By Michelle Dunn, George Washington University
Students Create a Conference on Climate Change
DC entrepreneurs, consultants, policy experts, corporate officials and non-profit leaders came together at The George Washington University on April 8th 2010, to challenge the economic, political, and social status quo and offer a vision for a renewable and sustainable future. Approximately 200 students, alumni, and professionals from the DC metropolitan area attended the conference to engage in a lively discussion of the top issues facing business and the environment.
Gregory Kats, Senior Director, of Good Energies, kicked off the conference with providing a roadmap of new clean energies and lower carbon technologies that will deliver the greatest environmental and financial benefits. One of the most exciting areas of growth is in green buildings. Mr. Kats predicted that LEED certification would continue to become more rigorous and require either re-certification or re-evaluation of all new buildings after a fixed number of years. He predicted that half of all new building construction would be LEED certified by 2015. Mr. Kats explained; “the cost savings for green buildings are typically ten times larger than the cost premiums, and occupancy rates, rent and property values are all higher.” Making the case of for green building -- not only is it economic sound, but it is a better long-term investment and a high growth job market.
The attendees were further enthused by the first panel: “Energy Revolution: Innovations for a Sustainable Planet” with noted leaders on the topic -- Alex Laskey, President of the O-Power; Chris Tynan, Manager at the Verdo Group; Claire Tomkins; Director of Research for the Carbon War Room; Jeff Curry, Director of Global Product Marketing for a Better Place moderated by Aaron Menkin President of GWU Energy Group and first year Global MBA. This group of DC Innovators discussed their company visions and presented best practices to capitalize on green opportunities in a dynamic marketplace. Alex Laskey engaged the audience with fun ways to look at energy by asking the audience what percentage of American’s believes that saving energy is important – most of the audience estimated about 70 percent, when in reality the number is 90 percent. He compared this statistic to the fact that only 76% of American’s love their mothers.
This lighthearted introduction to an important topic of changing consumer consumption and finding new energies and technologies intrigued most of the attendees. Each of the panelists emphasized that economics, consumer adoption/change in behavior, as well as technology are fundamental to a sustainable future.
The final panel of the day was titled “Navigating a Carbon Constrained Economy: Strategic Response to Climate Change.” The distinguished panelists included Joe Cruz, Manager in the Renewable Energy Practice of the Reznick Group; Melissa Adams Division Head for Sustainability for Washington Gas; Jeff Erickson, Senior Vice President at SustainAbility; Brojn Frogner, Entrepreneur in Residence at Maryland Clean Energy Technology Incubator, Colin Dunn from the Cadmus Group moderated by Jeremy Dommu Vice President of GWU’s Energy Club and a first year Global MBA moderating the panel. Each of the panelists addressed initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of business and presented new business areas created by penetrating clean technology, energy efficiency, and environmental markets. Each of the panelists described their backgrounds. Many came from traditional backgrounds working with conventional energies and industries to their present positions in developing business strategies, finding alternatives sources of energy, and to make an overall commitment in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. One theme that was heavily emphasized was the need for talent, advocacy, and to make a commitment to create clean energies and a brighter economic future.
The conference ended with a networking reception that allowed students and other attendees, including the conference speakers and faculty, to continue the discussion on climate change and business opportunities.
Aaron Menkin, the conference organizer and President of GWU’s Energy Club, was overwhelmed with the success of the event and the support from students, faculty, business leaders, and the many university organizations. He further noted, “This was a group effort, I highly encourage other clubs at other universities to create events and conferences to continue the dialog on addressing the challenges of climate change.”
