Building Solar Equity: An Ecosystem Approach to a More Inclusive Renewable Energy Future

Strategic investment in renewable energy has the potential to address two of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and growing inequality. It’s possible to source, finance, develop and maintain solar projects in the built environment that provide meaningful environmental and economic benefits in communities that have borne undue burden from pollution and high energy costs, while delivering strong and stable financial returns to solar developers and investors. Using practical examples from the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, we’ll explore how community activists, local solar developers and mission-driven investors are working together to transform existing buildings and create a more equitable renewable energy future.

Session Speaker(s): 

Jessica Brooks
Kelsey Read
Marcel Rodgers
Ben Underwood
Rev. Mariama White-Hammond

Session Chair(s): 

Nathan Phelps

Event Time: 

Thursday, August 13, 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Room / Location:
Marina III

Experience Level: 

2 (some prior experience/knowledge helpful)

CEU Information: 

AIA 1.5 LU/HSW
AICP (American Planning Association) 1.5 hours

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize some of the social, economic, physical and systemic barriers that make solar in the built environment more challenging and prevent nonprofits, low-income individuals, and municipal organizations from accessing solar energy
  • Explore how local partnerships can be leveraged to deliver benefits to solar developers, installers, power purchasers, rooftop hosts, and investors
  • Identify creative ways to finance and structure solar projects in order to bring short-term and long-term benefits for community stakeholders
  • Understand the additional environmental and economic benefits that can accompany an inclusive approach to renewable energy investment, from community resiliency to promotion of electrification

Session ID: 

BOS20-121

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