Mike Riedlinger

Managing Director Technology Commercialization, NextCorps

Years in current role: 13

What sustainability initiative or environmental goal has your organization made the most progress on in the past year?

NextCorps has created the Clean Jobs Collaborative, which is comprised of over 20 different organizations throughout the Rochester area that share a mission related to improving the regional eco-system for development of clean-energy practices in manufacturing and building on the workforce initiatives for growth in jobs related to improving our regional environment. The Collaborative brings together organizations to uncover and address issues that have been persistent obstacles to improvement and to begin taking actions toward a more robust economy centered on reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increased urban manufacturing employment.

What gives you confidence about how Rochester businesses and institutions are addressing environmental challenges?

Rochester’s citizens and business leaders have demonstrated the ability to address environmental challenges at neighborhood and city-wide scale. Among the most visible initiatives are the ROC the Riverway and High Falls State Park. These have demonstrated the ability of Rochesterians and our local and state leaders to follow through on a bold vision. On the neighborhood scale, there are many services available for commercial and residential customers seeking to reduce their environmental impact — from recycling and composting, energy audits, community solar installations, and public infrastructure improvements (roadways, sewers, etc.) designed for changing climate conditions. Rochester has great resources for addressing challenges and has taken actions to improve our environment.

What area do you think needs more attention or collaboration to strengthen Rochester’s environmental future?

Areas that need more attention, on both individual and commercial levels, are education on recycling, sustainable materials, and knowledge of greenhouse gas emitting sources. Educational outreach for improving recycling programs, which are impacted by contaminants that are unintentionally reducing the benefits of single-stream recycling, which is broadly available in Rochester. Awareness of actions that can be taken to substitute sustainable materials can often lead to cost savings as well as better environmental outcomes. Similarly, having a deeper understanding of the sources of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change allow individuals to take responsible actions.

What advice would you offer to individuals or organizations that want to start making a measurable environmental difference?

Individuals and organizations that want to start making a measurable difference can start with any intentional action to reduce their impact on the earth, no matter how “small” it may seem. Changing your individual behavior with the intent to improve our collective environment brings a wealth of benefits. Once you have intentionally made one “little” change, take on another.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rochester area?

My favorite way to enjoy Rochester’s natural beauty is to take a walk through any of the great parks — and especially those along the Genesee River like Turning Point Park and Genesee Valley Park. These are beautiful and accessible areas that offer a break from daily routines and contact with nature at any time of year. I’m looking forward to taking a walk through the new High Falls State Park in the months ahead!