This Earth Day, we reflect on the vital connection between people, the planet, and the power we all have to make a difference. From the energy we use, the water we conserve, the materials we choose, and the land we safeguard, our actions shape a more resilient future. Below, we spotlight solutions, and the people behind them, using their power to protect our planet.
Harnessing Distributed Energy for a Sustainable Future
The rise of distributed energy resources (DERs), particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems coupled with energy storage, presents a powerful pathway for individuals and businesses to take control of their energy use, generate clean power, lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, and provide security.
Our energy landscape has long been dominated by centralized power generation, often relying on carbon-intensive sources like coal and natural gas. Distributed energy offers a compelling alternative, empowering us to become active participants in the energy ecosystem. Advances in stationary energy storage technology further enable energy users to take control of their energy.
We work with leading commercial energy storage optimization platform Intelligent Generation and a network of experienced energy service providers to help commercial, industrial, and institutional clients benefit from clean energy. See how smart energy storage services can benefit your assets.
Shaping a Sustainable Future – Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress – June 16-19, Chicago
The SRI Congress will be held in Chicago on June 16-19 hosted by the University of Illinois system. SRI2025 will spotlight Pathways to Sustainability Solutions, sharing implementation strategies and legacies of successful approaches to critical sustainability concerns. It will provide opportunities to overcome challenges that slow our transformation to more resilient and equitable futures. Participants include world-renowned leaders in economics, climate science, and sustainable development.
Greenleaf with its partners will present “Distributed Networked Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Addressing Water, Energy, and Natural Resources.” To adapt to and mitigate climate change and water resource stress, innovators are deploying distributed networked resource solutions, including microgrids, smart stormwater management, and climate forecasting, that benefit urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Supporting innovation of bio-based products for decarbonization
Last week’s Illinois Soybean Association’s SpringBoard Challenge at Distillery Labs in Peoria brought together researchers, industry, and investors to spark innovation and accelerate commercialization of ag-based products like biofuels, bioplastics, sustainable chemicals, textiles, and adhesives. The Soy Innovation Center is helping remove barriers to the commercialization of soy-based products by offering viable, renewable alternatives to petroleum-based materials and other chemicals of concern—meeting the growing demand for sustainable products across the supply chain.
John Andersen shared opportunities and lessons learned from building global enterprises and helping commercialize early-stage innovation, joining an industry panel informing the commercialization of soy-based products that benefit people and planet. Read more.
Greenleaf works at the nexus of climate, land, energy, and water advancing sustainable solutions to protect the natural resources that sustain the planet. We respond to requests to address pressing needs that are on mission, applying best known policies and practices gained from our strong board members and partners.