Our Impact
Fiscal Year July 2022-June 2023
Collective Impact
to the Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective's Steering Committee
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The Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective's Steering Committee commenced its third year with 28 permanent members, including representation from nine new organizations. This growth signifies a collaborative effort to incorporate diverse expertise and perspectives in addressing regional climate challenges.
for Climate Action Strategy Implementation
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With the kickoff to implementation of the 2022 Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Action Strategy, we witnessed the launch of three working groups focused on buildings/housing, transportation, and renewable energy. Involving five local organizations in the Buildings/Housing group, 14 in Transportation, and 11 in Renewable Energy, these initiatives bring together a diverse coalition committed to making a substantial impact on regional emissions.
Recruited and Supported
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The 2022 Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Action Strategy specifically calls for the recruitment and support of lived experience experts from specific communities who will identify and develop the necessary partnerships to advance the implementation of the strategy. As of June 30th, 2023, the Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective recruited and supported five lived experience experts representing the following communities: Indigenous, Rural, Urban Latino, Urban Black, and Youth.
AMPED: Finger Lakes Regional Clean Energy Hub
across the Finger Lakes region, through various outreach channels including tabling, community presentations, canvassing, and webinars
including 13 commercial clients, indicating strong interest and uptake of clean energy solutions among both residential and business sectors
on topics like the relationship between electrification, health, and equity; the power of district heat pumps; and a deep explainer on electric grid reliability. 218 community members joined the webinars live, plus another 200 tuned in after the fact
Color Your Community Green (CYCG)
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Facilitated the launch of three new CYCG teams in Rush, Greece, and Rochester, while welcoming Green Orleans and Green Warsaw into the CYCG network. This expansion demonstrates growing engagement in local climate action efforts, with more communities actively participating in CYCG initiatives.
across the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region
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As of June 30, 2023, there were over 180 active CYCG team members across the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region. This significant involvement reflects a strong grassroots movement towards community stewardship and action for a cleaner, greener future.
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Accelerator staff and CYSG volunteers successfully completed the CYSG toolkit in 2022 and initiated monthly network meetings in October 2022. These meetings, attended by stakeholders from nine different school districts, including students, parents, and educators, signify a collaborative effort to integrate sustainability practices into educational environments.
Public Engagement
at the 2023 Climate Solutions Summit
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The 2023 Climate Solutions Summit drew 236 participants, including 24 scholarship recipients, who engaged in discussions on regenerative economy principles and developed ideas for regenerative systems across various sectors. The event received support from 57 sponsors, indicating strong community support for climate initiatives.
signed the Climate Action Pledge
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Accelerator staff and volunteers mobilized over 35 volunteers for community outreach, research, and other projects, including tabling at 37 events across urban, suburban, and rural locations in all nine counties of the region. This proactive engagement resulted in 245 individuals signing the Climate Action Pledge for Individuals during the fiscal year.
signed the Climate Action Pledge
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Five new organizations signed the Climate Action Pledge for Organizations between July 2022 and June 2023, with a total of 26 signatories since April 2022, showcasing growing organizational commitment to climate action.
Policy & Advocacy
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Over the course of 15+ months, the Accelerator joined multiple organizations as an intervenor on behalf of consumers during the 2022 Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) Rate Case before New York State’s Public Service Commission (PSC). The Accelerator completed extensive research and revision of documents (written testimonies, responses, statements, etc.) in order to submit an official testimony which included data analyses on 4 different topics to assess utility compliance with settlement agreement from the 2019 Rate Case and utility performance on statewide energy efficiency and clean heating programs.
With significant opposition from the Accelerator and other intervenors, the Public Service Commission (PSC), Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) reached a settlement agreement in June 2023 that brings massive rate hikes to consumers with little included to advance the state’s clean energy goals.
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In coalition with NY Renews and Renewable Heat Now, the Accelerator advocated tirelessly for two priority bills, the All Electric Building and Build Public Renewables Acts, both of which passed in the FY24 Budget. This legislative success marks a significant milestone in advancing clean energy and decarbonization efforts in the region.
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Throughout the 2023 legislative session, the Accelerator participated in over 25 meetings with New York State legislators, signed on to more than 18 letters of support, wrote more than eight memos, made countless phone calls to legislators, and traveled to Albany four times for direct actions, press conferences, and meetings with legislators.
Color Your Organization Green (CYOG)
in the first annual cohort of Color Your Organization Green
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From January-June 2023 the Accelerator led seven sessions of CYOG, guiding six local organizations towards creating their own climate action plans. A total of 36 individuals participated from across these organizations, engaging in learning and planning for climate action within their respective sectors.
explored the concept of a regenerative business roundtable for the region
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Held an engaging meeting with 15 local business sustainability leaders to explore the concept of a regenerative business roundtable for the region. Developed three proposals for the roundtable’s approach and structure, indicating proactive steps towards fostering sustainability in the local business community.
held with Local Developers
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Conducted investigative meetings with 3 local developers to discuss electrification opportunities and challenges, highlighting efforts to explore innovative solutions and partnerships in advancing sustainable development practices.
Climate Justice and Antiracism Activities
Throughout the year, the Accelerator demonstrated its commitment to integrating climate justice and antiracism principles into its operations and initiatives through active participation in a variety of community events, training sessions, and policy advocacy efforts aimed at advancing equity and addressing systemic issues. Below are specific examples of these efforts:
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- Staff presented at various events, including the 2022 Interrupt Racism Summit and equity/climate justice-focused presentations for ESWA.
- Formation of equity-focused advisory councils and initiatives, such as the Indigenous Advisory Council and Color Rochester Green, aimed to guide collective impact efforts and community engagement.
- Advocacy efforts focused on equity were integrated into policy work, including submitting testimonies and memos of support for bills like the Energy Efficiency Equity and Jobs Act.
- Participation in working groups and initiatives outside the organization, such as NYS’s Extreme Heat Action Plan Working Group, aimed at addressing climate justice issues at the state level.
- Rural engagement plans and outreach efforts prioritized disadvantaged communities, ensuring inclusivity and representation in public engagement initiatives.
- Community outreach efforts, including tabling at events located in disadvantaged communities, aimed to raise awareness of climate justice issues and promote inclusive participation in climate action.
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- Internal Climate Justice resource lists were developed and participation in antiracism courses were supported, to promote greater awareness and understanding among staff.
- Internal assessments, including our annual DEI survey for board and staff, were conducted to gauge organizational progress and identify areas for improvement in climate justice and antiracism efforts.
- Integration of equity-focused policies into the organization's employee handbook aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
- Staff training sessions on conflict resolution, implicit bias, and responding to microaggressions were conducted to promote a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
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- Staff and volunteers have continuously advocated for climate justice and equitable access to clean, affordable energy through numerous public presentations and conversations with community leaders.
- We have been active members of both the Renewable Heat Now and NY Renews coalitions since 2019. RHN’s mission is to advocate for affordable and equitable clean heating and cooling technologies. NY Renews is focused on climate justice and jobs.
- Intentional procurement practices prioritize purchasing materials and supplies from Black-owned businesses whenever feasible, contributing to economic empowerment and fostering diversity in vendor relationships.