The founding principal of a local energy engineering and management consulting firm, Ann L. McCormick, was welcomed to O’Dowd during MP on January 26. The second Sustainability Guest Speaker of the semester, Ann provided a fascinating and interactive discussion on energy efficiency and clean power. She explored these important topics with students while navigating through California’s rich history of environmental politics and progressive policies.
Ann brought a great deal of knowledge and experience to her presentation. With a background in mechanical engineering focusing on building science, Ann has been an active member of the energy efficiency community in Northern California for more than 25 years. As founding principal of San Francisco-based Newcomb Anderson McCormick, Ann works to solve energy and sustainability issues in both the public and private sectors. She is serving her fourth term as a Commissioner on the City of Alameda’s Public Utilities Board which provides local control of Alameda Municipal Power (AMP). The Board’s comprehensive work has promoted the establishment and implementation of renewable power policies. As a result, AMP’s future power portfolio will be more than 95% carbon free resources.
Ann provided an overview of the steps California has taken through the years to place energy efficiency at the forefront of its state law and policy. These include strictly defined building codes, utility decoupling policy, policies to push zero emission vehicle usage and green policies, such as public investment in solar technology. Students were inspired to think critically about the success and challenges of these strategies. Equipped with this history, the presentation transitioned into a discussion on the field of renewable portfolios. Participants familiarized themselves with the diverse types of power, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of their use.
The semester will continue to feature a wealth of guest speakers, including O’Dowd alumni, parents and greater Bay Area community members. All O’Dowd community members are invited to join us for these talks, which take place from 1:50 – 2:50 p.m. on the following dates:
Thursday Feb 16th, 2017 – Zero Waste
Thursday Mar 30th – Climate Change
Tuesday April 25th – Alumni Panel