Advancements in clean energy technology are accelerating at a pace faster than policy. Planning for a sustainable future requires the international community, our government, local communities, and the private sector to change the way we address our energy needs. On a global scale, the Paris Agreement, an agreement within the United Nations framework convention on climate change to address greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations sustainable development goals, or the SDGs, illustrate the importance of this paradigm shift and the interconnectedness of energy and equity, food security, access to clean water, and much more. The SDGs were adopted as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to combat the world's biggest problems, and energy is one of those key aspects. Goal seven, ensure access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all. This is no little challenge and acknowledges that vulnerable communities are at the greatest risk from the impacts of climate change. While the United States has pulled out of the Paris Agreement, we now see cities and counties and states stepping up and making a commitment at the local level, including the 25 states who have joined the US Climate Alliance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26 percent by 2025. There is no one panacea to solve our carbon problem. Conservation is essential, renewables are essential, collaboration, and broadening the sustainability connection is essential. Sustainability is a term that can mean many different things depending upon on your starting point, and the lens from which you approached the principles. In general, the three-legged stool model has been an accepted means to reinforce the pillars. Environmental, economic, and society. In essence, there are four legs, environmental, economic, society, and governance. The importance of governance and policy cannot be understated as we look at the circular in inter-connectedness of how we produce and use energy, including the policies that mold the infrastructure to deliver the end products, whether that be natural resources for buildings, welder will fuel considerations for transit, or energy to heat and cool our homes. Transitioning to a clean energy economy has far-reaching impacts for our businesses, our communities, and health as well. When we reduce dependence on fossil fuels, we reduce particulate matter and emissions that negatively impact the health of communities, especially those in socioeconomic challenged areas. Businesses are impacted in several ways. But we can categorize them into two buckets. Impacts Operations, and impacts to growth. In reference to operations, conservation and clean energy may lower operating costs, increase competitiveness in the marketplace, reduce risk, and support internal sustainability goals. The growth element refers to the increased market share, entrepreneurship, and business development opportunities for companies developing clean energy products, as well as professional service industries focused on energy efficiency, smart controls, and support services. As we narrow in on energy basics throughout the course, challenge yourself to look at each concept through the four pillars of sustainability. A key principle to start with is understanding the relationship between conservation and sustainability. Rule of thumb is to prioritize conservation and energy efficiency measures before moving to renewable deployment. For example, a manufacturer with substantial equipment is looking to reduce operating costs, but is also interested in pursuing a large solar array. The solar array will be sized based on several items, including energy load and demand. If we reduce the energy demand through greater energy efficiency, a smaller size PV array may meet the needs of the facility and positively affect the return on investment and economics of the project. This example is scalable from a residential to city-wide strategy. Start with reducing demand, then look to clean energy resources to offset grid reliance, and fossil fuel consumption. We cannot forget the embodied energy and cradle-to-grave aspects of producing renewable energy. How we tackle end of life, and waste, are key challenges we must address, especially as we move to electrification of our buildings and transportation.