GreenBiz welcomes everyone to VERGE 18 and sets the stage for this year's global flagship event — including attendees from our three new concurrent conferences: VERGE Energy, VERGE Transport and VERGE Circular.

The City of Oakland's Mayor Libby Schaaf kicks off VERGE 18 (and the City's official "Clean Economy Week") and how cities like Oakland are critical to accelerating the clean economy.  

Creating the conditions for open hearts, rootedness in place, and a reminder and recognition of the deeper purpose of our gathering. Our goal is to help generate the will for change, and to remind all of us in the VERGE community that we are part of a developing story, where all of our work to date is part of a grander arc of process and progress. Featuring aerial photography of Oakland by Stephen Loewinsohn. 

An exploration of the new carbon economy, the promise of “carbon capture 2.0” and the market for carbon-utilizing and carbon-removing products and services across industries. From reinventing supply chains to transforming atmospheric CO2 into materials that can be used in the production of cement, plastics, and more, this multi-faced discussion will explore the potential for carbon as an economic driver rather than environmental enemy.

It’s no secret that Silicon Valley drives the tech world. From smart cars to smart homes, California continues to boast the world’s latest high-tech innovations and developments. Yet many Californians still lack access to technological advancements that could dramatically improve their everyday lives. High-tech products and services are viewed by many residents in low- to moderate-income communities as out-of-reach luxuries rather than attainable necessities. The innovations shaping the future of energy, transportation, water access, agriculture, and beyond are no exception to this reality. Although everyone has access to these innovations (equality), that does not mean everyone has been given what they need to be successful (equity). We are on a mission to seek out the entrepreneurs whose business models are designed for this new market (equity out), as well as those seeking to build diverse teams (equity in).

A demystifying exploration into the phenomenon that is the "circular economy," why recycling will not get us there, how organizations around the world are unlocking upstream solutions, and why upending models across industries is a $2.3 trillion opportunity. Today’s economy is phenomenally wasteful: from clothing and food to buildings and smart devices - most of what's produced and consumed follows a ‘take, make, dispose’ model. Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy presents an economic and innovation opportunity that’s gaining traction globally, highlighted by China’s move to reject other countries’ garbage and the urgent problem of plastics in the ocean. But is the US at risk of lagging behind other global markets in embracing the full circular economy opportunity? The panel will also discuss the competitive potential for the US to embrace upstream innovation opportunities, not just those at the “end of the pipe."

Today, water scarcity is so prevalent that many of our desired economic, social, and environmental goals are out of reach. If we continue to treat water as a disposable, consumable resource, a global crisis is imminent. But if we seize the circular economy opportunity – and leverage technology that already exists to drive better water management and stewardship – we can not only protect our single most important shared resource, we can ensure that businesses can grow to meet the increasing demands of the world for years to come. 

GreenBiz is excited to present our inaugural group of VERGE Vanguard honorees. From scaling affordable microgrids to catalyzing corporate renewables procurement, executive editor Joel Makower honors those transforming the energy sector.

A pitch competition that provides entrepreneurs in energy, buildings, transportation, supply chains, water, food, and cities the opportunity to present to the diverse VERGE community: executives from the world's largest companies, public officials from progressive cities, venture capitalists, and others.

VERGE Accelerate on Day 1 of our event focuses on the most promising early-stage ENERGY startup solutions.

For more details, refer to our VERGE Accelerate page. 

Complementary perspectives from across the finance ecosystem explain how they are helping to accelerate the clean economy — from clean energy technologies to sustainable transportation infrastructure to equitable community development. The panel will also discuss how to tap into the various financial sources, unlock these options as a business or a local government, and what it will take to scale clean economy growth.

Commercial and industrial vehicle fleets — from delivery vans to garbage trucks to transit buses — are  beginning to electrify. This segment could go electric more rapidly than passenger vehicles, thanks to incentives and mandates, potential fuel savings and corporate sustainability goals. In this session you'll hear from some of the world's leaders — UPS, Walmart and BYD — that are buying and selling the latest electric fleet vehicles. 

An exploration into the various strategies and solutions that companies, utilities and clean energy leaders are taking in their pursuit of 100% renewable energy — including how to help put renewable electricity in places that wouldn't otherwise have access to that power to help accelerate the pace of our global clean energy transition. The panelists will also discuss how to speed up decarbonization - not just in energy but other sectors (transportation, industry, ag, etc). 

A quick recap of yesterday's highlights, and a welcome to our second day's plenaries.

Will a future of autonomous vehicles make our lives better or worse? What steps do we need to take now to make sure the deployment of driverless cars puts us on the right path?

A conversation with two entrepreneurs who have helped shape the future of transportation. Hear their thoughts on what needs to happen for cities to deliver on sustainable transportation that is shared, electric and autonomous.  

Special announcement by the team hoping to build a Hyperloop transportation system to the place where the U.S. Interstate system was born. Findings from the Hyperloop feasibility study to develop a route between Kansas City to St. Louis (250 miles) — potentially cutting the round trip travel time from 8 hours to 40 minutes — will be presented. 

How Google and WeWork are creating spaces that enable workers to thrive - varied approaches and solutions, lessons learned and their visions for the future of work.

An unprecedented partnership uniting six tribes of the Sioux Nation is poised to leverage one of the country’s strongest wind resources across North and South Dakota, accelerating the shift to clean energy, breaking decades of generational poverty, and creating a long-term path to self-sufficiency for the Cheyenne River, Flandreau Santee, Oglala, Rosebud, Standing Rock and Yankton Sioux Tribes.

Through the formation of the Oceti Ŝakowiŋ Power Authority, and its clean energy development company 7G Renewable Energy, the tribes are also advancing deeply-held cultural and spiritual beliefs by acting with the future and well-being of Mother Earth, and the next seven generations, in mind.

In an era when energy procurement has become a leading sustainability indicator, these projects present a new kind of opportunity for power offtakers to do more than mitigate carbon. They can help 7G Renewable Energy harness the force known as Ta’teh, sustaining the long-standing customs and sovereignty of an entire culture, and enhancing the ability of the Sioux to once again determine their own destiny.

We are at an amazing tipping point with recent renewable energy breakthroughs. To achieve a carbon-free world, the challenge is staggering, but so is the size of the opportunity. Technology and innovation pioneer Bill Gross shares new developments that make this tipping point a reality.

GreenBiz is excited to present our inaugural group of VERGE Vanguard honorees. From redefining the future of urban mobility to electrifying fleets, executive editor Joel Makower honors the pioneers transforming the transportation sector.

The Chair of Ohio's Public Utilities Commission explains how to advance grid modernization, transportation electrification and other clean technologies in a "red state" under today's contentious political climate.

The head coach of the world champion Golden State Warriors is more than just a basketball legend. He is also fierce advocate for freedom and self-expression on politics, community and social issues.

A pitch competition that provides entrepreneurs in energy, buildings, transportation, supply chains, water, food, and cities the opportunity to present to the diverse VERGE community: executives from the world's largest companies, public officials from progressive cities, venture capitalists, and others.

VERGE Accelerate on Day 2 of our event focuses on the most promising early-stage TRANSPORTATION and MOBILITY startup solutions.

For more details, refer to our VERGE Accelerate page. 

Community leaders, advocates and experts explore how the clean economy — including the technologies, models and policy changes enabling it — impacts communities, including the economic opportunities these changes can enable for underrepresented market segments. Panelists will share lessons and successes tying together transportation electrification, clean energy, public health and economic justice.

Vocal Rush is a two-time national champion a cappella ensemble based out of Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) and comprised of singers ages 15-18. Combining passion, talent and dedication, along with the vision of director/founder Lisa Forkish, Vocal Rush has become one of the most respected high school a capella groups in the U.S. since their inception in March 2011. Vocal Rush has received numerous accolades, including national championship titles in 2012 and 2013, a first place win at the L.A. A Cappella Festival, and most recently, a spot on NBC's hit a cappella competition show, "The Sing Off." The ensemble has the soulful stage presence and urban swag that not only reflects all that is unique to OSA, but also sets them apart in the a cappella scene. Vocal Rush brings to life the heart and soul of Oakland School for the Arts, putting their all into every performance. 

GreenBiz welcomes everyone to the last day's plenaries — with some special announcements.

As extreme weather events increase at an alarming rate globally, communities are being forced to rebuild, future-proof or even potentially migrate in the aftermath. What are the opportunities to invest, design, plan for and implement resiliency across our communities and our businesses to ensure an economically viable future for all? And how are those working within the energy and transportation sectors as well as organizations pursuing circular economy solutions contributing toward increased resiliency?

The panel will offer key considerations for infrastructure adaptations, critical dependencies and interdependencies, and strategic investment planning that maximize the efficiency and sustainability opportunities while also ensuring newly introduced vulnerabilities are mitigated. The discussion will also include lessons learned from various environments around the world, debate the balance of innovation and infrastructure security and resilience, and highlight tangible examples where creating more circular supply chains has been a key driver for global corporate resilience. 

How will driverless (autonomous) vehicles fit into a multimodal transportation system — including walking, cycling, automobile, public transit, and more? May Mobility's work operating self-driving, electric micro shuttles in Detroit, Michigan is the perfect case study for this — and demonstrates how the future of transportation will be shaped by the types of partnerships being formed today.

Renewable energy is a key strategy to help large companies address corporate sustainability commitments. Hear how Sysco is advancing its economic, social and environmental priorities, including through a unique partnership with NRG. This partnership resulted in an expedited agreement process to deliver a set of 25 megawatts of solar projects in multiple Texas communities. Beyond renewable energy, the conversation will also cover sustainability initiatives across supply chain, clean transportation and other projects.

How can we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation of leaders? What are the technologies that can help address the challenges facing our oceans? Answering these critical questions can influence a new wave of entrepreneurs and redefine the relationship between emerging technologies and social good.

An exploration into the often hidden power of design within urban spaces — including examples from past, present and future projects. Discover instances in which the design process has taken a novel approach to already existing ideas (or typologies), and the result has had a larger impact on the triple bottom line (social, ecological, financial) than originally expected. When considering elements beyond purely aesthetic or utilitarian goals — and in some cases, open-sourcing the process — can end in expansive positive results. 

GreenBiz is excited to present our inaugural group of VERGE Vanguard honorees. Executive editor Joel Makower honors the leaders catalyzing circular economy solutions globally.

A pitch competition that provides entrepreneurs in energy, buildings, transportation, supply chains, water, food, and cities the opportunity to present to the diverse VERGE community: executives from the world's largest companies, public officials from progressive cities, venture capitalists, and others.

VERGE Accelerate on Day 3 of our event focuses on the most promising early-stage CIRCULAR ECONOMY startup solutions.

For more details, refer to our VERGE Accelerate page. 

The idea of buildings as a regenerative force sounds like an environmentalist’s pipe dream, but the concept is starting to be realized in offices, factories and other facilities. It requires vision and new design thinking, but also an understanding of how “the genius of biome” can make the built environment a positive contributor to cities around the world.