While advancements in green technology, like capturing wave energy, the proliferation of solar or innovations with electric vehicles, may be changing our footprint, it is still the simple things done at the local level and at home that continue to make the difference.
This was the sentiment shared during The Green Business Symposium hosted by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.
“All three speakers reminded us that while new, large scale power technologies are promising, they’re still a ways off,” said Peggy Sonoda, a designer at RRM Design Group. “It’s important to be reminded of the ways we can all do our part to minimize our footprint, at home or in our businesses – carpool more or just drive less, use fuel efficient vehicles and use solar energy if we can.”
On Tuesday March 29 the SLO Chamber brought together state and national leaders in green technology to share information about green car technology, solar energy and the advances in harnessing energy from waves.
Matthew Woods, senior vice president of partners at Sunrun, the largest dedicated residential solar company in the U.S. spoke about businesses role in driving change and the importance starting locally.
Woods was joined by former Motor Trend feature editor and current editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, Ron Cogan and William Toman, project manager of the CalWave program through the Institute for Advanced Technology & Public Policy.
We asked five attendees of the symposium to share their major takeaways.
“My take away was that people don’t necessarily need to try to do everything, but by everyone doing something no matter how little (i.e. carpooling, riding a bike, using less electricity) it can add up to a big change.” – Eric Linkugel, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
“By protecting open space, building bike paths, and fostering a sustainable city, it was clear that SLO is also attracting top talent and exciting new business ventures because we live in a great place; and, all three speakers touched on this on both personal and professional levels.” – Robert Hill, natural resources manager, City of San Luis Obispo
“What I found most compelling is that the experts were all talking about energy and how the evolution of the energy industry is rooted in policy development and consumer action. These drivers come full circle when it comes to shaping California’s energy future.” – Maria M. Kelly, BHE Renewables
“The 2016 Green Business Symposium was an incredible showcase of local organizations and movements focused on making our community, and our planet, a better place for generations to come. It also served as a reminder that we all need to play our part in shaping the future, and every small action and decision matters.” – Ryan Alba, Collaboration LLC.