Net Zero Energy Podcast

Elizabeth Palchak, Director of Sustainability at UVM, joined us to talk about UVM’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through decarbonization, operations, govern and people, and academics. She reports on UVM’s goals on carbon neutrality by 2030 and the recent launch of the Sustainable Solutions Lab to solve the big sustainability questions ahead of us.

Christina Erickson, Executive Director with Local Motion, joins us to talk about the 25-year history of the organization, the Bike Ferry and the bridge over the Winooski River, their state-wide advocacy work, advocating for Safe Routes to School Program including a call for more crossing guards, and more.

Thor Retzlaff of Wasted joins us for a frank and fascinating discussion about how his company’s portable toilet rentals are making the most of human waste. Circular sanitation converts it into fertilizer that is used by local farmers and reduces our carbon footprint.

Lena Stier is Energy Action Network’s Data Manager and Research Analyst. In this episode, we hear about what it’s like being a young person in the climate and energy field, including advice to employers on empowering the next generation of climate leaders.

For our 50th episode we spoke with Mayor Miro Weinberger. He reflects on his Net Zero Energy-related accomplishments over his time in office. He also speaks to what he’d like to see Burlington take on going forward.

Will Clavelle, Assistant Director of Small Business Development for the City of Burlington talks about his journey from CEDO to the Department of Business and Workforce Development. This newly created department helped keep many businesses alive during the pandemic and they’re continually working toward bringing new businesses into the City.

Ingrid Malmgren, Policy Director for Plug In America, joins us this week to talk about the national nonprofit’s efforts to transition us away from fossil fuel-burning vehicles. Ingrid has worked to demonstrate the benefits of EVs to consumers, utilities, public health, the economy, the environment, energy security, and the electric grid.

Dave Low, Executive Director with 2030 Districts Network, shares the story of the creation of this organization and the great work they do in leading the effort to create a new model for
urban sustainability and shared economic growth.

While working at 1-800-Got-Junk, Josh Costa saw tons of mattresses being sent to the landfill and was inspired to start Sleep Well Recycling. Josh’s new business takes apart retired mattresses so they can recycle the component materials and divert 75%-100% of it away from the landfill and over to a recycling center or to McNeil Generating Station.

Caytie Campbell-Orrock from the Building Electrification Institute joins us to talk about their work in helping guide Burlington’s work in eliminating fossil fuel use in buildings.