In November 2023, TIME included Seneca Environmental in its inaugural TIME100 Climate list, which recognizes the 100 most innovative leaders driving business climate action. TIME named Jordan Garrow, Chair of Seneca Holdings Management Committee, to the list for his role in overseeing the formation of Seneca Environmental.

To assemble the list, TIME’s editors and reporters fielded nominations and recommendations from industry leaders and partner organizations as well as TIMECO2’s Advisory Council. TIME then worked to assess the candidates on a variety of factors, including recency of action, measurable results, and influence.

“TIME recognized Seneca Environmental because of our company’s unique business model, which generates profits for a Native community while also helping other Tribes, Pueblos, and Indigenous groups meet their energy and sovereignty goals. Our private-sector partners not only benefit from our services and expertise but also support their own equity and ESG goals,” said Jordan Garrow. “This recognition is an acknowledgment of the collective effort of every member of our team, and the Seneca Nation, as we create sustainable energy solutions that honor our past while securing our future.”

The Seneca Nation was already a recognized leader in on-territory renewables with Seneca Energy deploying community solar and wind projects on Seneca land for the benefit of Seneca Nation members. Seneca Environmental launched in 2021 under Seneca Holdings to develop, own, and operate renewable energy projects outside of Seneca territory and leverage the existing capabilities of Seneca Holdings.

“Our inclusion on this impressive list is an honor for Seneca Environmental, Seneca Holdings, and the Seneca Nation. It is a testament to our millennia-old values as Indigenous peoples of respect for our Mother, the Earth,” said Wendy Huff, board member of Seneca Holdings. “In our dealings with both Native communities and corporate customers, Seneca Environmental draws from Indigenous values and knowledge to restore a respectful relationship with our environment. Our business supports our community financially and also allows our values as Indigenous peoples to continue thriving as we build a future that relies on renewable energy.”

Seneca children on Seneca territory.

Seneca Environmental is helping Native communities across the U.S. plan and deploy renewable energy projects that take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act and other key funding now available, ensuring that these opportunities are fully realized in support of Native people and their energy and sovereignty goals.

“We are providing a model for the many ways that Native communities can participate in the energy transition with a foundation of energy independence and sovereignty,” said Matt Renner, Vice President of Seneca Environmental. “Whether it is in support of an Indigenous community or a corporate partner’s energy goals, we develop projects with an approach that maximizes positive outcomes for all stakeholders, including the planet.”

Seneca Energy’s Allegany Solar Project.

Seneca Environmental’s work with corporate clients further advances opportunities and benefits for the Seneca Nation and other Native communities.

“Being labeled by TIME as a ‘defender’ that is also a climate business leader captures exactly what makes us unique. We are demonstrating that you can be a profitable business, a commercially reliable partner, and also have a positive impact on the Earth,” Jeffrey Ellis, President of Seneca Environmental and CEO of Seneca Holdings. “Not only do our profits directly support the Seneca Nation and its members, but our approach to development is informed by our Native ownership.”

The company is currently working closely with the Pueblo of San Ildefonso to support and advance their plans for energy projects that have the potential to increase economic development and energy independence. The projects are scoped to provide power for the Pueblo, the surrounding communities, the Pueblo’s critical infrastructure, and federal facilities that are required to achieve net zero commitments.

“Our collaboration with the Pueblo of San Ildefonso exemplifies how renewable energy can be a catalyst for change,” added Garrow. “Together, we’re creating a blueprint for environmental sustainability and economic empowerment that respects and honors our traditional values.”

Seneca Environmental also worked closely with Indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in support of a plan to build and operate a large solar array for an industrial customer. The project creates economic development and jobs for the community and supports the decarbonization of industrial processes in PNG.

The full TIME100 Climate list is live at now at time.com/time100-climate and appears in the December 5, 2023 issue.