Climate Action KC

Summit Salon
2025-09-11 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company, 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, MO, 64108
The Climate Action Summit (the 4th held on April 5, 2025) hosted by Climate Action KC is always highly impactful – bringing together hundreds of people to discuss leading themes of Climate issues – but it’s just one day. Let’s keep the conversations going and make real plans!
In history, “salons” played a vital role in fostering intellectual and cultural exchange, particularly during the Enlightenment. Salons are a chance to give a platform for the ideas that will inform significant market transformation and to keep the energy that fuels it percolating. We need these ideas top-of-mind as we do our daily work, as we talk with friends and family, and as we support other decision makers as they work to advance climate action strategies. Join us!
Thursday, September 11, 5-6:30 p.m.
The program will include networking, short remarks and then table top workshopping around specific themes that build on the topics explored at the last Summit Salon held on May 8.
Climate Action KC will treat for the first round from Rochester’s extensive drink menu including beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
** The event is free, but please let us know you’re coming: info@climateactionkc.com **
Transportation: The venue is .5 miles from the Crossroads streetcar stop and fairly close to bus service. There is a parking lot behind the venue accessed from an alleyway off of Washington Street, north of Rochester as well as street parking and there is a garage a couple blocks east on 22nd St. near SafetyCulture Americas, 2114 Central St.
The friendly folks at Rochester have also said they don’t mind at all if someone would like to park their bike inside!

Codes Training for Elected Officials (Virtual)
2025-08-14 12:00 - 13:00 | MO
Climate Action KC and Building Energy Exchange KC will host a virtual training webinar on Energy Codes for KC Metro elected officials. This is a virtual version of an in-person training shared with nearly 30 elected officials and local government staff in June.
The webinar registration link is below.
Unpacking Energy Codes: A Webinar for Elected Officials
When: Aug 14, 2025 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Energy Code Training for Elected Officials
View the Webinar Recording Here
Virtual Meeting Agenda:
I. Welcome and background – Emily Randel, Managing Director, Climate Action KC
II. What is an energy code? – Mary English, Energy Program Manager, Building Performance, Metropolitan Energy Center
III. What is the 2024 IECC? – Sharla Riead, Certified Lead Instructor, EnergySmart Institute
IV. What is the opportunity? – Jeremy Knoll, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainable and Regenerative Design, BNIM; President, Climate Action KC
V. Close – Emily Randel, Climate Action KC
Contact with questions:
Emily Randel
Managing Director, Climate Action KC; emily@climateactionkc.com

Solar Project Planning Workshop
2025-08-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Evergy Event Space, 1200 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
** View the Event Recording Here **
You’re Invited: Solar Energy Workshop – August 7
Learn the nuts and bolts of how to manage a solar project with Building Energy Exchange Kansas City (BE-Ex KC) and Climate Action KC.
Join us Thursday, August 7 at the Evergy Event Space for a dynamic Solar Energy Workshop hosted by BE-Ex KC and Climate Action KC. This 90-minute program will cover how to manage a solar project from idea to implementation from how to select a contractor, procurement and financing tips, and real-world project insights—followed by a networking reception.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
3 PM Registration
3:30-5:00 PM Program
5:00 PM Reception
Location: Evergy Event Space, 1200 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64015
Who Should Attend:
Public agencies & nonprofits
Architects, engineers, & facility managers
Anyone exploring or managing solar projects
Agenda Highlights:
Welcoming Remarks
Solar Factors to Consider
Project Roundtable
Q&A + Peer Learning, Advocacy Highlights
Reception to Follow
Event Program:
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Emily Randel – Managing Director of Climate Action KC (CAKC)

SOLAR PROJECT OVERVIEW: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Ryan Evans, PE – BE-Ex KC
Tammie Rhea – Senior Product Manager, Evergy
Karlo Meave – Owner’s Rep for Olathe MedACT (JOCO) and CEO of SunSmart Technologies

PROJECT ROUNDTABLE
Panel Moderator: Brian Alferman – Sustainability Program Manager at Johnson County Government
Panel Experts:
Lydia Travis – Strategy & Planning Lead, Johnson County Facilities
Tony Rome, PE – Facilities Engineer with the City of Overland Park
Monica Santos, PE – Owner, Antella Consulting Engineers (MBE/WBE)
John Gaar, AIA – Architect at Finkle + Williams Architecture

ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS
Jonathan (Jon) Dolan – CEO of Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA)
Emily Weber – State of Missouri Representative and KC Coordinator/Outreach + Education Associate for Renew Missouri

Register online today and learn what you need to know to make your solar project a reality!

Summit Salon
2025-05-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company, 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, MO, 64108
Keep the conversations going! Join Climate Action KC and many of the panelists and speakers from the Climate Action Summit held on April 5. The discussions on each of our panels were so rich and thought-provoking – let’s keep them going!
In history, “salons” played a vital role in fostering intellectual and cultural exchange, particularly during the Enlightenment. Salons are a chance to give a platform for the ideas that will inform significant market transformation and to keep the energy that fuels it percolating. We need these ideas top-of-mind as we do our daily work, as we talk with friends and family, and as we support other decision makers as they work to advance climate action strategies. Join us!
Thursday, May 8, 5-6:30 p.m.
Climate Action KC will treat for the first round from Rochester’s extensive drink menu including beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
The event is free, but please let us know you’re coming: info@climateactionkc.com
** Tree Seedling Pick-Up**
Those who ordered a tree seedling at the Climate Action Summit may pick up their seedling at the Summit Salon!

CCGKC Earth Festival
2025-04-19 08:00 - 15:00 | City Market, 20 E. 5th St., Kansas City, MO, 64106, United States
Climate Action KC will be tabling at the Climate Council GKC City Market Climate Fair! Stop by to visit our booth and learn about how you can support climate action in your community. Visit other sustainability organizations and enjoy the festive atmosphere in celebration of Earth Day 2025!

Climate Action KC Summit
2025-04-05 13:00 - 17:00 | MO
Join climate leaders from across the region as we celebrate good work, measure progress and establish new connections for the work that remains. The start of 2025 marks a fresh milestone toward our regional goals leading to a Net Zero Region by 2050. There is no time more pressing than now to capitalize on the momentum that is building in all corners of our region and line out new strategies for greater collaboration and efficiency.
We hope to see you and members of your organization Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Unity Temple on the Plaza to take part in the planning that will set us up for greater success to come.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Black & Veatch
Register Online
View sponsorship opportunities here or email emily@climateactionkc.com if you have questions about sponsorships or getting involved with this event. We’d love to hear from you.

The State of EVs
2025-02-24 16:30 - 18:00 | Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St., Merriam, 66202, United States
Join us for this in-depth review of the State of EVs locally and nationally.
With the start of a new year and a new administration in Washington and with consumer interest in electric vehicles growing all the time – there’s a lot to cover about the State of EVs! Attend this Plug-In KC event to hear the current landscape regionally, nationally, and internationally as well as predictions for the future and what to watch in the months to come.
Plug-In KC’s Jamie Green will lead a discussion with Ashok Gupta, Senior Energy Economist, NRDC and Nick Voris, Director, Electrification, Evergy.
4:30-5:00 – Networking and refreshments
5:00-6:00 – Program
The electric vehicle event is free, but online registration is appreciated. Register here.

Enter to Win a Fully Electrified 1969 Chevelle SS!
All proceeds will benefit the students at MINDDRIVE and Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab where the car was restored and converted. Learn more here.

Driving the Future: A Candid Conversation with Rivian, Inspiration Mobility, and Evergy on the Movement Toward Electric Mobility
2025-01-30 13:00 - 14:00 | MO
Join us as Rivian and Inspiration Mobility, in collaboration with Evergy and Plug-in KC, lead the charge towards a sustainable future.
During this 1-hour webinar you will hear about the electric fleet conversion experience from the customer and infrastructure planning perspective, as well as discover how Evergy’s expert advisory services are powering this transformation.
Learn about the positive impacts on the local community and how this initiative is setting a new standard for local fleets. Cleaner air, reduced emissions, and a greener Kansas City are just the beginning.
Join us to learn how you can be part of the movement towards a brighter, more sustainable future with electric transportation. Register for this free online event at the link below.
Register Now

2024 Resilient Success Stories
2024-12-13 08:30 - 11:30 | MO
Share your Resilient Success Stories
Join the Mid-America Regional Council and Climate Action KC for our annual showcase event, celebrating climate resiliency-focused policies, plans, projects or practices that are aligned with the KC Regional Climate Action Plan.
Exemplary stories may focus on one or more categories: buildings and energy, sustainable transportation, urban greening, circular economy, food and agriculture, and community health and resilience.
Resilient success stories are sought from public, private or nonprofit sectors, or from interested community members. Preference will be given to regional and local projects in the Greater Kansas City region.
Success stories can be fully completed projects, or fully-funded projects in the initial stages of implementation.
The deadline for story submissions is September 13.
Apply today
For this year’s event, we would also like to uplift voices and ideas that have not yet been able to gain enough traction to reach their full potential. To raise awareness and connect participants to solutions, this year’s event will have a “pitch-a-thon” contest as part of the event.

Composting for Events Webinar
2024-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 | MO
Whether it’s an annual meeting at the office, an employee appreciation party or a Citywide festival, guests at special events are looking for composting services more and more.
If you or someone you know is planning an event in 2025, it’s time to think about a composting plan! Join Climate Action KC and KC Can Compost for a webinar on Friday, December 6 at 11 a.m. to learn all you need to know to successfully compost at your event. We’ll discuss key components of a successful composting plan, what to consider for materials and budgeting, how to help your attendees compost effectively and what to do with all the materials you’ve saved from the landfill.
Make sure your event’s waste isn’t an after-thought and make a plan for success!
Join us on Zoom!
Meeting ID: 897 3838 0774

Hard-Working EVs: A Panel of Industry Adopters
2024-11-19 15:30 - 17:00 | MO
Hard-Working Electric Vehicles: How Heavy Duty EVs can benefit industry and government
Electric vehicles are proving their capability more and more every day. We’ll hear how EVs are adding high performance in the construction and industry spaces that you might not expect. Hear the experience from those in the field on how these fleets are changing.
3:30 – 4:00 PM – Networking, refreshments and vehicle display
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Panel discussion and Q&A
Special thanks to our hosts: Burns & McDonnell
Panel Introduction:
Nick Voris, Evergy
Panelists:
Kyle Pynn, PE, LEED® GA, Burns & McDonnell
Mike Bahr, Turner Construction Company
Chris Hann, United Rentals
Felice Lavergne, AICP, Lawrence Transit
Jenn Cahill, Black & Veatch, Moderator
The event is free, but please register at the link below.

Climate Council 2024 Fall Festival
2024-10-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO, 64112, United States
Our fall festival (FF24) is starting to gel. In addition to the tabling/speakers, we’re scheduling a clothing exchange/repair cafe, a bookwalk event for kids, and a film screening scheduled upstairs after the fair.
Tabling Organizations:
Re.Use.Full, Missouri Green Party, Missouri Organic, KC Can Compost, Platte Land Trust, Suds Refillery, Citizens Climate Lobby, Greater KC Interfaith Council, Climate Action KC, Cultivate KC
Sewing Labs, Sukyo Mahikari in the Heartland, Northern Flyer Alliance
Fair: 11am-2pm
Film Screening: 2-5pm

Plug-In KC EV Tailgate
2024-10-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Plug-In KC EV Tailgate, 1845 E Santa Fe, Olathe, KS, 66062, United States
Join Plug-In KC at Olathe Ford for a new twist on some college tailgating – EV style! Wear the gear from your favorite college team, test drive electric vehicles, and have your questions answered about making the switch. Enter to win a giveaway, receive information on rebates, tax credits and more.

Business Case: Why EV charging makes sense for your employees and visitors
2024-09-26 13:00 - 14:00 | MO
Are you a building owner, facilities manager or HR individual who wants to hear about the potential benefits of adding EV charging at your business? Join Plug-In KC for a webinar that will walk you through all the steps on how and why it makes sense to add EV charging at your business.

Panelists: Jamie Green, PIKC; Phil Jennings, PE, WSP USA; Wendy Marine, Evergy

Go Green 2024!
2024-09-14 | MO
This FREE family-friendly environmental fair will show you how taking small steps to reduce your carbon footprint at home, school and work will help the environment and save money. Local businesses and nonprofits will provide information and items to help you live a more sustainable life.
EXHIBITORS
Exhibitors will educate attendees on the environmental impact of their consumer actions and choices, and how making small changes can reduce household expenses.
For exhibitor registration or sponsorship opportunities, please email gogreenef@gmail.com

Charging Kansas City's Economy
2024-08-15 16:30 - 18:00 | Black & Veatch World Headquarters, 11401 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS, 66211, United States
« All Events
Charging Kansas City’s Economy
August 15
@
4:30 pm
–
6:00 pm

Hear from leading manufacturers on how electric vehicles are boosting Kansas City’s economy.
The switch to electric vehicles means more for our region than just lower emissions and environmental benefits. Hear directly from top leadership at Ford, Panasonic and others about how Kansas City is stepping up to this moment and what that means for local jobs, new investment, and growth in the Kansas City economy.
Join Plug-In KC, an initiative of Climate Action KC, for an evening of discussion about the impact of electric vehicle (EV) investments on the Kansas City region. Representatives from Ford, Panasonic and others will discuss their significant investments in the area and how they are helping to create jobs, boost the economy and reduce emissions.
Agenda:
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Registration and Networking
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Panel discussion and Q&A
The event is FREE but registration is required:
Register Here
Contact emily@climateactionkc.com for sponsorship information or questions. Thank you!

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DETAILS
Date:
August 15
Time:
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Event Category:
Event
Website:
https://climateactionkc.networkforgood.com/events/73896-charging-kansas-city-s-economy?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_3407797

Black & Veatch World Headquarters
11401 Lamar Ave
Overland Park,
KS
66211
United States
+ Google Map

EVs 101 Webinar

Go Green 2024!

EVs 101 Webinar
2024-06-27 09:00 - 10:00 | MO
Learn the basics on electric vehicles and their infrastructure in a panel discussion and Q&A with speakers from Plug-In KC, an initiative of Climate Action KC and Evergy.
Panelists: Jamie Green, Plug-in KC, Jasmine Moore, PIKC Board Member and Senior Director of Sustainability and Impact at Earthjustice
Julie Dietrich, Lead Program Manager at Evergy/Fleet Electrification Strategy
Agenda:
“Why EV’s” – Why should your next car be an EV

Costs of EV’s – Including the federal tax credits
Maintaining EV’s – Cheaper than Internal Combustible Engines (ICE) – $1.00 per gallon cost equivalency, no oil changes, etc
Charging – Everything you wanted to know

Home Charging – How to charge at home, with various levels of chargers, including an overview of Evergy’s rebate program for home chargers
Evergy’s Clean Charge Network – how to sign up, an overview of charging networks in our metro areas

PHEV vs EV’s – Pros and Cons

Common misconceptions about EV’s

Range anxiety
How batteries perform in warm and cold weather

Battery warranties
The real environmental impact of EV’s versus ICE
Questions and Answers – 8 minutes
Register Here

Building Transformation Forum: Financing Sustainability Development in the Kansas City Region
2024-06-26 08:00 - 12:00 | Polsinelli, 900 W 48th Place, Kansas City, MO, 64112, United States
USGBC Central Plains and BE-Ex KC are collaborating to host a half day forum where industry leaders from all sectors unravel the intricacies of various financial mechanisms available for sustainable development, and how to tap into as many of them as possible. Are you aware of the potential funds available through IRA tax incentives, PACE programs, utility incentives and more, and do you know how to access them? The financial landscape is rapidly shifting, and quickly shaping the future of sustainable building. Get caught up on all of the options and help jump-start your project.
Registration Required

Local Government Action Peer Workshop
2024-06-21 | MO
Climate Action KC will be convening local government professionals to discover and discuss promising opportunities for collaboration. Attendees will discuss upcoming projects happening within their communities as well as longer term projects that could benefit from cost sharing, resource sharing or other coordination. We aim to maximize community benefit, stretch funding resources and accomplish more, together. If you work for a Kansas City Regional city or county government and would like to attend this meeting, please email Emily Randel at emily@climateaction.com

U.S. Paint EPR: Insights From a Decade of Paintcare Programs
2024-06-18 12:00 - 13:30 | MO
Over the past decade, U.S. paint extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs have performed extremely well – collecting more than 70 million gallons of leftover paint with over 2,400 year-round locations currently (two-thirds of which are paint and hardware stores that have volunteered to serve as drop-off locations). The programs save governments millions of dollars each year. Roughly 70% of collected paint is recycled, and another 4% is reused. Each program is funded by consumers and managed by PaintCare, a non-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) that is preparing to operate its 12th paint EPR program (in Illinois) which will bring the share of the U.S. population with a paint EPR program to 31%.

This webinar will feature expert speakers that represent paint producers and government agencies. It will briefly cover how the program started, how it operates, what led to the harmonization and passage of the 12 paint EPR laws, and PaintCare’s many successes. As many new states are considering their own paint EPR legislation, this session will also cover challenges faced and lessons learned in program planning, operations and continued expansion of the PaintCare into aerosol coatings, including the emerging landscape of packaging and HHW EPR laws.

Speakers:
Jeremy Jones, Director of Extended Producer Responsibility, American Coatings Association
Nadja Karpilow, Senior Environmental Planner, MARC Solid Waste Management District (Missouri)
Megan Warfield, MRW Coordinator, Washington State Department of Ecology

Moderator:
Lelande Rehard, Policy and Programs Manager, Product Stewardship Institute
Register Here

Building the Future We Want: A Rising Trades Networking Event
2024-06-13 16:00 - 17:45 | Keystone CoLAB, 800 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Join us to learn and connect with local real estate and construction leaders! As new incentives and regulations drive higher performing buildings, Kansas City construction firms are stepping up. Our Rising Trades business leaders will speak about their experiences in growing their firm to meet market demands and how they are installing energy efficient technologies, sourcing sustainable materials, and integrating renewable power on site.
We will also hear from Jeanine Otte, Senior Director at Elevate, and Ashley Sadowski, Executive Director of Building Energy Exchange KC, about the national trends in workforce development and green financing that are moving our buildings to be healthier and more efficient than ever.
Agenda:
4:00 Networking, drinks/snacks will be served
4:30 Trends in the high-performance buildings industry and panel discussion (Moderator: Adrienne Haynes)
5:45 Close
This event is brought to you by Building Energy Exchange KC, SEED Collective, Business Services Collective, and Elevate. Learn more about our Rising Trades Contractor Accelerator program here.
Register Here

LEED v5 Briefing for Government
2024-06-06 10:00 - 11:00 | MO
Join USGBC for an overview of the new LEED v5 rating system and what that means for state and local governments. Senior USGBC staff will share highlights from the draft of LEED v5 and address potential impacts and opportunities for policies leveraging LEED. For government agencies using or considering LEED for public buildings, learn about how LEED v5 supports decarbonization, resilience, and health. For jurisdictions using or considering LEED in policies and incentives, hear about best practices and resources. While the webinar is open to all levels of government, it is primarily intended for state and local government staff and elected officials.

Climate Summit 2023
2023-09-09 10:00 - 16:00 | MO
To support the work of Regional Climate Action, CAKC hosts an annual Clilmate Summit to celebrate success, vision towards the future, and prioritize regional opportunities wih the Kansas City metro area community.
The 2023 Climate Summit will focus on what lies ahead in the next 10, 20, 30 years – as Kansas City aims to reach net zero by 2050. Join us for inspiring conversations with elected officials, corporate leaders, climate advocates, and other critical voices across our region.
