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Transport

Tuesday, October 25th, 2022

9:00am to 12:00pm

Accelerating Your Fleet Electrification Journey

Tutorial

212 C-D

No matter the use-case or fleet size, deploying EVs is complex in the best of cases. But using the right tools, processes, insights and knowledge can mitigate risk and provide a structured journey for fleets.

Fleet, facility, energy and sustainability leaders across the U.S. are dealing with similar questions on selecting the right EVs for their needs, EV procurement, chargers and charging infrastructure, backup power systems, clean energy sources, assessing capital costs, financial and operational impact, staff change management, and defining the environmental impact. …And even more fundamentally: are EVs actually right for their operations?

This interactive tutorial will dive deep into the fleet electrification journey, providing valuable insights for any company or public fleet looking to go electric. Driven by expert facilitators with backgrounds in analyzing fleet telematics data, charging and corporate fleet electrification, the session will walk attendees through a step-by-step process, and describe how any fleet can electrify at scale, using real-world fleet electrification case studies and expert discussions. No matter if you are just beginning or well into your EV journey, this tutorial will provide insights that will accelerate your progress.

3:30pm to 4:30pm

Why and How to Lead on Climate Policy Advocacy

Case Study

211A-B

Many companies have climate goals, but far fewer advocate for the policies necessary to achieve them. This disconnect is dangerous, because the net-zero targets that are increasingly being set in the private sector can’t be met without supportive public policies. What’s more, companies face growing pressure from investors, employees and customers to put their lobbying muscle behind their public commitments on climate.

Join us to explore what’s driving corporate engagement in climate policy and what leadership looks like today. Our experts will discuss why climate policy advocacy is a strategic business imperative, how companies can engage effectively and what climate policies are top priorities in the coming year. You’ll come away with a framework for action, real-world examples and insight into how you can elevate climate as an advocacy priority within your company.

VERGE Accelerate: Transport Pitch Competition

Panel

210H

VERGE Accelerate is a series of fast-pitch competitions featuring leading climate tech startups. Today’s session highlights five entrepreneurs building cutting-edge solutions for sustainable mobility, followed by industry expert reactions to each pitch. Help determine the winner by casting your vote live at the event! The winner will pitch in the main stage finals on Thursday, October 27.

In Conversation With California CARB Chair and Industry Leaders on the State of the EV Industry

Panel

212 A-B

Supply chain troubles, massive EV enthusiasm and ensuring an equitable transition are just some of the topics industry leaders are grappling with today.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is famously known for leading the transportation industry forward as many U.S. states and countries around the world look to its regulatory decision-making as guidance. Some notable accomplishments include the Advanced Clean Trucks rule and Advanced Clean Cars II requiring 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. Join this session with CARB Chair Liane M. Randolph and leaders in the charging and automotive space as they discuss the state of the transport industry today and how to grow zero emission transport equitably.

Public Transit and the “New” Normal: What’s Happening Now!

Panel

212 C-D

Public transit is the unsung hero for decarbonizing transport. But what does its future look like in a post-COVID world?

Public transit took a massive hit during the pandemic as ridership dropped and single-passenger travel rose. In the new post-pandemic normal, as people return to public transit, questions are emerging: How should prior systems and tools operate? What new technologies and solutions such as micro-mobility, electrification, software services and more are needed to increase ridership? What will the future of public transit be? Join this session to explore how cities are coping with this new reality and discover the innovations they are deploying to keep everyone moving.

Wednesday, October 26th, 2022

9:00am to 10:00am

Electrifying Charging Solutions and the Need for Innovation

Lightning Talks

212 A-B

If we are to achieve a fully decarbonized transport future, then we cannot leave anyone behind. How can technology help?

Headlines about access to public EV charging stations continue to emerge each day. However, new and emerging companies are striving to fix this accessibility problem for good. Discover and learn about innovative charging solutions and innovations that could help bring charging access to all.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificates: Addressing Corporate Scope 3 Emissions

Case Study

212 C-D

Companies are looking to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

By working with airlines that offer SAF certificates, corporate clients are helping accelerate the aviation industry’s journey to net zero emissions by funding greater research, innovation and SAF availability. Learn how your company can get involved, what solutions exist today to help you reduce your business travel footprint and gain access to tailored plans to supplement Scope 3 ESG reporting. Speakers will also share insights on how collaborating on Scope 3 emissions can drive the aviation industry forward. This session will dive into specific case studies between corporate customers and major airlines as they work to reduce their carbon emissions.

12:15pm to 1:15pm

Roundtable Lunches

Roundtable Lunch

Hall 2, San Jose Convention Center

Roundtable Lunches are interactive lunch discussions, moderated by an expert or thought leader, held at roundtables of up to 10 participants. These are freeform discussions, so bring your own challenges, questions, and ideas to talk through and get to know your fellow conference participants. All roundtable lunches are first-come, first-served. Below are the roundtable lunches being held at this time.

What’s Your Organization’s Superpower, and How Are You Using It for the Planet? - Table Host: Patrick Flynn, Salesforce

Stepping Stones Towards Sustainable Business Strategies - Table Host: Mohammad Hoda, Honeywell PMT

Solving for Net Zero: Climate Tech Innovation - Table Host: Rick Azer, Black & Veatch

Scaling Climate Tech Adoption by Corporations - Table Host: Emily Menz, Nasdaq

The Importance of Technology in Driving 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy - Table Host: Devrim Celal, Kraken

The Intersection of Renewables, Grid Modernization and Environmental Justice - Table Host: Ross Dillon, WSP

Water Is the New Carbon, What Are You Doing About It? - Table Host: Andy Bastien, FigBytes

Will Capitalism Kill Us, Save Us, or Both? - Table Host: Molly Wood, Launch

How Climate Tech and Corporate Sustainability Can Leverage a New Era of Emissions Intelligence - Table Host: Gavin McCormick, WattTime

The Critical Importance of Envisioning Alternate Climate Futures - Table Hosts: Jared Krause and Brendan Kiernan, Alternate Futures

The Role of Art and Tech in Ecological Regeneration and Cultural Transformation - Table Host: Angeline Chen, Global Coralition

Strategies and Pathways to Center Frontline Voices for a Just Transition - Table Host: Charisma Acey, UC Berkeley

Return to Office: A Golden Opportunity to Enhance Performance - Table Host: Joe Fullerton, Prospect Silicon Valley

Urban Resilience: How Chief Resilience Officers are Using Technology to Build Community Resilience - Table Host: Laurian Farrell, Resilient Cities Network

How Web 3.0 Will Impact Supply Chains - Table Host: Dail St. Claire, Amalgamated Bank

De-risking Long-term Investments in Nature - Table Host: Josh Parrish, Pachama

What’s Agricultural Resiliency, and How Does it Advance Your Climate Goals? - Table Hosts: Philippa Lockwood and Carolina Leonhardt, Clif Bar & Company

How Advanced Indoor Farming Can Spur Climate Adaptation - Table Host: Rebekah Moses, Iron Ox

Bridging the Gap between Talent and Hiring Companies - Table Host: Remy Lannelongue, Terra.do

How to Create Economic Opportunities for Frontline Communities - Table Host: Anthony Oni, Energy Impact Partners

Embodying DEI (as a White Male Founder) - Table Host: Andy Ruben, Trove

What Does Sustainability Look Like for Autonomous Vehicles? - Table Host: Tracy Cheung, Cruise

Fleet Electrification: The Vehicle Is Just the Start of the Journey - Table Host: Josh Green, Inspiration Mobility

EV Charging: How Do We Provide Reliable and High-quality Charging Experiences? - Table Host: Asaf Nagler, ABB

The Evolving World of Product-Level Supply Chain Emissions - Table Host: Dexter Galvin, CDP

How to Catalyze Your Climate Influence on Social Platforms - Table Host: Andrea Learned, LearnedOn

Speakers

Patrick Flynn
Mohammad Hoda
Rick Azer
Emily Menz
Devrim Celal
Ross Dillon
Andy Bastien
Molly Wood
Gavin McCormick
Jared Krause
Brendan Kiernan
Angeline Chen
Charisma Acey
Joe Fullerton
Laurian Farrell
Dail St. Claire
Josh Parrish
Philippa Lockwood
Carolina Leonhardt
Rebekah Moses
Remy Lannelongue
Anthony Oni
Andy Ruben
Tracy Cheung
Josh Green
Asaf Nagler
Dexter Galvin
Andrea Learned

12:30pm to 1:15pm

Future Forward Film Premiere: The Future of Flight

Panel

The Climate Pledge Stage

Kicking off a series of premieres on The Climate Pledge stage, this short documentary delves into an innovative collaboration between Neste, a producer of sustainable aviation fuel, and the airline JetBlue. Watch the film to discover how JetBlue is integrating bio-based fuels into its operations, then stay around for a conversation between the key players in this pioneering partnership. For more on Future Forward, watch the series trailer.

1:30pm to 2:30pm

Overcoming Obstacles to Fleet Electrification

Panel

212 C-D

Your company has made sustainability commitments, and you know electrifying your fleet will help your organization meet these targets. But the task may seem daunting. This session will address the obstacles to transforming your fleet operation, featuring the journeys of and lessons learned by companies leading in fleet electrification and by service providers offering solutions. The speakers will take us through the practical process, from decision to implementation, to help guide you past the obstacles to accomplishing this transition within your own company.

High-Speed Rail Is Key to Achieving Global Net-Zero Emissions

Panel

212 A-B

High-speed rail is as common as sliced bread in parts of Europe and Asia, but the world needs more infrastructure, especially in the U.S.

As countries reap the benefits of what high-speed rail brings — including reduced transportation emissions, deeper traveler satisfaction and increased passenger convenience — what role does high-speed rail play on the road to net zero? Will the U.S. catch up? What learnings are available to industry leaders laying the tracks in the U.S. for a booming rail revitalization? Join this discussion with global high-speed rail leaders to better understand what’s ahead.

2:45pm to 3:45pm

Smart Policies: Clearing the Path for a Zero-Emission Transport Future

Panel

212A-B

Is existing U.S. EV policy aligned with industry capabilities and what is needed to accelerate the transition by 2030?

The EV revolution has finally hit the U.S. High gasoline prices, new vehicle models and federal government leadership through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have stimulated rapid industry growth. States are also pushing automotive manufacturers to accelerate their EV plans, with California, New York, Washington and others mandating 100 percent zero-emission sales by 2035. Join the discussion to learn whether industry and policy experts believe that the EV transition is happening fast enough, and what governments can do to further accelerate it.

Decarbonizing Heavy-Duty Trucking, Now!

Case Study

212 C-D

Decarbonizing heavy-duty trucking may seem daunting, but many companies are already deploying tangible solutions and reducing their emissions.

Roadmaps for low-carbon trucking often focus on emerging technologies that mature in years to come. But low-carbon solutions for heavy-duty trucks exist today, and fleets are actively deploying them. Is your fleet looking for solutions to deploy today around hydrogen, renewable diesel, electrification and more? Learn about innovative new programs like the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative, other ways companies are decarbonizing heavy-duty trucking in 2022 and how your fleet can be next.

4:15pm to 5:15pm

Sustainability Leaders vs. Fleet Managers: How to Convince Everyone to Decarbonize Fleets

Panel

212C-D

Ready, set… debate! VERGE is bringing the sustainability vs. fleet manager conversation, all too common among many companies looking to electrify fleets, front and center at VERGE 22.

EVs are winning hearts and minds across the U.S. and globally, but sustainability professionals and corporate fleet managers often disagree about how and when to take fleets 100 percent electric. Join this lively discussion between top-tier sustainability and fleet professionals as they debate the disconnects that arise for major corporations as they convert fleet operations to zero emissions.

Why Sustainable Ports Hold the Key to Decarbonizing Maritime

Case Study

212 A-B

Shipping ports must decarbonize for maritime shipping to decarbonize. What’s happening across the space and who’s leading the charge?

Autonomous electric vehicles, all-electric mobile harbor cranes, LEED buildings and renewable energy-powered facilities are just some of the new technologies and solutions ports and terminals are deploying to help decarbonize the shipping industry and reach net zero emissions. However, the journey ahead is just beginning for some. The Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Terminal was named the best green seaport worldwide in 2018 and has since been innovating on the road to net zero. In 2021, Long Beach Terminal completed its new terminal, one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable cargo facilities in the world, capable of handling 3.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually. Join this session to learn more about decarbonizing shipping ports, the innovative solutions Long Beach Terminal has deployed and the policy support needed to fully decarbonize ports and terminals.

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

9:00am to 10:00am

Ensuring Equitable EV Adoption for All Communities

Panel

212A-B

Microchip shortages, supply chain woes and surging consumer demand this past year have kept the price of owning an electric vehicle out of reach for most Americans, despite the flood of new models reaching the market in 2022. What else can be done to bring prices down to affordable levels and drive an equitable transition away from the internal combustion engine for consumers and businesses in all communities? We’ll discuss this and more through a policy lens during this session.

Increasing Electric Vehicle Awareness Through Ridesharing

Case Study

212C-D

Increasing driver awareness regarding the capabilities of EVs — and fleets of them — is key to accelerating the transition towards a zero-emission transport future.

As more and more rideshare drivers adopt EVs, ridesharing platforms are running one of the largest global EV education platforms — without even planning it. Learn how ridesharing giants and government officials are working together to increase EV ridesharing adoption while helping riders learn more about these vehicles for their personal lives.

Climate and the Farm Bill: A Cheat Sheet for Taking Action

Panel

210B

If you care about climate, biodiversity or racial justice, you should get involved with the farm bill. Here’s how.

The farm bill is one of the U.S’ most sweeping spending packages, and Congress will pass its next edition in 2023. Negotiations are well underway, brokering everything from agriculture and forestry to energy and food assistance. The updated bill has the potential to mainstream nature-based climate solutions, and do so equitably, while also boosting innovative climate technologies. Now is the time for startups and companies to join forces and translate their environmental and social justice priorities into policy action. But what’s the best way to do so? And how should companies balance aspiration and pragmatism to develop policy priorities for today’s highly polarized political reality? Policy experts will share their strategies to efficiently influence the farm bill.

12:15pm to 1:15pm

Roundtable Lunches

Roundtable Lunch

Hall 2, San Jose Convention Center

Accelerating to Net Zero: The Innovation Imperative for Business - Table Host: Elizabeth Sturcken, Environmental Defense Fund

Achieving Scope 3 Decarbonization Through Sustainable Sourcing - Table Host: Brandon Owens, Insight Energy

When Is the Best Time to Secure a PPA? - Table Host: Michael Prince, LevelTen Energy

Financing Climate Justice: How Can We Invest in Dignified Lives Everywhere? - Table Hosts: Ajaita Shah, Frontier Markets and Danny Kennedy, New Energy Nexus

Sustainable You: Thriving on the Other Side of Burnout - Table Host: Chris Gaither, Chris Gaither Consulting

How to Humanize Your Brand: Making Climate Tech Accessible for All - Table Host: Carrie Maultsby-Lute, Center for Transformative Action at Mills College, Presidio Graduate School

Integrating Your Facilities Systems: Searching for the Mythical Single Pane of Glass - Table Host: James Dice, Nexus Labs

Green Leasing and Beyond: Working With your Landlords and Tenants Toward Win-Win Solutions - Table Host: Cliff Majersik, Institute for Market Transformation

How to Identify High-Integrity Tropical Forest Credits: Joint Guidance from Leading NGOs - Table Host: Mark Moroge, Environmental Defense Fund

The State of Play in Climate Tech VC: Trends in Funding and Innovation - Table Host: Sophie Purdom, Climate Tech VC

Must We Wait for Industry to Change, or Can Product Labeling Enable Consumers to Lead on Climate? - Table Host: Nathan Sedlander, Evergrade

An Overlooked Ingredient: Sowing Biodiversity Into Food Value Chains - Table Host: Rebecca Chesney, IDEO Food Design

Investing in Regional Food Systems as a Cornerstone of Regenerative Agriculture - Table Host: Adrian Rodrigues, Provenance Capital Group

Climate on the Chain: The Intersection of Crypto and Climate - Table Host: Andrew Beebe, Obvious Ventures

Data and Trends in Climate Tech- Table Host: Mick Liubinskas, Climate Salad

Building Climate Tech Solutions with Community Stakeholders - Table Host: Julia Kumari Drapkin, ISeeChange

Scope 3, Supply Change and Net Zero by 2030: Discussing Marine Terminals, Ships, Trucks and Trains - Table Host: Bonnie Nixon, Long Beach Container Terminal

Prioritizing Vehicle-to-Grid Applications: Where to Start? - Table Host: Katherine Stainken, Electrification Coalition

Sustainability in Commercial Outer Space: Launching a New Future - Table Host: Paul Holdredge, BSR

Charge Up your Sustainability Strategy Through Outsourced Energy Management - Table Host: Al Subbloie, Budderfly

The Challenges & Opportunities Ahead for Next-Gen Batteries - Table Host: Asim Hussain, QuantumScape

Your EV Fleet: The Role of Strategic Partnerships in Creating Access to Reliable EV Charging - Table Hosts: Simon Lonsdale, Head of Sales and Strategy, Co-founder, & Heena Mariyam, Senior Customer Success Manager, bp pulse fleets

USDA’s Approach to Catalyzing Climate Smart Agriculture: What’s Next? - Table Host: Anna Madalinska, USDA

Clean Technologies: Understanding Corporate Demand, Private Investment & Public Support - Table Host: Misti Groves

Speakers

Elizabeth Sturcken
Brandon Owens
Michael Prince
Ajaita Shah
Danny Kennedy
Chris Gaither
Carrie Maultsby-Lute
James Dice
Cliff Majersik
Mark Moroge
Sophie Purdom
Nathan Sedlander
Rebecca Chesney
Adrian Rodrigues
Andrew Beebe
Mick Liubinskas
Julia Kumari Drapkin
Bonnie Nixon
Katherine Stainken
Paul Holdredge
Al Subbloie
Asim Hussain
Simon Lonsdale
Heena Mariyam
Anna Madalinska
Misti Groves

1:30pm to 2:30pm

Develop the Global Strategies Needed to Avert the Climate Crisis — in One Hour

Workshop

211C-D

Discover the trade-offs and synergies within different sets of climate strategies.

Global leaders have a multitude of levers they can pull to rein in climate change. But which combinations, from energy efficiency and carbon pricing to reduced deforestation and carbon dioxide removal, will keep global temperatures well below 2°C?

In this interactive workshop, the audience will work together to evaluate different approaches using the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator. Co-developed by MIT, the simulator is based on the best available science and has been calibrated against a wide range of existing integrated assessment, climate and energy models. The aim is to create a scenario that limits global warming to well below 2°C and aims for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the international goals formally recognized in the Paris climate agreement.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Net Zero by 2050: Can the Airline Industry Move Faster?

Panel

212A-B

How fast can the aviation industry really go towards decarbonizing operations?

In 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic, the global airline industry consumed 96 billion gallons of fuel. As pressure mounts on airlines to cut the roughly billion tons of carbon dioxide this fuel emitted when burned, the industry is developing electric aircrafts and investing in sustainable aviation fuel. Can this work help airlines reach net zero by 2050 or before? And what are the major airlines doing to reach this goal?

1:30pm to 4:00pm

(Request for Invitation - FULL) Improving the EV Charging Experience: A Workshop With Industry Stakeholders

Workshop

212C-D

What is needed and how do we improve the U.S. public charging experience to ensure all drivers and fleets have access to reliable and user-friendly EV charging infrastructure?

The EV industry is moving beyond early adopters, with more drivers and fleets going electric. But inconsistent and unreliable charging encounters can negatively impact the user experience, adding to the barriers of broader EV adoption. This is one reason the Biden-Harris Administration has proposed standards designed to build a national network of reliable, user-friendly and accessible EV chargers. How are automotive makers, government agencies, charging providers and other industry players working together to address major barriers? What is realistic for the industry to achieve? And what innovative solutions can we collectively work on to address common challenges? As part of this workshop, held in partnership with the ICF Climate Center – a center drawing from ICF's world leading science-based climate consultancy practice with years of EV expertise – you’ll have the opportunity to apply your industry experience and collaborate with other leaders to understand the current landscape and identify solutions to ultimately improve EV charging for the long term.

Space is limited to 50 people. Please note that the workshop is now full. View more information here.

Workshop group leaders:

1. Austin Clark, FLO

2. Francesca Wahl, Tesla

3. Jigar Shah, Electrify America

4. Adam Langton, BMW

5. Kevin Miller, ChargePoint

6. Craig Miller, Xcel Energy

7. Kelsey Johnson, Rivian

8. Michael Nicholas, California Energy Commission

3:00pm to 4:00pm

What the New SEC Disclosure Rules Mean for Your Company

Panel

211C-D

The Securities and Exchange Commission is about to mandate disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions. Are you ready?

Experts agree that the SEC’s plan is a critical component of climate strategy, but the consensus is less clear on exactly how the process should work. Which companies have to disclose, for example? Should all categories of Scope 3 emissions be included, from the production of raw materials right through to product use? And who, if anybody, should audit these disclosures?

As the SEC consultation moves toward a conclusion, experts who have been tracking the process will share their thinking on the likely shape of the final rule and the implications for your company.

(CANCELED) Moby: From Rock Star to Change Maker. An Interview with Elysabeth Alfano

Interview

210B

How can collaborations with artists help bridge the gap between climate tech and consumers?

Moby is known around the globe for his down-tempo, ambient music. He has famously created soundtracks for huge blockbuster movies and shows such as the Bourne Legacy, the Simpsons and Stranger Things, and prolifically produced his indistinguishable sound. But music isn’t his life’s work. In an interview with investor Elysabeth Alfano, Moby will discuss how he uses his musical success as a starting point for education, impacting the climate crisis and animal welfare. Join this conversation to understand how your company can build alliances with unusual change-makers such as musicians and other artists, bringing new audiences to the climate community.

Can the Grid Support Vehicle Electrification?

Case Study

LL20B-C

The U.S. electric grid is starting to reach capacity limits in areas across the country. As electric vehicles gain momentum, fleet owners and managers may find that distributed energy resources (DERs) are the key to powering their buses and trucks. DERs can reduce demand during peak periods and introduce flexibility, allowing fleet managers to charge vehicles based on their existing operations and the cost of electricity.

3:00pm to 3:45pm

Future Forward Film Premiere: The Future of Transport

Panel

The Climate Pledge Stage

In 2018, Amazon approached electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to talk about electrifying the company’s delivery fleet. This summer, just a few years later, Amazon began the rollout of Rivian electric delivery vans, the first step toward the complete electrification of its fleet. The final film premiere on The Climate Pledge Stage highlights what it took to make such rapid progress, from the design of the vehicles to the roll-out of the charger networks. After the screening, leaders on both sides of the partnership will share progress updates and learnings to date. For more on Future Forward, watch the series trailer.