Josh Dorfman on Carbon-Negative Building Materials, Demand Response, and Biking Innovation for a Greener Future

SummaryCurious about the future of carbon-negative building materials and how climate tech can seamlessly integrate into your everyday life? In this insightful episode, Josh Dorfman—co-founder of Plantd and Supercool—explains how he and his SpaceX-trained team developed a groundbreaking, grass-based alternative to plywood that’s stronger, more water-resistant, and greener than conventional wood. Along the way, you’ll discover how streamlined solutions like virtual power plants, user-friendly solar installations, and data-driven demand response can help businesses, homeowners, and entire communities cut costs while slashing carbon emissions. If you’re eager for real-world success stories, tips on scaling sustainable ventures, and a preview of the latest EV Charging Summit & Expo, you’ll want to tune in and learn from Josh’s journey—and maybe pick up a few ideas you can apply right now.⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!Links from this Episode:SupercoolPlantdEV Charging Summit & ExpoTakeawaysEx-SpaceX Engineering for Carbon-Negative Construction Learn how former SpaceX collaborators are applying first-principles thinking to develop high-strength, grass-based panels that transform the building industry.Demand Response: Big Savings for Franchises Discover how zero-money-down energy upgrades help restaurants like Popeyes and Sonic drastically cut costs and support grid resilience.Turning Healthcare Systems 100% Renewable Hear how a Midwestern hospital network leveraged local breweries, dairies, and biodigesters to slash carbon emissions and patent new clean energy processes.Community-Driven Bike Lane Success See how a focus on nostalgia and inclusive outreach led Memphis and other cities to build bike lanes three times faster, boosting health and livability.Consumer-Friendly Climate Tech Adoption Uncover the power of simple, transparent marketing—like Sunrun’s ‘pizza tracker’—in demystifying solar installations and battery storage solutions.Redefining Construction Materials Supply Chains Understand why vertical integration and hybrid crops are critical to Plantd’s mission of delivering affordable, drop-in replacements for OSB and plywood.Preview of the EV Charging Summit & Expo Get a glimpse of this year’s top electrification trends in Las Vegas and learn how they’re shaping the future of EV infrastructure and clean mobility solutions.Support or Connect with Grid ConnectionsLooking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?Website   |   YouTube   |   Twitter   |   Instagram   |   FacebookNEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging