Initiatives
Blackstone Ranch Institute supports innovative initiatives that respond to a range of environmental challenges. Our understanding of deep societal change is that it needs to take place across all social sectors and in a number of key areas to be truly effective. As we change, we anticipate that the areas of focus and the mix of social sectors and organizational partners will change as well to reflect broader changes in society and the opportunities that present themselves.
Place cursor on name for details ››
-
Renewable Energy and Green Jobs
Renewable Energy and Green Jobs
In the years to come, an increasing number of metropolitan areas will rely on a mixed portfolio of energy supplies that will be tailored to their needs and regional ecosystems. The sources will include wind and solar power, the use of biomass and biofuels, and will necessitate the development of a workforce that will be responsible for developing and managing a new energy infrastructure.
Among the earliest sponsorships of Blackstone Ranch Institute have been pioneering regional initiatives to map out the details of a fossil free future and develop a state level green jobs workforce.
-
Green Living Environments
Green Living Environments
Among the greatest contributors to global warming have been the buildings that we live and work in. The majority are not energy efficient, nor have most been built with ecologically safe materials. There is now a small but growing number of professionals in architecture, civil engineering and product design who are adapting the ways of natural ecological systems to design buildings and new consumer products.
These are important initiatives that will not only improve the quality of life but contribute much to ongoing efforts to limit the impact of human beings on the planet’s natural systems.
-
Development of Global Carbon Markets
Development of Global Carbon Markets
The management of carbon emissions will be key to combating climate change in the years ahead. Many of the efforts to limit or decrease carbon emissions in transportation and industry and in the use of natural resources are in their infancy. One of the most significant ways to encourage businesses to invest in the technologies to do so will be the development of reliable and effective carbon trade markets.
Blackstone Ranch Institute has sponsored important initiatives that have focused on creating a set of global accounting standards for measurement of global carbon stocks and generating a movement to incorporate grasslands carbon into the larger global equation.
-
Environmental Sustainability in Cities
Environmental Sustainability in Cities
The majority of the world’s population now lives in cities. Cities are where the majority of the world’s environmental problems are concentrated, but they are also the sources of the greatest civic, scientific and business innovations that will address those problems.
Blackstone Ranch Institute has been supporting urban sustainability initiatives since its inception.
-
Natural Resources Management
Natural Resources Management
As societies continue to grow, the link between human behavior and natural resources decline will become more and more apparent. Some of the most important attempts to manage resources responsibly, and in ways that actually enhance natural systems, are starting to come from companies and businesses that rely on them for the production of their products.
Blackstone Ranch Institute has supported innovative efforts to inculcate an ethic of ecological stewardship and sustainable management into the business environment.
-
Education of Future Leaders
Education of Future Leaders
Perhaps the most important factor in the development of environmentally sustainable practices in the future is the behavior of coming generations.
Blackstone Ranch Institute supports efforts to influence those who are becoming or will be leaders of society and potential pioneers of change.