CEBA CONNECT
The Power of Storytelling: Communicating Clean Energy Journeys
We make clean energy personal by capturing unscripted moments that turn complex concepts into human stories. This is our approach.
7 tips for creating authentic, documentary-style content
BREAKDOWN
REI + Sol Systems
In our panel on "The Power of Storytelling," we shared how emotionally resonant, character-led films can cut through complexity and help audiences connect to clean energy work in a lasting way. This REI/Nester Hosiery case study is a prime example.
Below, we break down the story through the lens of each character — their goals, outcomes, and emotional impact.
Kelly Nester
What does our character want?
Kelly is a small business owner who wants to power his factory with clean energy that is local, traceable, and aligned with his values. But like many small to midsize manufacturers, the renewable energy market can be inaccessible and overly complex.
What does our character achieve?
A meaningful step forward on his sustainability journey, with verified, locally-sourced renewable energy.
Where is the emotion?
Kelly is committed, but he can’t do it alone. The emotional payoff comes when he visits the solar site for the first time, seeing the tangible outcome of a journey that was complicated and somewhat abstract. It’s a powerful moment of alignment between business, brand, and values.
Jay Creech
What does our character want?
As part of REI’s climate strategy, Jay is focused on addressing Scope 3 emissions by helping suppliers decarbonize their operations - one partnership at a time.
What does our character achieve?
REI demonstrates climate leadership by enabling renewable energy access across its supply chain, deepening relationships with partners, and reinforcing brand credibility with employees and customers alike.
Where is the emotion?
The film opens with imagery of the outdoors, serving as a reminder of what’s at stake. Jay’s walk through the solar field symbolizes REI’s hands-on, values-driven approach to sustainability.
Susanne Fratzscher
What does our character want?
Susanne and the Sol Systems team are focused on making renewable energy more accessible and tangible, especially for businesses that haven’t traditionally had a clear path to participation.
What does our character achieve?
Sol Systems connects the dots, delivering localized, traceable renewable energy to Nester Hosiery and REI through a structured solution backed by long-term community impact. They simplify what can be an intimidating process and create a model that others can follow.
Where is the emotion?
Sol Systems plays the humble hero, quietly facilitating a win-win-win. Their long-term commitment to “Infrastructure + Impact” is felt in their partnership-first approach, and their success is seen in how seamlessly they empower both buyer and supplier.
COMMUNICATING CLEAN ENERGY JOURNEYS
Do you have a story to tell?
Book a free Discovery Call where we’ll listen to your communication goals and help find an authentic way to connect with your audience.
ryan@stilllifeprojects.com
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