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.
Climate Economy Initiative Climate Economy Resilient Communities Climate Catalysts Leadership Program Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund History and Background Summits Climate change is the defining issue of our time. We, as a people, are faced with an unprecedented environmental challenge and must identify strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. This challenge also presents an…
Facing the climate challenge means mobilizing at all levels of experience of organization and leadership. Strong and inspirational leaders are the catalyst or “spark” in what helps unify collective action. Hundreds of large and small communities in Vermont have initiated unique and successful local actions while facing the realities of climate change. The Climate Catalysts…
Climate Economy Initiative Climate Economy Resilient Communities Climate Catalysts Leadership Program Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund History and Background Summits All around Vermont, communities are seeking to become more resilient and thrive in a changing world and climate. VCRD’s Resilient Communities Program supports three to five communities each year working on local climate action solutions that…
Climate Economy Initiative Climate Economy Resilient Communities Climate Catalysts Leadership Program Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund History and Background Summits The Climate Economy Initiative is designed to help communities and leaders build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change. The ultimate goal is to help model change…
The Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund supports innovative local projects for which a small grant could have a meaningful impact at the community level. In its first round, the Fund received 32 applications for a total requested amount of over $76,000. Of those, 18 projects were awarded small grants to support local innovators developing solutions that…
Identifying a community need and leveraging local partners and resources to address it was an exciting piece of the puzzle for the Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury. With new ideas, partners, and local funding, the Library has helped make it possible for visitors, friends, and neighbors to explore Middlebury and Addison County on the library’s…
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the opening of applications for the second competitive round of the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund. In collaboration with local funders, VCRD is supporting innovators in developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals by providing at least $20,000 in grant funding toward local…
The greater Rochester area participated in VCRD’s Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2021. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 80 residents participated in the “Rochester Area Climate Initiative” (RACI) process with…
Home heating is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont, with the average Vermonter spending nearly $2,000 to heat stay warm. Based in Bristol, VT, Smith & McClain is a general contractor specializing in residential construction, solar power systems, electrical services, and energy efficiency. Their goal is to provide customers with the…
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that roughly 30% of global emissions leading to climate change can be attributed to agricultural activities, including pesticide use. One of the most effective tools for stopping the present increase in atmospheric CO2 is to build soil carbon through regenerative farming, grazing and land-use practices with a focus on soil health. Studio Hill Farm,…