Clean Energy Equity Showcase
GreenBiz is committed to supporting clean-economy organizations that put access and equity at the center of their mission while addressing both social and environmental challenges. Our inaugural Clean Energy Equity Showcase is designed to honor and highlight three Bay Area-based organizations doing exemplary work to create inclusive and equitable clean economy workforce development opportunities.
Meet this year’s Clean Energy Equity Changers — GRID Alternatives, the Greenlining Institute and Rising Sun Energy Center — and join us at VERGE 18 to connect with their staff and learn more about their important work.
Rising Sun Energy Center

Rising Sun’s mission is to empower individuals to achieve environmental and economic sustainability for themselves and their communities. They offer pathways out of poverty for youth and adults through clean economy training programs, preparing individuals and communities for a just climate transition. California Youth Energy Services (CYES) employs and trains local young adults to provide free energy-efficiency and water-conservation services to residents of their communities. Green Energy Training Services (GETS) provides training and support to low-income adults experiencing barriers to employment, placing them into construction union apprenticeships and solar careers, with an emphasis on women and those coming home from incarceration.
Want to hear what Rising Sun Energy Center's Executive Director Jodi Pincus has to say about what's needed to ensure clean economy workforce development opportunities for all? Check out the GreenBiz 350 podcast for an interview with her, starting at minute 31:30.
Grid Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. Through its unique, people-first model, it is putting money back into families’ pockets and jumpstarting solar careers. Key programs include no-cost solar installations for qualifying low-income households, hands-on solar job training and energy access projects internationally and with U.S. tribal communities. GRID has installed solar for more than 11,000 families to-date while training over 38,000 people. GRID’s vision: a successful transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone.
Curious what GRID Alternatives' CEO and Co-Founder Erica Mackie has to say about where we are when it comes to clean energy equity? Check out the GreenBiz 350 podcast for an interview with her, starting at minute 22.
The Greenlining Institute

The Greenlining Institute envisions a nation where communities of color thrive and race is never a barrier to economic opportunity. They are building an economy that truly works for everyone, especially for those historically excluded. Its solution is to practice Greenlining, the affirmative and proactive practice of providing economic opportunities to communities of color. It sees communities of color with full potential, power and influence to actively shape their lives and neighborhoods. It focuses on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the economy, and train leaders that will fight for equity throughout their careers.


