Go Electric!

Robb and Josh

Welcome to Go Electric where we cover some of the most interesting topics around electrification and cleantech. We are looking at all angles of the cleantech revolution and each episode we will be interviewing: entrepreneurs that are making an impact in electrification and cleantech, EV automakers, financiers, VCs, the companies making EV charging stations, and other experts that are making the world cleaner and greener for future generations. Our goal is to spread awareness about all of the incredible things that are helping to change our world for the better. Go Electric is brought to you by, Charge Up USA - www.chargeup-usa.com - a one-stop-shop, turnkey marketplace for EV charging solutions and expert installation services. Charge Up USA streamlines the process of finding the best EV charging stations, and the best service professionals, at the best price.

Episodes

  1. Go Electric Podcast With Guest: Buzz Smith the EVangelist

    04/08/2022

    Go Electric Podcast With Guest: Buzz Smith the EVangelist

    Go Electric - goelectricshow.com - is a podcast and YouTube show covering the Electrification and Cleantech Revolution! In this episode, we welcome Buzz Smith, the Evangelist, to our show. Buzz is the Founder of EVangelist where he is on a mission to spread all of the good news surrounding electric vehicles. Before starting the Evangelist, Buzz was the #1 plug-in vehicle salesperson, for the entire state of Texas. Buzz regularly contributes to his blog “MyElectricVehicleJourney,” has his own YouTube channel and is a speaker, teacher, mentor and Evangelist. Buzz is also a board member and the Director of Dealer Outreach with the Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance. In this episode we discuss: -EVs and EV charging as a boon for our economy -The most common myths about EVs that Buzz is working on dispelling -Dealerships: Are they ready for the wave on new EVs hitting the market? -EV and EV infrastructure rebates and incentives -Upcoming events -Buzz's favorite EVs that are coming in 2022! Learn more about Buzz The EVangelist: https://www.theev-angelist.com/ This Episode of Go Electric is brought to you by, Charge Up USA - http://chargeup-usa.com - a one-stop-shop, turnkey marketplace for EV charging solutions and expert installation services. Charge Up USA streamlines the process of finding the best EV charging stations, and the best service professionals, at the best price. Learn more at www.chargeup-usa.com

    35 min
  2. Go Electric Podcast With Guest: Adopt A Charger

    02/15/2022

    Go Electric Podcast With Guest: Adopt A Charger

    Interview with, Kitty Adams Hoksbergen, Executive Director of Adopt A Charger Go Electric - goelectricshow.com - is a podcast and YouTube show covering the Electrification and Cleantech Revolution! In this episode, we welcome Kitty Adams Hoksbergen to our show. Kitty is the Executive Director of, Adopt A Charger, a nonprofit organization, that is accelerating the widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles through the proliferation of public, fee-free electric car chargers which are “adopted” by sponsors. These charger sponsors include, corporations, organizations and individuals who donate funds that are used to install and maintain EV chargers in parks, museums, beaches and other widely used public places.  In this episode we discuss: Adopt A Chargers latest partnership with RivianHow they are working with National Parks, State Parks, Beaches and other public placesEV adoption as an economic driverHow utilities are helping the transition to EVs and other electric technologiesHow to sponsor an EV charger installationExciting growth planned in 2022Have a location in mind that needs a charging station. Get in touch with Kitty https://adoptacharger.org/contact Learn more about Adopt A Charger at https://adoptacharger.org  This Episode of Go Electric is brought to you by, Charge Up USA, a one-stop-shop, turnkey marketplace for EV charging solutions and expert installation services. Charge Up USA streamlines the process of finding the best EV charging stations, and the best service professionals, at the best price. Learn more at www.chargeup-usa.com  Go Electric is hosted by, Robb Monkman and Josh Lambert, of Charge Up USA.

    24 min
  3. Go Electric Podcast With Guest: Building Transparency

    02/15/2022

    Go Electric Podcast With Guest: Building Transparency

    Interview with, Stacy Smedley, Sustainability Director at Skanska and Executive Director of Building Transparency. Go Electric - goelectricshow.com - is a podcast and YouTube show covering the Electrification and Cleantech Revolution! In this episode, we welcome Stacy Smedley to our show. Stacy is the Executive Director of Building Transparency, an organization that is fostering a better building future by addressing embodied carbon’s role in climate change. Stacy also serves as the sustainability Director at Skanska, one of the world’s largest development and construction companies, where she has led sustainable initiatives, and is considered a subject matter expert in LEED, Living Building Challenge and carbon emissions associated with buildings and construction.  In this episode we discuss: - What is Building Transparency? - What is a carbon life-cycle assessment is? - How is Building Transparency's Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator, known as EC3 is helping organizations? - What other tools, such as Tally, does Building Transparency offer? - Current Building transparency programs including the Carbon Action Network, and the Material Carbon Action network  -How Skanska is going electric, specifically as it relates to EV charging infrastructure and building retrofits Learn more about Building Transparency at: https://www.buildingtransparency.org  This Episode of Go Electric is brought to you by, Charge Up USA, a one-stop-shop, turnkey marketplace for EV charging solutions and expert installation services. Charge Up USA streamlines the process of finding the best EV charging stations, and the best service professionals, at the best price. Learn more at www.chargeup-usa.com  Go Electric is hosted by, Robb Monkman and Josh Lambert, of Charge Up USA.

    27 min
  4. Go Electric Podcast with Guest: CEO of CleanTech Alliance

    01/04/2022

    Go Electric Podcast with Guest: CEO of CleanTech Alliance

    Welcome to Go Electric where we cover some of the most interesting topics around electrification and cleantech. Visit us at goelectricshow.com In this episode of  Go Electric, we hear from Mel Clark, President and CEO of CleanTech Alliance. CleanTech Alliance is dedicated to the development and growth of companies and jobs that help make our world cleaner and greener. With over 1100 member organizations, CleanTech Alliance helps like-minded people from different industries collaborate and cooperate as we move toward the goal of a clean energy economy.  Who are CleanTech Alliance’s partners? Mel explained that the Alliance works with a variety of different changemakers, from individual entrepreneurs and small startups to major companies like Boeing. As climate change becomes a more ubiquitous concern, more and more companies recognize the role they have to play in creating a better future for our world. Mel emphasized that while “clean tech” may once have been thought of as niche, it is now becoming more universal. “We’re excited when a ‘traditional’ company that doesn’t think of themselves as being a cleantech company realizes that actually, they are.” Benefits of membership  CleanTech Alliance makes it possible for member organizations to accomplish more together than they would on their own. Mel shared that one of the most significant benefits of membership with the Alliance is the ability to make connections - especially those you might not know you needed - within your industry and with people in completely different fields.  Many of these connections happen at the Alliance’s networking events. “I think our favorite event at CleanTech Alliance is our Innovation Showcase,” Mel said. This event, which takes place in late June 2022, showcases the latest research or innovations happening at 24 of the Alliance member organizations across different industries. Attendees at this event will also hear from some major industry members about the challenges they’re currently working to solve or new technologies that they are adopting.  Mel also discussed the CleanTech Alliance accelerator Cascadia, which, in collaboration with Portland OR’s Virtue Lab, helps small to midsize organizations refine their business skills, receive mentorship and more to help launch their cleantech vision.  Making connections in the pandemic era Covid-19 has changed the way we connect to each other but it hasn’t slowed the work being done at CleanTech Alliance. As a fully virtual organization, the Alliance has been able to adapt to the evolving landscape and keep growing.  While the Alliance hopes to resume in-person events in 2022, the pandemic hasn’t prevented them from nurturing connections between members. Mel noted that holding the Alliance’s networking events virtually meant reaching greater numbers of people, as physical location is no longer a barrier to participation.  Leading the change Mel also commented on the leadership happening at the city and state levels driving change toward a cleaner economy. Legislation in Washington state has produced some of the country’s most progressive clean fuel standards. New York City has implemented a “bold yet strict” carbon tax. But we’re also seeing exciting changes coming out of places perhaps not traditionally thought of as climate leaders - Boise, ID has set some ambitious climate goals for their state; Texas has developed some of the largest wind farms in the country.  These kinds of changes drive home the CleanTech Alliance message that a cleaner, greener, safer world for everyone can be achieved when people across different locations, industries, and backgrounds work together.   Go Electric is brought to you by Charge Up USA

    26 min
  5. Go Electric Podcast with Guest: Ygrene

    01/04/2022

    Go Electric Podcast with Guest: Ygrene

    Welcome to Go Electric where we cover some of the most interesting topics around electrification and cleantech. Be sure to visit us at goelectricshow.com In this episode, Richard Gonzales shares his expert insight on Ygrene financing and how they play a role in cleantech and going green.  Ygrene offers an alternative way to finance energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades for residential and commercial properties in California, Georgia, Missouri, and Florida.  An Introduction to Ygrene and Pace Financing Property-assessed clean energy programs (PACE) financing is a growing movement in the United States.   As an example of PACE financing, Ygrene provides 100% financing to help property owners make energy-efficient improvements or complete renewable energy projects.  How Does PACE Financing Differ From Other Loans? First and foremost, it’s important to understand that PACE financing is not a loan. Instead, PACE is tied directly to the assessment of a property. As a result, it doesn’t follow a credit history, whether you’re a company or an individual.  There are certain concerns associated with PACE finances, which Ygrene addresses in various ways such as the following;  ●      Ensuring quality contractors through a thorough vetting process ●      Educate property owners on the nature of PACE as an assessment and not a loan ●      Raise awareness on the role of PACE financing in the marketplace The Demand for PACE Financing The residential market is a lot bigger than the commercial market, with more than 141 million units throughout the United States, and an average of $350,000 per unit valuation. While the commercial is smaller, it is still a large figure and commercial developments tend to impact residential trends.  Richard explains, “We’ve seen an increase in demand on both sides simultaneously, and that is simply because of the awareness that is out there for climate change and energy efficiency.” With that being said, capital deployed into the commercial side is more efficient, with bigger ticket items and larger assessments. The commercial sector offers many opportunities for improved efficiency through the likes of solar, insulation, improved water efficiency, lighting, soft-flow plumbing, and more. Many of these improvements may qualify for PACE financing, even if they are not measured on the energy bill.  Technologies Leading the Way from a Green, Cleantech Perspective Solar is one of the most important improvements that a property owner can make, as well as EV charging stations. Richard says, “EV does two different things. It attracts new customers and people like to see that a firm is being progressive. It also helps make some money on top.”  The hospitality sector is leading the way by using PACE financing to improve their commercial properties. Many of these decisions are based on customer surveys which highlight how guests are demanding energy efficiency.  Multi-family has also been a consistent base for PACE financing, as well as large industrial buildings.  Increased Awareness of PACE financing While Ygrene is available in four states, there are plans to enhance the availability of PACE financing across the country. Richard explains, “Most states have passed legislation for this type of financing agreement, but many have not enabled it yet.”  Richard continues to offer assistance in contacting the state to fast-track the availability of PACE financing. Is going electric part of your plan? Get a quote from Charge Up today.

    26 min
  6. Go Electric Podcast with Guest: David Greschler, CEO of Nomad Go

    01/04/2022

    Go Electric Podcast with Guest: David Greschler, CEO of Nomad Go

    Welcome to Go Electric where we cover some of the most interesting topics  around electrification and cleantech. Be sure to visit us at goelectricshow.com Episode Summary We had the pleasure of talking to David Greschler, co-founder and CEO of Nomad Go, a Seattle company helping businesses reduce their CO2 emissions and hit vital climate change goals. David started the company to revolutionize computer vision technology (the AI-powered interpretation of photographic imagery).  Images were being stored in the cloud, which proved highly expensive and challenging in terms of privacy, so David and his partner Jonah Friedl developed an edge computer system that worked primarily on a user’s own device, thus reducing cloud-based bandwidth requirements. They realized that their innovations could be used to remotely control IoT devices to turn heating, cooling, and ventilation on and off in a building, depending on real-time analysis of the structure’s level of habitation.   Previously building HVAC systems would be run on regular schedules regardless of need, which was highly wasteful. By utilizing data on room occupancy, these systems could be run far more efficiently.  Says David, “we end up reducing energy usage by at least 35% […] and correspondingly we’re reducing CO2 emissions.” Nomad Go first offered their new product to ATS Building Integration, who had a pressing need for occupancy data. Their current CO2 sensing system was far from ideal and Nomad Go knew they had a better solution. Nomad Go next went on to work with McKinstry, a major mechanical engineering company. McKinstry had signed the Net Zero climate change pledge so were a perfect match for Nomad Go’s energy-saving innovations. Nomad Go was motivated by the environmental good their product could deliver. “Your team has to be motivated and excited by what they do,” says David. “Really, this is about changing the world.” While cars contribute 23-25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, David points out that buildings add a further 39% to the mix. 72% of the carbon footprint of new buildings is the power they consume, particularly in HVAC. Just as modern electric cars leverage data to become more efficient, data can be the driver of smarter, cleaner buildings. “We should be advocating for the owners of buildings to get a tax credit to make their buildings more efficient,” David suggests. While a lot of money is spent on energy efficiency as a capital investment, more could be spent on operational costs. It’s also a remarkably common-sense plan. “It’s no different from when my parents used to ask me to turn off the lights when I left a room,” David jokes. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted people’s opinions on office hours, rending working schedules flexible and variable. Fixed HVAC scheduling is no longer fit for purpose.  David believes start-ups in cleantech should focus on evidencing new propositions: “if our number one objective, in addition to making money as an investor, is to truly impact the world, […] and be able to say at the end of the day ‘our investment led to a reduction of CO2 by this much’[…] you need to prove it.” In Nomad Go’s system, the sensors gathering data do most of the processing, then send only what’s vital up to the cloud. Smart devices already exist with the capability to gather such data. Nomad Go is currently working with Microsoft and Sony on camera systems and edge processing.  David points to the plethora of potential hardware collaborators and concludes, “do not reinvent the wheel; find a way to get that wheel moving faster”. Learn more about Nomad Go at NomadGo.ai. This Episode of Go Electric is brought to you by, Charge Up USA, a one-stop-shop, turnkey marketplace for EV charging solutions and expert installation services. Charge Up

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Go Electric where we cover some of the most interesting topics around electrification and cleantech. We are looking at all angles of the cleantech revolution and each episode we will be interviewing: entrepreneurs that are making an impact in electrification and cleantech, EV automakers, financiers, VCs, the companies making EV charging stations, and other experts that are making the world cleaner and greener for future generations. Our goal is to spread awareness about all of the incredible things that are helping to change our world for the better. Go Electric is brought to you by, Charge Up USA - www.chargeup-usa.com - a one-stop-shop, turnkey marketplace for EV charging solutions and expert installation services. Charge Up USA streamlines the process of finding the best EV charging stations, and the best service professionals, at the best price.