With 15 years in the clean energy industry, Salem Afeworki has dedicated her career to sustainability and community impact. As the Energy & Sustainability Services Manager for the City of Costa Mesa, California, Salem oversees citywide clean energy projects that emphasize energy efficiency, renewables, and long-term resilience. A “40 Under 40 Global” winner in climate change advocacy, her commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable future is deeply rooted in her personal and professional experiences.

Before stepping into local government, Salem founded Value Sustainability, a woman-owned small business enterprise (SBE) specializing in sustainability, climate change, and community engagement services. Her consulting background in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry set the foundation for her hands-on approach to renewable energy. “Clean energy isn’t just about environmental protection – it’s about building a stronger, healthier, more competitive America,” Salem emphasizes.

One of Salem’s standout achievements is Costa Mesa’s citywide streetlight retrofit project, which underscores the financial and environmental potential of clean energy investments. With streetlights accounting for 57% of the city’s electricity budget, Salem led the conversion of 6,150 high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures to energy-efficient LEDs. Partnering with Southern California Edison (SCE) and utilizing an innovative financing model, the city achieved remarkable results:

• Annual Savings: $81,460 for the first 20 years, with savings jumping to $204,443 annually after.
• Total Savings: $1.63 million over two decades.
• Environmental Impact: Significant reductions in energy use and maintenance needs.

“This project highlights how smart energy investments deliver immediate and long-term benefits,” Salem notes. “It’s proof that clean energy isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for city budgets and infrastructure.”

Salem is passionate about educating others on the realities of clean energy. She addresses three common misunderstandings:

1. Cost Competitiveness: “The price of solar and wind power has dropped dramatically. They’re often cheaper than fossil fuels, as demonstrated in our LED streetlight project.”
2. Diverse Job Opportunities: Clean energy offers careers in engineering, finance, project management, manufacturing, and skilled trades, providing stable, well-paying jobs that are rooted in local economies.
3. Reliability of Renewables: Advances in energy storage and smart grid technology make modern renewable energy systems stable and dependable.

Living near Los Angeles, Salem has experienced the devastating impacts of climate change, including wildfires that threaten her community. “Clean energy offers hope,” she says. “It’s not just an environmental solution—it’s an investment in our community’s resilience and prosperity.”

Salem’s vision for clean energy extends beyond technology. She sees it as a pathway to a healthier, more equitable future. “When I see solar panels going up or wind turbines being installed, I see progress toward a future where our children can breathe easier, and our communities can thrive.”

Salem believes Congress should prioritize clean energy investments. “It’s smart policy,” she argues. “Clean energy creates good-paying jobs, reduces harmful emissions, strengthens national security, and drives innovation.” She also highlights the public health benefits, noting that cleaner air leads to fewer asthma attacks and respiratory issues.

With her expertise and dedication, Salem Afeworki exemplifies the transformative potential of clean energy. Whether through citywide projects or national advocacy, she’s working tirelessly to build a sustainable future for all.

To learn more about Salem and her work, visit Value Sustainability or connect with her on LinkedIn.