While the votes of the 2020 presidential election are still being tallied and the outcome is still unclear, one thing we know is certain: the world has less than a decade to act on climate and prevent irreversible damage to our planet.
Our climate isn’t waiting on election results, and we aren’t either. Although today is the day the U.S. officially exits the Paris Climate Agreement (in accordance with President Trump's announcement three years ago), Mayor Greg Fischer has joined with mayors across the nation in taking strong action to reduce carbon emissions and keep us on a path of climate progress. Regardless of who is inaugurated in January, climate leaders at all levels and across the public and private sectors must work together to drive net carbon emissions to zero. Our federal leaders must also position the transition to a green economy front and center in the comprehensive economic stimulus that will be their priority on day one. The future of our economy, our public health and our planet depend on it.
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The 2020 annual Louisville Sustainability Summit is coming up next week on Thursday, November 12 from 12-4pm. This year, the event will focus on equity, inclusion, and education and will highlight the the deep roots of climate change and race, health, gender, and equity. The theme is Climate Crossroads: Exploring the intersection of Climate Change and Social Justice.
A few important updates:
- In light of having a virtual event this year, the Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC) has partnered with Ramsi's Cafe on the World to offer you a delicious lunch for purchase to enjoy during the Summit! To place your order, simply head to the LSC website no later than Nov. 5 and select the meal of your choice.
- To wrap up the summit, Mayor Greg Fischer and Dr. Carolyn Finney will be having a special conversation to discuss diversity and equity within climate change. If you have a specific question you would like to them do answer during this discussion, you can submit up to two questions by Nov. 6.
- To get a first look at the Silent Auction items, be sure to join the Sustainability Summit Facebook Event.
To check out the full agenda and register for your ticket today, click here.
Louisville Metro closed on its fourth EPAD project, which granted Christ Church United Methodist (CCUM) a $477,016 loan from Citizens Union Bank to enable the church to upgrade its HVAC control system and complete a campus-wide installation of LED lighting.
To learn more about the EPAD Program and other the other EPAD projects that have taken place in Louisville, click here.
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On Thursday, October 15, the Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) hosted the 2020 Kilowatt Crackdown Awards as part of the Louisville Sustainability Council's quarterly Green Convene.
This year, the organizations that received a Kilowatt Crackdown award were:
- K-12 Facility - Sacred Heart Academy
- Museum Facility - Frazier Museum
- Healthcare Facility - U of L Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
- Entertainment Facility - Churchill Downs
- Public Transit Facility - TARC Union Station
- Government Facility - Kentucky Air National Guard
The Kilowatt Cup Award winner for overall energy excellence was presented to the Louisville-based UPS Worldport Facility, who has significantly reduced their carbon footprint in the last year.
Interested in submitting a building for 2021 Kilowatt Crackdown Awards? The application period is now open and the deadline to nominate a building is January 31, 2021.
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Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Director of Brightside, Dave Bell! Formerly the Director of Brand Advancement at the Kentucky Science Center, Dave began his new role with Brightside on Monday, November 2nd to lead the team's mission in uniting people in clean and green activities that beautify the city and foster pride in our community. To learn more about Brightside, click here.
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 The Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability's Cool Roof Rebate Program still has funding available for properties located in targeted high-heat areas, including Metro Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15. The program aims to combat urban warming and reduce cooling costs for districts significantly impacted by Louisville's urban heat island. The rebate provides up to $1 per square foot of cool roof that is installed with an ENERGY STAR roofing product. Rebates are available for both residential and commercial buildings and offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Curious where previous cool roof installations have taken place in Louisville? Check out this new ArcGIS dashboard to find out more.
Waste Collection Tire Event
Have old, unwanted tires lying around? Every three years, the KY Division of Waste Management sponsors the collection and recycling of thousands of waste tires. The next waste collection tire event is happening on November 5, 6, and 7 at 1030 Phillips Lane and is available to any Kentucky resident EXCEPT tire retailers, scrap/salvage yards, and recycling facilities.
For more information and to check out a video about the event, click here.
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Free Tree Giveaway!
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TreesLouisville is offering a free tree giveaway this Saturday, November 7 from 10am-2pm at Cave Hill Cemetery. Trees will be available to residents of Jefferson County and will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis. Species available include persimmon, bur oak, swamp white oak, and nuttail oak.
For more information, email info@treeslouisville.org.
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LCAN B4UBuy Workshop
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On Saturday, November 14, from 1pm to 2:20pm, the Louisville Climate Action Network is hosting an online workshop to teach home and small business owners how they can cut their heating bills and replace old heating systems with more energy efficient, cost effective equipment suited to their needs.
To register for the free online event, click here.
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REAL Good News: Local Action for Climate Care
On Saturday, November 14 from 6:30-8pm, members of the Renewable Energy Alliance of Louisville (REAL), will be discussing what Louisville is doing for the sake of our climate. Keynote speakers will include Sam Avery, Nancy Givens, and Margaret Stewart and will be joined by guest speaker Marcus Winker, Metro Councilman for District 17.
To register for the free Zoom event, click here
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Know Waste Louisville Webinar Series
Louisville Metro's Waste Management District is continuing its "Know Waste" virtual webinar series to educate residents on recycling, food waste reduction, and reusing and repurposing products. Webinars will be offered every Thursday at 3pm from October 22nd to November 19. To register, click here.
Kentucky Solar Stories
People across Kentucky are using solar energy to power their homes and businesses, reduce their energy bills, and protect the environment! To learn their Kentucky Solar Stories and take a virtual tour of solar installations across the state, click here.
Governor's Conference on Energy & Environment
On October 13-14, 2020, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet held the 44th Annual Governor's Conference on Energy & Environment to discuss solutions to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Topics covered included sustainable agriculture, brownfield redevelopment potential, renewable energy procurement, energy affordability, environmental justice, and regulatory and policy updates.
Weren't able to make the conference? Listen to the recordings of the sessions here.
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