April 23, 2021

Net Zero Cities early-bird pricing ends tonight

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Friday night is the deadline to take advantage of the early-bird pricing for the 2021 Net Zero Cities virtual event, which begins Tuesday morning and extends to Wednesday morning.

Net Zero Cities is a BizWest event that seeks to define what it means to be net-zero in terms of sustainability goals. Implications are huge for business, extending geographically from the Paris climate accords to efforts among local businesses to achieve carbon-free operations for the benefit of employees and home communities.

Registration for the event can be accomplished here. Early-bird pricing is $19.46 for BizWest subscribers or $29.46 for nonsubscribers. Those rates go up to $24.46 and $34.46, respectively, starting Saturday.

The two-morning event will be recorded so that participants unable to attend all sessions will be able to view discussions later.

Those discussions will include a visit from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who has set a goal to have Colorado 100% powered by renewable energy by 2040.

Other sessions at the event include:

Legislative Initiatives

Where does Colorado stand currently in terms of net-zero policies, including at the state and local governmental level? What specific climate policies and legislation might be forthcoming from state, local and federal governments?

Energy Storage

New technologies could revolutionize storage of energy. What specific technologies are needed to achieve net-zero goals? What Colorado companies are involved in this effort, what are the challenges, and how quickly can these technologies reach the market?

The COVID Effect

How has the global pandemic affected energy consumption and adoption of clean-energy technologies, and how can renewable-energy proponents leverage economic-recovery initiatives with net-zero goals?

Grid Resiliency

Local utilities have embraced ambitious goals toward net-zero emissions. What needs to happen on the utility front, and how are utilities deploying microgrids to ensure power continuity?

Beyond Paris

The Biden Administration has rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, but limits set by that agreement are not being met, and some businesses lack understanding of their part in devising a solution. What are some science-based goals that businesses can implement to do their part on climate change, how much will the greening of our electric grid help, and what other strategies are needed?

Funding Innovation

Achieving net-zero status will require innovation on a massive scale. How will startups and innovators secure financing — including venture capital, angel investing and grants — to make it happen?

Designing High-Performance Districts

A recent NREL report heralds HPDs as an emerging strategy for fulfilling local, national and international commitments to net-zero goals. What are HPDs, how is this strategy being implemented locally, and what are the ramifications for building electrification, energy standards, etc.?

Racial Justice & Climate Change

Climate change has a disproportionate effect on people of color. What strategies will be used to ensure that historically under-represented groups are prioritized in future climate planning?

Information about the event, including a complete list of speakers and registration information, can be found here. 

Xcel Energy is the title sponsor of Net Zero Cities. Other sponsors are:

Supporting sponsors — Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, E Source, Lightning eMotors, Morgan Creek Ventures, Platte River Power Authority, and Poudre Valley REA.

Community sponsors — The cities of Boulder and Fort Collins, Larimer County, and Partners for a Clean Environment.

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