Shreeram Shrivastava

President, CEO, Larsen Engineers

Years in current role: 45+

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

Federal policies have significantly changed to not support and fund renewable energy (solar and wind) projects. Therefore, Larsen has shifted the focus to on-site, smaller rooftop or parking lot canopy solar systems of 250 to 750 KW size. Our projects seek energy independence by the property owner generating their own power under a Power Purchase Agreement.

Flood prevention to manage extreme rainfall events and heat are other active initiatives to protect communities. Energy, extreme rainfall and extreme heat are key climate issues that we must address to prevent a significant impact on people and the economy. Harnessing the natural resources to help health and wellness in our communities is Larsen’s goal via infrastructure improvements.

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

Cost of energy escalation and concern about the impact on communities after flooding due to extreme weather are driving the need for prevention and climate adaptation. Fixing the costs of power supply and reducing the damage caused by stormwater flooding events has created new work for us to promote recycling and reuse of natural resources. Nonprofit institutions, educational, commercial, and industrial properties with large roofs can make climate-smart investments that can reduce costs and protect property values.

People are aware of climate change when a severe event, such as flooding or wildfire, is reported in the media. We are working with real estate owners of apartment complexes and residents in the Finger Lakes who are impacted and looking for upgrades to avoid future harm.

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

Public-private partnerships offer the potential to build local projects based on shared risk and economic growth. Many facility upgrades can be made based on operational cost savings during the life cycle of the project.

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

The Rochester region is a great place to live with easy access to so many nature-based recreational sites, such as Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, and the Thousand Islands area. Our property assets should be preserved to protect them from environmental damage by retrofitting the stormwater infrastructure in our properties, using the roofs for energy generation and water recycling, and reuse. Planting trees and irrigating with recycled rainwater will help cool the community and enable safe and comfortable living in the built-up urban environment.

People need to gather and enjoy natural resources. We will soon experience the NYS Parks (state-owned) park at High Falls. Tourism will bring revenue to our community. Rochester is destined to become a growing, innovative destination for people.

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

Nature heals and recharges our energy to make a positive contribution to the area where we live and experience life. Rochester is blessed with the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes region, NYS Letchworth Park, and the Thousand Islands as beautiful places to see within a one- to three-hour drive. My favorite memories are made by looking at the Genesee River from a boat, watching the water go over the High Falls from 20 feet away, visiting the Finger Lakes Winery Region, and looking down the gorges at Letchworth Park in Livingston County.