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.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development will open the application process for the Climate Catalysts Leadership Program October 1, 2022. The program brings together local leaders from all walks of life and all corners of Vermont to build peer connections, strengthen leadership skills, and receive support in developing a local climate economy project or initiative. VCRD…
The Marshfield and Plainfield communities participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2019. 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 150 residents participated in the “Revitalizing All of Marshfield and Plainfield:…
Vermod is a Wilder-based company that designs and builds affordable net-zero energy ready modular homes to meet the highest standards of durability, energy efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality. After Tropical Storm Irene devastated homes across the state, it became clear that mobile home residents were disproportionately affected by extreme weather. Following the storm, Vermod…
Randolph participated in VCRD’s Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2018. 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 300 Randolph residents participated in the “R3 – Randolph Region Re-Energized” process with support from…
Curriculum – Strengthening Leadership and Building Connections Strong leaders understand and unleash the power of connection. Participants build new connections within the group and with potential partners and learn to strengthen connections in their communities. In-person sessions create the bulk of the meeting time together, with additional zoom session and opportunity for one-on-one support from…
Task Force Co-Chairs: Diana Batzel and Nick Siefert Task Force Description: This task force will work with partners to assist home owners, renters, businesses and community institutions in reducing energy use, using renewable energy, and fuel switching. Task Force Update: Energy Improvements At Twinfield School: Twinfield School is a treasured community institution and has already…
Task Force Co-Chairs: Richard Baker (Marshfield) and Jamie Spector (Plainfield) Task Force description: Downtown Marshfield and downtown Plainfield are key hubs of economic, social, and cultural activity. The health and vitality of both communities depends in part on the vibrancy of these two places. Route 2 also plays a critical role in defining both communities,…
Over 120 Marshfield and Plainfield residents came together through the Model Communities program to consider the future of their two towns and how they can collectively rally to maintain the vibrancy of both places while also tackling climate change. From this process, the residents created Revitalizing All Marshfield and Plainfield,” or RAMP, consisting of four…
Since 2017, VCRD has convened the Climate Economy Action Team (CEAT), a group of business and non-profit leaders dedicated to advancing distributed clean energy generation, energy efficiency, and climate solutions entrepreneurship. We are working together to help start new Vermont businesses, expand innovation and the profitability of existing businesses, and reduce Vermont’s carbon impact while…
Middlebury was the second community to participate in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP). 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. Read the Greater Middlebury Report and Action Plan. Through the process, community members…