Net Zero Energy Podcast

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.

Burlingtonian Bill Calfee has launched Myti, an online shopping platform that aims to provide local alternatives to Amazon and other large online retailers. Working with local retailers keeps the money local and greatly cuts down on shipping and packaging costs and their effect on our environment.

Jared Duval, Executive Director of the Energy Action Network, shares the findings of their annual progress report. The report provides an in-depth analysis of where Vermont stands relative to its climate commitments and energy goals.

Kelly Lucci from Efficiency Vermont and Justine Sears from VEIC join Jen to discuss the 2023 Vermont Energy Burden Report that details the percentage of a household’s income spent on electricity, heating, and transportation. Measuring this burden is a powerful way to understand the impact of energy costs across the state, and where energy expenses are highest.

Rob Conboy from Glavel, a foam glass gravel manufacturer out of Burlington VT, talks about the versatile and lightweight building material.