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Lara Burmeister
President at RBCC Inc. dba Zeitgeist
Professional Background
Lara Burmeister is a dynamic leader in the field of environmental management and sustainability, currently serving as the President of RBCC Inc., where she oversees the operations of Zeitgeist. With a career steeped in innovative environmental solutions and business acumen, Lara has cultivated a robust professional background with notable experience at some of the leading organizations in the energy and sustainability sectors. Her journey reflects a commitment to leveraging her expertise in environmental management and business to drive meaningful change in these critical domains.
Previously, Lara held the position of Principal Product Manager at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), where she significantly contributed to the company’s mission of ensuring a sustainable energy future. Within her role at PG&E, she applied her insights as an MBA Rotational Leadership Associate, helping to foster innovative solutions amidst the evolving energy landscape. Her leadership and collaborative approach while managing complex products have made her an asset to the teams she has joined throughout her career.
In addition to her impactful tenure at PG&E, Lara has gained valuable experience through her role as an External Research Fellow at The Connecticut Green Bank, previously known as the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. This role allowed her to further her research in financing clean energy initiatives, solidifying her position as a knowledgeable leader in clean tech and renewable energy finance. Her participation in the Solar Leadership Program as an MBA Summer Associate at SunEdison further highlights her commitment to understanding the intricacies of solar energy and its potential impact.
Lara’s career trajectory also encompasses a pivotal role as an External Research Fellow at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), where she engaged in comprehensive research that contributed to the research and policy environments surrounding energy efficiency and sustainability.
Prior to her ascent in the energy sector, Lara was involved in various positions focused on project management and sustainability consulting. Her tenure at WSGreenTechnologies GmbH as a Project Manager/Sustainability Consultant equipped her with the operational knowledge necessary to guide projects aimed at promoting sustainability and resource management. Additionally, her foundations in urban design and architecture were solidified during her internship at Von Gerkan, Marg and Partner Architects, where she experienced firsthand the design principles that can influence sustainable development.
Education and Achievements
Lara Burmeister's academic credentials are as impressive as her professional experiences, having earned her Master in Environmental Management (MEM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Yale University. At Yale, she honed her understanding of environmental systems and sustainable business practices, which have continuing implications in her work and advocacy efforts.
Before attending Yale, Lara completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Columbia University in the City of New York, where she laid the groundwork for her interest in environmental issues and sustainable practices. This educational foundation has provided her with a multidisciplinary perspective that combines scientific rigor with strategic business insight.
Her educational and professional journeys reflect her dedication to environmental sustainability and management. Lara's continuous pursuit of knowledge and her impressive academic background enable her to bridge the gap between environmental science and business strategy, essential for promoting a sustainable future for various industries.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Lara has amassed numerous achievements that underscore her commitment to sustainability and innovation. As the President of RBCC Inc., she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at integrating sustainable practices into everyday business operations, creating a model for others in the industry. She has also played a crucial role in shaping policies and providing insights that promote renewable energy and its adoption on a broader scale.
Lara has been recognized for her contributions to energy efficiency and sustainability, earning status as a thought leader in her field. Her papers and projects, conceived during her time as an External Research Fellow, have been instrumental in guiding industry practices and policies aimed at increasing the efficiency of energy use and reducing carbon footprints.
Moreover, her collaborative efforts with organizations such as PG&E and The Connecticut Green Bank have solidified her role in facilitating the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape, demonstrating her capability to inform and influence the trajectory of future initiatives and research in this essential sector.
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