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Buildings use a lot of energy. Think about all the homes, offices, and businesses across the country and then the vast amount of electricity and natural gas required for heating, cooling, lighting, and cooking. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings  account for about 40% of the nation's total energy use, including 74% of electricity consumption and 35% of carbon emissions. That’s also why building energy codes matter. They might not be flashy, but they’re one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to cut energy use and carbon emissions, save people money, create jobs, and improve public health.   To help push this forward in the Midwest, Greenlink Analytics collaborated with LivZero, a partner of the Mid-America Codes Collaborative formed by the Metropolitan Energy Center , after receiving a grant through the Department of Energy’s Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation initiative. The focus? Four cities across two states: Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, and St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri.   A Smarter Approach to Safer, Greener Buildings The goal is to create a workforce development program that supports the adoption of up-to-date building energy codes. These codes not only improve safety, especially in industrial and commercial spaces, but also reduce stress on the energy grid and lower overall energy use.     It’s a long-term effort, but the first steps are already underway.   Greenlink started by creating a baseline assessment of health, housing, environmental, and energy burdens in the neighborhoods across the project cities. This data helps identify areas most impacted by outdated building codes and lays the groundwork for meaningful conversations and future improvements. What We’re Learning The findings are eye opening. Take K ansas City, Kansas, for example. Here, energy burdens soar up to 75% higher than the national average. Since energy burden is a clear measure of whether energy costs are affordable, a stat like this shows how these households may struggle to pay their bills.  Here’s the good news: energy burdens in Kansas City, KS, could be reduced by adopting new building codes through 2040. These codes improve energy efficiency, which has great results. Our analysis shows: Cost savings of $117 million for residential buildings and $E161 million for commercial Job creation of 592 jobs in manufacturing, construction, transportation, administration, installation, maintenance, and repair with $32 million in additional income  Health benefits would total around $18 million due reduced air pollution.  The data further shows that high energy burdens are significantly correlated with high transportation costs, housing costs, and asthma rates. Adopting modern energy codes in these areas could lead to major cost savings and a better quality of life for residents.   If you want to explore the data more in depth, check out our city fact sheets below to learn more about the energy and equity challenges, and the opportunities for change! *To see full images, please click on the image to expand*

Dive into the Greenlink 2024 Annual Impact Report We’re excited to share the launch of the Greenlink Analytics 2024 Annual Impact Report , which highlights the incredible progress we’ve made together this year. From day one, we’ve been committed to supporting and accelerating a clean energy transition that’s fast, fair, and accessible for all. We’re thrilled to highlight some of the milestones we’ve reached in 2024, such as our energy repair job training program in Clarkston, Georgia, — home to the most diverse square mile in the U.S. — and our support for 24 states as they work toward meeting their Paris Climate goals.   But the most meaningful successes this year have come from our efforts to empower community-based organizations, local governments, and large corporations, through data. By providing the most accurate energy and equity data, they’re able to create and adopt inclusive, fair approaches to climate and energy decisions that involve communities or pinpoint large reductions to energy use and therefore emissions. Clean energy isn’t’ just a tool to fight climate change, it’s a way to build healthier, more sustainable communities. Energy is something that connects us all. It powers our lives, from the smallest tasks to the largest challenges. And as we continue to witness persistent devastation wrought by fires, hurricanes, and droughts across the country, we’re reminded that the communities hardest hit are often the ones already facing the greatest challenges. The inequities in our society are clearer than ever.   We invite you to read our full report to see how we’re making a difference. Together, we can keep moving toward a future where clean energy is a path to opportunity to all, and a much needed alternative to fossil fuels. Click the link to read the Greenlink Analytics 2024 Annual Impact Report in its entirety : LINK . Find previous reports : HERE

Matt Cox, the CEO of Greenlink Analytics, was a guest on Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look.” (Left photo, LaShawn Hudson/WABE ; right photo, Tommy Munoz) Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images A new presidential administration is reshaping the climate conversation, making it even more important to address these critical issues at the local and state levels. Recently, the new administration made headlines by signing  Executive Orders that ended the government Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and is attempting to cancel billions in contracted funding meant to aid in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The administration also declared a national energy emergency, calling for a massive surge in fossil fuel production.    Amid these changes, Greenlink Analytics continues to focus on using data to aid in the creation of policies and programs that address the impacts of climate change in a fair, just way. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Greenlink CEO Matt Cox , was a guest on the Closer Look  show, hosted by Rose Scott . They discussed the crucial role that local and state legislators play in developing policies to combat climate change from the ground up, versus from the top down. Matt also pointed out why it's essential to include historically marginalized communities – those who face disproportionate economic, health, and environmental challenges – in this bottom-up approach.   Matt explained during the interview why starting at the community-level is key to successful climate action: “When we talk about community centered action, you can work with people, or you can work for them,” said Matt. “And if you're working with them and they are partners in the work, you're going to have a much longer lasting, more sustainable and more durable impact.” His message emphasizes that addressing climate change requires all communities to be part of the solution, particularly those that have been left out in the past. Without their involvement, long lasting and impactful progress is impossible.  Listen to the full interview, “Nonprofit pushes local governments to factor historically marginalized communities in climate change policies,” by clicking HERE .

At the start of January, Georgia Power customers overwhelmed a utility bill assistance program within the first 10 minutes of enrollment, following a rate hike that took effect with the new year. Unfortunately, these financial shocks could have been avoided - Greenlink has been sounding the alarm for years. Back in 2017, as Georgia Power faced escalating costs from its Vogtle nuclear plant, Greenlink Analytics was closely tracking the utility’s financial trajectory. Using data, historical insights, financial forecasting, we predicted that rates would spike—and that’s exactly what has happened. Since 2022, Georgia Power’s regulatory body, the Public Service Commission, (PSC) has approved three rate hikes: 12% in 2022 to cover Vogtle’s new reactors, another 12% in June 2023 for fuel costs, and 6% in December 2024 for Vogtle’s Unit 3 construction, according to the   Georgia Recorder . That’s a $43/month increase for the average customer, or over $500 a year. These costs strain some households and cripple others. Let’s walk you through how we predicted these hikes and why Georgia Power customers could’ve been spared with cleaner more efficient energy choices. The Background: A Utility Seeking to Hike Costs By 2017, Georgia Power was reeling from major cost overruns at Plant Vogtle. The nuclear project ended up being $17 billion over budget thanks to delays, bankruptcies, and design issues. We saw early on that Georgia Power would need rate hikes to recover rising construction costs, beyond the first-of-a-kind “prepay” charges Georgia Power had collected before the plant was online. Our forecast? We had strong reasons to believe Georgia Power would seek significant rate increases in their 2019 Rate Case, especially after being denied a rate increase in 2016 as a condition of the Southern Company and Atlanta Gas Light merger. With these factors in mind, we predicted a 40% rate hike, assuming there were no further Vogtle cost overruns.  But here's the key: Georgia Power had a history of underestimating costs, especially with major infrastructure projects. So, we didn’t just settle on a 40% increase.  We ran a series of scenarios factoring in uncertainties, worst-case outcomes, and potential cost overruns. The result? A 40-50% rate increase over the next five years seemed the most likely scenario. And that’s what occurred. Data Doesn’t Lie: A 40-50% Rate Hike Became Reality Fast forward to 2025, and Georgia Power customers are feeling the pain. Over five years, rates have jumped 40-50%, impacting millions of residential and business customers. But the real issue isn’t just the hikes, it’s the lack of forward-thinking investments in energy efficiency and clean energy. While Georgia Power was pushing forward with costly projects like Vogtle, it missed opportunities to invest in cost-effective energy-saving solutions that could have lowered bills for everyone.   At the time, Greenlink was also focused on addressing energy burden issues, which disproportionately affect low-income households in the Southeast. One of the reasons these issues persist is that utilities like Georgia Power haven’t invested enough in energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, despite the availability of cost-effective solutions.  The key lesson here? Smart investments in energy efficiency and clean energy could have eased the financial burden on Georgia Power customers. Georgia Power should have prioritized inexpensive options like demand-side solutions (like shifting energy use to off-peak hours), efficiency programs, and renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Greenlink 2023-2025 data graphed. As our CEO Matt Cox testified before the Public Service Commission in the 2017 Vogtle Testimony , 2019 rate case testimony (read the full testimony here ) and the 2022 Integrated Resource Plan testimony, these investments could have lowered rates, reduced the energy burden on low-income households, and helped Georgia make real progress on climate action. It’s a case of data showing the future, but also a missed chance to do things differently. The Takeaway: Data Analysis Can Guide Smarter Decisions This story isn’t just about forecasting future trends, it’s about how data can guide better policy decisions. Our analysis predicted Georgia Power’s costs would have doubled in five years, highlighting that their path wasn’t sustainable. A cleaner, more efficient approach could have kept rates lower and reduced the burden on customers.   What needs to change? Utilities, regulators, and lawmakers must take a more proactive approach to energy policy. The PSC should have pushed Georgia Power to invest more in demand-side solutions, not just infrastructure. While rates would have still risen due to Vogtle issues, they could have increased much less. This isn’t about saying “We told you so.” It’s about learning from the past and making better, data-driven choices moving forward. If we do that, we can save money, cut emissions, and create a fairer energy system for everyone.

Greenlink CEO Matt Cox To Our Valued Community, As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the continued support of our community. It has been a year of growth, challenges, and successes. With the year drawing to a close, I want to share a few thoughts looking back over the past year and forward to the future. The November election was pivotal; many of us feel anxious, disappointed, and concerned about the direction our country is headed. What does this mean for us, for those we care about, and for the future of our organization? Despite the uncertainty we may feel, our purpose hasn’t changed. Our work for an equitable future — where people live freely without being constrained by demographics or geography — continues. We remain committed to a healthier future where economic benefits don’t come at the cost of people’s lives, and to providing better opportunities for those facing the greatest burdens. We also continue our efforts for a sustainable future, ensuring better lives for all generations. Addressing climate risk by marrying community-centered design and strong technical analysis is a way to build a self-determined future that benefits communities nationwide intentionally. We do this because it’s the right thing to do, and we have the skills to make it happen. This shared vision can still change the world. In the face of uncertainty, we must remember and believe in our own power.   Nonetheless, the Department of Energy will likely be heavily impacted by the election’s outcomes. With proposals like Project 2025 and calls to eliminate key offices, such as Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and State and Community Energy Programs, many critical programs are at risk. These offices support important work, and dismantling them would be a national loss. Over the past few months, we’ve worked hard to mitigate risks and ensure our stability. Our development work will pivot to increased collaboration with other nonprofits, state and local governments, and the private sector. We’ll continue partnering with organizations that align with our mission. Our mission of a fast and fair clean energy transition is more important than ever, as the challenges of climate change and the need for clean and equitable energy solutions continue to grow. At the heart of this mission is impact. One example of this impact is our work in Atlanta, where energy burdens have long been concentrated in low-income Black communities. Our research demonstrated how energy burden is centrally connected to negative housing outcomes like displacement and eviction. To put a fine point on it, our work showed that focusing on affordable housing without considering energy could miss the mark and potentially backfire if not addressed. This work and the efforts of the Clean Energy Advisory Board helped establish the Community Energy Fund to support energy equity investments across the city. After meeting with every council member, the Fund was unanimously adopted in April. Today, council leaders are pushing to increase the funding to $10 million per year, which, over ten years, could be 25% of what’s needed to deliver energy affordability in every neighborhood across Atlanta. This story reminds us that our work creates change, one step at a time. And as the year winds down, it’s also time to take break from the work to reflect on our wins, appreciate each other, and make space for the future. Wishing you a happy holiday season, Matt Cox, CEO of Greenlink Analytics

This year has been thrilling for Greenlink, largely thanks to the amazing people contributing to a rapid and equitable clean energy transition! We invite you to revisit the top 5 stories of 2024, highlighting the efforts at Greenlink and with our remarkable partners. Empowering New Orleans with Data - The City of New Orleans, known for its vibrant culture, faces significant challenges, including high energy burdens, a large renter population, and the impacts from urban heat islands. Recognizing the need to highlight these issues and advocate for effective solutions, Logan Atkinson Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, used the Greenlink Equity Map to present quantitative evidence to decision makers. Read the full story HERE . Data Updates: Whose Stories Are Being Told? - The Greenlink Equity Map (GEM) underwent a significant data refresh in September 2024. One important aspect of data collection from census tracts is that it relies on self-reporting. This process can lead to large gaps in the data. Our goal is to help bridge these gaps. Read the full story HERE . The Numbers Don't Add Up for Georgia Power's Power Request - In April 2024, Georgia energy regulators voted on whether to grant an “emergency” request by the state’s largest utility for an additional hike in electricity generating capacity. Not only will the request put the state on an expensive energy path that locks in fossil fuels and potentially higher bills for decades to come, it’s also completely unnecessary, according to our analysis. Read the full story HERE . Mapping the Cost of Transportation: Who Can Afford to Get from Point A to B? - Transportation is a pricey household expense. This plays out so that lower income households tend to pay a larger percent of their budget towards transportation due to a combination of fewer transportation options, less flexible employment, and more isolated housing. Our new equity maps displays this level of burden. Read the full story HERE . GEM Onboarding System: Faster, Easier, Accessible! - In June 2024, we celebrated an exciting milestone for the Greenlink Equity Map (GEM) when we rolled out a revamped onboarding system, designed to make accessing GEM smoother and quicker than ever before. Read the full story HERE .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     November 14, 2024         CONTACT:    Elevate   Alejandra Flores, Director of Strategic Communications    Alejandra.Flores@elevatenp.org        Greenlink Analytics Robynne Boyd, Communications Manager rboyd@greenlinkanalytics.org phone (415) 516-7625.     Nonprofits Unite to Enable Five Chicago Communities to Tackle Climate Challenges   Cook County, IL –  In a significant step toward environmental justice, five disinvested communities in Chicago’s Cook County – Markham, Calumet City, Harvey, Hazel Crest, and South Holland – now have access to vital data and analysis specific to their communities that will help local leaders seeking federal funding to address climate resilience and pollution reduction. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Greenlink Analytics , Elevate, EcoHealth Strategies , and funding provided by the New Venture Fund , this initiative helps unlock access to the $2 billion available through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Community Change Grant.    To access these funds, communities are required to develop a detailed plan for achieving their pollution and emissions reductions goals. To support this process, Greenlink Analytics conducted a comprehensive data analysis, published in the Clean Energy Potential in Southland Cook County   report, which focused on energy burdens and the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources. The findings show that these shifts can improve environmental conditions while generating clean energy resources to reinvest back into the community. In addition, this work highlights the potential for job creation and economic opportunities through cleaner energy choices.   “Our analysis demonstrates that advancing energy efficiency and expanding rooftop solar will significantly cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing energy reliability and overall resilience in these five communities,” said Etan Gumerman, Director of Analytics at Greenlink Analytics. “These resources will not only form the backbone of the local energy infrastructure but also contribute to better air quality and public health.”   “We believe everyone deserve to have access to the research, tools, and support they need to create healthier environments for their families to live in,” Elevate’s CEO Dr. Anne Evens said. “People who live in disinvested communities understand how to make their neighborhoods safer and they know how to protect each other from the increasingly urgent, severe impacts of the climate crisis. But it can be challenging to access funding for these projects, creating barriers we simply don’t have the resources for. We hope that we can support these neighborhood’s efforts by sharing our techniques for securing government funding and by equipping people with data they can use to advocate for themselves.”    Launched in January 2024, Elevate’s project aimed to provide communities with climate data for immediate use but also leverages this information to secure federal resources for tackling these challenges. These funds would drive workforce development, stimulate economic growth, and address the local impacts of climate change by improving air quality, lowering energy costs, and creating more resilient communities.     ###   ____________________   About Greenlink Analytics:   Greenlink Analytics   (“Greenlink”) is an Atlanta-based clean energy and equity research non-profit organization equipped with sophisticated analytical technologies and deep industry knowledge in the clean energy space, receiving accolades from MIT, Georgia Tech, Yale, and the National Science Foundation, among others. It uses these technologies to help create a smarter, cleaner, and more equitable future.   About Elevate : Elevate  is a nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate designs and implements programs to ensure that everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities —no matter who they are or where they live. For more information, visit our website at elevatenp.org .

By Kavin Manickaraj We live in an era that’s consumed with collecting data. From shopping habits to credit scores, our information is stored on silicon chips in data centers worldwide. This raises important questions: Who has access to it? How is it being used? What rights do we have to this data? At Greenlink, we consider these issues when we’re working with data to improve people’s lives. Today, we’ll explore the history of data collection, how we handle it at Greenlink, and what a responsible future of data ownership could look like.  Since the first US census in the late 18th century, there has been tension between representation and accuracy. The early surveys categorized just four groups of people: free White men and women, other free people, and slaves. This led to the egregious, “Three-fifths Compromise,” which counted slaves as three-fifths of a free person for congressional representation. From the start, demographic data was collected on a large scale, to the detriment of society and progress.  As the US population evolved over the next two centuries, so did census questions and privacy laws. The arrival of immigrants from around the world prompted the U.S. Census Bureau to broaden its racial and ethnic questions, while booming populations across a wide landmass created the need for new statistical approaches that could be run on the processing power of the first commercially available computers. The American Census Survey now collects a wider range of socioeconomic, demographic, and housing data for every resident, though still far from perfect. This publicly available data forms the foundation of insights on the Greenlink Equity Map (GEM). But can Greenlink access individual names, addresses, or personally identifiable information? , no. The Census’s “ 72-Year Rule ” prohibits the release of personal information until 72 years after it was surveyed to ensure the privacy of living individuals. Until then, only aggregated data is collected to preserve anonymity and privacy. Our equity maps use this aggregated data to help communities, cities, and states understand where energy and equity issues intersect with demographics nationwide. In the hands of responsible problem-solvers, we work to channel this data for the greater good. But, should this data be public or belong to individuals to share as they wish? Those questions prompted the European Union to create the Data Act , effective September 2025, which grants individuals the right to gather and trade data collected by the services they use. The U.S. doesn’t have a similar piece of legislation. Here, over 70%   of electric meter installations are now “smart,” which enables utilities to track electricity usage and create a “digital energy fingerprint.” Without data ownership laws it’s far more difficult for an individual to track their electricity usage patterns and make choices accordingly.  In complex areas like data ownership, achieving equitable access and responsible use takes time and initiative. It’s not just a problem we face in the energy and equity spaces; we all face the complicated “Terms and Conditions” of social media platforms, which frequently allow companies to collect even more personal information than the U.S. Census Bureau or electric utilities. So how do we empower better data ownership? Greenlink believes in demonstrating the power and benefits of well-used data while raising awareness of the risks of one-sided data ownership. Our commitment is — and always will be — centered on using sound and responsible data for driving meaningful and just energy policy changes.

For Immediate Release : Contact: Robynne Boyd Communications Manager Greenlink Analytics rboyd@greenlinkanalytics.org greenlinkanalytics.org Greenlink Analytics Receives $550,000 Grant from Kresge Foundation to Advance Equitable Clean Energy Transition   Atlanta, GA (October 1, 2024) – Greenlink Analytics is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $550,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation to support its general operations in facilitating a fast and fair transition to clean energy. This funding will enhance our ability to create equitable policies grounded in accurate data.   “The historical lack of equity has led to persistent societal issues, and addressing this is crucial for sustainable solutions,” said Greenlink CEO Matt Cox. “Greenlink Analytics is grateful for Kresge’s continued support since it will help us leverage data and storytelling to empower communities, ensuring that equity is central to policy development and fostering a participatory clean energy transition.”      Over the past three years, the Kresge Foundation’s impactful support has enabled Greenlink Analytics to double access to our Greenlink Equity Map (GEM) by responding to community needs, and scale local and regional analyses to a national level. This support has significantly contributed to enabling over 175 inclusive and fair approaches for engaging communities in decisions that lead to policy development.    With this new round of funding, Greenlink will focus on several key initiatives to further drive an equitable clean energy transition, including: Development of Comprehensive Course Curriculums : Create course curriculums on data literacy and community liaisons to build local capacity with community members. Integration of Climate and Energy Data into Policy Efforts : Incorporate the most accurate and timely climate and energy data within policy development, such as building performance standards, reducing high energy burdens, and providing context-sensitive policy advice that addresses the intersection of energy and other equity issues. Enhancement of Local and State Policy Proposals : Assess and improve policy proposals at the state and local levels that will impact the environment, public health, and economic development now and into the future, with a focus on funding over the next two years. General Operational Support : Support the general operations of our work with local stakeholders across the country. “Good policy cannot be made without data,” said Kresge Environment Senior Program Officer Jessica E. Boehland. “By employing advanced data analytics and detailed mapping, Greenlink will help local governments and community organizations understand the impacts that climate policies will have on different neighborhoods and people and support a fast and fair clean energy transition.”   We are honored by the trust the Kresge Foundation puts into Greenlink to execute our vision to create meaningful change for communities and cities. Together, we can transform the energy landscape so it is cleaner, leaner, and accessible to everyone.     For more information about Greenlink Analytics and its initiatives, please visit:   https://greenlinkanalytics.org   ______________________________________________________________________________ About Greenlink Analytics Greenlink Analytics (“Greenlink”) is an Atlanta-based clean energy and equity research non-profit organization equipped with sophisticated analytical technologies and deep industry knowledge in the clean energy space, receiving accolades from MIT, Georgia Tech, Yale, and the National Science Foundation, among others. It uses these technologies to help create a smarter, cleaner, and more equitable future.

Native territories are essentially invisible on U.S. maps. How did we get here? How can better data help? (Part 1) Shé:kon (say-go) from the Greenlink Equity Team, which means hello in Kanien'kehá, one of the languages of the Mohawk people. The Mohawk people live in communities across northern New York State and southeastern Canada and have called these lands home for thousands of years before colonization. They’re one of 574 federally recognized Native Nations across the U.S. striving for continued recognition of their people and safekeeping of their cultures. Looking at a map of the United States, Native territories are essentially invisible. Yet, these nations and people are very much alive and present with a diversity of cultures, languages, and knowledge in spite of enduring the tyranny of genocide, cultural erasure, displacement, and forced assimilation. As data scientists, we know that invisibility can foster misinformation. And as environmental and equity researchers, we understand that our country’s history has harmed and muted Indigenous peoples and their narratives. The Greenlink Equity Team believes in advancing a safer, healthier, and more just world. This starts with accurate information about all people, especially those who have been muted. That’s why we’re working to raise the visibility of Native Nations by helping fill the gaps in missing data. At this point the data has many holes. Unfortunately, traditional methods of research have warped people’s understanding of the country’s Native cultures due to innate biases. These limitations damage the way people view and talk about Native communities, and cause harm to Native identity. These biases bleed into research today. Take for example, the census, which is extremely limiting when it comes to understanding and describing Indigenous communities. First, remember the 574 tribes we mentioned earlier? That number only includes the Federally recognized tribes. Yet, there are many more tribes across the country not counted in that stat due to how the federal government “recognizes” these Nations. Second, the census data is collected on a binary spectrum of race that erroneously limits the question to, “Are you Native or not? ” Many Native people today have a mixed heritage due to colonization and are forced to identify themselves inaccurately. Additionally, the census data is limited in how it describes Native individuals, again providing only two options to define who you are: “American Indian and Alaska Native” or “Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.” There are no options for each distinct nation, whether it be Mohawk, Ho’Chunk, Pawnee, etc. That’s similar to describing the continent of Asia or Africa as one country. Third, the degree of Native ancestry necessary for being considered Native varies from Nation to Nation. Some look at the “blood quantum” (the amount of Indian blood an individual has), while others recognize heritage through oral tradition. There’s a range depending on the Nations, especially because not all Natives live on reservations or within their native lands today. A good narrative on this can be found in There There by Tommy Orange, where he gives readers historical context while telling stories of fictional Native characters struggling with their identity in Oakland, Ca today. “Without accurate and current data for Native Communities, how are we going to protect our people? Our ways?” said Samantha Houck, equity assistant for Greenlink Analytics and Urban Mohawk. “We won’t be telling our stories, nor will we be guiding the funding that comes into where our communities want and need it.” While accurate information about Native Nations is vital for better understanding the diverse voices and cultures in our country, Indigenous knowledge can also help solve some of the largest problems we face today, like climate change. Indigenous communities have maintained ancestral values and practices that we can turn to for enduring solutions. One is the practice of controlled burns to promote soil fertility for agriculture. Healthy soil stores more CO2, so it’s not only good for crops but also good for mitigating climate change. But much more knowledge and information exists, but has yet to be heard and shared. Data in today's world is a tool for social and environmental change. There has to be accurate, accessible, and available data on Native Nations. And this data needs to be led and collaborated with Native communities. The Greenlink team has begun our journey towards this commitment by creating a Native Boundary mapping tool that will be released later this month. More information will be coming soon. *Photo courtesy of Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Hernandez

At Greenlink, we believe in the power of direct engagement and active listening to guide our decisions on what projects to pursue or develop. As the Dalai Lama says, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something.” We’ve found that the most impactful products and services we’ve created are built on listening to people, their work, strengths and needs. This allows us to stay nimble in the dynamic world of energy, especially during this pivotal time of the climate crisis.    What we mean by “dynamic” is that the energy sector is rapidly changing. Wind and solar power are breaking records with renewables set to account for over   90% of global electricity expansion  over the next five years. This means cities, community organizations, and companies are faced with the challenging task of figuring out how best to seize the moment as they go about overhauling on energy policies and infrastructure.   Listening tours are one of the most effective ways we learn about the most pressing needs of our partners and possible partners. It requires having numerous conversations and listening to many community members to see themes rise to the surface. We interview grassroots leaders, policy makers, and trailblazers across the country that inform our equitable processes, data development, and climate policies. To date, we’ve interviewed over 300 climate advocates across the country. These interviews are not merely consultations with our current partners, they are meaningful discussions aimed toward defining and iterating the direction of our efforts to ensure we meet city and community needs as context changes overtime. For example, every indicator within Greenlink’s Equity Map (GEM) — whether transportation burden, urban heat index, redlining, urban tree canopy, amongst others — came out of listening tours.. Simply, listening tours are a form of customer discovery and relationship building. It is a co-creation process where the input we receive plays an integrated role in our work . We listen. We understand. We direct our work based on what we’ve learned. Relationships, partnerships, and community also grow out of these discussions. T hese tours demonstrate Greenlink’s commitment to building our own work from the ground up so we can help implement a clean energy transition that allows all people the opportunities of a cleaner world.

How Greenlink’s Equity Data Drove Energy Efficiency Improvements Near the mouth of the Mississippi River sits New Orleans, a city famed for its vibrant culture, architecture, and remarkable resilience. Yet alongside these celebrated attributes, the city grapples with profound challenges: high energy burdens, a predominance of renters, and considerable impacts from urban heat islands. Notably, New Orleans faces an annual disconnection rate of 19%, underscoring the urgency of addressing these interconnected issues within the realm of power management.  In a departure from the norm, the New Orleans City Council holds the responsibility of regulating Entergy, the primary utility serving about 450,000 residents in the city. This authority extends to mandating energy efficiency programs. However, despite the existence of these programs, their benefits often fail to reach those who need them most, resulting in significant portions of the population remaining underserved and under stress.  Recognizing the need for quantitative data to substantiate these challenges and advocate for solutions Logan Atkinson Burke , executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy , the only consumer advocate nonprofit in Louisiana for utility customers, emphasized the important role of the Greenlink Equity Map (GEM).    “ The top line is that we were able to use the Greenlink Equity Mapping (GEM) tool to clearly demonstrate to decision makers the need for and the availability of solutions,” said Burke. As part of a broader coalition, called the Energy Future New Orleans Coalition,  the Alliance for Affordable Energy has urged the City Council to direct Entergy to establish an energy efficiency program specifically tailored to low-income households and neighborhoods, leveraging the insights gleaned from GEM data. In a positive development, Entergy is launching a year-long pilot project to assess the effectiveness of the program’s ability to improve lives while lowering power bills.     The anticipated outcome is a reduction in energy bills for energy burdened homes, thereby lowering the risk of disconnection, and fostering healthier, safer, and more comfortable living conditions. Many elderly individuals and other more vulnerable individuals compromise their safety and comfort when limiting their energy use out of fear of unmanageable bills.   The Alliance’s next step involves coordinating with the New Orleans Office of Resilience & Sustainability to facilitate access to Inflation Reduction Act dollars for households that currently lack access to such programs.