UR grad’s study abroad became a lifelong sustainability mission

For six months as a student studying abroad, Scott Weiss, ’07, lived in a city where biking was the norm, recycling was second nature, and sustainability was a communal effort. There, in Copenhagen, Denmark, he began to see the world differently.

“[Sustainability] is woven into the society in Denmark, and I wanted to bring that mindset back to the U.S.,” Weiss said. “It wasn’t just an abstract issue, but a way of life.”

Back on campus, Weiss found himself in an environmental chemistry class that fulfilled a science requirement. “It was serendipitous timing,” he said. “I was working toward a business degree and now have this issue I think is important — how do I combine the two?”

After earning an MBA from George Washington University, he joined Apex Clean Energy. The Virginia-based renewable energy company develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities.

“I joined at a time when it was more of a startup than I realized,” he said. “We invented industry trends and the parameters used for projects to come together.”

In his 12 years with the company, Weiss has overseen billions of dollars in renewable energy projects. His experiences are sometimes reminiscent of his undergraduate study abroad, such as a trip he took to Denmark and met with its king. With international suppliers and stakeholders, Weiss travels often. “The U.S. happens to be a beneficiary of excellent wind and solar resources, which helps make it a leader globally,” he said.

For Weiss, the success he has found in his career and with the organization aligns perfectly with his passion. “The better we do for the environment, the better we do as a company,” Weiss said. “It is business with a purpose, and that feels very worthwhile to me.”