Alliance Board Member Rob Pratt Begins New Adventure

The Alliance extends a hearty congratulations to its Board Treasurer Rob Pratt, who is embarking on an exciting new adventure in his career. Pratt will be leaving the Henry P. Kendall Foundation where he was senior vice president in order to launch a new company dedicated to helping colleges and universities in Massachusetts and soon New England become leaders in the nation's green movement.

Called EnergyClimate Solutions (ECS), Pratt's company will look for ways in which colleges and universities – typically high energy and water-consuming operations – can reduce their carbon footprint through a variety of on-campus activities. In addition to installing traditional energy efficiency measures and in many cases renewable energy and combined heat and power facilities, ECS will emphasize behavioral programs in which students and staff work together to reduce energy and water consumption. Some of the company's planned activities include the installation of "dashboard monitors" around campuses – these to help the college community better understand carbon emissions, and be aware of new opportunities to reduce them.

For the colleges and universities of Massachusettes, there are numerous benefits to implementing ECS projects: they can reduce carbon footprints, save money and improve campus infrastructure and operations. Additionally, ECS aims to inspire leadership by treating colleges as laboratories for change and innovation, thereby positioning them as community leaders. Says Pratt, "In my view, we need a bright, shining sector where big solutions are embraced and implemented, and colleges are more open to innovation and change because of their need to be responsive to their students, faculty members and stakeholder groups."