Shows
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #67: Exploring Sustainability and the Energy Transition with Nick RohlederOn this episode of RENEWables, David delves into an enlightening conversation with Nick Rohleder, co-founder of Climate Commodities, a pioneering company dedicated to facilitating the energy transition by bridging technical expertise with financing opportunities. Nick's journey from traditional energy sectors to the forefront of renewables offers captivating insights into the evolving landscape of sustainability. Discover how Climate Commodities is driving re-industrialization and infrastructure innovation while championing environmental responsibility. Nick's expertise sheds light on the pivotal role of consumers in propelling renewable energy adoption and offers invaluable advice for aspiring sustainability professionals. Join us on RENEWables as we uncover the...
2024-04-0232 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #66: The Future of Green SpendingOn this week's episode of RENEWables, we talk to Anjali Mahadevia, Head of Business Development at Future, a platform rewarding climate-friendly behavior. Anjali explains how Future incentivizes actions reducing carbon emissions through partnerships with 50,000+ brands, transit agencies, and utilities. She introduces FutureCoins to gamify sustainability and stresses the importance of partnerships in growing the platform's impact.
Tune in for insights on making greener choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet!
2024-03-1924 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartThe Future of Green Energy with Jack DoueckDiscover the latest in energy trends and strategies in our compelling podcast episode featuring Jack from Advanced Energy Capital. Explore how businesses are transitioning into the clean, green market and supporting sustainability initiatives. Jack shares insights on embracing verticality, optimizing energy consumption, and navigating market fluctuations effectively. Uncover innovative developments driving the sector forward while addressing regulatory challenges.
Tune in now for valuable insights and actionable tips shaping the future of energy!
2024-03-0527 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #64: Powering Conversations: Nuclear Energy, Renewables, and Project ManagementIn this enlightening podcast episode, David chats with Milton Stark, a distinguished authority in nuclear and renewable energy. Milton shares his remarkable journey from serving during the Vietnam War to becoming a power expert, honing his skills in emergency power systems in Vietnam.Milton's military path led him to the Army Nuclear Power Program, where he became adept at instructing and operating nuclear power systems. In the commercial nuclear sector, he specialized in outage work and technical projects, enriched by insights from the Three Mile Island incident.The episode explores the intricacies of integrating renewable energy sources...
2023-11-141h 02
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #63: Energizing Business: A Journey Through Energy Consulting & Deregulation with David WiersIn this episode, David Wiers, the President of Satori Energy, embarks on an exploration of the dynamic energy consulting realm and the world of electricity deregulation. Join us on a journey through David's career trajectory, where he transitioned from his early days at Anderson Consulting to a pivotal role in the energy consulting sector, perfectly timed with the unfolding of ComEd customer deregulation in 2000. At the young age of 28, David started Satori Energy, recognizing an opportunity to offer valuable services to mid-sized and smaller businesses through a brokered approach to energy consulting. Witness the remarkable growth of...
2023-11-0137 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #62: Tracing Transparency: Fashion, Policy, and Sustainability with Shameek GoshIn this podcast episode, we're joined by Shameek Gosh, the Co-Founder & CEO of TrusTrace, a leading platform in the footwear and textile industry that focuses on traceability and compliance data management. We'll learn about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and similar legislation in the United States, aiming to ensure products entering the country are free from connections to forced labor camps.Shameek also sheds light on the concept of fashion digital passports, exploring how they enhance transparency and responsible practices in the fashion supply chain.As an expert in sustainability, Shameek shares his vision for...
2023-10-1735 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #61: The Power of Sustainability Meets the Magic of Heartfelt Connections at HallmarkDive into the world of Hallmark, where the power of sustainability meets the magic of heartfelt connections!
Join us in this episode of RENEWables, as we embark on an exciting journey with Kristin Edie, the VP of Enterprise Sustainability at Hallmark. It's a conversation that goes far beyond greeting cards, delving into Hallmark's profound commitment to sustainability and its remarkable achievements.
Hallmark has launched a four-point sustainability plan focused on product and content, renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and transportation. Kristin explores these four pillars, shares inspiring stories, and gives us valuable insights into Hallmark's...
2023-10-0330 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #60: Revolutionizing Self-Care: Sustainable Beauty and the Fight Against Single-Use PlasticSeason 4 kicks off with an interview with Lindsay McCoy, CEO and Co-Founder of Plaine Products. Plaine Products is natural, vegan, and cruelty-free hair and body products in reusable, returnable, refillable aluminum bottles. Founded in 2017 by Lindsey and her sister Alison, they have changed the way the world thinks about all of those plastic bottles filling up our shower! They are working to reduce waste and help stop single-use plastic with their subscription program. This episode shows us that we can still look good while doing good for the environment. Tune in and subscribe.Show Notes:For...
2023-09-1926 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #59: Empowering Social Impact Organizations to Catalyze Real World ChangeToday, our social feeds are flooded with so much information, it has become increasingly challenging to cut through all the noise making it all too easy to miss valuable information. That is why creating captivating content that compels people to pause their scrolling and engage with the message is so important. In the world of social impact organizations, creating meaningful change requires more than just a noble mission. It demands strategic thinking, effective communication, and a compelling brand that captures the attention of the audience. By mastering this art, social impact leaders can effectively amplify their voices and generate t...
2023-06-0632 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #58: Propane: Multifaceted Environmental Benefits of a Low-Carbon Fuel AlternativeNew Podcast Episode Alert! Join us for an energetic conversation with propane industry trailblazer, Tucker Perkins, President & CEO of Energy for Everyone Propane.
With a passion for innovation and a commitment to safety, Tucker has been instrumental in transforming the propane landscape through informative safety and training programs designed for anyone that uses propane at home, in the field and on the farm. From transportation to agriculture, commercial landscaping to residential and commercial building sectors, PERC's programs have made a remarkable impact on the low-carbon fuel market.
In addition to their safety and training programs, th...
2023-05-2339 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #57: Decarbonizing Industries: Mars Materials’ Mission to Reverse the Carbon FootprintIn a world grappling with the challenges of climate change, Mars Materials has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable innovation. Through market-driven approaches, Mars is actively engaged in commercializing breakthrough technologies capable of effectively removing and sequestering greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
While carbon-negative processes face challenges at present, attitudes and incentives are gradually shifting towards CO₂ utilization. With its advanced technology, Mars is positioned to initiate and accelerate this transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Mars is on a mission to reverse humanity's industrial waste carbon footprint by commercializing in...
2023-05-0934 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #56: From Field to Fork to Field - A Plant-Based, Zero-Waste Composting System The food industry generates a substantial portion of not only food waste, but also packaging waste. In the United States alone, the food and beverage sector accounts for approximately 23% of all packaging waste. Plastic is the most widely used material for food packaging, representing around 40% of total plastic usage, which comes with several challenges, including environmental pollution, resource depletion, and health concerns. Therefore, there is a growing movement to reduce the use of plastic in food packaging and promote more sustainable and circular packaging solutions, such as compostable plastics, paper-based packaging, and reusable containers.
Better Earth is...
2023-04-2436 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #55: Innovative Technology for Enabling Highly Efficient Carbon CaptureAs most of us already know, CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. The production processes that yield CO2 are considered highly valuable to society, but their emissions into the atmosphere have negative environmental consequences, reducing their overall value.
With the issue of climate change, reducing CO2 emissions is more important than ever. Technologies designed to mitigate these emissions, such as carbon capture, storage, and utilization, allow for the continued use of these production processes and resources, while minimizing their environmental impact. One company leading this charge is Mantel Capture, a c...
2023-04-1119 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #54: Babylon Micro Farms - A New Hydroponic Farming System Controlled by a Smartphone AppHydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water as the growing medium instead. These controlled environments provide the plants with all the essential nutrients they need directly through their roots. This highly sustainable technology has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce high yields of crops while using significantly less water than traditional soil-based agriculture.
Using a combination of sensors, software, and LED lighting to create an optimal growing environment for plants, Babylon Micro Farms is revolutionizing the hydroponics industry and forever changing the way we grow and consume f...
2023-03-2819 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #53: Creating Pathways Out of Poverty & Advancing a Green EconomyAccording to a report by the Urban Institute, about one-third of Americans have a credit score below 620, which is considered to be a subprime credit score. The same report found that low-income individuals are more likely to have subprime credit scores than those with higher incomes. In fact, about 52% of households earning less than $30,000 per year have subprime credit scores.
These statistics show that low-income communities are more likely to have subprime credit scores and other negative credit events, which can make it difficult for them to access credit and financial services. This highlights the importance of...
2023-03-1335 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #52: Reusing Solar Panels for the Communities, Organizations & Individuals That Need Them the MostAs the world’s utilization of renewable energy increases, so does the waste that is created by manufacturing the materials needed to generate the power. Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years and 75 million metric tons of solar waste are projected to be landfilled by 2050. However, solar panels should not be disposed of in landfills as they contain potentially hazardous materials and other toxic substances that can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater if not properly handled. In addition, solar panels contain valuable materials such as silicon, aluminum, copper, and silver that can be recycled and re...
2023-02-2042 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #51: Heartland Industries - Hemp, Standardizing Sustainable Materials & Other TechnologiesHeartland Industriesis a material science company that engineers hemp fibers to replace and augment traditional materials like fiberglass, talc, and calcium carbonate. With its renewable sources and eco-friendly biodegradability, Hemp is a revolutionary material that's making waves in the sustainability movement. Crafted from lipids and cellulose found naturally within Cannabis plants, this composite bioplastic is fully bio-degradable - providing an innovative solution for reducing our impact on the environment.
By working with brands and their suppliers, Heartland helps to embed Carbon negative additives into everyday products without any re-tooling costs. This helps drive down the cost, weight...
2023-02-0626 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #50: Giving Access, Delivering Food Justice & Eliminating Food InsecurityAcross the U.S., 15% of households are food insecure, meaning they don’t have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. In Missouri alone, there are more than 600,000 people living in food deserts—an area without a grocery store or other source of fresh, healthy food, making it even harder to get the meals they need.
Kanbe’s Market is a non-profit working to build a more equitable food system for these residents of inner city food deserts. One way they’re doing this is through their Healthy Corner Store Program which partners with smaller convince stores and “mom-and-po...
2022-11-2942 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #49: Carbon Credits for Farmers & Agroforestry with Robin Saluoks, CEO of eAgronomScientists have long suspected a link between industrialization and climate change, but serious study of the issue did not begin until the second half of the twentieth century when the first predictions that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could substantially alter Earth’s surface temperature through the greenhouse effect. It would be another 100 years before carbon credits are introduced as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating the $2 billion carbon credit market in which companies can offset their emissions by investing in environment-positive projects, such as planting trees in the tropics.
Join this episode of...
2022-11-1549 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #48: Tracking Your Favorite Brand's Supply Chain Sustainability with Shameek Gosh, CEO of TrusTraceSurvey shows that consumer expectations for the fashion industry to treat workers fairly rank as high as expectations for environmental issues. Some results even show that consumers are willing to pay more for ethically produced clothing. That’s why it’s important to create ongoing visibility into wages throughout the supply chain; the same way, it’s important to have visibility into products, materials, emissions, waste and more.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Shameek Ghosh, Co-founder and CEO of TrusTrace, to learn more about their software platform for supply chain traceability, and how they p...
2022-11-0139 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #47: 2022 SuperSix Field Trials Farm Tour!
Your host, David Smart, and BioStar’s Chief Agronomist, Allen Philo hit the road to meet and greet farmers in the midst of BioStar’s 5th year of SuperSix field trials! BioStar is grateful that Prairie Earth Farms, Sam Knob Farm, and Twin Pines Organic Farms participated in a variety of crop trials using our SuperSix organic fertilizer. From Wisconsin to Illinois, to Indiana to Michigan, these organic farmers each have their own unique approach to growing organically, but this year, there is a common thread, using SuperSix in field trials to improve crop yield and boos...
2022-10-1835 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #46: Bell Solar & Electrical - Empowering Women in the Solar IndustryAlexia Cooper has had a life-long dream of becoming the first woman anything and in 2021 when she was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 as the youngest woman in the state of Nevada to hold a C2 Electrical Contractor License, she knew her drive and dedication to that dream had been the foundation for her success. Alexia is revolutionizing and creating opportunities for women in the construction industry as she chooses to lead by spreading positivity and empowering individuals to be the best version of themselves.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Alexia Cooper, CEO of B...
2022-09-3021 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #45: Grasping the Electricity Markets, Price Increases & the Impact of CryptoDid you know electric power is the largest operating cost for cryptocurrency miners? Therefore, miners with the lowest power costs will have the highest margins and be in the best position to capture profits whether network hash rates rise or fall.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Andrew Barth, Partner and Co-founder of CSD Energy Advisors, to understand the impacts of the crypto space and how the energy management firm uses market knowledge to guide their clients into smarter decision making, reducing costs and improving their energy management strategies for the long haul. Barth...
2022-09-2044 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #44: Burns & McDonnell - All Things HydrogenHydrogen is the most abundant element in the world and can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources. Hydrogen technology isn’t a new concept but due to high production costs and infrastructure latency issues, we haven’t been able to capture and use the hydrogen for our energy needs until recently. Today, hydrogen fuel can be produced through several methods including natural gas reforming and electrolysis but how we store, transport and drive popularity around this element will ultimately determine whether or not we can meet our goal to hit Net-zero by 2050.
On...
2022-09-0547 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #43: EcoEnclose - The one-stop-shop for eco-friendly shipping solutionsThe Environmental Protection Agency estimates that plastic and other packaging waste makes up around 30% of total U.S. waste annually. That’s only in the U.S., so imagine what that looks like worldwide. Creating more sustainable practices within your business is essential for the health of the planet and as more companies start to enhance their sustainability efforts, updating product packaging is becoming a no-brainer! Tune into this episode of RENEWables featuring Saloni Doshi, CEO and “Chief Sustainability Geek”, at EcoEnclose—the world’s most eco-friendly packaging company, to learn how to evolve your company’s sustainability packaging strategy and h...
2022-08-2336 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #42 - KC Can Compost: Powering the People & Preserving the PlanetTwo of the biggest obstacles that make community-wide composting accessible and easy are a lack of infrastructure and lack of education. That is why Kristan Chamberlain, Executive Director at KC Can Compost, spent the better part of two years researching ways to break down these barriers and created a system that promotes green jobs, a healthy environment and manages the mess! The program offers a full waste assessment with actionable recommendations and ongoing education for commercial businesses all the way down to the individual level.
Join us on this episode of RENEWables, to get educated on the b...
2022-08-0830 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #41 - Breaking Barriers in Hydrogen Storage TechnologyAs the buzz around the hydrogen energy market continues, one company is breaking barriers in hydrogen storage technology and using high-density hydrogen for zero-emission transportation. On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Breakthrough Energy Fellows, Ted McKlveen and Bav Roy, co-founders of Verne H2 who believe new energy solutions like hydrogen storage are required to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation. There has been a lot of progress in hydrogen electricity technology over the last few decades but a lot more needs to be done in order to reach net zero by 2050.
Heavy duty transportation...
2022-07-2226 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #40: The Zero Waste Chef’s Tips & Tricks for “Breaking Up with Plastic” for a Plastic-Free JulyConcerned with the planet’s plastic pollution problem, Anne Marie Bonneau, a Senior Editor at a San Francisco based publishing company realized how much food was being wasted in her own kitchen and decided to go plastic-free in 2011. “I have always been obsessed with food and cooking and when I became aware of how much unnecessary waste was making it to the oceans, I decided I wanted to break up with plastic”, says Bonneau, now known as the Zero-Waste Chef. To cut down on plastic waste, she began shopping at local farmer’s markets and would take her own glass jars...
2022-07-0140 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #39: The Fat Plant Society - Bringing Nature Into the Workplace Through Biophilic DesignYou have probably seen moss growing on rocks or trees in your backyard, but have you ever seen it covering the interior walls of an office building? If not, you will soon because these “vertical gardens'' are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also have soundproofing, odor absorbing and air purifying qualities that can help improve office and home environments.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sit down with Kasey Riley, Co-founder of The Fat Plant Society and Vince Basso, to learn more about moss art and their bioph...
2022-06-0345 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #38: Wilbur-Ellis - Overcoming Challenges in Organic FarmingWith inflation on the rise, the price of fertilizers is up a staggering 260% post-pandemic, causing farmers to cut back on the amount of fertilizers they can use on their crops and risking smaller yields. This problem comes at a time when food production is critical and finding solutions isn’t always easy, especially for farmers facing challenges that could pose serious threat to the future of their crops.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sit down with Jason Ellsworth, Organic Portfolio Manager at Wilbur-Ellis, Agribusiness division, as he talks about the effects of organics on soil health, th...
2022-05-1926 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #37: Carbon Collective - Investment Opportunities Aimed At Solving Climate ChangeAs the climate crisis continues, more and more companies are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon and finding innovative ways to help mitigate or offset carbon emissions. While this is becoming common practice among corporations, what about individuals who want to make a difference?
Join us on this special Earth Day episode of RENEWables, where we sit down with James Regulinski, Co-Founder of Carbon Collective, to discuss ESG investment opportunities designed to help pressure large companies into taking climate change more seriously. James identifies how to bridge the $4 trillion dollar gap between how much money is needed versus h...
2022-05-0626 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #36: AirCarbon® - A Potential Plastic Replacement Derived from MicroorganismsSeveral years ago, while researching oil spills in the ocean, scientists discovered something truly amazing—Microorganisms were using the greenhouse gas, methane as a food source and producing an energy storage material within their cells called Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a naturally occurring polymer that resembles polypropylene, which is one of the most commonly produced plastics in the world.
New Light has taken this oceanic process of dissolving air and carbon in water and created a scalable plastic alternative called AirCarbon®. With over 10 years of research and 50 patents, they are using AirCarbon to help replace plastic and restore the oce...
2022-04-2027 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #35: Driscoll's and the Berry Exciting Future of Organic AgricultureOrganic agriculture has grown from a cultural movement to a multi-billion dollar industry within the span of a few decades. This meteoric rise showcases the importance of quality food sourcing and environmental stewardship in consumer choices. But the value of organic agriculture does not just lie in personal preference. As the industry grows, so too does our understanding of the relationships between organic agriculture and soil health. Emily Musgrave and Peter Navarra of Driscoll's Berries join the latest episode of RENEWables to talk about organic systems, berry genetics and all the plant possibilities.
Show...
2022-03-1633 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #34: Advanced Solutions to Industrial Water UseEvery industry consumes water. The process from sourcing to disposal often leads to unsustainable and polluting practices. And as the world’s supply of fresh water continues to dwindle, it becomes even more urgent to find solutions for treating and recycling the water we do consume. Phil Millett, VP of Manufacturing at Purestream joins RENEWables to talk about their technology’s influence on the future of water consumption and their efforts for solving multiple sustainability issues at once.
Show Notes:
Purestream.com
Phil Millett on Linked In
2022-01-2828 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #33: Sustainable Mechanization for a Modern Texas VineyardThere is a lot of work that goes into establishing a vineyard, from raising capital down to harvesting the last bunch. This process becomes even more difficult when you are working in a region without a long and fruitful history. Mason Moreland, Managing Partner at Texas Vine Country, hopes to place Texas firmly on the map as an autonomous wine region. Through proper investing, sustainable practices, and mechanized systems, he helps these projects age like fine wine.
Show Notes:
Contact Mason Moreland
LinkedIn
www.texasvinecountry.com
2022-01-0631 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #32: Solar PV and the Future Energy LandscapeSolar PV cells, industrial battery storage, investment tax credits, megawatts... Industry terminology can be intimidating, and the movement towards renewable energy certainly seems confusing. But the transition is much simpler than it appears to be. Tim Montague, Head of Business Development at Continental Energy Solutions, joins this episode of RENEWables to break down renewable energy fuel sources and explains why solar + battery storage is and will continue to be a major player in the future of the renewable energy.
2021-10-2838 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables #31: Syngas Offers a Solution to Landfill OverflowThe world has a waste problem. Landfills around the planet are reaching capacity, and in many countries those barriers have already been breached. There are various systems in place to address food waste, but what about the rest? A century-old technology is being revitalized to convert waste into energy through a process called plasma gasification. Bill Smith from XcelPlus International joins RENEWables to discuss how this technology can unlock previously unusable energy sources.
2021-10-2120 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 30: Field Trials II - Q&A from BioStar's 2020 Field Trial ResultsBioStar concluded another successful year of field trials and we invite you to join us as we dive into the exciting information driving these studies and discuss how a systematic approach is critical to the future of agriculture. From nutrient inputs down to the complex chemical interactions of the microbiome, agronomy offers a unique opportunity to pioneer research as we continue to transform the concept of sustainability. BioStar's patented SuperSix™ Organic Liquid Fertilizer offers natural solutions to improve agronomic systems.
Allen Philo, Chief Agronomy Officer at BioStar, returns for the second part of our 2-part series, to an...
2021-10-0544 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 29: Results from BioStar's 2020 SuperSix™ Organic Liquid Fertilizer Field TrialsSoil health is foundational to successful crop yields and a systematic approach considers the importance of all details. From nutrient inputs down to the complex chemical interactions of the microbiome, agronomy offers a unique opportunity to pioneer research as we continue to transform the concept of sustainability. BioStar's patented SuperSix™ Organic Liquid Fertilizer offers natural solutions to improve agronomic systems. Allen Philo, Chief Agronomy Officer at BioStar, joins this episode of RENEWables to discuss the methods and results of another successful field trial.
2021-09-3058 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode: 28: How Financial Transparency Can Help Sustainability-Focused InvestorsA new generation of both institutional and retail investors are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their investment decisions. But where does this information come from and how can you determine whether or not companies are meeting the criteria? Stefania Di Bartolomeo from Physis Investment joins RENEWables to discuss how her company uses big data to bring information to your fingertips, allowing better market transparency and sound investment decisions.
Show links:
Website: https://physisinvestment.com
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physisinvestment
Email: physis@physisinvestment.com
2021-09-2327 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 27: Tips for Maximizing Your Business' Growth, Post-PandemicOne of the biggest challenges the post-pandemic business world will face is navigating a shaken labor market. What are the tools for successful hiring? How can you leverage the unique skillsets of each team member? John B. Conger from Culture Index helps organizations answer these tough questions by using analytics instead of instincts. Tune in to the first episode of Season 2 of RENEWables to hear John’s tips for maximizing growth potential.
2021-09-1737 min
The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLEThe Green Insider – Ep. 57 – Power Chat with David Smart – BioStar RenewablesIt’s a Special Edition of the Power Chat as eRENEWABLE’s CEO and Founder Mike Nemer sits down with friend of the program and Sr. VP of BioStar Renewables, David Smart to discuss the first project collaboration between the two companies. The project is located in Norman, Oklahoma and is the inaugural project for eRENEWABLE.
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2021-08-1908 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 26: The Farm Babe | Advocating For AgThe Farm Babe Talks Sustainable Agriculture
Today on RENEWables we meet social media influencer and agriculture industry champion, Michelle Miller of The Farm Babe. She explains how sustainability is at the forefront of U.S. farmer and ranchers' minds and how the industry continues to transform by way of data and new technologies. Michelle celebrates the true “Ag story” by giving scientists and their research a bigger voice — propelling continued change for the future.
2021-04-3022 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 25: How Natural Refrigerants Can Drastically Reduce the #1 GHGDid you know, commonly used HFC refrigerants are super climate pollutants and are growing faster than any other greenhouse gas on the planet? RENEWables talks to Morgan Smith to understand how the NASRC (North American Sustainable Refrigerant Council) is partnering across the industry with a goal to make climate-friendly, natural refrigerants a feasible business choice for the nearly 38K U.S. supermarkets. From coordinating incentives, to providing technician readiness, to championing legislative change, the NASRC is accelerating their mission to eliminate HFC emissions.
2021-04-1536 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 24: A Big Legislative Win for the BioeconomyRENEWables welcomes back Mark Riedy of Kilpatrick Townsend, an international project finance lawyer with over 45+ years in the energy, chemical and infrastructure space. His leadership across the renewables industry has proven to be instrumental in making impactful legislative changes to USDA and DOE programs that have helped bioeconomy developers secure federal funding needed to support new and ground-breaking technologies. Riedy’s vast and in-depth knowledge provides his clients the critical guidance needed to chart a greener path.
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Mark Riedy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-j-riedy-4b963515/
MRiedy@kilpatricktownsend.com
Alternative Fu...
2021-03-2636 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 23: NFI Industries Strives to Be Green Inside & OutAs one of the largest Third-Party Logistics (3PL) companies in the country, NFI Industries values the use of clean technology — aiming to not only decrease its own carbon emissions but its customers' as well. Energy and Sustainability Manager David Crist explains how the company’s growing solar portfolio and electrification program to transition fleet vehicles to EV are just some of the important steps to helping its customers achieve a more sustainable supply chain. From transportation to real estate, NFI covers a lot of ground and plans to be a green leader within its industry.
2021-03-1840 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 22: Helping C&I Customers Increase Sustainability & Reduce Grid RelianceIn this episode of RENEWables, we talk shop with Sean Andrews, CPO and Head of Sustainability at E-Volve Energy, and learn how his team strives to help commercial and industrial clients strategically manage risk and reduce the amount of energy being used from the grid. As technology costs continue to come down, the opportunity for better economics and wide spread adoption of renewable energy goes up. And because of that, BioStar & Evolve agree that collaboration is essential to tackling big issues like decentralizing energy. Join the conversation and hear what these energy entrepreneurs are excited about for the future!
2021-03-1148 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 21: How Mandating TX Weatherization Will Help Solve Future Grid FailuresExtreme Texas Cold Causes Grid Failure | What Happened & Planning For the Future
In this RENEWables episode, local Texan and Amperon CEO, Sean Kelly, shares his industry expertise (along with his personal experience) surrounding the days of the February cold snap. He explains how this wasn’t a black swan event and data scientists predicted the extreme conditions. Kelly believes mandatory winterization and a small cost increase across all utility users is the key to preventing future tumultuous events.
2021-03-0431 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 20: Part 4 of 4 - The Importance of Soil Health, Effects of Nitrogen & BioStar’s SuperSix™ Liquid Organic FertilizerOn this episode of RENEWables, we conclude our four-part series with a science lesson from Dr. Jerry Hatfield, an agricultural research plant physiologist with a 45+-year industry career. He explains why carefully evaluating the soil plant atmosphere continuum is an important foundation to optimizing the “living system,” to not only improve crop production efficiency but also produce the food needed to sustain the population around the world. Soil health and soil fertilization are critical to the future of farming, and BioStar’s SuperSix™ Organic Liquid Fertilizer provides a key component in nitrogen to support both.
2021-02-1145 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 19: Part 3 of 4 - BioStar Turns Effluent Waste into Organic Fertilizer — SuperSix™This RENEWables episode dives deep into the weeds of organic farming and how the continued spike of the organic industry is calling for increased soil health, soil fertility and growing better crops. Allen Philo, an organic farming expert with a vast knowledge in soil science, explains how BioStar’s SuperSix™ patented organic liquid fertilizer functions differently than others. Its all-natural form increases soil microbiology, which in turn increases overall soil health. In fact, SuperSix is the highest liquid nitrogen organic fertilizer on the market today at 6% and is produced as part of a waste-to-energy process. Listen and you're guaranteed to le...
2021-02-0542 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 18: An Insider’s Look at America's Evolving Waste Economy - Renewable Natural Gas Provides a New Solution to LandfillsWe continue the RENEWables series, “An Insider’s Look at America’s Evolving Waste Economy,” with BioStar’s Peter Goehausen and learn how companies entrenched in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) industry are equally as connected to the Waste to Energy sector. Reimagining waste streams to create products that are reengineered into valuable assets, is not only environmentally beneficial but a major economic driver. We spotlight BioStar’s San Bernardino WtE plant and demonstrate how it helps CA businesses adhere to state mandates to reduce carbon emissions, while generating electricity and gas from renewable energy sources like Biogas. This discussion br...
2021-01-2638 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 17: (1 of 4 Part Series) Organic Farming & BioStar's Patented SuperSix Organic Liquid FertilizerThis RENEWables episode kicks off the first of a 4- part series look at BioStar’s Organics business — a success story that’s been 12 years in the making. From within, we unpack BioStar’s origin story, the evolution of our patented SuperSix Organic Liquid Fertilizer, and why SuperSix has become such an invaluable asset to organic farmers across the U.S. John Martin, COO and President of our Organics team, has truly pioneered his way through the market and provides a fascinating look back at the industry at large. He highlights details of our newest San Bernardino, CA “Organic Energy Sol...
2021-01-2235 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 16: VETAL Won't Leave Your Energy Questions UnansweredFor authentic conversationalists, there’s always a great opportunity to ‘give and get’. Shira Parnes, founder of VETAL, joins RENEWables and shares how her continued quest for true understanding of what’s best for a customer has helped the growth of her energy-focused organization. Collaboration is at the heart of VETAL and a methodology that’s used, both internally and externally, to simplify the market — with a goal to filter out solution-based options that drive impactful change across clients’ portfolios. This episode is a great way to reframe the inherent challenges of what it takes to run any business.
2021-01-0733 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 15: Advancing Critical Human InfrastructureOn this episode of RENEWables, Black & Veatch’s Brian Sifton explains how the 105-year-old engineering and construction firm continues to evolve its business across key environmental topics to advance critical human infrastructure. With a trusted reputation as a technology integrator, BV sees its role as bringing people together to solve problems and make projects happen. Clients representing a variety of segments, all over the world, look to BV to derisk and deploy new technologies and explore new ways of doing business that improve quality of life and expand economic activity — for decades to come. Both internally and externally, BV stru...
2020-12-1733 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 14: Understanding Deregulated PowerOn this episode of RENEWables, Eli Sachs, of Freepoint Energy Solutions, explains the fundamentals of the deregulated market and the parties responsible for bringing electricity directly to the end user’s doorstep. For both residential and commercial/industrial, the deregulated market decouples the energy transmission from the distribution and the consumption — allowing companies like Freepoint to help customers with their ability to choose a power source. And with more customers looking toward renewable energy options, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and other solutions provide opportunities to achieve state-specific Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). The nuances of this market are complicated and ever...
2020-12-0323 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 13: The Future of the BioeconomyThis episode of RENEWables features tenured attorney and partner, Mark Riedy of Kilpatrick Townsend. With an impressive 45+ year career as an international project finance lawyer, Riedy focuses his practice in the renewable energy, chemical and infrastructure segments, helping clients structure highly-complex transactions — turning their projects into a reality. His in-depth regulatory knowledge guides a multitude of trade associations that champion the growth and extension of important governmental programs, which Riedy feels are critical to the future success of the bioeconomy.
Hear how government incentives will help drive the development of renewable energy projects and why they should be...
2020-11-1937 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 12: Sustainable BrandsAs a leading international organization, Sustainable Brands partners with brands to drive corporate innovation while addressing systemic social and environmental challenges AND create market value. This approach to using ‘business for good’ requires a new way of thinking and one SB strives to help companies achieve. In this episode of RENEWables, Director of Business Development, David Hopkins, explains how SB’s corporate membership cultivates a global community of brand innovators and serves as a strong connection point between local, regional and world-wide communities.
Hopkins shares how SB has adapted its business model during the pandemic and leveraged the po...
2020-11-1134 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 11: Evolving With Today's Energy MarketIn Episode 11 of RENEWables, Chuck Hurchalla, of Evolution Energy Partners, shares how the his lifetime of experience in the energy sector has culminated into his current role as CEO. As one of the Philadelphia’s fastest growing companies, Evolution’s focus on commodity risk management and engineering helps its clients reduce overall consumption and achieve long-term, permanent savings — a unique approach to managing the market.
With partners like BioStar, Evolution aims for continued growth and to remain on the cutting edge of the industry. Hurchalla explains that the renewables and ESG movement isn’t going away and is more...
2020-11-0525 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 10: It's A Whole New Grid Out There!With increased focus on renewable energy, climate change and the Grid, there’s more data than ever to measure the market’s future. In this episode of RENEWables, hear how two strangers, an industry expert and a top data scientist, launched a new partnership to merge energy and tech.
CEO Sean Kelly explains how Amperon’s expertise in energy procurement helps retail energy providers, utilities, market operators and energy traders navigate the best fit for their profiles, with short- and long-term demand forecasting. Learn how its product, AmpRetail, combines real-time, smart-meter data with weather models to predict highly...
2020-10-1533 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 9: River-Borne Commerce Enhances Sustainable CitiesJoin us for this interesting discussion and learn how Kansas City is maximizing one of the its greatest assets to ensure a strong future—From river-borne commerce to the streetcar to the development of the Berkeley Riverfront, this episode covers all things KC!
Kansas City is doing some impressive things with transit-oriented development, responsible land use and smart-city growth. On this week’s episode of RENEWalbes, Krishan Purvis of Port KC takes a deep dive into one of the 17 UN Sustainability Development Goals and shares his passion for “Sustainable Cities.” He explains how the Port Authority of Kansas Ci...
2020-10-0933 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 8: How Technology is Changing the Energy MarketHear from an energy broker who’s career in the oil and gas market has evolved as much as the market itself. Mike Nemer of eRENEWABLE has brought new technology to the sustainability space by offering his customers a real-time, online auction platform for PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) and VPPAs (Virtual Power Purchase Agreements). As corporations continue to set lofty ESG goals, trading virtual energy products, as well as bundled and un-bundled RECs (Renewable Energy Credits) are helping companies achieve their “green” needs. Learn how a new company is bringing a new focus to the renewable energy sector.
2020-10-0132 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 7: Sustainability and the Automotive IndustryIn this RENEWables episode, Bobby Sight shares how Ford continues to develop sustainable technologies to achieve their RE100 goals by 2023 and how Rob Sight Ford continues to evolve its dealership to ensure success in the automotive industry. Don’t miss this car-talk conversation between two friends! Listen in and subscribe!
2020-09-2534 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 6: Microgrids Bring the PowerIn this power-packed episode of RENEWables, Duncan Campbell, VP of Project Analysis at Scale Microgrids, gives us a comprehensive breakdown of microgrids and how they differ from other distributed energy projects. A holistic microgrid approach, which includes solar, battery storage and generators, create systems that equal more than the sum of their parts — achieving the economic, sustainable and resiliency benchmarks customers are coming to expect. Understand the basics between co-generation and tri-generation and what happens to the heat waste created from behind-the-meter power projects. This is a timely and conversation that underscores why resiliency is driving fundamental changes in th...
2020-09-2238 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 5: Sustainable Stories From WithinIn Episode 5 of RENEWables, we spotlight a BioStar employee who’s sustainability roots run deep, both personally and professionally. Entrepreneur Chrissy Coughlin has a tenured career building relationships from Washington DC to LA, with small to large companies alike — flying the green flag high and sharing the good-natured work organizations are striving to achieve. “Sustainability” means something different to many, but corporations are intentionally shifting the focus to prioritize specific goals from to top down. This is an interesting conversation you won’t want to miss!
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2020-09-2229 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 4: ABC's of the Energy MarketIn Episode 4, Andrew shares the basics of the U.S. electricity market, the differences between regulated and deregulated power and the entities that deliver that power. He covers demand response and distributed generation and how customers are leveraging the technology to off-set their power load and create revenue. Whether you're green to understanding the nuances of the industry or well-versed in the space, you'll find this conversation worthwhile!
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2020-09-2236 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 3: Solar TodayIn Episode 3, Lila Ontiveros of Freedom Solar, explains why consumers are finding such value in transitioning their power off the grid to a renewable resource. If you're new to understanding the benefits of Solar, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune-in and learn more!
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2020-09-2232 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 2: The Purpose AdvantageIn Episode 2 of RENEWables, author Jeff Fromm unpacks what it means for brands to have Purpose Advantage and how by focusing on specific consumer benefits, brands can create distinguishing attributes and increased marketshare. Smart strategies = Meaningful action = Long-term, positive effects.
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2020-09-2226 min
RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David SmartRENEWables Episode 1: Air QualityIn Episode 1: "Air Quality", President & CEO of AtmosAir™ Solutions gives us an inside look at how air purification systems are fighting coronavirus head on. Schools, hospitals, sports venues and big corporations alike are taking important strides in delivering clean, safe indoor air to all of those who enter their facilities.
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2020-09-2232 min
Smart Energy VoicesThe Purpose Driven OrganizationIt’s not uncommon these days to hear talk of businesses, large and small, developing a purpose statement that has to do with its societal responsibility. Consumers are coming to expect brands to take such a stance as well. Why is that and how should business leaders think about it? But a more important question is this: How does the issue of organizational purpose magnify and support what is happening in the renewable energy movement? To answer that question, Smart Energy Decisions founder, John Failla invited author and consumer expert Jeff Fromm to discuss the issue, along wit...
2020-08-2841 min