What is the American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator?

The Renewables Accelerator provides cutting-edge tools, resources and technical assistance to help U.S. cities advance ambitious renewable energy goals. Our partnership supports the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge and the Urban Sustainability Directors’ Network cities with renewable energy commitments.

We work with cohorts of cities grouped around key renewable procurement methods to deliver knowledge, tools, assistance, and peer learning to quickly implement and scale clean energy solutions.

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Who We Are

Our Work

RMI and WRI are working together to accelerate opportunities for the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge winners, Urban Sustainability Directors Network members, and other U.S. cities to implement high-impact, near-term renewable energy projects. We work with cohorts of cities grouped around key renewable procurement methods to deliver knowledge, tools, technical assistance, and peer learning to quickly implement and scale clean energy solutions.

About the American Cities Climate Challenge

Recognizing that cities account for more than 70% of global carbon emissions, the American Cities Climate Challenge, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, was formed with an investment of $70 million to enhance the work already being done by mayors across the U.S. and to support cities in the fight against climate change. The American Cities Climate Challenge aims to go beyond the theoretical and scale up high-impact urban climate solutions that are already proven to succeed – specifically, from the buildings and transportation sectors. The American Cities Climate Challenge is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ American Cities Initiative, a suite of more than $200 million in investments to strengthen city halls and advance critical policies.”

About Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)

RMI’s mission is to transform global energy use to create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon energy future. It engages businesses, communities, institutions and entrepreneurs to accelerate the adoption of market-based solutions that cost-effectively shift from us fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

About World Resources Institute (WRI)

WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 60 countries, with offices in Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United States. Its more than 700 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. WRI’s Energy Program works to ensure that people everywhere have access to affordable, reliable clean energy. In the U.S., WRI has in-depth expertise engaging with utilities to shape renewable energy offerings that meet the needs of buyers.

About Urban Sustainability Directors Network

USDN is a group of over 200 cities and counties that are leading the way to a sustainable, low-carbon future by developing, adopting and sharing practices that create equitable and prosperous communities and a healthy environment. USDN’s work is member-led and member-driven. Members collectively determine what priorities they will focus on each year and lead the work to carry them out.