Less Talk, More Action

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with 24-year-old HVAC engineer and founder Austin Riesenberger about Swerv, his window-mounted energy recovery ventilator designed to improve indoor air quality without wasting energy. They explore how current climate solutions like “electrify everything,” ductless mini-splits, and LED lighting can unintentionally harm comfort, health, or affordability when implemented without enough empathy or systems thinking. Austin shares his journey from childhood asthma and open-windows-for-fresh-air habits to obsessing over building science, living in the machine shop at Columbia, and bootstrapping Swerv from a student project into a real company. The conversation dives into why CO2 and ventilation matter so much for sleep, cognition, and long-term health, how Swerv complements mini-splits and ERVs rather than replacing them, and what it’s like building climate hardware out of Greentown Labs. Key takeaways: solving climate change must also prioritize human health and household economics, modern homes are often “too tight” without enough fresh air, and there is huge opportunity for practical, hardware-first innovation in HVAC led by mission-driven founders like Austin. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: How Climate Solutions Can Make Life Worse for People (2:05) Introducing Austin Riesenberger and Swerv’s Mission (5:47) What Swerv Is and How It Ventilates Without Wasting Energy (8:01) Austin’s Story: Asthma, Football, and Obsession with HVAC (11:19) Why Personal Projects Matter More than Classroom Learning (15:08) Why Air Purifiers and Mini Splits Aren’t Enough for Healthy Air (20:23) How Swerv Works with Mini Splits to Recover Heat and Humidity (23:49) Using CO2 As an Occupancy Signal and Real‑World Examples (26:51) Why Central ERVs Often Underperform in Bedrooms (29:51) Startup Journey: From Solo Founder to Growing Engineering Team (32:13) ADHD as Both Superpower and Challenge for Founders (35:16) Parenting, Kids’ Health, and Why Indoor Air Hits Home (38:48) What Gives Austin Hope: Young Builders and Greentown Labs Community (42:42) Where to Follow Austin and How to Join the Swerv Beta (44:21) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Passive House expert and Wythe Windows co-founder Darren Macri about why windows and airtight building envelopes are critical to cutting building energy use and improving comfort. Darren explains why standard American double-hung windows perform so poorly, and how European-style tilt-turn, triple-pane windows dramatically improve insulation, airtightness, and noise reduction. He walks through the five core Passive House principles, emphasizing airtightness, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and eliminating thermal bridges. The conversation also tackles the confusion homeowners face when trying to build efficient homes, the economics and misconceptions around Passive House, and the massive role buildings play in national emissions. Darren then shares his work on prefab retrofit façade panels inspired by the Dutch EnergieSprong model, supported by NYSERDA, as a pathway to scaling deep retrofits in the U.S. They close on an optimistic note about individual agency: meaningful climate action will come from many people in many sectors pursuing practical solutions like high-performance windows and better building standards. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Why Windows Are Surprisingly Interesting for Decarbonization (1:22)   Rant on AI Pens, Wearables, and Meeting Privacy (3:00)   Introducing Passive House Expert and Wythe Windows Co-Founder Darren Macri (6:52) Why Contractor Insulation Mistakes Matter for Comfort and Bills (9:03) Explaining Window U-Values, Thermal Chambers, and Airtightness (13:07) Five Core Passive House Principles and Why Airtightness Leads (17:29) How Regular Homeowners Can Approach Passive House-Level Performance (21:27) Does Passive House Really Cost More and How to Think About Price (24:00) Bootstrapping Wythe Windows and Designing High-Performance Frames (27:47)   Retrofits, EnergieSprong, and Prefab Facade Panels for Old Buildings (33:03) What Gives Darren Hope and Why Individual Action Still Matters (36:34) Factory Tour Invite, Ways to Follow Wythe Windows, and Episode Wrap-Up (38:57) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with economist and founder Ashley Sarauer about why traditional sustainability and carbon markets are failing to drive real-world decarbonization, and how her company, Ontoly, aims to fix that. They critique the sustainability “industry” for over-regulating and over-reporting while underbuilding, especially around AI, data centers, and grid access for everyday homeowners. Ashley explains how Ontoly turns measured emissions reductions in buildings (mainly fuel switching and efficiency) into high-integrity, premium-priced carbon credits using real utility data, a rigorous 400-page standard, and a software platform that simplifies participation for building owners and buyers. The conversation dives into carbon offsets vs RECs, integrity and fraud in carbon markets, the challenges of financing retrofits, Ashley’s personal journey from government and Vera to entrepreneurship (including an ACL injury that became a turning point), and why she still believes we’re nearing a tipping point for meaningful climate action despite the industry’s current flaws. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Sustainability Consultants, AI, And Overregulation (1:54) Data Centers vs Homeowners And Barriers To Clean Energy (3:37) Are Data Centers Really That Bad For the Environment (8:31) Introducing Ashley Sarauer And the Ontoly Building Decarb Platform (12:03) RECs vs Carbon Offsets And What Makes A High Integrity Credit (17:50) What Ontoly Actually Does And How the Portal Works (20:08) Do Carbon Credits Really Move the Needle Financially (25:42) Co‑Benefits, Community Impact, And Rating Retrofit Projects (29:51) Purchase Structures, Brokers, And Aggregating Building Portfolios (33:04) Complexity, Carbon Accounting, And Using Software To Hide the Friction (37:33) Ashley’s Founder Story: ACL Injury, Epiphany, And Quitting Vera (40:00) Learning To No‑Code, Building the MVP, And Early Traction In New York (44:22) Fundraising As A Female Founder And the Emotional Roller Coaster (48:57) Why Ashley Still Has Hope: Lessons From the Women’s Rights Movement (49:59) Where To Learn More About Ontoly And Connect With Ashley (51:04) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Neuralwatt Co-Founder and CEO Chad Gibson about how AI can scale without blowing up the grid or the climate. Chad explains how modern GPUs are massively power-hungry and often underutilized, and how Neuralwatt’s software acts like a “dimmer switch” to squeeze more compute out of the same power envelope instead of building endless new data centers. They dig into stranded power in colocation facilities, energy- and carbon-aware AI infrastructure, and the rise of “neoclouds” focused purely on GPU workloads. Along the way, they explore AI doomerism vs optimism, the realities of net zero claims, the entrepreneurial grind behind Neuralwatt’s rapid growth, and why innovative models for energy-efficient, net-zero AI (from geothermal data centers to ocean-based and containerized facilities) offer real reasons for climate optimism. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Why This AI and Data Center Conversation is So Timely (1:27) Entrepreneurial Grind and the Long Game “I Told You So” Moment (2:20) Introducing Chad Gibson and the Mission of Neuralwatt (6:40) Software as a “Dimmer Switch” for GPUs and Energy Efficiency (10:04) Using Existing Grid Capacity and Selling AI by the Kilowatt Hour (15:36) Neuralwatt’s Three Products: Optimize, Cloud, and Deploy (17:47) Space, Power Density, and Cooling Challenges Inside Data Centers (21:49) Net Zero, Carbon Accounting, and Limits of Offsets for AI (24:02) Chad’s Microsoft Background, Early AI at Scale, and Startup Shift (30:05) Neuralwatt’s Rapid Growth and Organic Demand for Energy-Efficient AI (34:35) What’s Holding Back Growth and How Neoclouds Are Changing the Game (36:08) Media Fear vs On-the-Ground Innovation in Data Centers (40:02) Floating Ocean Data Centers, Desert “Dragon Wings,” and New Energy Models (41:19) Why Optimism About Net Zero AI and Renewable-Powered Compute Is Justified (42:21) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Merino Energy CEO Mary-Ann Rau about her journey from writing firmware at Tesla and shipping hundreds of millions of AirPods at Apple to founding a climate tech company focused on home electrification. Mary-Ann explains how getting a $40,000 quote to install heat pumps in her own San Francisco home led her to discover that installation, not hardware, is the main cost driver, and to design the Merino Mono, a $3,800 heat pump with no outdoor unit and dramatically simplified installation. They dig into how Merino’s design differs from mini-splits and PTACs, why focusing on installer experience and dense, AC-poor markets like California unlocks a huge opportunity, and how policy incentives and cold-climate requirements have historically shaped heat pump design. Along the way, they touch on AI’s disruption of real estate, fundraising and market sizing, and Mary-Ann’s deeper motivation to work on scalable climate solutions and create a better future for her six-month-old daughter. Don’t miss this great conversation! Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcoming Mary-Ann Rau’s to the Show (1:27) AI’s “HMS Dreadnought” Moment for Real Estate and Anthropic Partnership (3:45) Consultants, Change Management, and How AI Will Actually Get Adopted (5:10) How a $40,000 Heat Pump Quote Sparked Merino Energy (10:45) Why Heat Pumps Are So Expensive to Install (13:48) Designing a Heat Pump for Installers and Sub‑$4,000 All‑In Pricing (17:49) Regulatory Incentives and Cold Climate Requirements (19:41) Why Merino Is Not Just a PTAC and How the Through‑Wall Design Works (23:34) Market Focus on California, Condos, HOAs, and Homes Without Central AC (29:44) Fundraising, Total Addressable Market, and Expansion Beyond California (32:09) Prototyping Phase: Tearing Down Heat Pumps and Learning From Portable Units (36:11) Leaving Big Tech, Privilege Expansion, and Aiming for AirPods‑Level Scale (39:19) Wildfire Smoke and the Moment Mary-Ann Committed To Climate Work (42:16) What Gives Mary-Ann Hope: Her Daughter and Building a Livable Future (46:02) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (47:27) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Coral CEO Samir Pendse about why seemingly no-brainer energy efficiency and electrification projects (like heat pumps) are still so hard to get done. They dig into the core problem of financing and broken rebate systems, how bureaucracy and utility incentive design stall projects, and why focusing on dollars and ROI beats leading with “sustainability” in sales. Samir explains Coral’s model of instantly capturing and advancing rebates and incentives to cut upfront costs for homeowners and commercial customers, boosting contractor close rates and making projects truly affordable. The trio also debates red tape vs. cowboy contractors, where AI should replace manual incentive processing, how Samir went from BCG consultant to climate founder, and why rapid, “good enough” execution beats perfection in driving real-world decarbonization. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Why Clean Energy Needs More “Finance Bros” (1:21)   Why Obvious ROI Retrofits Still Don’t Get Done (4:08)   Brown to Green Buildings and Real Estate Risk Perception (7:26)   Nobody Cares About Sustainability, Only Dollars (8:19)   Explaining Coral’s Short-Term Incentive and Long-Term Equipment Financing (12:24)   The Rebate Maze and Why So Many Incentives Are Abandoned (17:27)   Can Contractors Pocket Rebates? How Coral Prevents Inflated Pricing (21:27)   Long Term Incentive Streams and Paying Net Present Value up Front (24:56)   Utilities, Red Tape, and the Case for Streamlining Incentive Programs (26:54)   Bad Contractors vs Cowboys vs Bureaucrats in Clean Energy (29:20)   Where AI Should Replace Paper Pushers in Utility Programs (31:01)   From BCG to Climate: Why Samir Started Coral (34:42)   Unlearning Corporate Consulting to Move Fast in Startups (38:30)   Speed Over Perfection: Winning Deals With “Good Enough” Numbers (39:40)   Coral’s Next Frontier: New States, New Products, More Electrification (41:11)   Why Better Hardware and Heat Pump Tech Give Samir Hope (43:54)   The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Joel welcomes back entrepreneur and Sustained Futures Founder Katie Neck as guest co-host to explore the intersection of climate, future skills, and AI. Katie shares her journey from Formula 1 and building McLaren’s first sustainability function to launching Sustained Futures, which has already upskilled over 5,000 people globally in green and future skills. Joel and Katie dig into the massive skills gap holding companies back from hitting net-zero targets, why sustainability roles are more commercially valuable than most people realize, and how AI, especially tools like Claude, is transforming how teams work, learn, and make climate decisions. They discuss real-world examples like workforce development for heat pump and solar installers, climate gentrification in Miami, and Anthropic-powered “impactathons” that rapidly build tools for vulnerable communities. The key takeaway: the future of meaningful, high-impact work sits at the crossroads of sustainability, AI, and human skills like critical thinking and collaboration, and those who learn to use AI well will be the ones leading that transition. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Katie Neck (0:58) ​​Why Owen Is Out Selling Solar and What It Says about Clean Energy (3:22) Katie’s Origin Story From Formula 1 to Launching Sustained Futures (6:43) Why Traditional Sustainability Training Fails and a New Approach (9:14) Green Careers at the Intersection of Blue Collar and White Collar (11:14) Why Green Skills Are Commercially Valuable and in Demand (12:40) Signals vs Noise on Net Zero, Policy, and Corporate Action (14:05) Startups vs Corporates in Adopting AI and Moving Fast (15:55) How Claude Is Transforming Sustained Futures’ Day-To-Day Work (17:24) From Prompting To Problem Solving: The New AI Mindset (21:32) Using AI To Tame Data Chaos and Scale Sustainability (23:05) Rethinking Education for Kids in an AI-First World (27:27) Critical Thinking, Debate, and Human Skills in the Age of AI (30:06) What Gives Katie Hope about the Future of Climate and AI (33:59) How To Get Involved With Sustained Futures and Upcoming AI Masterclasses (34:58) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:02) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and guest co-host Sherrell Dorsey, a journalist and entrepreneur, explore what a meaningful impact looks like in a world facing overlapping crises: climate change, economic insecurity, and fraying cities. They reflect on identity and purpose after “success,” the limits and delusions of today’s climate movement and climate weeks, and the tension between privileged climate discourse and everyday realities like safety, jobs, and energy bills. The conversation dives into San Francisco Climate Week, Building Performance Standards, energy affordability, and why nature, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy innovations (like new materials and self-healing concrete) may be more compelling focus areas than abstract net-zero talk. They also unpack how to communicate in an era of AI “slop,” arguing that audiences crave real builders, honest futurism, and stories of people quietly doing the work rather than more doom or performative sustainability. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Guest Co-Host Sherrell (1:01) How Are You Taking Action to Make the World a Better Place? (3:53) Identity, Success, and “What Do I Do Next?” After Big Career Chapters (7:53) Climate Weeks, Grandstanding, and Whether the Movement Is Out of Touch (14:01) San Francisco Reality Check, Cities, and Building Performance Standards (15:28) Privilege, Consumerism, and Living Between Multiple Realities (18:46) Pocket “Apocalyptic Optimist” and Finding Hope in Builders and New Materials (23:34) Energy Affordability, Nature, and Shifting Focus Beyond Abstract Net Zero (27:31) Messaging in a Noisy, AI-Filled World and Centering Real Builders (31:47) Being a Futurist vs. Old-School Leadership in a Changing Economy (35:33) New York City, Community, and Quiet Builders Behind the Scenes (38:34) Connecting with Sherrell and Final Call to Take Action (40:16) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with sustainable real estate leader and podcaster Alex Edds about why the industry is stuck in reporting and compliance instead of real decarbonization projects. They dig into whether AI and software can actually drive emissions reductions or if they just make data collection cheaper, debate a real-world test comparing Cambio’s AI outputs to contractor bids, and unpack how corporate structures, regulation, and ESG teams slow down execution. Alex shares lessons from his time at JLL, Nuveen, and LaSalle, gives practical advice for proptechs selling into real estate, explains why the future of sustainability roles is shifting from strategy and reporting to hands-on implementation, and describes his new advisory work and podcast, The Future We Build. The key takeaway: real estate must move from talking and benchmarking to faster, asset-level project delivery if it wants to meaningfully decarbonize. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Why the Industry is Refocusing On Implementation (1:26) Owen Calls Out AI Hype on LinkedIn (3:08) AI Will Not Solve Decarbonization Argument (4:55) Joel’s “Software Does Not Decarbonize Buildings” Post (6:27) Plan to Test Cambio AI vs Real Contractor Bid (9:05) Why Conferences and Panels Feel Broken (11:19) Alex’s Path From JLL Consultant to Innovation Director (13:50) Leaving Corporate Due to Reporting and Compliance Fatigue (16:02) Two Thirds of Team Time Spent on Data and Reporting (18:45) How Regulated Capital Drives Reporting Culture (21:07) Advice for Proptechs on Knowing Their Customer (23:54) Who To Sell To: ESG Teams vs Asset Management (26:40) Embedding Engineers with Asset Managers to Execute (29:22) Coming Redesign of Sustainability Roles Toward Delivery (32:15) Alex’s New Advisory Business and Podcast Vision (35:40) Budget Reality and Everything Being Labeled “AI” (38:52) What Gives Alex Hope About Real Estate’s Future (42:03) Wrap Up, How to Find Alex, and Final Call To Action (44:26) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Pål Hauff Hvattum, CEO and Co-Founder of CQuel, a platform that turns dusty Net Zero and ESG plans into real decarbonization projects for commercial real estate. They dig into the limits of AI in the current market, why reports and SaaS alone rarely lead to implementation, and how CQuel uses AI plus human expertise to create high-quality project briefs and run tenders that actually get solar, LED, HVAC, and other retrofits built. Pål shares his journey from marketplace entrepreneur to climate-focused founder, the bottlenecks he sees inside large landlords, why good briefs can cut project costs and timelines dramatically, and why he’s ultimately optimistic that economics, technology, and a new wave of talent will finally move the industry from plans to action. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to This Week’s Episode with Pål Hauff Hvattum (0:54) Is AI Actually Helping Decarbonize Buildings, or Just Creating More Reports (3:02) Why OpenAI and Anthropic Are Launching Consulting Arms for Enterprise AI (6:17) How CQuel Pulls Dusty Net Zero Plans and Turns Them into Projects (9:10) How the Net Zero Importer and Brief Builder Turn Massive Reports into Tenders (12:15) Why Better Briefs Cut Costs by up to 40% and Shrink Delivery Timelines (15:29) Joel’s Google Story: Beautiful Dashboards but No Decarbonized Buildings (18:32) Why Pål Is Optimistic That the Next Wave is All About Implementation (21:45) Why AI-Only SaaS Falls Short and Human Consultants Still Really Matter (24:31) Owen’s Critique of Bad Solar Marketplaces Built by Industry Outsiders (27:45) CQuel’s Services Plus Software Model and How Suppliers and Clients Use It (30:31) Cracking the Two-Sided Marketplace: Focusing on Heinz-Type Demand First (33:43) What Retrofit Projects Are Actually Getting Done (36:59) LEDs as the Easiest, Fastest-Payback Upgrade Still Ignored (40:08) Pål’s Journey from Journalism to Marketplaces to Climate and CQuel (43:05) What Gives Pål Hope: When the Business Case Aligns with Climate Action (46:11) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Kevin Whilden, Co-Founder of Seatrees, to explore whether the ocean can truly help pull us out of the climate crisis. They dig into blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves, kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, and debate the merits and failures of carbon offsets, RECs, and emerging biodiversity credits. The conversation wrestles with geoengineering ideas such as ocean alkalinity enhancement, the risks of treating the planet as an experiment, and why traditional market mechanisms for climate solutions have struggled. Kevin explains how Seatrees is tackling monitoring and verification with new tech (like phone-based 3D reef mapping), how biodiversity credits differ from carbon credits, and why he still refuses to give up hope despite climate tipping points. Listeners come away with a sharper understanding of oceans as climate heroes, the limits of current offset markets, and a more grounded sense of what real, measurable ecosystem restoration looks like in practice. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Introduction to the Podcast and Kevin’s Work With Seatrees (0:56)   Kevin’s Career in Climate Science and Birth of Seatrees (3:58)   What Blue Carbon Ecosystems Are and Why the Ocean Is the “Hero” (5:20)   Have We Already Lost the Climate Fight and Are We Just Adapting Now? (8:02)   Crossing Climate Tipping Points and the Need for a Mindset Shift (9:53)   Debating Ocean Alkalinity and “Geoengineering” the Seas (16:15)   Who Gets to Decide on Planet-Scale Climate Experiments? (20:11)   How Acid Rain and Ozone Were Solved and the Origins of Carbon Offsets (21:23)   Why Carbon Markets Broke and How Biodiversity Credits Could Be Better (29:20)   Sustainable Surf, Eco Board Certification, and Zero-Waste Surfboards (34:34)   Measuring Biodiversity Uplift and Designing Better Nature Markets (42:54)   The Lahaina Fire Story, Watershed Restoration, and Why Kevin Still Has Hope (45:09)   How to Support Seatrees and the New SeaHouse in Encinitas (46:57)   The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Vince Romanin, Co-Founder and CTO of Gradient, to explore how next-generation window-mounted heat pumps can transform heating and cooling in multifamily buildings. They discuss why HVAC emissions and refrigerant leakage are such an overlooked climate problem, how Gradient’s modular, factory-sealed design cuts installation time, capex, and energy use (including an 87% heating energy reduction in a New York public housing project), and why focusing on building owner economics is key to large-scale decarbonization. Vince also shares his journey from thermodynamics researcher to hardware founder, the painful early days of educating climate VCs about refrigerants, and his optimism that climate tech is finally winning on both user experience and ROI, not just “green premiums.” Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to This Week’s Episode (0:48) Elon Musk, Space Solar, and Climate Backlash (1:41) Why It Might Be Easier to Build in Space Than on Earth (4:10) Introducing Vince Romanin and Gradient’s Mission (5:36) How Gradient’s Window Heat Pump Works for Owners and Tenants (6:33) Solving Multifamily Heating, Cooling, and the Spark Gap (9:38) Vince’s Journey From Thermodynamics Researcher to Founder (14:08) The Hard Reality of Manufacturing New HVAC Hardware (19:10) Fundraising, Educating VCs, and the Overlooked Refrigerant Problem (22:31) Why Modular, Factory‑Sealed Systems Dramatically Cut Leaks (27:19) Case Studies: NYCHA, Boston, and Big Reductions in Bills and Energy (32:57) Tenant Experience, Installation, and Owner Controls (35:15) Demand Response, Fleet Management, and Scaling to 500+ Units (40:29) Climate Optimism, ROI, and Where to Follow Gradient’s Journey (44:14) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Luke Winston-Almanzar, Co-Founder and CEO of Reservoir, to explore why hot water is one of the biggest, most overlooked energy hogs in the home and how next-generation heat pump water heaters can dramatically cut energy use while improving comfort. They discuss Google's new Michigan data center and its focus on energy affordability, the massive opportunity in modernizing water heating, how intelligence and recirculation can deliver "no wait" showers while saving thousands of gallons of water, and how smarter hot water systems can act as thermal batteries to support the grid and time-of-use rates. Key takeaways include the scale of hot water's energy impact, the importance of making sustainable products genuinely better (not just greener), and why integrating smart hardware, software, and home services is crucial to accelerating home electrification. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:59) Google Data Center and Energy Impact Fund (1:40) AI Emissions and Shift From Net Zero Talk (3:42) Luke’s Background and Reservoir Overview (5:56) Problem With Traditional Hot Water Systems (8:25) No-Wait Showers and Water Recirculation (10:42)   Gas vs. Electric and the Spark Gap Question (12:49)   Luke’s Journey to Founding Reservoir (15:31)   Hot Water as 20% of Home Energy Use (18:52)   Boston Launch and Tesla-Like Install Experience (21:57)   Competing With Legacy Water Heater Brands (23:51)   Hot Water Tanks as Thermal Batteries (28:06)   Multi-Family Projects and Missing Home “Brain” (30:56)   Why Heat Pump Water Heaters Took So Long (34:03)   Too Many Apps and Need for System Integration (37:01)   Funding, Traction, and Climate Optimism (40:16)   The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode with Bob Clark (0:56) Owen Takes on the Trump Administration’s Voluntary Data Center Pledge (3:02)   Why Non-Binding Net Zero and AI Commitments Keep Failing (4:39)   The White House “Ratepayer Protection” Pledge and Its Limits (5:49)   Chamath’s Idea: Free Solar and Batteries for Homeowners (8:17)   Transition from Policy Rant to Interview with Bob Clark (10:39)   AI in the Classroom and the Erosion of Student Creativity (13:42)   What’s Wrong with Career and Technical Education Leadership (15:58)   CTE as a National Defense Issue and the Cost of Skilled Labor (20:11)   Can the Current Republican Moment Actually Help the Trades? (27:05)   Energy Reality Check: Natural Gas, Electrification, and Grid Efficiency (29:13)   Policy Made by People Who Can’t Wire a Light Switch (32:42)   Education Politics, Labs as Museums, and Real Hands-On Learning (37:21)   Why Technicians Are Largely Bulletproof to AI (41:17)   Final Thoughts, What Gives Bob Hope, and the Call for Accountability (43:32)   The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Cooper Marcus, CEO and “Chief Quitter” of QuitCarbon, to explore why home electrification is so confusing, expensive, and hard to execute, and how his company acts like a free “owner’s rep” for homeowners. They discuss the gap between cutting-edge climate tech and what typical contractors recommend, the tension between net zero regulations and energy affordability (with examples from New York), and the importance of whole-home planning versus piecemeal upgrades. Cooper shares his journey from PG&E data science leader to climate entrepreneur, explains how QuitCarbon helps homeowners navigate incentives, contractors, and technology choices, and offers hopeful insight into how plug-and-play clean technologies and better guidance can make decarbonizing homes accessible to everyday people. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Intro To Podcast, Hosts, And Guest Cooper Marcus (0:57) Why Home Electrification Is So Hard and the Need for an “Owner’s Rep” (3:19) Joel’s 2026 Prediction: Climate Policy vs Energy Affordability in New York (5:20) Branding, Financial Reality, and Why Climate Efforts Turn People Off (7:37) Cooper’s Mission: Helping Homeowners Take Action With Confidence (10:27) The Spark for Starting QuitCarbon (13:30) Whole-Home Planning vs Piecemeal Upgrades (17:15) How QuitCarbon Tracks Incentives and Tailors Advice to Each Market (21:00) Joel’s Old New York Home, Mini-Splits, and the Hydronic Heat Pump Question (24:50) Why Contractors Can’t Always Be State-of-the-Art (29:03) How Homeowners Find QuitCarbon (33:30) Hope for the Future: Plug-and-Play Clean Tech and Falling Barriers to Entry (39:12) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel Cesare explores the idea of the “libertarian environmentalist,” arguing that in 2026 government regulation is often slowing down, not accelerating, building decarbonization. Drawing on stories from his work on a billion-dollar Bay Area transit project (escalators with energy-saving controls) and the net-zero Santa Monica City Hall extension (composting toilets and water reuse), he shows how well-intended rules can create years of delay and bureaucracy. Joel contrasts UK energy performance regulations (EPCs) and U.S. building performance standards with market-driven action, suggesting many owners don’t believe these rules will ever be meaningfully enforced. He also critiques the slow, fragmented rollout of Inflation Reduction Act funds compared to private-sector efforts like Tesla’s Supercharger network. The key takeaway: we may now get further, faster by reducing regulatory friction and letting innovators and building owners pursue efficiency and decarbonization because it’s economically smart, rather than because they’re forced to comply. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Introduction and libertarian environmentalist framing (0:56) Escalator Energy Savings Blocked by Regulation (3:12) Fighting Cal OSHA to Approve Smart Escalator Controls (6:27) Santa Monica City Hall Project and Net Zero Water Goal (9:41) Composting Toilets, Water Codes, and Multi-Agency Approvals (12:55) UK Energy Performance Certificates Compared to U.S. BPS Rules (16:08) Why Building Owners Doubt Enforcement of Climate Regulations (19:22) Inflation Reduction Act, EV Charging, and Green Bank Bottlenecks (22:36) Case for Libertarian Environmentalism and Call for Counterexamples (25:10) The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with David Stover, Co-Founder and CEO of Bureo, a company that transforms discarded fishing nets into high-performance materials for brands like Patagonia, Outerknown, Nike, and Costa. The conversation traces David’s journey from corporate finance to mission-driven entrepreneurship, the early days of collecting nets and making skateboards in Chile, and how Bureo evolved into a global circular-materials supplier through its NetPlus program. They dive into the economics and challenges of competing with cheap virgin plastic, the potential of sectors like apparel and automotive, and the importance of pairing environmental impact with financial viability. The episode also touches on broader themes like the politicization of environmental issues, the role of consumers and younger generations in driving change, why taking action now rather than waiting for policy is critical for building a cleaner, more responsible future, and so much more.  Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:58) Joel’s LA Property Sale, Taxes, and 1031 Exchange Dilemma (1:39)   Why Multifamily Is Not Passive and Mentions Short Term Rental Loophole (3:53)   Using Real Estate as a Clean Energy and Decarb Testbed (5:31)   Introducing David Stover and Bureo’s Mission to Transform Fishing Nets (8:13)   From Garage Skateboards to Global Network and Brand Partnerships (10:03)   Why Chile Became the Launchpad For Bureo’s Net Collection Program (12:19)   The Surfing Aha Moment and Seeing Plastic Crisis Firsthand in Indonesia (14:36)   Leaving Corporate Jobs to Build a Mission Driven Company (16:56)   Pivoting From Branded Products to Supplying NetPlus Materials to Big Brands (20:22)   The Economics of Recycled Nylon vs Cheap Virgin Plastic (24:59)   Why Automotive and EVs Are a Huge But Price Sensitive Opportunity (28:13)   How Much Fishing Net Waste Exists and Bureo’s Path to Scaling Collection (31:59)   The Costs, Risks, and Reality of Running Physical Recycling Infrastructure (34:52)   How Bad Ocean Plastic Really is and Parallels to Renewables and EVs (36:53)   Politicization Of Environmental Issues and the Role Of Consumers (40:06)   Climate, Regulation, and Why Waiting For Policy is Not Enough (44:17)   Why the Younger Generation Gives David Hope For the Future (47:48)   Where to Find NetPlus Products and Bureo’s Solar Powered Facility in Chile (49:46)   The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with John Reister, Founder and CEO of GoPowerEV, about why EV charging in multifamily buildings is so challenging and how his company is addressing it. They cover the complexity of utilities, permitting, electrical capacity upgrades, and tenant conflict, and explain how personal space chargers, smart energy management, and a turnkey model for landlords can avoid expensive service upgrades while keeping chargers highly reliable. John also shares how this infrastructure is evolving into a virtual power plant that can eventually use bidirectional EVs to support the grid and potentially let drivers charge at very low or no net cost, underscoring that economics and convenience, not ideology, will ultimately drive mass EV and clean tech adoption.Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:59)Bureaucracy, Ford vs Ferrari, and Big-Company Speed (3:11)  Joel’s AI Story and Legacy Firms Blocking New Tools (3:57)  Introducing John and GoPowerEV’s Focus on Multifamily (5:57)  Turnkey EV Charging Offering for Property Owners (7:14)  Why Multifamily EV Charging Is So Hard (10:11)  Shared Chargers, “Musical Chairs,” and Tenant Conflict (11:38)  Hardware Design, Uptime, and Modular Scalability (15:34)  Hybrid Level 1/Level 2 and App-Based Energy Management (17:17)  Dynamic Load Management and Avoiding Service Upgrades (21:41)  John’s Background and Why He Tackled This Problem (28:07)  Surveys, Convenience, and EV Access for Renters (33:07)  Virtual Power Plants and Using EVs to Support the Grid (36:21)  Utility Metering Model and Owner/Tenant Economics (38:55)  How EVs Can Offset New Grid Loads Like Data Centers (42:39)  Clean Tech Economics vs Old Narratives and Lobbies (45:02)  Closing Thoughts, Optimism, and How to Find GoPowerEV (49:31)  The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Ryan Yetzer, founder of Full Scope Asset Optimization, to talk about decarbonizing real estate without the ESG fluff. They debrief the IAM ESG & Decarbonizing Real Estate Forum, and debate whether AI will actually move the needle on decarbonization or just speed up “the 2% of bullshit at the beginning.” Ryan shares why he left a 17‑year career in institutional real estate to start his own shop, how he sells decarbonization as a financial and asset‑value play (not a “woke” initiative), and why basic projects like LED retrofits and building optimization are still massively underused. Key takeaways: follow the money and asset leakage; simplify instead of over‑report; stop confusing measurable E (energy/returns) work with abstract S and G; real progress comes from projects that actually get built, not just reported; and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to the Episode and Nashville Conference Setup (1:02)Why Current ESG Conferences Feel Broken (2:15)Debate: “AI Is Not Going To Save Us” vs Joel’s Defense Of Decarb AI (4:45)Climate Movement, Six-Person Panels, and Calling Out Industry Timidity (7:30)Introducing Ryan Yetzer and His Mission With Full Scope Asset Optimization (10:28)Leaving Corporate America and The Reality Of Starting His Own Firm (13:45)Selling Decarbonization as a Financial Play, Not “Woke ESG” (16:31)Materiality, Investor Demands, and the Reporting Hamster Wheel (19:47)Asset Leakage, Easy Wins Like LED Retrofits, and Why They Still Don’t Happen (24:02)Dashboards No One Uses and The Gap Between Data and Action (27:46)Ideal Clients, Smaller Owners, and Reframing “Sustainability” as Saving Money (30:30)Startup Reality Check: Sales Cycles, Revenue Timelines, and Industry Slowness (36:04)What Gives Ryan Hope About the Future of Decarbonization (40:12)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Nate Adams, the “House Whisperer,” to discuss the realities of home decarbonization, electrification, and energy efficiency. Covering personal stories, contractor challenges, the importance of insulation and air sealing, hybrid HVAC solutions, and consumer education, the conversation gives practical insight into making real progress on sustainable home upgrades. Listeners will take away actionable tips on prioritizing upgrades and understanding the hurdles and opportunities in creating comfortable, efficient homes. Don’t miss this episode!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcoming Nate to the Show and Previewing Today’s Topic (0:57)Challenges in Home Decarbonization Projects (4:41)Discussing Insulation and Contractor Issues (8:11)Nate’s Background and Industry Journey (10:11)Transition From Contracting to Consulting (16:40)Recruiting Young People Into the Trades (19:16)Joel’s Ongoing Heat Pump Struggles (19:56)Technical Challenges: Diagnosing Leaky Houses (23:29)Air Sealing and Insulation Course Discussion (26:41)Evaluating Old Homes Versus New Construction (28:03)Detailed Insulation Materials Debate (36:41)HVAC Sizing and Hybrid Solutions (47:54)Final Thoughts on Progress and Optimism in Climate Action (55:57)If you’re interested in Nate Smith’s course, use MOREACTION to get a 25% off. Learn more at natethehousewhisperer.com. The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Deyl Kearin of DLP Capital to discuss how real estate can become a force for good through Purpose Driven Investments and community-focused action. They explore industry trends, the challenges of authenticity versus “talk” in sustainability, and the benefits of focusing on attainable housing and long-term stewardship. Key takeaways for listeners include the value of innovative impact investing, the importance of building thriving communities, strategies for fostering generational change, and actionable advice for making a meaningful difference in real estate and beyond. Don’t miss this great conversation!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Show and Previewing the Topic (0:56)Previewing the Nashville Conference and Industry Hopes (3:35)Conference Disappointments and Call for Action (6:37)Deyl Kearin’s Background and DLP Capital’s Mission (8:25)Impact Investing and Tenant Retention Strategies (12:41)Generational Shifts in Impact Investing Attitudes (17:51)Founding Story and Vision Behind DLP Capital (19:34)Deyl’s Personal Journey and Adventure Mindset (22:38)Industry Challenges and Evergreen Fund Advantages (28:40)Defining Attainable Housing and Final Optimistic Thoughts (34:28)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Katie Neck, founder of Sustained Futures, as she shares lessons from Formula 1, explains the urgent need to close the global “green skills gap,” and discusses effective ways to upskill both corporate teams and young people for climate action. The conversation covers the evolution of sustainability in business, the pitfalls of overreliance on jargon and carbon offsets, and the power of entrepreneurial action and optimism in facing climate challenges. Listeners will gain insights into fostering practical climate solutions, the importance of accessible green education, actionable strategies for creating real impact in their communities and organizations, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode with Katie Neck (0:58)Optimism in Climate and Skills Gap (3:07)Katie’s Path From F1 to Sustainability (6:06)F1’s Move Toward Sustainable Fuels (8:56)F1’s Environmental Strategies Discussed (11:47)Shift From Consulting to Entrepreneurship (14:22)Launching Sustained Futures (15:34)Winning First Client and Early Growth (18:29)Expanding Into U.S. Market (21:11)ESG Approaches Across Regions (23:12)Football and Building a Sustainability Brand (25:06)Procurement and Employee Upskilling Focus (27:03)Connecting Youth Education to Projects (29:48)Barriers to Hands-On Learning in Schools (31:26)Virtual Impact Academy Launch (36:05)Rethinking Public Versus Private Education (38:29)Alternative Learning Models Emerging (41:07)Hope for the Future and Call to Action (42:37)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome sustainability leader Anthony Guerrero to explore the challenges and opportunities in green building and urban housing. Anthony serves as the COO of Mindful MATERIALS and is the Founder of Sustainaprise. The conversation covers converting vacant office buildings into affordable residential spaces, navigating complex building regulations, and the benefits of co-living models for younger generations. Anthony also details the Mindful Materials Common Materials Framework, aiming to standardize and streamline sustainable building practices. Key takeaways include the urgent need for practical, customer-driven solutions in sustainability, the importance of holistic approaches that prioritize both people and the planet, and optimism about the growing movement toward action and transparency in the industry. Don’t miss this great conversation!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode (1:02)Introducing Anthony Guerrero and Episode Focus (3:40)Discussing Housing with No Windows and Regulatory Challenges (7:26)Podcast Goals and Learning from Founders (11:13)Mindful Materials and Office Conversion Concept (15:09)Deep Dive into Technical Barriers to Office Conversions (19:14)Regulations and Realities of Living Spaces Without Windows (23:09)The Co-Living Model and its Potential for Young Homeownership (27:41)NYC Office-to-Residential Case Study and Tax Incentives (31:15)Mindful Materials Framework’s Industry Impact (35:37)The Certification Maze and Building Owner Motivations (39:23)Is Green Building Succeeding? Grading the Movement (43:31)The Need for Holistic Solutions Beyond Decarbonization (47:41)Optimism and Ways Listeners Can Take Action (51:01)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome reflect on a transformative year in clean energy and real estate, discussing the ups and downs of the solar industry, the effects of policy shifts like the Inflation Reduction Act, and the current landscape for building decarbonization. The conversation highlights the challenges of stalled funding, the need for ambitious yet practical sustainability goals, the realities of implementing energy efficiency projects, and the importance of economic fundamentals in commercial real estate. Listeners will take away honest insights into what drives meaningful progress in sustainability and business, and an invitation to take bold action in the face of uncertainty. Don’t miss this great conversation! Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to the Episode and Taking Action (0:05)Solar Industry Growth and Challenges (3:08)AI, Cambio, and Driving Client Action (6:10)Reflections on Green Funding, Inflation Reduction Act, and Project Stalls (9:04)Market Realities, Electricity Prices, and Industry Optimism (12:10)Setting Ambitious Goals and Google’s Ethos (15:10)Decarbonizing Buildings: Lessons, Spark Gap, and Net Zero (18:10)The Role of AI, Shifting Corporate Commitments, and Market Uncertainty (21:10)Brown vs. Green Buildings, GRESB Scores, and Incentive Flaws (24:16)Closing Remarks, Holiday Wishes, and Podcast Outlook (27:15)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, it’s a solo episode as Joel challenges conventional climate narratives by exploring why fear-based messaging may backfire and proposing bold alternatives to build real impact. Drawing from recent debates and his own industry experience, he critiques overemphasis on carbon metrics and argues for redirecting climate funding into tangible efforts like affordable housing, energy cost reductions, and regenerative agriculture. Key takeaways include inspiring and empowering young people, scrutinizing unproductive climate spending, prioritizing solutions that deliver measurable benefits to both people and the planet, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Introduction and Podcast Purpose (0:56)Joel’s Background in Climate and Real Estate Sustainability (3:18)Discussion of Bill Gates’ Remarks and Climate Threat Framing (6:20)Why Fear-Based Storytelling Persists in Climate Advocacy (8:42)Redefining Impact: Housing, Energy Affordability, and Regulation (10:29)Downsides of Building Performance Standards for Housing (12:42)Youth Climate Anxiety and Inspiring Empowerment (14:02)Strategic Funding: Decarbonizing With 5% Capital (16:36)Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Ocean Restoration (19:18)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen are joined by AI and sustainability pioneer Kevin Surace. The conversation dives into how AI is transforming solar energy projects, building efficiency, and the broader challenges of sustainability, from retrofitting icons like the Empire State Building to overcoming market barriers and upfront costs. Listeners will gain key insights on leveraging proprietary data for better solar analyses, the importance of realistic optimism in addressing climate change, practical advice for adopting innovative technologies in traditional industries, and so much more.Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:56)Reconnecting With Kevin and the Power Of AI (3:21)Creating Smarter Solar Layouts Using AI Data (6:00)AI’s Role In Content Creation and Workflow Automation (9:41)Kevin’s Sustainability Journey and the Empire State Building Project (12:45)Overcoming Market Barriers with Smart Retrofits (16:05)Breaking Down Upfront Costs and Payback Challenges (20:27)Engineering the Empire State Building Retrofit (24:07)The Science of Energy Efficiency Windows (27:46)The Future of Energy and The Rise Of Nuclear Power (34:00)Addressing Environmental Policy and Realistic Optimism (44:14)Change Management and Tackling Industry Skepticism (52:13)Advice for Building Successful AI Tools in Clean Tech (58:21)Hope for the Future and Parting Thoughts (1:01:29)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Ben Christensen, Founder and CEO of Cambium Carbon, joins Joel and Owen to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how Cambium is redefining waste and climate solutions. The conversation explores innovative business strategies like the “Blue Ocean Strategy,” the company’s impact turning urban wood waste into valuable, sustainable products, and the challenges of shifting traditional forestry practices. Key takeaways for listeners include the power of finding unique market opportunities, the necessity of learning and adapting quickly, and the potential for technology and data, especially AI, to drive industry change. The episode closes with an optimistic outlook on society’s ability to create meaningful progress in the fight against climate change. Don’t miss it!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:55)Unique Business Models and Non-Competitive Niches in Climate Tech (3:27)Challenges Estimating Market Size and Value of Niche Markets (6:09)Ben’s Entrepreneurial Background and Founding Cambium Carbon (8:37)The Problem of Urban Wood Waste and Building a Circular Economy (12:35)Evolving Business Model and Regional Expansion Strategy (18:10)Parallels Between Entrepreneurial Journeys and Advice to Young Founders (20:37)Product Expansion, Customer Demand, and Technology Innovations (24:30)Differentiation From Incumbents and Opportunities for Startups (32:33)Cambium Carbon’s Vision for a Tech-Native Global Forestry Company (34:48)Closing Remarks and Ben’s Message of Optimism for the Future (37:35)Where to Find Cambium Carbon and Final Wrap-Up (40:44)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Kyle Hendricks, VP and Head of Sustainability at Equity Residential. The conversation explores how Equity Residential has outpaced its energy intensity reduction goals by empowering employees and integrating sustainability into its core business strategy. Key topics include the challenges of achieving measurable results in decarbonization, the evolving dynamics of building performance standards (BEPS), resident engagement, and the impact of regulatory and investor trends. Listeners will gain insights into actionable, business-driven sustainability, the importance of aligning environmental and financial goals, the future direction of sustainability leadership in real estate, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcoming Guest Kyle Hendricks & His Role (1:45)Equity Residential’s Approach to Sustainability (4:08)Early Energy Management Wins and Their Impact (7:19)Adapting to Rising Utility Costs and Company Buy-In (9:45)EUI Versus Net Zero: Choosing the Right Metric (12:15)Resident Engagement & Reducing Tenant Utility Costs (14:32)Capital Planning: Prioritizing Energy Projects (18:28)The Role of Company Culture and Project Execution (21:51)Minimums in Sustainability and Industry Standards (26:22)Investors, Reporting, and ESG Trends (28:44)Discussion on Building Performance Standards (34:43)Adapting to BEPS Challenges and Shifting Policies (38:16)The Future: Energy Affordability Over Emissions? (39:42)Culture, Team Structure & Ways to Drive Results (45:01)Reflections on Chicago and Optimism for Sustainability (48:34)Final Thoughts & What Gives Hope for the Future (49:58)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Anneli Tostar, Co-founder and CEO of Tangible, for a candid discussion on revolutionizing the built environment. They dive into Anneli’s entrepreneurial journey, why tackling embodied carbon matters, and how technology, especially AI, can help make construction more efficient and sustainable. The conversation also critiques the obsession with ESG reporting, urging a shift toward real action and collaboration across the industry. Key takeaways include the need to focus on genuine impact, leveraging data for smarter building, maintaining optimism for climate action through innovation, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome and Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (0:42)Discussing Challenges in Real Estate and Sustainability Implementation (3:57)Anneli Tostar Introduces Tangible and Its Mission (6:11)Target Audience and Key Users for Tangible's Technology (8:11)Anneli’s Journey Into Software Entrepreneurship and Fundraising (10:31)Realities of Fundraising and Critique of the VC Climate Space (14:09)Rethinking Decarbonization Solutions and the Role of Software (17:05)Tangible’s Product Features and Impact of AI in Construction (20:55)Moving From Embodied Carbon to Broader Construction Efficiency (24:18)Why Automation and Better Data Matter in Building Efficiency (26:50)Conversation on Why Industry Giants Don’t Innovate or Solve These Problems (29:46)Critique of ESG Reporting and Discussion About Industry Direction (33:02)The Future of Sustainability, AI’s Impact, and Hope for Meaningful Change (41:09)Closing Optimistic Thoughts and Where to Connect with Anneli (47:34)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Shreyas Sudhakar, Founder and CEO of Vayu, about his fascinating journey from rocket science at SpaceX to driving home electrification through heat pump installation in California. The conversation covers the technical and economic benefits of heat pumps, the challenges of market adoption, policy incentives, and the need for quality service in the HVAC sector. The episode also explores the value of entrepreneurship in sustainability, busts common myths about heat pumps, and delivers practical takeaways for listeners passionate about actionable climate solutions. Key takeaway: real change in decarbonization comes from both technological innovation and delivering trustworthy, high-quality customer experiences. Don’t miss this episode!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to the Show (0:23)Hosts Discuss Bill Gates’ View on Climate Change (3:51)The Case Against Alarmism in Climate Discourse (6:00)Shreyas Sudhakar’s Background and Mission (7:42)Launching a Heat Pump Installation Company (10:17)Explaining How Heat Pumps Work and Efficiency Benefits (12:14)Business Model and Partnering with Local Contractors (14:18)Transition from Rocket Science to Home Electrification (16:59)Startup Journey and Finding Product-Market Fit (19:34)Controlling Quality and the Full Project Cycle (22:39)Navigating Policy Incentives and the Inflation Reduction Act (26:35)The $50 Difference in Heat Pump Manufacturing (29:44)Structuring Electric Rates to Promote Electrification (31:48)Contractor Reputation and Customer Experiences (35:11)Approaches to Ducting and System Design Choices (39:29)Fuel Switching vs. Building Envelope Upgrades (41:06)Embracing Imperfection and Action in Decarbonization (43:19)Community Momentum and Hope for the Future (46:09)Shreyas’s Podcast, Newsletter, and Final Plugs (47:05)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Norman Crowley, Founder of CoolPlanet, to discuss bold new strategies for industrial decarbonization and the real-world impact of climate entrepreneurship. The conversation covers Norman’s journey from founding tech companies to leading a global sustainability business, future predictions on the evolution of Net Zero and ESG commitments, and why lasting change requires direct engagement with organizational decision-makers. Key takeaways include the importance of focusing on measurable business value, removing obstacles to fast action, building authentic relationships, embracing discomfort as a vital part of entrepreneurial success, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode (1:27)Early Success Stories in Industrial Decarbonization (3:18)Bold Predictions for Net Zero and Future of ESG (4:21)Why ESG Departments Are Becoming Obsolete (6:22)Cool Planet’s Four Pillars Model for Saving Money (7:41)Value of Operational Drift Reporting and Quick Wins (9:41)The Importance of Speaking Directly to CEOs (12:50)Lessons Learned from Selling to the Wrong People (14:37)Norman’s Entrepreneurial Journey: From Welding to Tech (16:26)Transitioning Into Climate Tech After “An Inconvenient Truth” (18:26)Embracing Discomfort and the Joy of New Challenges (20:43)Building a Global Decarbonization Company (22:44)Advice on Enjoying the Pain and Fun of Entrepreneurship (25:07)Removing Barriers to Joy in Leadership and Client Work (27:38)Courage to Say No and Fire Difficult Clients (30:28)Building Authentic Relationships and Trust in Business (33:14)The Pitfalls of Complex Sales Motions and Over-Automation (34:52)Navigating Internal Company Politics and Decision Makers (38:14)Final Reflections on Hope for the Future and Market Leaders (41:36)Closing Thoughts and Ways to Connect with the Podcast (43:34)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, David Goldstein, founder of Hydronic Shell Technologies, joins Joel and Owen to discuss the urgent challenge of decarbonizing existing buildings, particularly old, multi-family structures in New York City. The conversation addresses the technical and economic challenges of retrofitting occupied buildings, innovative solutions featuring exterior facade-integrated HVAC systems, and the realities of gaining buy-in from building owners. David also shares his entrepreneurial journey and reasons for optimism about the future of sustainable retrofits. Key takeaways include the need for scalable, cost-effective decarbonization solutions, the importance of continued R&D, the complex interplay of market forces, policy, and community impact in driving real climate action, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode and the Urgency of Building Decarbonization (0:54)How a LinkedIn Callout Brought David Goldstein to the Podcast (3:40)The Challenge of Retrofitting New York City’s Old Buildings (7:10)Why Building Owners Hesitate to Invest in Retrofits (10:50)Breaking Down Facade-Integrated HVAC Systems for Occupied Buildings (14:00)David’s Path From Engineer to Climate Tech Entrepreneur (17:40)The Uphill Battle of Funding Pilots and Finding Traction (21:10)Bringing Prefab Retrofit Technology to New Construction (24:50)Overcoming Technical Hurdles in Electrifying Old Buildings (28:20)Retrofit vs. Rebuild: The Financial Reality for City Apartments (31:45)Why R&D and Policy Shifts Matter for the Future of Decarbonization (35:30)Reasons for Optimism and Parting Thoughts (39:05)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Miles Haladay, COO of Concrete Transition Capital, joins Joel and Owen to discuss the environmental challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing the concrete industry. The conversation covers the massive global impact of concrete, innovative technologies for low-carbon production, the crucial role of finance and data, and the accelerating influence of AI and software in sustainability. Key takeaways include the importance of focused action, collaboration across industries, optimism about scaling climate solutions despite persistent challenges, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Previewing Today’s Guest and the Topic of Concrete Decarbonization (0:48)Financial Barriers to Scaling Green Construction (3:35)Optimism and Market Opportunities for Solar Without Tax Credits (6:41)Using AI for Energy Efficiency in Real Estate (10:24)The Environmental Impact and Challenges of Concrete (13:00)Pathways to Decarbonize Cement and Concrete (16:44)The Scale of the Global Cement Emissions Problem (22:14)Finance, Innovation, and Industry Hurdles for New Cement Plants (28:27)Tech Companies’ Demand and Environmental Attribute Credits (30:30)The Role of AI and Software in Accelerating Decarbonization (38:23)The Need for Action Over Endless Measurement in Sustainability (42:23)Reflections on Risk, Focus, and the Future of Green Building (47:11)Closing Thoughts and Miles’s Optimism for the Industry (50:03)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Julia Pyper, Vice President of Public Affairs at GoodLeap and host of the Political Climate podcast, joins Joel and Owen to discuss the state of clean energy and sustainability. The conversation covers personal and systemic challenges to making homes more sustainable, the complexity of rebates and incentives, and the role of technology—especially virtual power plants—in transforming the energy landscape. Listeners will gain insights into overcoming policy barriers, practical tips for sustainable home upgrades, an optimistic view of how innovation and accessible financing can make a real difference in building a cleaner future, and so much more. Don’t miss this great conversation. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Previewing Today’s Topic and Guest Podcast Opening and Purpose Introduction (0:32)Discussing Julia’s Career Transition and Experience (3:00)Montana Attorney General’s Letter on Tech and Renewables (4:52)Debating Carbon Offsets and Impact on Electricity Pricing (6:01)Defining Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and Additionality (7:15)Tech Company Data Centers, Grid Access, and Power Prices (8:32)Political Framing and Batteries in Energy Generation (9:43)Over-Regulation, Permitting, and Streamlining Solutions (12:08)Barriers With Rebates, Policy, and Contractor Education (15:23)Potential for AI and Automation in the Policy Realm (16:38)City Government’s Role in Policy Adoption and Technology (17:47)Contractor/Consumer Experience With Permits and Paperwork (20:13)Individual Impact and Aggregated Consumer Choices (21:35)Making Sustainable Choices Easy for Homeowners (23:57)Clean Energy as a Proven Solution and Business Model Innovation (27:01)Julia’s Upbringing, Early Exposure to Solar, and National Security (28:16)Journalism Journey, Early Coverage in DC, and Clean Energy News (30:44)Launching Political Climate Podcast With Schwarzenegger Institute (32:33)GoodLeap Overview: Financing, Technology, and Market Role (33:18)Distributed Energy Resources and Virtual Power Plants (38:33)Barriers in California: Vetoed Energy Bills and Policy Frustration (43:27)Utility-Level Solutions and the Importance of Regulatory Incentives (46:55)Political Shifts, Tax Credits, and the Outlook for Clean Energy (48:28)Hopeful Trends: Cost-Effective Renewables Across Red and Blue States (51:36)Global Access: Good Leap’s Support for International Clean Water (54:00)Connecting with Julia and Parting Thoughts (56:27)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett dive into the challenges and future direction of the climate movement, questioning whether current efforts are truly effective or in need of a major rebrand. They discuss the disconnect between climate initiatives and everyday concerns, the potential impact of redirecting resources toward issues like affordable housing and regenerative agriculture, and the role of regulation versus market forces in advancing renewable energy. The hosts emphasize the importance of practical action, clear communication, and optimism, encouraging listeners to focus less on complaining and more on building real solutions for a sustainable future. Don’t miss this episode!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:35)Challenging the Climate Movement’s Effectiveness (3:18)The Need for Industry Rebranding and Communication (6:08)Rethinking Resource Allocation for Greater Impact (9:21)The Opportunity in Rising Electricity Prices for Renewables (12:35)The Case for Less Regulation and More Market Forces (15:07)Ending on Optimism and a Call to Action (16:55)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Andrew Jones, Founder of Carba, joins Joel and Owen to explore the science, business, and challenges of large-scale carbon removal. The conversation covers the role of biochar in sequestering carbon, the importance of both decarbonization and carbon removal for climate solutions, and the myths and skepticism surrounding the industry. Andrew also shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, discusses the scalability and environmental co-benefits of his approach, and offers an optimistic outlook on the future of climate action. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in the fight against climate change.Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Discussing the Legitimacy and Details of Carbon Removal (1:28)The Role of Science, Skepticism, and Climate Models (4:35)Ice Cores, Climate History, and Uncertainty in Predictions (5:38)Potential Benefits and Risks of Increased CO2 (7:10)Andrew Jones Introduces Carba and His Approach to Carbon Removal (9:07)The Need for Both Decarbonization and Carbon Removal (10:09)Andrew’s Motivation and the Business Model for Carbon Removal (13:55)Explaining Biochar and the Pyrolysis Process (17:00)Economic Drivers and Carbon Credits in the Business Model (22:25)Challenges of Scaling and Sourcing Biomass Responsibly (25:47)The Entrepreneurial Journey and Why Biochar Was Chosen (26:07)The Scale of the Carbon Removal Problem and Waste Management (29:57)Addressing Additionality and Proving Impact to Buyers (36:32)Decentralized Operations and Responsible Biomass Sourcing (39:59)Myths About Carbon Removal and Concerns About Biomass Sourcing (45:25)Optimism for the Future and Closing Thoughts (48:25)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, climate leader and author Auden Schendler joins Joel and Owen to discuss the shortcomings of the current environmental movement and the urgent need for systemic, policy-driven solutions to climate change. The conversation explores why individual and corporate sustainability efforts often fall short, the importance of building powerful movements, and the necessity of bold, sometimes uncomfortable action to drive real change. Auden shares personal stories, critiques greenwashing, and emphasizes that meaningful progress requires collective pressure on corporations and governments. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond token actions, embrace the challenges of activism, find hope in the opportunity to be part of a transformative movement, and more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Introducing Auden & Book Club Segment (0:46)Smart Tech & Real-World Adoption Challenges (3:04)Auden’s Approach to Real Climate Action (6:17)Corporations, Policy, and Hardball Tactics (9:02)Operational Greening vs. Systemic Change (12:34)How to Fix the Systemic Problem (15:13)Challenges of Movement Alignment (17:46)Meta-Issues: Democracy and Coalition Building (20:08)The Limits of Individual Actions (22:49)Asymmetric Warfare: The Kleenex Boycott (25:04)Consulting Corporations: Real Leadership vs. Greenwashing (27:45)The Dangers of False Optimism (29:42)The Role of Corporations in Blocking Progress (33:12)Pressuring Powerful Entities for Systemic Change (38:43)Hope for the Future & Staying Motivated (42:31)Book Promotion and Parting Thoughts (46:41)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, award-winning climate tech journalist and entrepreneur Sherrell Dorsey joins Joel to explore how authentic storytelling, innovation, and optimism can drive real progress in sustainability. They discuss the importance of making environmental action accessible and inspiring, the challenges and opportunities in climate tech, and the need for practical, inclusive solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. Key takeaways include the value of relentless optimism, the power of decentralized leadership, the impact of positive, authentic narratives in building a more sustainable future, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Introduction And Show Overview (0:00)Meet Sherrell Dorsey: Background And Accomplishments (3:22)Taking Action To Make The World Better (3:38)The Power Of Authentic Storytelling In Sustainability (6:51)Making Sustainability Accessible And Cool (11:43)Business Advice And Entrepreneurial Lessons (14:40)The Changing Face Of Environmental Leadership (19:31)Focusing On Practical Solutions And Optimism (23:15)Innovation, Inclusion, And The Future Of Sustainability (25:44)The Importance Of Cool Products In Climate Tech (27:53)Linking Technology, Culture, And Impact (32:58)Questioning The Climate-Focused Movement (34:03)The Role Of Human Behavior And Culture In Change (37:35)Envisioning A Better Future Through World-Building (40:14)What Gives Sherrell Hope For The Future (42:47)Where To Follow And Connect With Sherrell Dorsey (43:43)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Chris Pyke, Chief Innovation Officer at GRESB. Chris discusses the evolution of sustainability reporting in real estate, the challenges of balancing action with transparency, and the future of ESG standards. The conversation also explores the intent behind GRESB, the need to streamline reporting processes, and the importance of transforming underperforming assets into sustainable ones. Key takeaways include the value of actionable transparency, the necessity of both financial and non-financial metrics, the industry’s ongoing journey toward meaningful impact and innovation in sustainability, and more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Introduction & Reporting in Sustainability (0:49)Welcome Dr. Chris Pike to the Show (4:09)The Evolution of Reporting in Real Estate (6:22)Purpose and History of GRESB (8:34)The Burden of Reporting vs. Action (12:23)Complexity and Consultants in Reporting (14:06)Improving Reporting Efficiency (18:04)Challenges in Data Collection & Automation (20:45)GRESB’s Future & Industry Transformation (25:22)Beyond Energy: Broader Sustainability Metrics (30:49)Incentivizing Innovation Through Reporting (33:03)Investor Motivations & Capital Allocation (36:03)Ranking Owners & Decarbonization Attribution (40:47)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:14)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen are joined by clean energy leader Jigar Shah to discuss the evolution and future of sustainability, clean tech, and decarbonization. The conversation covers the importance of affordability and execution in clean energy solutions, the challenges and opportunities in distributed energy and grid flexibility, and the need for industry transparency and collaboration. Jigar shares career insights, advice for entrepreneurs, and a hopeful vision for 2035, predicting the end of global energy poverty and the dominance of clean energy. Listeners will gain practical takeaways on driving impact, overcoming industry barriers, the power of collective action in building a sustainable future, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Jigar’s Influential Career (3:23)Taking Action for Affordability (4:07)Early Days of SunEdison & Solar Costs (5:55)Career Path & Impact Advice (7:24)Entrepreneurship, Execution, and Team Building (10:50)Jigar’s Superpowers (14:38)Industry Transparency & Sharing Lessons (16:54)Electricity Supercycle & Grid Flexibility (22:21)Investment Advice: Painkillers vs. Vitamins (29:42)Innovative HVAC Solutions (32:06)Crisis as Catalyst for Innovation (34:06)Distribution Grid & Demand Flexibility (37:59)EVs, Bidirectional Charging, and Home Integration (39:39)2035 Crystal Ball: Clean Energy Dominance (42:18)Hope for the Future (48:08)Connecting with Jigar and Episode Conclusion (50:30)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen are joined by Raz Godelnik, Associate Professor of Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design and author of "Rethinking Corporate Sustainability in the Era of Climate Crisis." Raz discusses why current ESG and sustainability efforts are falling short. The conversation explores the need to move beyond incremental change and shareholder capitalism, the importance of holistic, systems-level thinking, and why sustainability must better connect with people’s real priorities. Key takeaways include the value of asking better questions, the role of education and design thinking in driving change, hope inspired by the next generation of leaders, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:First Professor Guest & Course Creation Segment (1:13)Owen’s Course: Take Action and Get Out of Your Lane (2:53)Joel’s Course: Question Everything (4:44)Challenging Regulations & Real-World Example (7:11)Introducing Raz Godelnik (8:09)AI and Education/Sustainability (10:18)Rethinking Corporate Sustainability Book (12:15)Do We Need to Rethink Capitalism? (15:42)Sustainability’s Failure to Connect Value (17:17)Barriers to Political and Systemic Change (19:33)Holistic vs. Narrow Focus in Sustainability (22:36)Upstream vs. Downstream Solutions (24:03)Barriers Beyond Capital: Connecting to People’s Priorities (29:18)Advice for Students: Ask Better Questions (33:21)Incrementalism and Business Model Inertia (36:14)Who Should Lead Radical Change? (38:39)Hope for the Future (42:26)Connecting with Raz and Parting Thoughts (44:03)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Gus Bartholomew, Co-Founder of Leafr. Gus discusses the pressing need for action over excessive reporting in the sustainability sector. The conversation also explores the pitfalls of audit fatigue, the importance of building lean, impact-focused sustainability teams, and the value of bringing in specialized expertise at the right time. Gus shares insights on rebranding sustainability as a driver of operational efficiency and business value, offers career advice for aspiring professionals, and emphasizes the power of authentic communication and collaboration. Key takeaways include prioritizing progress over perfection, leveraging smart resourcing, fostering a culture of action to drive meaningful change, and so much more.Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Meta Data Center Debate (1:35)Mass Timber vs. Concrete in Data Centers (2:19)Operational vs. Embodied Emissions (5:01)Introducing Gus Bartholomew (6:03)From Reporting to Action (8:36)Reporting vs. Action: US vs. Europe (12:30)Reporting Fatigue in the Industry (14:20)Certification and Audit Fatigue (16:55)Why Leafr? Addressing Under-Resourced Teams (19:29)Smart Resourcing and Fractional Teams (24:23)Advice for Entering Sustainability Careers (30:26)Lean Sustainability Teams: A New Model (34:39)Perfection vs. Progress in Sustainability (36:14)Building a Voice on LinkedIn (39:04)The Power of Authentic Content (41:52)Optimism for the Future (43:54)Connecting with Gus and Parting Thoughts (45:05)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel welcomes Matthew Knoll, Co-founder and CTO of Quilt. Matthew shares Quilt’s mission to accelerate home electrification through innovative, user-friendly heat pump technology. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional HVAC systems, the benefits of ductless mini splits, and how Quilt’s vertically integrated approach improves design, efficiency, and user experience. Listeners will learn about the economic and environmental advantages of switching to smarter, more sustainable home heating and cooling solutions, as well as the broader impact of technology and market forces on the future of clean energy. Don’t miss this great conversation!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Introduction and Joel’s Personal Connection to Quilt (0:45)Guest Introduction: Matthew Knoll (3:04)Why Heat Pumps? Founding Quilt (5:57)What is a Quilt? Ductless Mini Splits Explained (9:12)Problems with Existing Mini Splits & Quilt’s Design Approach (10:21)Designing for the US Market (14:34)Software, Upgrades, and Occupancy Sensing (17:54)User Experience: App, Controls, and Demand Response (20:41)Room-by-Room Control and Learning (21:19)Cost, Installation, and Consumer Experience (22:28)Geographic Expansion: Where is the Quilt Available? (26:25)Comfort and Room-by-Room Benefits (30:19)Hope for the Future: Economics of Clean Tech (33:39)Connecting with Quilt and Parting Thoughts (35:04)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome author and consultant Alex Kruzel to explore the shifting landscape of corporate sustainability. The conversation covers the challenges of effective messaging, the growing influence of regulation and compliance, and the potential for sustainability to align with national security and economic interests. Alex shares insights from her book, "The Courage to Continue," and discusses the need for actionable, value-driven solutions in the business world. Key takeaways include the importance of reframing sustainability for broader appeal, the role of regulation in driving change, reasons for optimism in global efforts, particularly in China and India, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include:What's in the News: Decarbonization Debate (2:01)Permitting, Regulation, and Marketing Challenges (3:13)Messaging: Money, Nature, and Overeducation (5:05)Welcoming Alex to the Show (7:43)Polarization & Public Sentiment (9:39)Book Background & Corporate Sustainability Critique (10:36)Shift from Conservation to Carbon Emissions (13:16)AI, Quantum, and National Security (15:02)Corporate Sustainability: Marketing or Substance? (17:10)Supply Chain, Compliance, and ESG Reporting (18:54)Voluntary Commitments vs. Compliance (21:35)Skills Crisis in Corporate Sustainability (23:02)National Security Framing for Sustainability (26:07)Long-Term Thinking & Political Challenges (27:04)Book Deep Dive: The Courage to Continue (29:29)Future of Net Zero & Regulatory Drivers (34:42)Board-Level Challenges & Literacy (38:14)Hope for the Future: Global Progress (44:14)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (45:22)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen fly solo as they dive into the evolving landscape of sustainability, discussing Formula 1’s ambitious net zero goals, the debate between real and “fake” net zero, and the growing fatigue around ESG reporting in commercial real estate. They share insights from a recent industry conference, explore the impact of rising energy costs, and consider the future of renewable energy in light of new policies and market shifts. Key takeaways include the importance of focusing on direct emissions reductions, the need for credible sustainability frameworks, reasons for optimism as the industry adapts to new challenges and opportunities, and so much more.Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Welcome to the Episode and Listener Feedback (1:15)Introducing Gus Bartholomew & F1’s Net Zero Commitment (2:33)Debate: Real vs. Fake Net Zero (4:41)Industry Trends: Net Zero Regressions & Focus (6:38)F1’s Emissions Reductions & Sustainable Fuels (8:07)Sustainable Fuels: Lifecycle & Broader Implications (9:06)Conference Recap: ESG & Decarbonizing Real Estate Forum (11:14)Energy Costs Becoming Material in Real Estate (15:14)Energy Efficiency Retrofits as an Asset Class (17:25)Potential Boom for Energy Efficiency & Solar (19:45)Optimism for the Future of Clean Energy (23:17)Political Implications & All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy (24:31)Reasons for Hope in Sustainability and Parting Thoughts (25:53)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Aaron Tartakovsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, exploring innovative water reuse technologies. Aaron shares how his company transforms building wastewater into valuable resources, recycling water for non-drinking purposes, and even creating beer and whiskey from treated water. The conversation delves into the challenges of water infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of making sustainability both economically viable and engaging. Key takeaways include the potential for decentralized water systems, the need to view wastewater as a resource, and the power of creative marketing in driving climate innovation. Aaron's approach demonstrates that sustainable solutions can be both impactful and fun, offering hope for addressing water scarcity and environmental challenges. You won’t want to miss this conversation.Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Conference Preview & Critique Game (1:15)GP/LP Dynamics in ESG Investing (3:18)Decarbonization Strategies for Tenant-Controlled Buildings (7:08)Green Lease Skepticism & Multifamily Decarbonization (8:58)Introducing Aaron Tartakovsky & Epic Cleantec (12:19)Why Water Matters in Climate Tech (14:50)Regulatory Challenges in Water Innovation (17:18)Epic Cleantec’s Approach & Technology (20:44)Retrofitting vs. New Construction for Water Reuse (25:29)Progress in Water Reuse Regulation (27:44)Drivers for Water Reuse Beyond Scarcity (30:57)Barriers to Scaling Water Reuse (34:01)Is Water Too Cheap? (36:12)Beer & Whiskey from Recycled Water (38:37)Marketing, Humor, and Toilet Talk (43:27)What Gives You Hope? (47:23)Connecting with Epic Cleantech and Parting Thoughts (49:04)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome James Ball, Director of the Future Cities Initiative at the National Building Museum. The conversation explores the need for a radical reimagining of urban development, moving beyond individual building approaches to a holistic city-level perspective. James challenges current sustainability narratives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, diverse perspectives, and creating an optimistic vision for urban transformation. Key takeaways include the necessity of breaking out of existing regulatory and design constraints, the power of including multiple stakeholders in urban planning, and the potential for innovative solutions that make sustainable design more appealing and accessible. The episode underscores the importance of hope, creativity, and collective action in addressing climate change and urban challenges. Don’t miss this great conversation!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Reflections on James Ball & National Building Museum (1:22)Segment: Owen and Joel Play Climate Skeptics (2:12)Debate on Climate Predictions and Communication (4:21)Welcoming James to the Show (7:38)What is the National Building Museum? (10:16)Cities vs. Buildings: The Right Scale for Change (14:46)Rethinking Messaging and Community Engagement (16:11)Design, Aesthetics, and the Loss of Urban Character (18:20)Emerging Community Models & Rethinking Development (23:32)Who Is Responsible for Change? (25:35)Unlocking Innovation: Prefab, Financing, and Systemic Barriers (28:18)Entrepreneurial Ideas: Biophilia and Interior Insulation (31:23)Living Building Challenge & Community Inspiration (35:24)Hope, Community, and Personal Resilience (40:37)Connecting with James and Parting Thoughts (42:07)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Josh Dorfman’s Background and Journey (1:14)Solar Corner with Owen: Solar Industry Challenges (2:20)Solar Industry Outlook and “Solar Coaster” (5:11)Tax Credit Phase-Out Timeline (7:27)Josh’s Approach to Climate Solutions (9:56)Food Waste Entrepreneurship Stories (12:33)Supercool Media Brand Structure (15:26)Challenges of Selling to Multifamily Owners (18:37)Communicating Climate Solutions Effectively (21:32)Selling Outcomes, Not Features (28:08)Building Planted: Sustainable Materials Startup (33:01)Serendipity and Startup Lessons (38:08)Building a New Supply Chain (43:04)Optimism: Hope for the Future (46:34)Connecting with Josh and Parting Thoughts (48:38)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Becca Timms, Founding Principal at Ultreia Advisory, as they dissect the current state of sustainability and ESG reporting. The conversation explores critical industry challenges, including the over-reliance on complex reporting frameworks and the need for more practical, business-focused approaches to environmental impact. Becca shares insights from her 12-year career, advocating for aligning sustainability efforts with financial goals and breaking down organizational silos. Key discussions include the potential of marine protected areas as an alternative to traditional carbon reduction strategies, the importance of data management, and the need for more flexible, results-driven sustainability initiatives. The episode offers a candid, provocative look at how companies can create meaningful environmental change while maintaining business performance. Don’t miss it!Highlights from this week’s conversation include:The Focus on Sustainability and ESG Real-Estate (1:49)Marine Protected Areas Concept (4:54)Discussion on Ocean Conservation (6:45)Introduction of Becca Timms (9:00)Becca's Career Background (10:06)Early Career and Sustainability Journey (12:16)ESG Industry Evolution (14:12)Challenges in Sustainability Reporting (16:38)Data Management and Reporting Difficulties (19:39)Industry Reporting Challenges (24:54)Sales and Solution Pitching Strategies (26:16)Matchmaking in Sustainability (34:42)Technology and Data in Sustainability (38:40)Conference and Industry Networking Ideas (44:34)Optimism for Sustainability Future (46:48)Connecting with Becca and Parting Thoughts (47:53)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:Making a Bet: Building Performance Standards (1:55)Impact of BPS/BIPs on Real Estate Investment (5:02)Wager on BPS/BIPs Enforcement (8:06)Guest Introduction: Thomas Stanchart (9:02)Thomas’s Entry into Stoneweg US & ESG (12:23)Incremental Approach to Sustainability Investments (16:06)Engaging Leadership in ESG (17:45)Reporting vs. Action in ESG (22:10)Challenges of Forward-Looking ESG Reporting (25:46)Energy Economics & Real Estate (30:29)Transition to Low-Carbon Economy (33:59)Practical Steps for Biodiversity (36:28)Technology & Engagement in Biodiversity (39:04)AI Tools for Storytelling & Engagement (43:12)Optimism for the Future (46:42)Connecting with Thomas and Parting Thoughts (49:23)The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.