University of Maryland researchers share expert knowledge

University of Maryland researchers share expert knowledge

The University of Maryland showcased its clean energy initiatives at the 4th Annual Energy and Sustainability Extravaganza on February 23, 2018. The panel consisted of distinguished faculty members who are either leading critical research in the university or managing sustainability initiatives on campus.

The panel was moderated by Lisa Lincoln, Executive Director, Prince George’s Green. Panelists were Dr. Yunho Hwang, Research Professor and Associate Director, Center for Environmental Energy Engineering; Dr. Peter Sandborn, Professor and Director, Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute; Alla McCoy, Innovation and Economic Development, Division of Research, President’s Office; Dr. Nathan Hultman, Associate Professor and Director, Center for Global Sustainability, School of Public Policy; and Mark Stewart Senior Sustainability Officer, University of Maryland.

Career Perspectives from Women Leaders in Cleantech

Career Perspectives from Women Leaders in Cleantech

Gender inequality is acute in the energy sector, especially in fossil fuels. People interested in the clean energy space recognize that the sustainability of the energy sector is increased when stakeholders make diversity and inclusion a priority. Therefore, as energy systems are reconfigured toward more renewable systems, gender equality should be addressed and prioritized.

The 4th Annual Energy and Sustainability Extravaganza at University of Maryland (UMD), College Park on February 23, 2018 began with an opening luncheon panel for the Council of Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL). The panel showcased three exceptional women who have championed sustainable energy movements in their respective fields.

A great time to be part of clean energy project finance

A great time to be part of clean energy project finance

On January 19, 2018, over 100 people attended the 4th Annual green finance event under the theme of clean energy project financing: where the rubber meets the road. This forum was timely, as the topic of clean energy has become more important than ever, stated Janine Finnell, Executive Director of Leaders in Energy.

With U.S. pulling out of the Paris Climate agreement, Finnell highlighted that there has been lot of concern about where clean energy and climate investing is headed. Despite this, a growing number of American companies are still planning to invest in renewable energy, according to surveys by GreenBiz and others. This news is encouraging, and there are also a lot of innovations in clean energy financing at the state and local level.

Want to Live in a More Sustainable World?

Want to Live in a More Sustainable World?

Leaders in Energy is a dynamic ecosystem of industry thought leaders and citizens who are actively creating a more sustainable world. February 23 is our annual Energy and Sustainability Extravaganza, this year at the University of Maryland. This annual event (our 4th) will be of direct value to Energy Managers / Facility Managers / VPs of Operations ... anyone who cares about optimizing how their respective organizations run. It will also appeal to those interested in electric cars, green building solutions, and solar energy. We provide a venue to network with others related to job opportunities and projects.

Measuring Up: Smart Meter Lessons from the UK

Measuring Up: Smart Meter Lessons from the UK

Smart meters—small, electronic devices that track and record energy consumption, and communicate information back to the electrical utility—can reduce energy use by empowering consumers with the ability to monitor energy use and make better choices. Smart meters are an upgrade to outdated analog meters because they automatically record information in real time, rather than requiring someone to manually record and transmit the collected data.

There are significant advantages to smart meters, both for utility companies and for energy consumers. Smart meters record electricity usage and provide real-time data that can help balance electricity usage while reducing the number of blackouts. They eliminate the need for cumbersome monthly meter readings. Smart meters also can enable dynamic pricing, meaning they can lower or raise the price of electricity in response to demand. In addition to enabling optimization of electricity distribution and reducing power outages and grid failures, smart meters can give consumers better and more detailed reports on energy use, and empower consumers to change their energy habits to reduce energy costs.

Leaders in Energy 2017 Year in Review

Leaders in Energy 2017 Year in Review

In 2017 Leaders in Energy continued to mature in its mission to build a community of leaders and a global action network to advance clean energy and sustainable solutions for a more sustainable energy system, economy, and world.

Our membership continued to grow in the Washington DC area, with 1,500 members on our mailing list, in addition to our LinkedIn group with over 2,900 members. We have a presence in most major U.S. metropolitan areas and over 100 countries.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Janine Finnell and our Board, Team Members and Advisors, the organization has provided important forums for clean energy and sustainability in the DC area, as well as nationally and globally. Our events last year came at a time of immense change and new threats, but also new opportunities to cement the transition to a green economy.

Urgency for leadership to spark collective action and transformational change

Urgency for leadership to spark collective action and transformational change

By KERRY WORTHINGTON

As 2017 wraps up, it is becoming clear that leaders need support and an audience. As Janine Finnell, Executive Director, Leaders in Energy, pointed out – change leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Susan B. Anthony did not achieve their visions alone. They always have a supportive team to light the spark of action. The Leaders in Energy community is a global support team to encourage collective action and sincere change.

What started off as a Linked-In group several years ago is now a multigenerational leadership and global action network. In 2017, LERCPA earned its 501(c)(3) status, conducted or participated in 14 events and workshops and expanded the number of its sponsors and benefactors. Much more is planned for 2018.

This 4th annual 2017 Four Generations of Clean Energy and Sustainable Solutions Awards and Holiday Event recognized leaders in each of the four generations in the workplace, e.g., Millennial, Gen X, Baby Boomer, and World War II/Traditionalist.  The event was sponsored by ArlingtonGreen, Longenecker & Associates, and Waterford, Inc. The event benefactors donated door prizes (revealed at the end). This was also Leaders in Energy 50th event!

Microgrids: Distributed Energy and Resilience

Microgrids: Distributed Energy and Resilience

Over a month after Category 5 Hurricane Maria swept through Puerto Rico causing catastrophic damage, much of the island is still without power. The storm knocked out power to almost all of the commonwealth. Homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical services and infrastructure were left without power. Even now, only a fifth of residents have power.

Microgrids may provide the means to reduce vulnerability—and improve resilience—in the wake of a changing climate and increasing risk of natural disasters.

Leaders in Energy reaches 2,900 members

Leaders in Energy reaches 2,900 members

Leaders in Energy recently celebrated another milestone – over 2,900 members in the Leaders in Energy Research, Communications, Policies & Analysis group on LinkedIn. Whenever this happens, we like to shine the spotlight on our members to show the diversity of talents and backgrounds that are joining our group. Some join the group virtually from wherever they are located around the world. Others attend our monthly networking events in the Washington, DC area. Today, let’s welcome Ari Dolmon, who we asked to give a brief introduction.

The Urgency of Now and Building a Global Action Network for Change

Do you feel that you matter and that you can make a difference to make this world a better place through positive action? Increasingly, people are feeling bombarded by so much bad news that they can start totally tuning out or becoming paralyzed by inaction because they are totally overloaded or disillusioned. It’s like what can one person do?

Microgrids reach a tipping point

Microgrids reach a tipping point

Federal and local government and industry professionals discussed microgrid technologies and trends at a forum on October 19, 2017 at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). The event was cohosted by Leaders in Energy and Resilient Virginia and sponsored by EEI, eSai LLC, and Microgrid Knowledge.

The utilization of microgrids plus battery storage is increasingly seen as the wave of the future to help ensure energy reliability and security in an age of intense weather events and cybersecurity threats.