The Friction Point: How Acterra Turns Climate Tech into Community Adoption

ClimateLink SF invites you to a conversation with Lauren Weston from Acterra.

Most climate founders know what needs to be built, but fewer understand the ground-level friction that prevents everyday homeowners, renters, and local businesses from adopting it. Acterra sits directly at the intersection of local climate action and regional tech.
In this session, Acterra’s Executive Director Lauren Weston highlights how non-profit program design solves adoption bottlenecks. By examining flagship programs like the Electric Home Tour, Induction Cooktop Lending Program, and Workforce & Community Partnerships, she will explore:

• Where Tech Fails User Experience: Why great hardware/software stumbles on local permitting, contractor buy-in, and consumer trust.
• Innovating Deployment: How Acterra turns complex climate tech into accessible, community-driven behavior change.
• How to Get Involved: Tangible ways 9 Zero founders, investors, and operators can mentor, pilot, or support local climate solutions.

Speaker Info
Lauren Weston is Executive Director of Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet, with two decades of nonprofit leadership in fundraising and philanthropy. She is a Climate Reality Project Leader and a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program.

Agenda:

• 5:00 - 5:30 Check-in and networking
• 5:30 - 6:30 Presentation and Q&A
• 6:30 - 7:00 Open networking

About 9 Zero:
We're a members-only community of founders, investors, scientists, and innovators accelerating climate solutions through meaningful relationships. Apply to join at www.9zero.com.