BLUE PLANET FOUNDATION

Amidst the daunting climate projections, Hawaii has emerged as a global leader on clean energy policy, adopting a number of bold, first-in-the-nation targets that have helped inspire other jurisdictions to take similar action. Launched in 2008, Blue Planet Foundation is a Honolulu-based 501(c)(3) committed to accelerating the transition to a just and sustainable energy future. Our organization is founded on the belief that by making Hawaii a model of clean energy progress, we can inspire and catalyze climate solutions around the world. By using the lever of bold policy change and the power of storytelling, we create momentum and inspire change in Hawaii and beyond.

To animate our theory of change, Blue Planet applies the following three strategic levers.:

(1) Shaping Opinion - We use creative communications and engaging education tactics to shape public opinions, influence new ways of thinking, and motivate actions and engagement for big impact.

(2) Shaping Behavior - Our action-oriented outreach and programs empower Hawaii youth & residents to complete transformational Acts of Climate Leadership in their own life.

(3) Shaping Policy - We challenge and encourage policymakers to champion and adopt bold and inclusive climate policies and inspire the accelerated adoption of similar policies in other jurisdictions.

Our team of eight come from diverse backgrounds ranging from media, environmental law, education, tourism, and community activation. We embody the following team values:

Vision - We rise to accept the daunting challenge of solving climate change with positive energy. We are fueled by optimism and hope for a more secure, sustainable and just future.
Imagination - We are expansive thinkers who break the mold, using imaginative ideas to solve problems where others see obstacles.
Bold - We’re not afraid to take difficult positions and we challenge the status quo when necessary. We do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Heart - We engage with heart, listen with intention, and act with kindness. We celebrate one another for the unique gifts that we each bring to our work and to life.
Curiosity - We’re curious learners. We approach the world and our mission from a place of wonder.
Extraordinary - We are committed to doing extraordinary work that reflects our best thinking and highest professionalism.

Policy Shapers:
We are trusted experts helping leaders make smart decisions about our sustainable energy future, in Hawaii and beyond. Since 2008, we have driven key policy outcomes--from being early advocates for equity efforts like on-bill financing and community solar to championing Hawaii's first-in-the-nation 100% renewable energy and a tax on fossil fuel. Hawaii's youth are a cornerstone of our efforts to change the status quo. Our Climate Crew empowers cohorts of civically engaged youth climate experts inspired to help shape the future they will inherit. We seek to amplify students' voices and their power to drive the systems change our planet requires. In its first year, the Climate Crew completed over 60 acts of leaderships to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.

Community Activators:
Our annual Student Energy Summit brings together more than 200 middle and high school students from across the state for an immersive clean energy, and climate learning experience. Students walk away with sharpened energy leadership and advocacy skills needed to participate in clean energy and climate action. We recently expanded the summit to welcome international students and build global connections among youth. To tackle carbon pollution in the transportation section, Blue Planet has worked to increase knowledge of the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) with our EV Expert certification program, which provides dealership sales associates with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the EV marketplace and gives customers the confidence of knowing they will have the best possible EV buying experience. We have certified over 70 EV Experts statewide to date.

Storytellers:
We use viral videos, clever social media campaigns, provocative presentations, and imaginative infographics to reshape our energy conversations. Our creative communications tell stories that connect, inspire, and spark action. For example, our We Are 100 campaign is showcasing 100 stories of individuals and businesses across Hawaii that are taking actions--big and small--to accelerate our transition to 100% clean energy. Through neighbors inspiring neighbor, we aim to bring everyone along on the journey to 100%. Blue Planet also tracks Hawaii's progress toward 100% clean energy through our Energy Report Card. The report card takes a systems-wide view of our challenges and opportunities across five sections: transportation, efficiency, renewables, smart grid, and economics.