Jules Kortenhorst on Accelerating the Energy Revolution
On Wednesday, Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of Rocky Mountain Institute, discussed the ongoing global energy revolution as part of the Sustainable Investing Distinguished Speaker Series hosted by the Econ DUG. As a recognized leader on global energy issues and climate change, his expertise spans business, government, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit leadership.Prior to RMI, Kortenhorst served as the CEO of Topell Energy BV, a company that developed a cutting-edge process for the production of solid biofuel. He has served as the founding CEO of the European Climate Foundation, the largest philanthropic organization dedicated to policy development and advocacy on climate change in Europe. In addition, Kortenhorst led a major effort at ECF to develop the roadmap for decarbonized power generation. He began his career as an analyst at McKinsey & Co. in Amsterdam and has served as member of the Dutch parliament. 
Kortenhorst discussed Rocky Mountain Institute's approach in tackling climate change through market-based solutions, and how it aims to leverage sustainable investments to drive the efficient and restorative use of resources. Recently merging with Carbon War Room, a leading independent energy nonprofit, RMI works to convene the influence of fellow entrepreneurs to accelerate businesses, markets, and industries to a tipping point where "clean energy solutions develop unstoppable momentum".He further reinforced the importance of the financial opportunities that have been, and will continue to be made available by this renewable energy transition. Kortenhorst noted RMI's continued work toward accelerating solution deployment within the core four energy sectors of the domestic economy: transportation, buildings, industry, and electricity. In our technologically advanced era, energy efficiency and renewables are indispensible weapons in the fight to keep fossil fuels in the ground. As this global energy revolution escalates, sustainable investments in the green economy will be a critical tool in combating the effects of climate change.Images via and via.