Summer is firmly in the “dog-days” and re-opening after the pandemic has everyone out and about.
The Green Chamber of the South board is working to develop sustainability networking events and programs for the second half of the year, with the intention of building upon our solar discussions from 2020.
Read on for summaries of several board activities and updates.
Electric Vehicles
Lately, there has been a big buzz around the electrification of the transportation sector and the integration of renewable energy generation via solar power.
Atlanta is taking the lead in the initiative to include medium and heavy-duty vehicles in the electrification process. Recently, the city received a grant to buy its first electric commuter bus.
Through our board connection with Georgia Power, several Green Chamber board members attended an exclusive preview of the Lion Electric all-electric school bus at the Cobb County School District Transportation Department..
Representatives from Lion Electric provided details of performance and manufacturing along with test rides. Public Service Commission Vice-Chairman Tim Echols spoke to the electrification and adoption of electric vehicles in Georgia.
Last week, @LionElectricCo gave an exclusive preview of their LionC, all-electric school bus. This school bus offers a range of 100, 125, or 155 miles, depending on the battery you choose. This is a huge pivot in the industry and a strive to a cleaner and more sustainable future! pic.twitter.com/S2aLPDie4l
— Georgia Power ET (@georgiapowerET) June 29, 2021
University Panel
Subsequent to the electric bus preview, Mike Shoemaker, Board Chair, participated in a panel at Kennesaw State University to discuss sustainability with a class of Professor Cyril Okhio’s senior electrical engineering students.
The panel was facilitated by Bernie Burgener, Executive Director for the Greenhouse Accelerator, and also included Suhas Apte, former Global VP for Sustainability at Kimberly-Clark. The discussions covered careers paths at the intersection of engineering and sustainability.
Upcoming Events
The Green Chamber will be hosting several events with local and regional partners that will solidify the link between solar and renewable power grid integration, transportation electrification and next generation of innovators. Our annual Sustainability Interactive will feature an electric bus demonstration and more.
In the coming weeks, we will host our annual member meeting to present plans and solicit support in our mission. Please keep an eye out for a save-the-date.
We look forward to your continued engagement and can’t wait to see you in person again!