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Greg Senecal
Greg Senecal
Listen to this articleExecutive Director of Climate and Environment, LaBella Associates, D.P.C.
Years in current role: 35
What sustainability initiative or environmental goal has your organization made the most progress on in the past year?
LaBella continues to provide core services to the clean energy market, and we are proud to continue this work even as federal policy has shifted. We’ve found private and state agency partners who are continuing to invest in cutting-edge energy solutions and gained expertise in battery energy storage and data center-related energy projects. By aligning ourselves with these client partners, LaBella’s renewable energy sector portfolio has grown by over 20% in 2025. We anticipate continued momentum in the market as we look to energy-progressive states as models for long-term development.
What gives you confidence about how Rochester businesses and institutions are addressing environmental challenges?
New York State continues to lead the nation in climate policy. In the Greater Rochester region, I see grassroots organizations, public institutions and private companies progressively implementing tools that not only respond to environmental challenges but demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. While tangible initiatives such as electrification and land reuse come at an initial cost, studies suggest they are effectively advancing our communities toward climate resilience. The region is beginning to recognize the long-term benefits, which gives me confidence in our path forward.
What area do you think needs more attention or collaboration to strengthen Rochester’s environmental future?
Thousands of acres of underutilized brownfields, decommissioned coal power plants, and idle hydroelectric plants in the Rochester area are ripe for development. I believe that, with strong collaboration and creativity between state agencies, regional economic development organizations and local industrial businesses, the sites have the potential to reverse the environmental and economic effects that blighted properties have on communities.
Additionally, our region’s colleges, universities, and start-ups are producing exceptional talent. It’s the type of talent capable of capitalizing on this development potential by generating innovative energy solutions and advanced data centers. Leveraging this workforce could significantly strengthen Rochester’s environmental future.
