Summary
Cities and communities are facing the twin challenges of planning for climate adaptation at the same time as needing to invest in more resilient energy and water infrastructure to provide enterprise continuity and drive economic development. Developing a community energy vision involves informed discovery and assessment of local objectives while managing multiple priorities among varied constituencies. A feasible action plan should be based on best practices and an iterative approach.
There are a number of frameworks to support the evaluation process. The Minnesota Green Step Cities Best Practice 29: Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience and the UNEP District Energy in Cities Initiative offer pathways and tools for communities to explore low carbon, local solutions that meet multiple objectives such as creating livable communities that attract business, residents and visitors.
This segment will explore how cities and communities can consider economic development and sustainability goals through a community energy planning process, leading to greener energy infrastructure supporting climate adaptation and enhanced community resilience.
Speakers
Ken Smith and Nina Axelson, Ever-Green Energy
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