Val is inspired by being in nature – this is what drives her work to protect our environment.
Val Bak, 24, is a political science major at Eastern CT State University. She is currently interning with our Energy and Sustainability Program in Connecticut.
Val is concerned that others in her generation are not focused on environmental challenges; she would like to see her peers get fired up to fight for the health of our planet.
Setting a proactive example, Val has jumped in wherever needed, helping with our shared solar campaign by helping to produce several community briefings on shared solar , tabling at Earth Day events, and advocating to stop the state from raiding the funds earmarked for clean energy projects.
She is especially proud of her research on potential sites for shared solar projects within Connecticut. “I enjoy digging in to help shed light on the potential for shared solar expansion in Connecticut. There are untapped possibilities on brownfields and landfill sites and no clear inventory available,” she said.
Val’s research has real world applications here in Connecticut, where 80% of the homes and businesses are not appropriate for solar due to shading, aging roofs or because they are rentals. These homeowners, communities and private investors are looking to share in the benefits of solar. Shared solar projects are key to allowing all those interested to take advantage of the cost and energy savings that solar offers, regardless of whether their own buildings are good sites. And the expansion of shared solar will help Connecticut to reach its goal of 80% GHG reductions by 2050!
All of us at Clean Water Action CT appreciate Val’s dedication and hard work to make our world a better place and we hope she inspires others to get involved!
