The EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee presented a virtual webinar series on how to secure state and county commitments to carbon neutrality by 2050. You may view a recording of each event below.
Webinars
Reimagining Arlington
Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Community experts discussed how Arlington can address the climate crisis and become a resilient, equitable, and prosperous community. This webinar was the first in a series of programs exploring Arlington’s transformation to a carbon-neutral community and how community members can individually and collectively help to achieve that goal.
Speakers
- Scott Sklar, President, The Stella Group – What Does a Carbon Neutral Community Look Like?
- John Bloom, Chair, Potomac River Group of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club – What is Arlington’s Path to Carbon Neutrality
- Chitra Kumar, Associate Director of the Office of Environmental Justice at the Environmental Protection Agency – Commentator: Transformation from an Equity Lens
- Moderator: Jay Fisette, Managing Partner, DMV Strategic Partners and former Arlington County Board member
Agenda:
- 7 – 8 pm – Introductions, presentations and moderated panel discussion
- 8 – 8:30 pm – Audience Q&A
All are welcome to attend; there is a suggested event fee of $15 to cover the cost of the event. Please pay if you can. All proceeds will be shared between EcoAction Arlington and our co-sponsors.
Reimagining Our Homes
Thursday, November 4, 2021, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
In this webinar, industry experts described the basics of zero-carbon buildings and how to transform our homes and other buildings to meet the goal for carbon neutrality. They also discussed how energy efficiency improvements and electrification of our heating systems, hot water tanks, and various appliances can reduce emissions while saving money and improving comfort in our homes. An optional tour of zero-carbon buildings in Arlington took place on Saturday, November 6.
Speakers
- Carl Elefante, Past President, American Institute of Architects — rethinking community development for an equitable post-carbon world.
- Sandra Leibowitz, Founder and Owner, Sustainable Design Consulting LLC — retrofitting our homes and buildings to be zero carbon or zero energy.
- Scott Donelson, President Home Energy Medics LLC — practical tips for homeowners and renters on improving energy efficiency and shifting away from natural gas systems and appliances.
- Helen Reinecke-Wilt, Arlington County Sustainability Planner — Green Home Choice Program and other Arlington initiatives.
Moderator
Joan Kelsch, Green Building Program Manager at Arlington County (retired)
Agenda
7 – 8 pm – Introductions, presentations and moderated panel discussion
8 – 8:30 pm – Audience Q&A
Optional Tour
Take a tour of two zero carbon buildings in Arlington on Saturday, November 6 with Scott Sklar. This is mostly an outside tour of two self-powered buildings that Scott will personally walk through. Both buildings are on the same property and the tour will last approximately one hour.
- Two tour options — 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- Each tour will last approximately one hour
Creating a Pathway to Zero Carbon Buildings
Thursday, January 6, 2022, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
In this third part of the three-part series, industry and policy experts discussed state and local actions needed to equitably eliminate carbon emissions from our homes and offices. Changing building practices and retrofitting existing buildings will require support from federal, state, and local governments. Learn how you can get involved to help drive this transformation.
Speakers
- Susan Stillman — At-Large Executive Committee Member, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter – Overcoming regulatory and legal barriers in Virginia
- Jennifer Thorne Amann — Senior Fellow, Buildings Program, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy – Local policy and program options to facilitate an equitable transition to zero carbon buildings
Advocacy Panel
Representatives from EcoAction Arlington, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, and Sierra Club Potomac River Group will share opportunities for citizens to advocate for a just transformation of our built environment
Moderator
Tom O’Reilly, Chair, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions Arlington Hub
This event was co-sponsored by EcoAction Arlington, the Arlington Hub of the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and the Potomac River Group of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club
