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 Innovator Stories

Climate Economy Initiative Climate Economy Resilient Communities Climate Catalysts Leadership Program Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund History and Background Summits Building Efficient, Resilient Housing Uncategorized Home heating is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont, with the average Vermonter spending nearly $2,000… March 3, 2023 Vermont is Home to a State-of-the-Art LED Producer…

Model Communities Program 2017-2021

Climate Economy Initiative Climate Economy Resilient Communities Climate Catalysts Leadership Program Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund History and Background Summits The Vermont Climate Economy Model Communities Program, which ran from 2017-21, was a year-long community engagement process that helped communities build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate…

History and Background

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…

Climate Catalysts Leadership Program

The Fifth cohort of Climate Catalysts Leaders from across the state launched May 22, 2024. Future cohorts will launch in 2025, please join the VCRD mailing list to hear of the next open application period. Facing the climate challenge means mobilizing at all levels of human organization. Strong and inspirational leaders are key in unifying…

Climate Economy Resilient Communities

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 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…

Rochester Area Climate Initiative Report and Action Plan – February 2022

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…