The Climate Economy Programs are designed to help communities build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change.

Ultramotive Corporation Innovator Story

Little spray nozzle produces big benefits

Few of us think about how a better nozzle could reduce the entire spray can industry’s environmental impact. Yet at Bethel’s family-owned Ultramotive Corporation, that’s just what happened. Its patented EarthSafe Air Power System has the potential to eliminate tons of harmful hydrocarbons entering the atmosphere every year. The company specializes in barrier packaging. In…

Insulated panels help reduce energy use

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) make up one of the most sustainable, energy-efficient construction methods in the residential and light commercial building industry today. Essentially, these are panels that sandwich a hard skin on either side of a core insulating layer. The rigid insulation blankets the entire structure in a well-sealed envelope, a critical factor for…

Lowering the price on large scale solar

Nathaniel Vandal is the co-founder of Green Peak Solar, a Waitsfield, Vermont-based company focusing on developing large-scale solar energy systems for utilities, towns, school districts, and businesses in the Green Mountain State. Founded in 2012, Green Peak is committed to finding the lowest cost for generating solar in Vermont and is demonstrating its success through…

Cutting fossil fuel use with compost heat

Enosburg Falls, VT – Most people know about composting—the natural recycling process that converts food scraps, leaves, and manures into soil building compost and mulch. What is less known is that this decomposition process also generates a substantial amount of heat. Agrilab Technologies, Inc. in Enosburg Falls has developed a patented system to help farms,…

Energy innovation + preservation = downtown revitalization

Stevens & Associates, P.C., an architectural and engineering firm, has a passion for walkable environments and mixed use buildings. Their work focuses on urban revitalization and the repurposing of existing historic buildings. By creating compact diversified environments, users can access multiple services and locations throughout the day without driving. Rebuilding such places uses the embodied…

Biking innovations drive this nonprofit

VBike is a nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the bike culture in Vermont towards a more inclusive, fun, and transportation-oriented future. By promoting exciting innovations like electric-assist technology and cargo bikes, VBike is working to make bicycles more relevant for Vermonters while encouraging healthy bodies, vibrant communities and a sustainable vision for our planet. It…

Craftsbury Outdoor Center finds innovative heating solution for net-zero lodge

Tucked behind a secluded lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center is an outdoor-lovers’ dream that offers year round recreation opportunities including Nordic skiing, running, mountain biking, and sculling. Family events, lodging, and event rentals are available as well. While the non-profit organization is dedicated to lifelong sports, Directors Judy Geer and Dick…

Cutting carbon one board at a time

ShackletonThomas is a Bridgewater, Vermont based company that specializes in making fine handmade furniture, pottery and accessories. For the past 25 years, ShackletonThomas has made a commitment to help curb the effects of climate change. The primary material used for its furniture is wood that comes from within the Northeast US, which keeps emissions from…