In this episode of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Chris Lane, Chief Executive Officer at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

Chris discusses his awakening to nature and early fascination with birds, his upbringing in the southern United States, and his studies in environmental engineering at University of Florida, touching on his collegiate boxing prowess, and ultimately his move west to Colorado. He describes his early works with Ted at IRT Environment conducting case studies on exemplary energy efficiency programs.

Chris goes on to share his experience as the first Environment Affairs Director at Aspen Skiing Company, building a LEED certified building — The SunDeck — at the top of Aspen Mountain. He also talks about his work at Xanterra, where he directed the resort management firm’s sustainability program, and was instrumental in building a 2 MW solar field in Death Valley.

He then dives into his work at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), leading a staff of 45 employees who work with partner organizations, schools, government agencies, and other key decision makers to tackle regional environmental issues around ecological literacy, forest health, regenerative agriculture, land restoration, and climate change to advance conservation and education outcomes and create life-long commitments to the Earth.