Climate Action KC

Composting for Events Webinar
2024-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
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

2024 Resilient Success Stories
2024-12-13 08:30 - 11:30
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.

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
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

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.

Climate Action KC Summit
2025-04-05 13:00 - 17:00
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.

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!

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!

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!

Codes Training for Elected Officials (Virtual)
2025-08-14 12:00 - 13:00
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

Summit Salon
2025-09-11 17:00 - 18:30 | 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!

E.T. & EVs Night at the Drive-In
2025-09-18 18:30 - 21:30 | Boulevard Drive-In, 1051 Merriam Ln, Kansas City, KS, 66103, United States
Join us for E.T. and EV Night at the Drive-In! Stroll through a showcase of electric vehicles, enjoy wood-fired pizza and Reese’s Pieces, then settle in for a nostalgic screening of E.T. under the stars.
From 6:30 to sunset, explore a variety of electric vehicle models on display. Ask actual EV drivers questions, and learn why EVs are no longer science fiction—they’re fun, widely-available, affordable, and more down-to-earth than ever. Plug-In KC will have educational materials available to answer all your questions about transitioning to the future of transportation.
Then, settle in for a nostalgic drive-in screening of the Summer of 1982 classic – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, complete with an intermission and exclusive EV trailer on the big screen. Throughout the evening, enjoy wood-fired pizza, cooked to order from the 451 Pizza food truck, who will also be serving a special themed treat – Reese’s Pieces, of course!
Whether you drive a gas car, a hybrid, or an all-electric — all cars and ages are welcome for this family-friendly evening under the stars. $10 per person, purchase your tickets here.
Please note: no electric vehicle charging stations will be available at the location on this event.

ENTER TO WIN A FULLY ELECTRIFIED 1969 CHEVELLE SS!
See a classic 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, converted into a fully electric vehicle (EV) by over 80 male and female students from MINDDRIVE, working out of Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab. This is the world’s first student-built electric muscle car and it can be yours! Purchase your raffle ticket at the event and have a chance to win it for yourself.

Go Green Environmental Fair
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St., Mission, KS, 66202, United States
Visit Climate Action KC and Plug-In KC at their booths at the Go Green Environmental Fair! The free, family-friendly event will be packed with all kinds of resources to help those interested in living in a way that supports a greener future for all. Visit their website for full information.

British Consulate Chicago Decarbonisation Roundtable
2025-10-20 15:00 - 18:00 | Keystone CoLAB, 800 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
The British Consulate Chicago is visiting Kansas City this October for a local conversation as part of a series of discussions around the Midwest on improving building performance. While we work to improve energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions globally, the progress begins with local action.
Join a meaningful discussion focused on how to harness market forces for change that is impactful and sustainable no matter the shifts in political winds. Stay for a reception with Consul General Richard Hyde and his staff to discuss programs and policies from an international, national and regional perspectives.
Hosted by Climate Action KC and the British Consulate Chicago our panel includes:

Jonathan Arnold, Arnold Development
Kacey Eis, Sustainable Homes & Buildings Coordinator, City of Kansas City
Jennifer Gunby, U.S. Green Building Council
Mary Katherine Kennard, Arcadis

The British Consulate will host a diplomatic reception immediately after.

Please forward this invitation to colleagues you think should participate!
Link to Session Recording (YouTube)

Developer Forum: Maximizing Financial Yield in a Post-H.R.1 World
2025-10-21 08:00 - 12:00 | Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO, 64110, United States
Building Energy Exchange Kansas City’s Developer Forum: Maximizing Financial Yield in a Post-H.R.1 World
Tuesday, October 21st
8 AM-Noon
Linda Hall Library
Join for a half-day event for developers, investors, and finance leaders featuring:

Federal tax law + incentive updates
PACE and utility financing strategies
Developer panel on what’s working
Expert keynotes + networking

We’ll focus on the strategies that still serve to improve your projects to build a stronger community.
Link to Session Recording (YouTube)
Speakers (Full speaker bios. available here (pdf)):
Ben Evans, U.S. Green Building Council
Abby Massey, PE, TaxTaker
Josh Campbell, JD, Missouri Energy Initiative
Dana Gordon, CEM, TRC Companies/Evergy Programs
Ajia Morris, LocalCode Kansas City
Jonathan Arnold, Arnold Development Group
Monte Hillman, SIG Earth/Sustainable Investment Group

Free Parking at Linda Hall Library
Registration Fee: $25

Elected Official Happy Hour
2025-11-12 16:30 - 18:30
Climate Action KC was founded with the recognition that policymakers at the local level can make real change. We work to support the network of climate leaders on both sides of the state line who work alongside their City and County staff and community partners to achieve a healthier and prosperous future for all.
From time to time, we get together to discuss current activities and what’s ahead. If you are a local elected official, an incumbent, newly elected or former, please join us for an upcoming happy hour!
Goal: To build awareness, momentum and alignment among regional policy makers on climate action strategies.

Reinvigorate connections among local climate leaders
Hear about current policy initiatives from neighboring communities
Introduce or remind local elected officials about Climate Action KC and our services
(Education support and training, additional staff capacity fee-for-service opportunities, coordination for climate action policies across jurisdictions)

If you are interested in attending, r.s.v.p. to Emily Randel at emily@climateactionkc.com

Plug-In KC Webinar: Powering the future; how EVs and the grid work together
2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:00
POWERING THE FUTURE; HOW EVs AND THE GRID WORK TOGETHER

Join moderator Jamie Green with Plug-in KC as he chats with Nick Voris, Director Electrification, Evergy; and Dan Bowermaster, Sr. Program/Area Manager, Electric Transportation, EPRI, take a deep dive into the role of EV’s and the electric grid.
This important and insightful webinar will present the facts of EVs roles in strengthening our electric grid.

When: Tuesday, December 11 at 11am CST
Where: Online (Erica I only saved the link for the panel, could you resend the one for participants)

Solar Workshop Follow-Up: Office Hours
2026-01-13 11:30 - 12:30
Join Building Energy Exchange Kansas City and Climate Action KC for another solar project office hours!
Solar projects can be tricky – often the person managing the installation is doing it for the first time and a solar project isn’t prat of their regular job duties! That’s where office hours come in.
Join a team of experts on an informal call to discuss the ins and outs of successful commercial solar projects. We’ll talked to those who have managed projects in the past, those who are in the middle of working out the details, and we welcome those who are just getting started or are only “solar curious!” All questions are welcome – come and learn and let’s get more solar on more rooftops!
Register for the Zoom link here
Feel free to share with others considering solar, especially those overseeing government buildings, nonprofit facilities and houses of worship.
Resources to use ahead of the office hours session:

Updated Solar Resource Guide – shared at the solar project workshop in August, to explain terms and factors to consider for your project and a few points about the Direct Pay incentive

Evergy Energy Solutions Solar Opportunity Evaluation Form – a tool to prompt discussion for your internal team before contacting your solar contractor for bids

Event Recording – available on Climate Action KC’s YouTube page

Regional Sustainability Commission Meetup
2026-01-15 17:15 - 18:45 | Johnson County Library Merriam Plaza, 6120 Slater St, Merriam, KS, 66202
Climate Action KC will host a gathering of our regional government sustainability advisory boards. Representatives from each community will be invited to share about current activities and opportunities for collaboration.
Proposed Agenda:

I. Welcome and Rapid Introductions (5 minutes)
II. CAKC Background, Regional Activity and Meeting Intentions (5 minutes)
II. Community Updates – 5 min. each (60 minutes)
a. Work groups are most proud of
b. Projects coming up
c. Areas they could use support or challenges
III. Reflections or questions on Community Updates and areas for collaboration (15 minutes)
IV. Next steps (Intentions for future meetings, communication or other) (5 minutes)

Plug-In KC Webinar: Powering the Future
2026-01-26 11:00 - 12:00
Powering the Future: How EVs + the Grid Work Together
Electric vehicles don’t just draw power—they can help strengthen the electric grid. In this webinar, we’ll explore how EV adoption, smart charging, and emerging technologies are creating new opportunities to improve grid reliability, flexibility, and long-term resilience. Join Plug-In KC for a clear, fact-based conversation about the real relationship between EVs and the grid, and what an electrified future means for communities and consumers.
Panelists Include:

Nick Voris, Director of Electrification at Evergy
Dan Bowermaster, Sr. Program/Area Manager, Electric Transportation, EPRI
Moderated by Jamie Green with Plug-in KC.

Plug-In KC Luncheon
2026-02-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Evergy Event Space, 1200 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
The 2026 State of EV Charging in Kansas City
A Regional Conversation about Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Progress, Plans & What’s Next

Join Plug-In KC for an in-person regional conversation on the current state (and future) of EV charging in Kansas City.
This panel brings together representatives from both public and private sectors to share updates on charging projects underway, investments being made, and what to expect as the regional EV network continues to grow in 2026 and beyond.
Drivers who live, work, and visit the Kansas City region are seeing more charging options come online each month — supported by a mix of private investment and state, local, and federal programs. This event will explore how those efforts are shaping access to EV charging on both sides of the state line.

Considering an EV, or already drive electric?
This discussion will help you better understand:

How to get a rebate for installing EV charging at home
Where new public charging stations are being installed
How charging access is expanding across the metro and along major travel corridors
What these investments mean for everyday driving, commuting, and regional travel

Work in the commercial, infrastructure, government, or the EV industry?
You’ll hear updates on:

State and local charging initiatives and project highlights
Private-sector charging investments across the region
Recent trends in vehicle adoption and permitting
Progress and planning related to funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program

Summit Salon
2026-02-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company, 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, MO, 64108
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, February 12, 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 September 11.
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!

Summit Salon
2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company, 2129 Washington St., Kansas City, MO, 64108
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 coworkers, friends and family, and as we support other decision makers as they work to advance climate action strategies. Join us!
The program will include networking, short remarks and then table top workshopping around specific themes that build on the topics explored at the previous Summit Salons.
Climate Action KC Summit Salon
Thursday, May 7, 5:30-7:00 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 previous Summit Salons.
*We will be there starting at 5 p.m. if you’re free and would like to come then. We’ll be promoting that time as a “Pre-Party” since there never seems to be enough time for networking!
5:00-5:30 p.m. – “Pre-Party” for those who can scoot out a little early or who want extra networking time!
5:30 p.m. – Event begins – networking
6:00 p.m. – Short remarks and small group work
7:00 p.m. – Event ends
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!
