Capital Region Climate Action Webinar Series 2026!
The Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) is launching the Capital Region Climate Action Webinar Series 2026, a monthly webinar series highlighting key topics from the Regional Climate Action Plan.
Designed for municipal officials, planners, and community members, the series will explore practical strategies that communities can use to take meaningful local climate action. Each session will focus on a different topic related to climate resilience, sustainable development, and clean energy planning.
The webinars will be held on the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Upcoming Webinar Topics
OCTOBER – 7th
Elements of Sustainable Urbanism
A discussion of key urban theories from the past to examine which elements may still be relevant to how communities plan their future development. This talk will examine community form, density, public space, mobility and pose questions that municipalities may consider about how to plan sustainable, high quality communities.
Previous Webinars
APRIL – 1st
Transit Oriented Development
The discussion highlighted how transit-oriented planning can help reduce emissions, support smart growth, and strengthen community connectivity.
Session Speakers:
Ethan Warren, Senior Planner, CDTA
Eric Gerraro, Planner, City of Troy
Angelina Apindem, Assistant Planner, City of Troy
MAY – 6th
Battery Storage & Solar
Learn how solar and modern battery storage planning can boost local resilience, cut emissions, and lower long-term energy costs.
Session Speakers:
Eva Hoskin, Clean Energy Advisor, Climate Action Associates
JUNE – 3rd
Online Tools for Sustainability Planning
An introduction to CDRPC’s Climate Action Portal and Natural Resource Inventory Mapper, showcasing how these tools track regional climate action and support sustainable land use planning
Session Speakers:
Madison Hrysko, GIS/Data Analyst, CDRPC
Josh Dranoff, Sustainability Planner, CDRPC
Link to Climate Action Portal: https://cdrpc.org/capitalregionclimateactionportal
Link to Natural Resource Inventory Mapper: https://cdrpc.org/capital-region-natural-resource-inventory-nri-portal
JULY – 1st
Energy Efficient Buildings
Guidance on designing, retrofitting, and operating buildings to reduce energy use, save money, and improve comfort.
Session Speakers:
Paul Mendel, Owner, True Building Performance
Christina Bohnsack, Co-Director, Capital Region Clean Energy Hub
AUGUST – 5th
Heat Pumps & Geothermal Energy Networks
A look at heat pumps and neighborhood-scale geothermal systems that provide clean, reliable heating and cooling for buildings.
Session Speakers:
Aeowyn Kendall, Staff Hydrologist/GHX Design Specialist, Aztech Geothermal, LLC
Chris Winckler, Business Development, Aztech Geothermal, LLC
SEPTEMBER – 2nd
Local Climate Action Planning
A practical walkthrough of how municipalities can develop and implement effective climate action plans tailored to local needs.
Session Speakers:
Jim Yienger, Principal, Climate Action Associates (CAA), LLC
Haley Balcanoff, Senior Sustainability Planner, Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC)