June 2022
June 2022
Lotus is hiring!
Collaborative problem solving is a complex human phenomenon. At its ideal, collaborative problem solving weaves together social interaction, individual cognition, and diversity. Those involved gain a shared perception of the problem that needs solving, but they avoid groupthink by keeping their individual perspectives and contributing their expertise. Meanwhile, despite (and hopefully because of) those different perspectives, collaborators must move forward together to close in on a solution. In other words, collaborative problem solving seems to be the personification of Aristotle’s quote “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
When faced with extremely layered and widespread problems like climate change, collaboration is arguably the most important thing we can do to advance solutions. Lately, we’ve been helping communities come together to improve sustainability as a region and increase their positive impact on climate action. Read below for more information.
“Collaboration has no hierarchy. The Sun collaborates with soil to bring flowers on the earth.”
Project Spotlight: Colorado Department of Local Affairs Codes Cohort
Lotus is currently working with Boulder County and with Towns and Cities within and neighboring the County to achieve maximum consistency in building codes between municipalities. Adopting and implementing the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and several amendments that provide additional energy efficiency measures is the first step for municipal members of the cohort. Standardization of the code throughout communities will be accomplished through collaboration on strengthening, updating, and adopting energy codes both now and in future code cycles. Updated codes reduce energy use and carbon emissions in the built environment across the communities, leading to compounding overall benefits.
Next the work will include a unique roadmap for each community to reach 100% net-zero construction by the mid-2030s, helping to create a more efficient, sustainable, and healthier region.
Lotus has grown…
Shannon Hessler learned to ski and walk at the same time. She is also a spreadsheet guru and on the Data Team at Lotus.
Claire Kantor loves that feeling when you hear a new song and you know 10 seconds in that it will be your favorite song for the foreseeable future. She is equally into quantitative and qualitative analysis while supporting our Climate Action and Resiliency team.
…and we are still growing!
Lotus is looking for a Senior Associate to join our Communications and Engagement team! See the position description here. Interested in applying? Submit your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to hillary@lotussustainability.com with the position name in the title followed by your name: “Communications Senior Associate – [Your name]”
Colorado Legislative Update
The Colorado legislature churned out 11 bills in the most recent legislative session that tackle energy efficiency and climate action! These bills address building codes, building materials and HVAC systems, air quality, affordable housing, transit, and more. See a comprehensive summary from the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) here, or click the bill numbers below to read the legislative language.
HB22-1362 Energy-Efficient Building Codes
SB22-206 Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources
SB22-051 Heat Pumps and Building Materials
HB22-1304 Strong Communities and Affordable Housing
SB22-193 Air Quality Investments for Industrial and Manufacturing
SB22-180 Fare-Free Transit, Bustang Expansion and Main Streets
HB22-1026 Alternative Transportation Options Tax Credit
SB22-118 Encourage Geothermal Energy Use
HB22-1381 Colorado Energy Office Geothermal Energy Grant Program
HB22-1218 EV-ready Building Codes
HB22-1355 Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling
Favorite team sport, game, or activity?
In the spirit of collaboration, we asked our team what their favorite team sport, game, or activity is and why.
Kim: Adventuring is my favorite activity to have a partner for because it helps me break out of my mold and try new things I never would have considered on my own.
Rachel: I played doubles tennis all the way through college, it's definitely my favorite sport to play. There is so much collaboration and communication that goes on between partners on the court!
Nick: My favorite team sport is volleyball. It requires everyone on the team to constantly communicate and set each other up for success. Any earth-shattering spike comes from a good pass and a perfect set, one can't happen without the others.
Shannon: Mine is backcountry skiing, where you rely on your partners to communicate effectively for the safety and fun of the whole group.
Julia: Before March of 2020, my husband and I would regularly get together with friends for board game night, and often played a collaborative board game called Pandemic, where all players work together to fight a deadly virus that is spreading across the globe. While we've paused playing that particular game for now (it's felt a little too close to home these past couple of years!), I love the opportunity to come up with creative strategies for solving challenging problems with my friends!
Hillary: Anyone that knows me, knows I would say soccer. I love that no matter where you travel, if you bring a ball, you can find someone to play with. My kids have picked up this habit and have "made friends" in parks all over the world whether or not they spoke the same language.
Claire: Climbing has to be my favorite. Whether you’re bouldering (climbing with no ropes, but on much smaller rocks) or you’re climbing big pitches (with ropes and a belayer), you can collaborate with others on a hard route, and you need great communication to keep everyone safe. It is a great way to build trusting “belaytionships” with others!
Mallory: My favorite team sport is beach volleyball! I'm awful at it, but I love being able to enjoy the sunshine and get a good workout with my friends!