insight
The United States’ Role in Limiting Warming to 1.5°C
RMI examines decarbonization paths that limit cumulative emissions, which set the extent of climate change.
Jacob is a Principal in RMI’s US Program, where he leads work with states taking equitable climate action. He led the creation of The Carbon-Free City Handbook, and The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook, guides to help local governments across the world. In addition to supporting policy work and analytics, he is known for public speaking, facilitation, and equity solutions.
Background
Jacob started at RMI in 2015 and formerly led the Residential Energy+ and Codes for Climate initiatives in the buildings program, in addition to supporting RMI’s Urban Transformations team.
He has worked in sustainable community development for over 20 years and was previously the Executive Director of EcoWorks, a nonprofit in Detroit that works at the intersection of sustainability, buildings and social justice.
In his spare time, he’s an active parent of 3 kids, writes, makes music, and occasionally designs games. He’s bewilderingly lucky to be married to the musician and polymath Vienna Teng.
Education
University of Michigan, Environmental Mediation Seminar
Dispute Resolution Center, State of Michigan Mediation Training
B.A., Kalamazoo College, Sociology and Anthropology, with unofficial concentrations in Mathematics, Art and Women’s Studies
Location
Washington, D.C.
Authored Works
insight
Regions Take Action
This RMI/Under2 report details transformative actions regional governments can take to address climate change while delivering many societal benefits.
Blog
Video Check-ups for Home Improvement and Resilience
Kristin Dupre’s energy programs at Energy New England had ground to a halt. They had a full season scheduled ahead, but due to the coronavirus, all that work went on hold. However, they found a way to adapt and the results look very promising. Other companies are rolling out variations…
Blog
Sheltering in Place: Are Our Homes the Shelter We Need?
Much of the world is now focused on “sheltering in place.” This phrase was once lingo used almost exclusively by the people whose job it is to prepare for emergencies. Now, we all have that job. Yet most shelter-in-place conversations have very little to say about a critical part of…
Blog
Getting to Zero in Buildings
As we embark on a new decade, we are reflecting on the many exciting advancements in the building industry. One highlight from last year was the Getting to Zero Forum held in October in Oakland California. This event brought together over 600 leading policymakers, building owners, architects, designers, system manufacturers,…
insight
Getting to Zero in Buildings: Insights from zLab
In October, 2019, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and New Buildings Institute (NBI) organized an inaugural zLab to bring together industry leaders to brainstorm solutions and develop action plans around three topics: building electrification for decarbonization, advanced decarbonization policies for existing buildings, and unlocking new value through grid-interactive buildings. RMI has…
Blog
Surviving the Next Polar Vortex
One year ago this week, the Midwest was under siege from the “polar vortex” that caused subzero temperatures and power outages across Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and New Jersey. In light of the fact that climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of these events,…
insight
Hours of Safety in Cold Weather
Blog
How Many Hours-of-Safety Do Our Homes Have in Extreme Weather?
How many people in your community are at risk during extreme weather events? The heat waves wracking the nation right now can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and even death. Last year over 90 people died in Quebec (over 50 in Montreal) due to a heat wave. And during…
Blog
How to Cost-Effectively Withstand the Next Polar Vortex
The 2019 polar vortex has passed, leaving behind many harrowing stories in its wake. The new Cold Climates Addendum of Rocky Mountain Institute’s Economics of Zero Energy Homes report illuminates how our homes can be better prepared for weather extremes cost-effectively, even in some of the coldest climates in…