MARCH 2021

 
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To some, mission statements are just words. For others, it is a way to conceptualize the meaning and purpose of their work. Mission statements spark change, increase innovation, and elevate an organization's impact. When it comes to sustainability and climate action efforts, mission statements give purpose to staff, customers, and stakeholders. Mission statements are also an opportunity to share where you/your organization stands on current social and environmental issues. Developing a mission statement that fits your organization's passion, skills, and culture is a process. Having a well-stated mission statement is becoming more and more critical to younger generations.

Recently, we helped the Urban Land Conservancy develop a number of potential mission statements to specifically address their work around sustainability. We also helped them to identify their spheres of influence, ideal scenarios, and opportunities to advance sustainability. You can read more about our work with ULC below.

Project Spotlight – Urban Land Conservancy Mission Statement

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One of the things that we love to do most at Lotus is help organizations understand and define their sustainability goals and what sustainability means for their organization. Lotus recently had the opportunity to work on a small project with the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), a nonprofit development organization that focuses on projects that benefit the whole community, such as affordable housing and below-market commercial space for nonprofits. We met with a core team from ULC who are focused on the development and management of new properties, and who are passionate about sustainability, to help them to define their goals and next steps to enhance and embed sustainability into their operations. Prior to the meeting, Lotus researched sustainability and green building initiatives at similar organizations in Denver and nationally, and held informational interviews to understand the key components to make these organizations’ sustainability work successful. Armed with this information, Lotus facilitated a workshop with ULC where their team determined how they can use their position as a developer of new properties to ensure that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of a project from the very beginning. Additionally, the ULC team determined how they can provide resources and support to existing tenants and leaseholders to help them improve sustainability in their operations.

Lotus Blog – Addressing Inequities in the Workplace 

Speaking of mission statements, some companies have been adopting ‘equity statements’ as well. In our newest blog post, we bring inequities in the workplace to the forefront. We address challenges and opportunities for women and people of color in the workplace. We also share resources on what you can do about it. Read more in the Blogs section of our website.

Introducing the Newest Member of the Lotus Team! – Diane Ernst

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Diane grew up in the Midwest and spent most of her childhood in the woods and along streams near her home. Her connection to the natural world grew as she began to travel to state parks across the country with her family. After graduating with a B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, she knew she wanted to be a part of connecting people with their natural world.

Prior to joining Lotus, Diane worked as a Public Engagement Specialist in local government. She enjoyed working directly with and hearing from community members. During this time, she slowly began to see the systemic gaps in access to nature and the disproportionate impacts climate change had on parts of the community.

Diane believes the critical work to care for our planet requires an intersectional mindset. She strives to work towards a holistic approach to climate action and bringing people and equity into the equation. At Lotus, she brings the skills of understanding people with the fight against climate change. Her passion lies in meeting communities where they are to co-create behavior-changing practices that make a collective impact on people and the planet.

To celebrate Women’s History Month the Lotus Team will share about women that have made profound impacts in their lives:

Emily: “As a young girl and woman, I was often only one of or the single female among groups of boys and later young men in math and science classes. In a senior year college class, I was one of four women in a class of 95 people! Even in my early professional career, it was not unusual for me to be the only women in a room of 20 or 30 people. In a larger sense, I felt supported. I was reminded of the many, many women who came before me that advocated and fought for male-dominated professions to be more accessible to women. During my youth I was determined to pursue a career in math and science even though I was not often surrounded by my female peers. A huge source of inspiration were the many female musicians of the 1990’s who advocated for women’s rights in their lyrics and actions. My favorites were Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Bjork, PJ Harvey, Mazzy Star, Fiona Apple, The Cranberries, The Breeders, Tori Amos, No Doubt, TLC, Alanis Morrisette, Madonna, and Liz Phair.”

Hillary: "My sister, who passed away three years ago from breast cancer, is my eternal hero. She still reminds me that life is better when you take a walk every day and share a bad joke. Also, my mom is a rockstar. She was one of the first women coders in Colorado, an amazing stay-at-home mom, breast cancer survivor, and she is a daily reminder of kindness and goodness."

Julia: "I've been inspired professionally by women like Katherine Hamilton, who has helped to pave the way in the clean energy field by being a strong leader, voice, and advocate for both women and the climate. Brene Brown's modeling of vulnerable leadership and intentional communication has informed my approach to my work, relationships, and life. And on a personal level, my mom is the strongest, kindest, and most compassionate woman I know."

Rachel: "I'm inspired by SO many women! Robin Wall Kimmerer and Jane Goodall come to mind right away, as they do such amazing work to learn more and educate us about the natural world. And of course my mom, a 13-year breast cancer survivor and overall wonder woman!”

Diane: “There have been many women that have paved the way before me that have given me the opportunities I have today. I am forever grateful for my grandmas, my moms, and my sisters. A quote by Rupi Kaur helps me describe my gratitude and my dedication for paying it forward - “I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me - thinking - what can I do to make this mountain taller so the women after me can see farther” - legacy by Rupi Kaur.

Inspiring and Noteworthy News

It has been a winter of reflection, disparity, hope, and change. From wildfires, to elections, to renewing climate goals, we are feeling hopeful for 2021. Read on for more about wildfire impacts and silver linings, President Biden’s first few months in office, and organizations setting aggressive goals to combat climate change:

Local News

National News

  • The University of Colorado Boulder released a report outlining the key steps the U.S. can take to reduce carbon dioxide emissions rapidly.

  •  The number of electric vehicle models available to customers in the US market is anticipated to more than triple over the next three years, from 40 models to 127, as battery costs fall, infrastructure spreads, and adoption of EVs rises.

  • Wildland fire fighting crews are grappling with the challenges of keeping wildfires away from Superfund sites and other contaminated areas that, if burned, could have serious consequences for environmental and public health.

  • The stimulus bill that passed in the House and Senate at the end of December includes provisions that address climate change, including a mandatory phasedown in the production and use of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, a major contributor to climate change.

  • California’s Bureau of Environmental Justice, within the state’s Attorney General’s office, may become a model for other states and the federal government in addressing environmental justice concerns around the country.

  • The EPA has finalized rules that limit the use of health research data, in particular in regard to particulate matter (PM) 2.5, in setting new rules and regulations.

  •  The Trump Administration has opened applications for oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but no major oil companies have submitted applications yet.

  • The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Association of State Floodplain Managers have petitioned the federal government to adopt more stringent building standards for homes and infrastructure near waterways due to the increasing impacts of climate change on these areas.

  • New research on bacteria found in the soil (Geobacter) shows that the bacteria “recycle” the element cobalt.

  • The City of Des Moines, Iowa, has passed a resolution to achieve 24/7 carbon-free electricity by 2035; it would be the first city of its size in the United States, and possibly the world, to set such a target. 

  • The Rhodium Group has released its preliminary estimates for US greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, and the data indicate that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activity led to a 10.3% drop in US emissions.

  •  In his first days in office President Biden canceled the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, required a review of regulations and actions on oil and gas from the Trump administration, and is considering a moratorium on oil and gas development on federal lands.

  • A federal appeals court has struck down the former Trump Administration’s Affordable Clean Energy rule, noting that it fails to provide environmental and public health protections.

  •  President Biden has signed a slew of Executive Orders, some of which are aimed at addressing environmental racism.

  • A new affordable housing project in Detroit will offer community solar to its residents.

  • Turns out pikas are a resilient species, as scientists believe they are adapting to climate change rather than succumbing to it.

  •  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many jobs to become remote. Now remote workers are moving out West, here’s a look at how the “Zoom Boom” is changing communities across the Western US.

  • Looking to be more sustainable in 2021? Here are 6 simple ways that households can help the planet and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

  • The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has released a state Transportation Electrification Scorecard that ranks states on criteria within six tiers in regard to their support for a transition to EVs. Colorado ranked eight in the analysis.

  • An analysis in four states shows that rural communities may benefit the most from vehicle electrification due to the cost savings for drivers that tend to drive longer distances and spend more on gasoline.

  • San Francisco has become the latest city to ban natural gas use in new residential and commercial buildings.

  •  Biden has named former Secretary of State John Kerry as the new climate czar, tasked with fighting climate change through American action and diplomacy. 

  •  Automaker GM has announced that they will abandon the current Trump-administration lawsuit that seeks to end California’s waiver for clean-air standards, instead supporting Biden’s plan to expand electric vehicle use.

  •  Cambridge, Mass, has passed an ordinance requiring warning labels, similar to those on cigarette packs, to be placed on gas station pumps to inform users of the risks associated with fossil fuel use and the climate crisis.

Global News

Environmental Justice News

 
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