Stories

Environmental sustainability may seem like a complex global challenge—and it is—but right here in Charlotte, innovative local nonprofits, government agencies, corporations, and businesses are working together to position our city at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

We were thrilled to welcome over 230 Charlotteans on Saturday, June 7 at the Charlotte Sustainability Summit, presented by Wells Fargo and co-hosted by SHARE Charlotte and Carben Events held at the UNC Charlotte Dubois Center, this full-day event featured a series of dynamic workshops and discussions led by nonprofit leaders, city officials, and business executives - all focused on the power of collaboration in advancing sustainability throughout our region.

But this summit was more than just a conversation - it was a springboard for action. Together, we explored real-world solutions to the environmental challenges facing Charlotte and beyond. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who attended - your presence signals a shared commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

We kicked off the day with inspiring remarks from Geneviève Piché, Head of Sustainable Finance and Advisory with Wells Fargo, who shared insights on the latest trends shaping the sustainability landscape

Next we offered two session blocks on eight different sustainability topics:

• Bridging the Gap: Environmental Justice as Social Justice. Panel discussion with Jeffrey Robbins with CleanAIRE NC, Tiffany Fant with Sol Nation. Moderated by Maria Delgado with CLT Today
• The End of Waste: Circular Solutions for a Linear World. Led by Daniel Heaton with Envision Charlotte
• Energy Equity in Action: Expanding Access to Energy Efficiency in Charlotte. Panel discussion with Steven Foster with Duke Energy, John Thigpen, Meech Carter, NC League of Conservation Voters. Moderated by Lisa Phocas
• Investing in the Future: How the One Cent for Mobility Sales Tax Would Transform Charlotte’s Roads and Transit. Panel discussion with Shannon Binns with Sustain Charlotte, Edward McKinney with CDOT, Jason Lawrence with CATS
• From Voices to Vision: Advocating for Sustainable Policy in Charlotte and Beyond. Panel discussion with Ryan Carter with Piedmont Promise, Lynn Dransoff with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Alvin Ellison. Moderated by John Searby with Catawba Riverkeepers and Daniel Stowe Conservancy
• Preserving What’s Planted: Native Flora and Charlotte’s Environmental Future. Panel discussion with Dr. Sara Gagné with UNC Charlotte, Sean Bloom with Catawba Lands Conservancy, Timothy Porter with City of Charlotte. Moderated by Rob Phocas with AvidXchange
• From Center City to the Suburbs: A United Vision for a Sustainable Charlotte. Panel discussion with Dr. Phillip Otienoburu with Center City Partners, Adam Rhew with SouthPark Community Partners. Moderator by Michael Graff with Charlotte Optimist
• Beyond the Bin: Real-World Food Waste Solutions in Charlotte. Panel discussion with Suzanne D’Alonzo with Feeding Charlotte, Felicia Cordray with Catering by Cordre, Kris Steele with Crown Town Compost. Panel moderated by Kristen Wile with Unpretentious Palate

The topic of our keynote was “Inside the Effort: How Charlotte and North Carolina Are Advancing Sustainability” with Ethan Blumenthal, NC Sustainable Energy Association, Heather Bolick, City of Charlotte and a moderated discussion with Luke Johnson from Nucor.  Their keynote helped attendees understand sustainability initiatives at both the state and city levels.

Wrapping up the day, we had a networking session with local organizations and  nonprofits so attendees could learn more sustainability programs that they offer or how they can support their work.

• Duke Energy
• City of Charlotte 
• Catawba Riverkeepers & Daniel Stowe Botanical
• Sustain Charlotte
• Clean AIRE NC
• Sol Nation
• Trees Charlotte
• Feeding Charlotte
• Wing Haven
• Spring Clean
• Key Environmental Consulting
• NC League of Conservation Voters Foundation

You can learn more about these nonprofits as well as other Environmental and Sustainability nonprofits through our Charlotte Sustainability Digital Guide.

A huge thanks to our presenting partner, Wells Fargo  and official partners Albemarle and Duke Energy for their continued support of these environmental and sustainability events. Plus, deep gratitude to our supporting partners City of Charlotte, Office of Sustainability and Resilience, Charlotte Center City Partners, Uptown Charlotte and Key Environmental Consulting

All leftover food was dropped off in the Parkview Community Foundation located in West Charlotte to be provided to their residents!

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates and announcements for next year - Instagram and Facebook!