Sumedha Rao is now the Sustainability Specialist in the Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability. She is committed to catalyzing robust, inclusive, and collaborative solutions a greener Louisville. She has a background in interdisciplinary sustainability, with a specialization in the urban and built environment. Previously, she has worked in the fields of green building, environmental advocacy, and environmental higher education in India and the US. Sumedha holds an MS in Sustainability Science from UMass Amherst and a BS in Environmental Science from St. Joseph’s College, India. She also holds LEED AP accreditation.
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Tony Mattingly, AICP, is returning to the Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability as an Urban Planner after a stint with Metra’s Division of Long Range Planning in Chicago. His new role will primarily focus on transportation-related projects and initiatives. During his previous tenure with LMG, Tony worked on Louisville’s Dockless Vehicle Policy, was the co-project manager for the Fairdale Village Center Plan and Library Lane Plan, and coordinated closely with people across Metro who are dedicated to making our streets safer, greener, and more equitable. Tony loves riding his bike around town (and to work!) and is eager to find innovative ways to better combine our active transportation and sustainability initiatives.
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 This month, hundreds of scientists at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their Sixth Assessment Report, which shows that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900. It also states human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate: immediate, rapid and sustained reductions in GHG emissions are required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
The New York Times summarized the report with 5 key takeaways:
- Human influence has unequivocally warmed the planet.
- Climate science is getting better and more precise.
- We are locked into 30 years of worsening climate impacts.
- Climate changes are happening rapidly.
- There is still a window in which humans can alter our climate path.
Read the New York Times summary here and the full Sixth Climate Assessment here.
The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) presented awards to eight local organizations as part of its annual Kilowatt Crackdown challenge, with the top honor of Kilowatt Cup going to Churchill Downs Racetrack for superior energy achievements.
Churchill Downs’ efforts began in 2019 with two key initiatives: investments in upgrading their aging building automation systems and bringing a full-time energy manager on board. They also began an aggressive plan to convert over to LED lighting technology throughout the facility, updated chilled water equipment in the central plant and educated staff on how to best reduce energy consumption through daily operations. The racetrack's reductions are equivalent to keeping 493 vehicles off the road for a year.
“Just like Louisville Metro Government, Churchill Downs has led by example through hiring a full-time energy manager to find opportunities for energy savings," Mayor Fischer said. "I encourage all organizations, companies and residents to invest in energy-saving efforts because they will see a reduction in operating costs while also helping Louisville reach our city-wide 100% clean energy goals.”
Additional winners are as follows:
- K-12 Facility – Lanesville Schools
- Office Facility – Underwriters Group and NTS 500 North Building
- Specialty Healthcare Facility – UofL Health Peace Hospital
- Medical Office Facility – Norton Healthcare Building 224
- Hospital Facility – Baptist Hospital LaGrange
- Religious Facility – Southeast Christian Church LaGrange
- Environmental Stewardship – Louisville Nature Center
The LEA is offering free assistance to building owners who want to begin tracking and reducing their energy use. The next 3-part training series kicks off September 24; registration is at https://tinyurl.com/PMTrainingLEA.
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Kilowatt Crackdown Awards. Learn more and submit your building at www.louisvilleenergyalliance.org/kilowatt-crackdown.html.
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Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for the 8th annual Louisville Sustainability Summit on November 10, 2021, hosted by the Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC).
Building on the LSC's mission to connect communities and create change, the Louisville Sustainability Council presents Powering the Movement: Building Community to Fight Climate Change. This event will explore the intersections between climate change, social equity, and community resilience. As the sustainability movement continues to gain momentum through renewed national attention, communities are calling for innovative ideas and immediate action. Join to discuss climate justice, advocacy, and community building to discover your role in creating meaningful change.
Discounted tickets available to LSC members. Click here to learn more and buy tickets.
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 Building from years of community work led by the Center for Neighborhoods through their Better Block Louisville program, 12 community partners have come together and leveraged over $200,000 in investments to help realize the community's dream for a sustainable shared space known as Parkland Plaza. This public plaza will feature trees and native landscaping to fight the urban heat island effect, benefit biodiversity, and provide a cool, shaded place for the community to gather.
Site plans and renderings are now available on the project website: ParklandPlaza.com.
 The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet just announced $1 million to improve pedestrian safety and ensure efficient traffic flow along the Bardstown Road corridor based on the results of the 2018 Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Safety Study. These much-needed improvements will make it safer for everyone to walk or bike the corridor while reducing carbon emissions.
New safety elements will include:
- Removal of overhead reversible lane assignment lights/signs and installation of improved signage.
- Curb extensions and crosswalks to address safety concerns and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Modifying the corridor from four reversible lanes to two driving lanes, thereby increasing the number of 24-hour, on-street parking spaces to address the needs of local businesses and residents.
- Designated turn lanes at signalized intersections with high left turn demands.
Roadway resurfacing and new striping.
“This funding will make an immense difference toward a safer Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue for residents and businesses alike," Mayor Fischer said. “We want every resident to get where they need to go efficiently and safely, no matter the mode of transportation."
Click here to read the study report and learn more about the project.
 Greater Louisville Sierra Club is an extension of the national Sierra Club, with the local group working as a grassroots effort run 100% by volunteers. They are forming an action team to expand and develop local Sierra Club initiatives in renewable energy, environmental justice, lobbying, and conservation, and are looking for volunteers with a variety of talents and experience to work on issues of local interest.
There are additional opportunities to get involved as an Ambassador, Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) activity leader, and 2021 Louisville Earth Walk fundraiser. If these opportunities inspire you, reach out to greaterlouisvillesierraclub@gmail.com.
 Installing a cool roof is a great way to make your home or property more energy-efficient while combating our overall urban heat island effect! With the start of a new fiscal year for Louisville Metro, new funds are available through our Cool Roof Rebate Program. The incentive provides up to $1 per square foot of ENERGY STAR roofing product on residential and commercial properties located in targeted high-heat areas: Metro Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15. Learn more and apply for funds here.
PLANT 5K Run & Walk for Louisville Grows
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The PLANT 5K Run & Walk is Louisville Grows' annual fundraiser to support their mission to grow greener, healthier neighborhoods by planting 5,000 trees by 2025. On Saturday, September 18, it will be hybrid event, offering runners and walkers the opportunity to participate in-person or virtually. The race features unique medals, sustainable swag and best practices for an eco-friendly environment. Learn more and register here. |
Citizen Forester 101 Training
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Help restore and maintain Louisville's urban tree canopy by becoming a Citizen Forester! At Citizen Forester 101 Training hosted by Louisville Grows on Saturday, September 25, participants are taught basic tree anatomy and physiology, environmental stewardship, tree planting skills and how to lead other volunteers in proper planting and caring for trees. Learn more and sign up here. |
2021 Louisville Earth Walk
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Registration is officially open for the 5th Annual Louisville Earth Walk on Saturday, October 23. There are two free registration options: in-person at Cherokee Park and a virtual option that allows you to participate from wherever you are. Register and donate at LouisvilleEarthWalk.org. Celebrate Earth and support the organizations that work on her behalf! |
TARC Executive Director on Transit Unplugged
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Carrie Butler, Executive Director of the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), was recently featured on the national podcast Transit Unplugged. Listen to learn Carrie's plans for the future of TARC, how she's tackling a nation-wide bus driver shortage, and what's behind the fresh optimism and excitement she's bringing to the agency. Listen to the episode here. |
Floor Seats with Gerry Seavo James of the Explore Kentucky Initiative
Floor Seats gives listeners an up-and-close personal experience through intimate conversations and dialogues across a variety of topics including outdoor recreation, travel, #ExploreKentucky, conservation, and more! Led by Gerry Seavo James, founder of the Explore Kentucky Initiative and the Kentucky Waterman Series. Click here to listen to the first episode with guest co-host Ashley Smith of Black Soil KY. |
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Yale Clean Energy Future
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If executed with equity and inclusivity at its core, the clean energy transition can play a key role in achieving justice, prosperity, and human dignity for all. The Clean Energy Future podcast from the Yale Center for Business and the Environment talks to experts, unpacks studies, and figures out how to create a just and equitable clean energy future. The latest episode looks at how this clean energy transition can bring benefits to rural communities if we use stimulus money to create more jobs. Tune in here. |
Clarksville, IN to Tackle Urban Heat Island Effect
Louisville's growing urban heat island effect isn’t limited to the the city's borders. Without significant action, Clarksville, Indiana will experience about 20 additional days above 90°F by the 2050's. To combat these rising temperatures, the Town of Clarksville was awarded a grant for Beat the Heat, giving the Town the opportunity to both study the impacts of extreme heat in Clarksville and develop local strategies to alleviate the impacts of heat on the community. Check out WFPL's recent article on the new initiative and learn more about our region's urban heat island.
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