OURaccelerating BRIGHT the transition FUTURE to clean energy 2015 annual report the urban clean energy revolution NOVEMBER 2015 p2 p4 p6 pX www.climatesolutions.org p8 Climate Solutions we can accelerates practical and profitable solutions to global warming by galvanizing we must leadership, growing investment, and p12 we will bridging divides. In 2015 we devoted ourselves more deeply than ever to creating the deep and lasting partnerships that it will take to demand and defend climate action. p16 creating a brighter future At Climate Solutions, we think the future is in- Most importantly, we will focus on three big goals: credibly bright, and the Northwest continues to be a shining light in the global effort to stop climate 1. Passing and implementing cutting-edge poli- change and build a vibrant, equitable, clean energy cies to reduce climate change and accelerate Climate Solutions economy. clean energy solutions in Washington and will continue to do Oregon. what we have been The calls for ending our dependence on fossil fuels, and for building an equitable clean energy econo- 2. Defeating all proposals to build infrastructure doing for nearly two my grow ever louder. In the past year, many have that locks in our dependence on fossil fuels, in- decades—leading engaged together on climate change—business, cluding coal export terminals and oil transport successful initiatives labor, communities of color, public health experts, facilities. to deliver climate grassroots activists, faith leaders, and so many 3. Elevating our newest initiative—Bright and clean energy more. While the call for change is still short of Future—which demonstrates that the rapid policies, models, deafening, it is getting harder and harder for public transition to clean energy and a low-carbon and partnerships officials to turn a blind eye to a blossoming and economy is possible, practical, and necessary. more diverse climate movement. that accelerate the Indeed, this transition is—to a widely underap- transition from Climate Solutions will continue to do what we preciated degree—already on. fossil fuels to a clean have been doing for nearly two decades—leading We are deeply grateful for all that you do to sup- energy economy. successful initiatives to deliver climate and clean port Climate Solutions. We could not do this work energy policies, models, and partnerships that without your support. accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy. Gregg Small, Executive Director “[The Paris climate summit marked] that the world has committed to taking action on climate change—that’s the historic nature of it. What it does not do is solve the problem. That’s up to all of us.” Gregg Small, quoted in “Climate change activists are just warming up,” Los Angeles Times, December 15, 2015 1 climate leaders on Climate Solutions “Climate Solutions has a “We know the stakes could “Climate Solutions is working every day fresh and outcomes-based not be higher to build a to bring about the clean energy economy, approach to building a clean energy economy—the and to put our region and country on resilient and regenerative very health of our planet and a clean, sustainable, prosperous path. future. At the core, they are the future of our children We’re all for climate solutions because dedicated to mapping out a and future generations is we are climate solutions. We come clean energy future that is at stake. Climate Solutions together as a community working beneficial for all: the planet, commitment to long-lasting towards a movement that is bigger the economy, human health, diverse partnerships is key to than us—a movement where regional and future generations.” sustainable, scalable success.” leadership can have global impacts.” Brenna Davis, Rebecca Saldaña, Dae Dahlquist, Sustainability Director, Executive Director, student and climate activist Virginia Mason Puget Sound Sage “Climate Solutions provides “I very much admire Climate “It is accurate but insufficient the Northwest with the Solutions’ thoughtful work to call Climate Solutions the leadership we need in the and its commitment to best climate organization in the fight against global warming. addressing climate change region – it just might be the finest They champion innovative, head-on, while also regional climate group in the practical solutions that embracing the rich economic world.” provide models for action opportunities it offers.” Denis Hayes, President, nationally and around the Gina McCarthy, Bullitt Foundation world.” Administrator, U.S. Environmental U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) Protection Agency Opposite, from top left: Rev. Kathleen Patton addresses a Power Past Coal rally in Longview, WA. Lummi Tribal Council member Jay Julius re- ceives our Sam Garst award on behalf of the Lummi Nation, with Savitha Reddy Pathi (Climate Solutions) and Lisa McShane. Volunteers gather pledge signatures for Renew Oregon. People’s Climate March in Seattle. Dionne Foster (Puget Sound Sage), Jill Mangaliman and Sarra Tekola (Got Green) at our annual breakfast. Rich Stolz (OneAmerica), Brenna Davis (Virginia Mason) and Renée Klein (American Lung Association) at the Alliance for Clean Energy launch. Climate Solutions board member Kathy Washienko with staff members Joëlle Robinson and Carrie Hearne. Jessica Finn Coven, Director of the City of Seattle Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, with Miguel Pérez-Gibson, Executive Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Inslee. Ceres President Mindy Lubber speaks at our annual breakfast. Alex Epstein (Climate Solutions), Zarna 2 Joshi, and Rebecca Deehr (E2) discuss climate policy with Washington State Rep. Eric Pettigrew. Background: Bullitt Center solar panels and Seattle skyline. powerful partnerships to meeting Washington State’s carbon Climate Solutions builds a New Energy Cities reduction targets. We recently helped the Cities account for 70 percent of global powerful constituency for K4C develop a framework to achieve 90% climate pollution. This fact, along with renewable electricity by 2030, create a the stalled progress of a national climate local, regional, national, and program to assess public and commercial policy, underscores the importance of international action on climate energy usage, and develop a workplace local action in reducing climate pollution. and clean energy. We work electric vehicle charging campaign. “Climate Solutions’ Our New Energy Cities program helps We also partnered with the cities of New Energy Cities with a broad array of partners, Northwest communities develop replica- Shoreline, Tukwila, and Everett on ble models of clean energy innovation by program has been a bridging divides and further strategies to reduce urban greenhouse creating ambitious but achievable climate propelling action to stop the gas emissions. valuable catalyst for goals; strategies to implement their goals; the King County-Cities climate crisis. and programs that reduce climate pollu- tion from buildings, transportation, and diverse coalitions for Climate Collaboration energy supply. We also research model climate action to take meaningful urban carbon reduction programs around joint action on climate the world to understand best practices The Alliance for Jobs and Clean and the ingredients of successful commu- Energy and Renew Oregon change. Our partnership nity climate programs. In 2015, Climate Solutions worked with is accelerating bold partners to help launch two influential For the past three years, we have worked climate coalitions: Renew Oregon and the collective actions closely with the King County-Cities Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy to reduce carbon Climate Collaboration (K4C), a coalition in Washington. emissions in King of King County, WA and 13 cities united in their aim to cut climate pollution in half These powerful state-level networks County’s urban areas.” the urban by 2030, an ambitious goal that is critical brought together leaders from business, clean energy Bruce Bassett, Mayor of revolution Mercer Island, WA NOVEMBER 2015 NEW ENERGY CITIES REPORTS w The Urban Clean Energy Revolution Inspiring examples from the international low-carbon city movement Breaking Down Barriers to Deep Energy Efficiency in King County, WA The obstacles to reducing community-wide energy use by 25%, and promising practices for moving forward climatesolutions.org/resources/reports www.climatesolutions.org labor, communities of color, faith, environmental, health, and other constituencies. These broad Business Partnerships Program Businesses leaders from around the region under- and diverse coalitions are helping build the move- “Local officials are critical because stand that climate stability and clean energy will ments necessary for major climate progress in make them better prepared to manage risks, seize they’re close to the people and are the Northwest. opportunities and create a broadly shared and sus- more accountable. [Local officials] The Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy developed tainable prosperity. In 2015, we continued to grow a shared strategy to shape climate policy using and support Northwest Businesses for Climate have the control and influence.” racial and economic equity principles, and worked Action, an initiative of businesses calling for state New Energy Cities program manager together on climate and equity message develop- action on energy efficiency, investment in cleaner Elizabeth Willmott, quoted in “Local Climate,” ment. A broad group of 30 organizations comprise fuels, advancing renewable energy, and