level of performance and value.(See more details below)
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
August 20th 2024
BCI and friends showed up in force to support the Taunton Housing Authority’s Back to School Backpack Give Away at the Riverside Apartments. The event was held at the basketball court across from the planned site for the Riverside Community Center and Clean Energy Resilience Hub. The latest facility design was made available for viewing, while our team surveyed residents about their respective situations and perspectives on the project. Our friends from REON Technology brought their 7.5kW Mobile Power Station (MPS) and PV Array to remotely power the event with clean, quiet power - while demonstrating the environmental advantages and economic opportunities that go along with their technology. Transform Power Systems was there, getting familiar with the community and the opportunities it represents, both for its engineering services and the apprenticeship program that it’s developing. Capital Energy was there with their video crew (more on that below) as was TRUE Diversity.Taunton Municipal Light Plant was amongst the other local service providers and organizations (e.g., Boys and Girls Club, Bristol Community College) with tables to connect with residents and show solidarity with the THA.
Resilient Energy & Infrastructure Consortium
Tuesday Nov 5th 3:30 to 5pm Part 2 in our hybrid series: Transforming Communities in Need of Climate Solutions into Vibrant Markets for DER Climate Technologies is now set for Tuesday, December 5 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 PM at Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave, Somerville MA or virtually via Zoom. This roundtable's focus will be on de-risking and/or enhancing risk tolerance for crossing market barriers. Panel will consist of a diverse cross-section of representatives from Municipal and State Government, Community Based Organizations, Climate-tech and Minority-Women Business Enterprises. The discussion is intended to spur creative problem solving, critical thinking and constructive information exchange around the focus topic. Discussion will be moderated by Julie Smith-Galvin of Green Path Strategies. Registration information will be available soon. In-person attendance will be limited. Early registration is encouraged to reserve an in-person spot. E-mail support@beaconclimate.com if you are interested and not already on the RE&IC mailing list.
Greentown Lab’s annual climate tech Summit
BCI’s Partnership with T.R.U.E. Diversity Highlighted at NECEC & Greentown Labs “Local Action” Forum
Don’t miss Greentown Lab’s annual climate tech summit. November 1st in Houston and November 2nd in Somerville. Beacon Climate will be showcasing at the Somerville location on November 2nd. We hope to see you there. Details and in-person or streaming ticket registration can be found at Climatetech Summit 2023 - Greentown Labs.
NECEC’S “Local Action” Event
BCI’s Partnership with T.R.U.E. Diversity Highlighted at NECEC & Greentown Labs “Local Action” Forum
Beacon Climate’s Principal, Moneer Azzam, joined T.R.U.E Diversity’s, founder and CEO Tanya Lobo (see spotlight below) and Greentown’s VP of Partnership, Maya Nitzberg to discuss the origins and direction of the partnership serving the sizable EJ community in Taunton. They described the breadth of the partnership, which includes several municipal entities (e.g., the Taunton Housing Authority, Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, Taunton Emergency Management Agency), local/regional schools (e.g., Bristol Plymouth Vocational Tech, Bristol Community College), local businesses (e.g., local banks, trades, professional services), and other community based organizations (e.g., T.R.U.E. Diversity, YouthBuild, and local houses of worship).
RE&IC'S THIRD LIGHTNING VALUE PITCH SESSION
December 7, 2-3:30 PM
The Resilient Energy & Infrastructure Consortium (RE&IC) is hosting the 3rd lighting value pitch session for municipalities and communities. Hear about innovative technologies and platforms for distributed energy storage, ZEV recharge/refuel, geothermal, workforce development and more. Join colleagues from cities, towns, and communities across the country to ask questions, get info, exchange ideas, network and create rewarding opportunities for implementing holistic decarbonization and climate adaptive projects and programs.
MUNICIPAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES WITH RESPECT TO CLIMATE ACTION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLIMATE TECH
Check out recording from June 2, 2021 at 12 pm ET
Beacon Climate working with a cohort of Tufts Students has conducted a study on municipal decision-making practices with respect to climate action and opportunities for the emerging climate-tech industry. The session presented a summary of the study and a roadmap that can bring one of the key frontlines of climate change closer to tailor solutions from start up communities like Greentown Labs Community
"Getting Religion" on Climate Change
"Life on our Planet" by David Attenborough is akin to the Bible, Q'uran or Talmud for climate change
This article makes the argument for combining the rigor of science - to understand the problems and develop effective technical solutions - with the examples from religion - to rapidly "spread the word" and effect widespread behavioral changes - in order to address the consequences of climate change, before its too late.
Beacon Climate's Pubpower Presentation
Greentown Lab's Climatetech Summit
Greentown Lab's biggest event of the year with a great set of panels addressing Climate Justice, Policy, Finance and Investment. 2,500 attendees and 100+ startups. Beacon Climate rolled out its "Pub-Power" approach to advancing deployment of Community Microgrids. Click button below to watch recording and check out our blog relating microbreweries to microgrids
Latest Article in the Series.....
The Case for DER Microgrids as Part of Community Resilience Measures
Community Microgrids is the topic for the next in the series about innovative sustainable technologies, platforms and services for Municipalities at the Frontlines of Climate Change. The grid is a core element to critical infrastructure in any climate action plan. Community microgrids are quickly becoming a sensible path to mitigating GHG, safeguarding the grid, preparing for the worst - along with a host of other benefits.
Second Article in the Series
The Case for Grid-Independent Solar Lighting as Part of Community Resilience Measures
This is the first of several articles stemming from Municipals at the Frontlines of Climate Change article introducing specific "sustainable" technologies, platforms and services that also provide resilience and anti-fragility against the unavoidable consequences of climate change. Grid independent and grid back up solar lighting of public spaces is the quintessential example of such a technology and has been commercially employed by municipalities and businesses for some time. It should represent "low hanging fruit" to start meaningfully implementing climate action plans with equipment in the ground.
Muni Voices on Climate Action: Session 3
Who's Leading the Charge?
Dr Joan Fitzgerald of Professor of Urban Planning and author of recent book: Greenovations, Urban Leadership in the Climate Crisis and Dr. Jacquie Ashmore; Director of Boston University's Institute for Sustainable Energy and coauthor of several recent studies of municipal climate efforts in the wake of COVID discussed their respective work and the current landscape for the fight against climate change amongst municipalities. It was an amazing discussion, well worth the watch.
Muni Voices on Climate Action Session 2
Municipal Voices: Sustainability Directors on the Frontlines of Climate Change
This Sept 30th event was a very engaging, informative discussion with sustainability officers and directors from Houston TX, Boulder CO, Somerville and Concord MA. They are amazing folks in vitally important roles pursuing sea change objectives. Click button below to watch recording and check out Beacon Climate related blog post.
Muni Voices on Climate Resilience and Justice. Session 1
Fireside Chat with Dr. Atiya Martin
Greentown Labs with support from Beacon Climate Innovations and JSG Communications kicked off a critical and timely new series: “Municipal Voices: On the Frontlines of Climate Resilience and Justice” with a Fireside Chat featuring Dr. S. Atyia Martin, CEM of All Aces, Inc.! It was a most thought-provoking and inspirational conversation. If you missed it, click on the link to listen to a recording.
BU ISE Climate Justice Webinar
Energy of the Future: Enhancing Social Equity in City Climate Action and Sustainability Planning
This BU Institute for Sustainability webinar on climate justice is well worth the 90 minutes to watch. Aside from data, analysis and program descriptions from experts, it includes a critical perspective from a remarkable grass-roots activist who comes from and is living in a very vulnerable community. Viewer gets a real taste of the challenges she faces on a daily basis juxtaposed over the findings of the professors and and program administrator.
Other References
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Municipal Decision Making in with Respect to Climate Action and Opportunities for Climate Tech
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Heads in the Sand
Why We Fail to Foresee and Contain Catastrophe -
Municipalities on the Frontlines of Climate Change. Lessons from COVID19
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US Commodity Futures Trading Commission Report on Climate Change
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Valuing Resilience in Solar+Storage Microgrid. A New Critical Load Tiering Approach
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Build Back Faster - E4
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Greentech Startups: Your Moment in COVID19 Economic Recovery is Just Ahead
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State Strategies to Address Climate Change (e4thefuture.org)
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a-survey-of-north-american-city-climate-leaders-102820.pdf (bu.edu)
