Please join us in welcoming Louisville Metro's first Energy Manager, Zachary Tyler!
Originally from Winchester, KY, Zach graduated with a degree in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky, with certification from the Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky. Since then, Zach has been working as an energy consultant for the University of Kentucky to help the university realize emissions reductions commitments. Zach also spent a year in Amazonas, Brazil as a Fulbright scholar to conduct research regarding reforestation techniques. With a background in energy conservation and a lifelong commitment to sustainability both personally and professionally, Zach is eager to contribute to the ambitious sustainability commitments of Louisville Metro Government.
Zach will start his position with Louisville Metro in the coming weeks and we look forward to working with him as our city take steps toward a 100% clean energy future.
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In December 2020, Mayor Greg Fischer signed the "We're All In" letter, a statement issued by the We're Still In coalition that calls for a national mobilization on climate and recovery. Over 1,500 leaders have signed the letter to encourage cities to come together once again to reaffirm their commitment to the Paris Agreement and pledge to partner with the Biden-Harris Administration and federal policymakers as the U.S. takes steps to re-join the Paris Climate Agreement. To read the "All In" declaration and view the signatories, click here.
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The Global Cool Cities Alliance recently launched a Cool Roadways Partnership to help accelerate the development and scaled deployment of pavements and pavement products that reduce surface and air temperatures and build resilience to rising heat. Louisville Metro is proud to have entered this partnership with over 20 other jurisdictions, non-profit organizations, and industry representatives to do its part in protecting residents from extreme heat. See press release 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 incentivized cool roof installations have taken place in Louisville? Check out this new ArcGIS dashboard to find out more
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The Solid Waste Education Department is excited to announce the Know Waste Ambassador Program! The mission of the Know Waste Ambassador program is to educate participating residents about waste reduction and disposal systems and empower them to make meaningful change for themselves and their community.
If you are interested in becoming a Know Waste Ambassador, please fill out this application.
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The Louisville Sustainability Council is still accepting applications for the 2020 Community Microgrant Program!
This new program provides grants to innovative, entrepreneurial projects and programs that aim to reduce GHG emissions and help our community prepare for climate change impacts. Examples could include a local business investing in composting or recycling, or growing its own culinary garden.
Recipients will receive between $250 and $2,500 toward their project and anyone in the Louisville Metro area may apply. Round 1 submissions are due on January 31 with notification of award by March 1, 2021.
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The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) is starting the development of an Active Transportation Plan to shape future investment in walking and biking infrastructure in the greater Louisville region and is seeking public input on the plan. Please take a few minutes to complete the brief survey and contribute your thoughts and ideas. The survey will be open for approximately one month.
To take the survey, click here.
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Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest has launched a new design competition for creating innovative and healthy, yet affordable and practical outdoor learning classrooms. Bernheim is seeking proposals from both amateur and professional designers and is looking for designs that can be implemented for $5,000 (or less) in materials. The most competitive designs will include sustainable features, and winners will receive cash prizes. All submissions will be publicly displayed.
Deadline to submit proposals is February 1. To learn more, click here.
Green Drinks Lou
The Louisville Sustainability Council is offering its next monthly Green Drinks on Wednesday, January 20 at 6 p.m. The guest speaker for this month is Louisville Grows, and Program Director Lisa Dettlinger will discuss their upcoming Community Garden Grant Workshops and Toolkit.
To register and watch previous Green Drink recordings, click here.
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Louisville Energy Alliance Webinar
The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. to share information on Louisville Metro's Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) Program and help property owners finance up to 100% of their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The LEA will also be inviting submissions for the annual Kilowatt Crackdown competition.
To learn more and register for the webinar, click here. Deadline to submit a building for the 2021 Kilowatt Crackdown awards has been extended to February 28.
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Know Waste Webinar Series
Louisville Metro's Waste Management District is continuing its "Know Waste" webinar series to educate residents on recycling, waste and composting. Webinars will be offered on Thursdays at 3 p.m. from February 4 - 25.
To register and watch previous recordings, click here.
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Gretchen Milliken
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Gretchen Milliken graciously and fearlessly took on heading Louisville Metro’s sustainability efforts after the re-organization into the Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability in 2019. She has seamlessly integrated sustainability into ongoing planning and multimodal initiatives. Having spent her pre-Kentucky years in Sweden, she brought a Swedish spirit to both city planning projects and when celebrating a team födelsedag. Now living in Utah, she’ll begin her new position as the Planning Director of Park City in February. |
Natalie Vezina
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Natalie Vezina has been leading sustainability at Louisville Metro since early 2018. Her organizational skills, data analysis, and practicality have been absolutely invaluable to the team. From securing $2.8 million in EPAD agreements to leading Louisville Metro’s Green Team, she has accelerated climate action and helped to create a culture of sustainability. Most recently, she has taken Louisville to the top in pursuing LEED Certification for the city. She will continue to fight for environmental progress in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she now lives. |
We will miss them both dearly, but can’t wait to see all that they accomplish in their new adventures!
Sustainability Specialist
The Louisville Metro Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability is hiring for a Sustainability Specialist to assist in the implementation of the city's comprehensive sustainability plans through project coordination, program functions, and public engagement. To learn more and apply, click here.
Sustainability Now! Podcast
If you're still looking for some New Year's resolution ideas or green solutions for cleaning up after the holidays, be sure to check out the latest episode of the Sustainability Now! podcast hosted by Justin Mog and featuring Louisville Sustainability Council's Program Manager Julia Murray and Board Chair Ellen Trahan. In this fun and inspiring episode, you'll learn how to make a green pledge through the Do Something Green campaign, get a sneak preview on what’s in store for 2021, and much more! To listen, click here.
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