Global Network for Zero Advisor Chris Castro is a leading climate and clean energy executive, sustainability guru, and eco-entrepreneur with unique expertise in the policy, planning, design, and financing of decarbonization solutions for the power, buildings, and transportation sectors.

Chris serves as the Founding Director, Executive Vice President, and Chief Sustainability Officer at Climate First Bank, the nation's first FDIC-insured digital community bank specializing in climate finance and values-based impact investing.

With an impressive career in urban sustainability and clean energy, he has made significant contributions to environmental and climate initiatives across Florida and the U.S. Before joining Climate First Bank, Chris was a presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration as Chief of Staff for State and Community Energy Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy, managing a $16 billion portfolio of grants and technical assistance programs to catalyze climate and clean energy projects nationwide.

Chris's distinguished public service career includes nearly a decade with the City of Orlando, Florida, where he served in various roles, including Senior Advisor to Mayor Buddy Dyer and Director of Sustainability & Resilience. During this time, Chris developed comprehensive policies and programs that advanced the City's sustainability and climate action goals through the Green Works Orlando initiative.

Chris is also known for his eco-entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded IDEAS For Us, a global UN-accredited nonprofit advancing community-led sustainability projects, and launched Citizen Energy, a clean energy consulting firm specializing in clean energy retrofits to commercial and multifamily building. He also co-created Fleet Farming, an urban farming social enterprise program transforming lawns, schoolyards, and underutilized land into edible landscapes throughout Central Florida.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida in Environmental Studies & Policy, Energy & Sustainability, Chris is committed to community development and environmental stewardship. He serves on nearly a dozen nonprofit and academic boards, including the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), USGBC-FL, Project Green Schools, and Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.

Over the years, Chris has received numerous accolades, including being named 2018 Public Official of the Year by Governing, a 'Champion of Change' by President Obama, and the 'Guru of Green' by the Orlando Business Journal. He has also been recognized with the Grist 50 Fixer Award, a spot on GreenBiz’s Top 30 Under 30 list of sustainability professionals, and formal recognition from Presidents Clinton and Carter, and Vice President Gore. In December 2018, Chris starred in the National Geographic documentary Paris to Pittsburgh.

As a GNFZ Advisor, Chris will bring his vast experience in sustainability, clean energy, entrepreneurism, and community building efforts to help expand the GNFZ network and advance our mission of accelerating a zero emissions world.