Level-Set

Resources to get everyone up to speed for the Sustainability Summit.

Note – Some resources are marked with an asterisk (*) to indicate they offer a more advanced exploration of the topic, and the opportunity to stretch the student’s understanding and engage with complex ideas in the field.

  • What is corporate sustainability?

  • What is net-zero?

  • Cleveland Sustainability
  • What is an environmental sustainability conference?*

Breakout Session Topics

First Breakout Sessions: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

The Sustainability Summit starts off with a Keynote panel that will focus on Emission Reduction Strategies, which everyone attends. After that, Summit participants will have a choice of attending breakout sessions, which focus on different topics.

Breakout

Sustainable Sourcing

Knowledge sharing via evaluation techniques, criteria, concerns, and tips to help discuss reducing scope 3 emissions by working collaboratively and preemptively with sourcing partners. Scope 3 emissions are characterized as

  • All other indirect emissions that occur in the upstream and downstream activities of an organization.
  • These emissions include sources such as employee commuting, purchased goods and services, and product use-phase.
  • They can make up a significant portion (70-90%) of an organization’s carbon footprint.
  • What is sustainable procurement and why does it matter?

  • Sustainable Sourcing

  • What Does Sustainably Sourced Mean? A Key to Ethical and Eco-friendly Supply Chains
  • Ultimate Guide Sustainable Sourcing*

Breakout

The Business Case for Environmental Justice

Showcasing the ways that environmental justice initiatives can benefit companies and local communities, especially as it bridges sustainability and social justice concerns and has a particular regional presence in Greater Cleveland. 

  • What is Environmental Justice?

  • Crash Course: Are natural disasters actually natural?

  • Learn About Environmental Justice
  • Social Justice as a Link between Sustainability and Educational Sciences*
  • Equitable Development and Environmental Justice

Breakout

CleanTech Innovation Alliances

Discussion of regional, industry-driven innovation alliances solving challenges locally to deliver global impact, such as the NEO-Smart (NSF Engine), Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, and other major projects.

  • What is Clean Technology?

  • Northeast Ohio competes for $160 million grant to drive advanced manufacturing
  • What is Clean Technology (To the Point)?

  • Cleantech.org
  • Greater Akron Chamber Announces EDA Tech Hub Award for Sustainable Polymers
  • Breakthrough Energy*

Breakout Session Topics

Second Breakout Sessions: 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

During this session, attendees will have the opportunity to dive deeper into specific sustainability challenges and innovative solutions. Each breakout session is designed to encourage collaboration, provide practical insights, and spark new ideas for driving impactful change. Whether you’re interested in technology, policy, or community engagement, there’s a session tailored to help you take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

Breakout

Climate Related Risks for Businesses in Greater Cleveland

A deeper dive into what climate-related risks will impact business operations in the region. Covering topics on what threats exist, what is expected to worsen over time, and how businesses can prepare themselves. 

  • What is Climate Risk and Why Does it Matter?

  • EPA Climate Risks and Opportunities Defined
  • American Communities Project

    This interactive website analyzes U.S. climate hazards like sea level rise, hurricanes, extreme rainfall, water stress, and heat stress projected through 2040. It also highlights different regional vulnerabilities across 15 community types.

    Link

Breakout

The Future of Renewable and Carbon-Free Energy

A look at the energy market, especially as it pertains to renewables and carbon-free energy in Ohio. Deeper analysis of expected trends and areas to leverage to move towards even cleaner and more efficient energy usage. 

  • The Future Will Be Carbon-Free. How Do We Get There?

  • US Department of Energy: Renewable Energy
  • Crash Course: Can we make electricity without fossil fuels?

  • What is renewable energy?

  • What is the Difference Between Carbon-Free and Renewable energy?
  • TED: How to harness abundant, clean energy for 10 billion people

Breakout

Public Investments Driving Clean Infrastructure

Discussion on how public investments through entities like the city and county can help drive clean infrastructure for the region.

  • What is Green infrastructure?
  • TED: The natural building blocks of sustainable architecture
  • TNC Green City Clean Waters

  • Federal Investments in climate & clean energy infrastructure in Ohio*

Breakout Session Topics

Third Breakout Sessions: 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

The third breakout sessions will offer participants a dynamic exploration of key topics shaping the future of sustainability. From determining which green projects to invest in and understanding the latest clean energy initiatives in Ohio, to mastering sustainable data management and leveraging new technologies for decarbonization, these discussions will equip attendees with practical knowledge and strategic insights. By drawing on case studies, industry reports, and expert perspectives, participants will learn how to prioritize projects, navigate reporting requirements, and unlock innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Breakout

What Projects to Invest In 

Discussion about what and when to invest in sustainable projects. Potential green projects exist in abundance across industries, but it is important to figure out what to prioritize and how to identify what is most lucrative.

  • Federal Investments in climate & clean energy infrastructure in Ohio*
  • TED: What nature can teach us about sustainable business

  • Forbes: 17 sustainability initiatives of businesses that are going green

Breakout

Sustainable Data Management – What to Report and Where

How to identify agencies to report sustainability data through as well as what data needs to be reported, with special consideration for pending policy regulations and location-specific reporting concerns.

  • Sustainable Data Management: Navigating Data Waste and Environmental Impact

  • What is sustainability reporting and why does it matter?

Breakout

New Technology Delivering Sustainable Impact

Case studies of what companies are doing right now, investments in the past 1-2 years, clean technologies to unlock corporate sustainability, and decarbonization.

  • Cleveland's Clean and Equitable Energy Report*
  • Cleveland Sustainability
  • Cleveland's Clean and Equitable Energy Future

  • 13 Organizations making Northeast Ohio Greener