I secured my sustainability internship via the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) portal, which allowed me to gain valuable knowledge and skills related to working with local laws concerning energy efficiency, benchmarking, using energy star portfolio manager, and more. This experience will undoubtedly benefit me in my future professional endeavors. It’s fascinating that I have the chance to tackle practical issues concerning building efficiency and EV station installation, which makes for an exciting journey.
My time at Columbia was immensely beneficial, with a wealth of knowledgeable professors and students available as valuable resources. I gained insights from various individuals and courses, including those outside the sustainability science domain such as learning about the role and importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity, which expanded my outlook. Ultimately, the emphasis on finding solutions to real-world problems at Columbia has prepared me and my peers for our future roles.
At my internship I:
• Conduct research on the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan and the Climate Mobilization Act, providing support to sales and service divisions in navigating local law compliance, resulting in improved compliance rates for clients.
• Identify and promote utility, federal, and state-sponsored rebates for solar electricity systems, green roofs, and EV charging station installations, resulting in cost savings and increased adoption of sustainable practices among clients.
• Implement tracking and reporting systems to accurately monitor clients’ sustainability progress, including annual benchmarking reports and ongoing support for creating a greener and more sustainable future.
• Revamp efforts to promote energy efficiency and electrification to the client base by researching local, state, and federal climate policies, ensuring that the team stays ahead of any further compliance measures.
• Develop and implement comprehensive sustainability solutions for clients, including GHG accounting and minimization, green roofs and solar roof installations, EV installations, and water treatment methods.
