The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE
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The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE focuses on one of the most exciting and important aspects of the world economy and arguably the key to Earth’s future and survival – Sustainability. Each week, Mike Nemer talk with the leaders and disruptors pacing The Energy Transition and are changing the way the world gets its energy and resources.

  1. 6D AGO

    Maximizing HVAC Efficiency: Sustainable Restoration, Diagnostics, and ROI

    Mike Nemer interviewed Kevin Carriere, the CEO of Powertron Global, who explained that he entered the HVAC industry after meeting engineers developing solutions for heat exchanger efficiency restoration. On episode 310 of The Green Insider podcast, Kevin described how Powertron Global was founded to address HVAC efficiency issues, expanding beyond initial heat exchanger solutions to tackle other efficiency-robbing factors in climate control systems. Todays podcast includes: Sustainable HVAC Efficiency Restoration Sustainable HVAC practices can lead to cost savings, not just environmental benefits. HVAC systems lose efficiency over time, mainly due to heat exchanger capacity loss, which increases energy use and maintenance. Powertron engineers developed a heat exchanger restoration technology to restore lost efficiency, filling a gap in the industry. Craftsmanship and education on efficiency restoration are crucial, especially for city and government agencies. HVAC Efficiency Diagnostics Platform Most HVAC systems, especially in taxpayer-funded facilities, operate 30–40% below their intended design capacity. Powertron created a proprietary forensic measurement and verification platform, collecting data from over 400 studies in 38 countries. The company focuses on restoring system capacity and providing diagnostic data to manufacturers and researchers, serving clients like cell tower huts, convenience stores, and government facilities. HVAC Efficiency Loss Over Time New HVAC systems lose 5–7% efficiency in the first year (with proper maintenance), then 3–4% annually, reaching a 25–30% reduction over time. Systems in regions with long cooling seasons (eastern/western US) can lose significant efficiency in 3.5–5 years; in the Midwest, it takes about twice as long. Rooftop units expected to last 15 years are often replaced in 10 due to efficiency loss and increased runtime. Type System ROI and Sustainability The ROI for Powertron’s type system is typically 12–18 months, but as short as 3 months for mission-critical sites (e.g., data centers, hospitals). The goal is to restore systems to their design capacity, improving efficiency and generating further savings. Certified reports are provided to quantify emissions reductions and energy savings, which can be used in customers’ sustainability reports. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Maximizing HVAC Efficiency: Sustainable Restoration, Diagnostics, and ROI appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    30 min

  2. DEC 18

    Securing Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Tom Sego

    Tom Sego, founder and CEO of BlastWave, discussed his background in chemical engineering and his journey through various industries, including roles at Caterpillar, Eli Lilly, Emerson Electric, Alta Vista, and Apple. He explained that BlastWave was founded to combine Apple’s ease of use with cybersecurity, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure as it becomes increasingly digitized. Tom emphasized that human error is a significant security risk, citing an example from the San Jacinto Water District. This Follower Friday podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. Tom’s podcast includes: Critical infrastructure sectors (like oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing) face higher cyber risks than traditional IT systems due to the severe consequences of attacks and the challenge of securing legacy devices. Integrating old and new technologies is achieved by using a translation mechanism that enables secure communication between legacy systems and modern infrastructure. Artificial intelligence (AI) has a dual impact: it can enhance attackers’ ability to automate cyberattacks, but it also offers opportunities to improve security, such as by eliminating vulnerabilities like passwords. Technology solutions are essential for reducing the human burden in security, especially for defending against phishing and reconnaissance attacks. Eliminating attack vectors (e.g., usernames and passwords) can significantly reduce security risks, regardless of how effective or frequent attacks become. Focusing on the safety of critical infrastructure allows people to prioritize what matters most in life, such as family, relationships, and health. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Securing Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Tom Sego appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    15 min

  3. DEC 15

    Enhancing Solar Visibility Through Design on The Green Insider

    Craig Merrigan, Co-founder & CEO of Spotlight Solar, discussed his background in the solar industry and his decision to co-found Spotlight Solar, which creates aesthetic solar structures such as shade structures and solar trees. He explained that the company’s goal is to make solar technology more engaging and visible to foster its greater adoption. Craig highlighted that while solar had a positive image, its limited visibility, particularly in residential and commercial settings, hindered its wider adoption. Today on episode 309 of The Green Insider, Spotlight Solar offers two main products: The Haven Solar Shelter: a picnic table with a solar-powered shade canopy that charges devices and provides backup power. Solar Trees: large, sculptural solar installations for public spaces to promote renewable energy. Solar Trees are engineered for durability, able to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and flooding. Examples include 26 installations in Miami and a Haven Solar Shelter that survived major storm surges on Sanibel Island. Solar Trees use deep, reinforced concrete foundations, while Haven shelters require no underground work and can be set up quickly with minimal skills. These products are designed for public engagement and visibility, not just cost optimization. Solar Trees generate significant public awareness, with over 60 million annual impressions, and are often installed to showcase environmental stewardship. Both Solar Trees and Haven shelters generate 4–10 kilowatts of power, with some models including battery storage for power during outages. Installations are found in universities, public spaces, and military bases. Eight Haven shelters will soon be installed at a major international airport, with design considerations to minimize reflectivity. Future improvements to the Haven line are expected, including enhanced resilience and more outdoor furniture options. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Enhancing Solar Visibility Through Design on The Green Insider appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    33 min

  4. DEC 3

    Ecovations' Sustainable Materials Evolution

    Today’s guest is Ralph Bianculli, Founder/CEO of Emerald Ecovations. On episode 308 of The Green Insider, we discussed a number of items ranging from the journey to the finished product. Ralph described Ecovations’ journey in developing alternative materials for disposables, now producing over 370 finished goods. They control raw materials, convert them into products, and provide ESG reporting analytics to clients. Ralph noted that Scope 3 ESG reporting is challenging but valuable for sustainability goals, and Mike praised their impact on sustainable supply chains. Emerald Ecovations’ takes a circular economic approach: commissioning farmers to grow fibers like Miscanthus and using byproducts (e.g., bagasse) to create sustainable materials. Their licensing program allows manufacturers to use these materials for private labeling, supporting middle-market manufacturers and rural economies. They offer both raw materials and technology licensing. Their products are used in 370 finished goods across industries, organized into five product groupings following the 80-20 consumption rule. The broadline product is designed for high-velocity B2B consumption, aiding efficient inventory turns. The Miscanthus product, which retains four times its weight in water, is expanding into new markets like pet bedding and landscaping. Ralph highlighted Miscanthus as a versatile crop: grows 7-8 feet tall, harvested twice a year, replenishes soil nutrients, and thrives in a wide temperature range. It’s the first such material launched in the U.S., with potential as a main material alongside bagasse and hemp. Learn about the launching of a tree-free packaging division for retail brands next year, emphasizing non-toxic and compostable features. They are in discussions with the EPA and Department of Agriculture about carbon credits, which could become valuable assets. Plans include expanding into packaging, landscaping, pet bedding, and attracting more talent. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Ecovations’ Sustainable Materials Evolution appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    24 min

  5. NOV 20

    Driving Nature-Positive Change: Gilad Goren and the Rise of Nature Tech Solutions

    Social entrepreneur Gilad Goren, hailing from New York, delved into his diverse background spanning tourism, travel tech, and philanthropy before pivoting towards impact and blockchain realms, with a specific focus on nature credits and carbon credits. Sharing insights on The Green Insider, he elaborated on his journey crafting marketplace solutions and navigating the intricacies of nature-based projects. Goren’s involvement with the Nature Tech Collective underscores his dedication to fostering nature-positive transitions, urging companies to confront nature-related issues within their supply chains beyond just carbon credits. The emphasis lies on leveraging technology to bolster the dependability and scalability of nature-based solutions while synergizing with ecological expertise. Anticipating a surge in investments in nature tech due to the heightened acknowledgment of nature’s significance, Gilad foresees sectoral growth irrespective of external interventions. The Nature Tech Collective, underpinned by philanthropic support and entrepreneurial leadership, adopts a practical, product-centric stance towards environmental endeavors. Enterprises are increasingly drawn to embedding sustainability within their supply chains and engaging in landscape-level collaborations, focusing on verifying and accrediting carbon reductions sans credit issuance. Gilad advocates for a holistic, systemic approach to Nature Tech, advocating for community involvement and the transparent sharing of both achievements and setbacks. Nature Tech directory debuted during New York Climate Week, inviting listeners to explore and seek assistance within this burgeoning sphere. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Driving Nature-Positive Change: The Rise of Nature Tech Solutions appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    25 min

  6. NOV 16

    ReCIRCLE Solutions: Scaling Organic Waste into Sustainable Feed

    Mike Nemer welcomes Clemens Stockreiter to his podcast, The Green Insider to discuss his company ReCIRCLE Solutions, which focuses on organic recycling in Ontario. Clemens shared his background in the paper, packaging, and recycling industry and explained ReCIRCLE Solutions’ mission to prevent organic food waste from ending up in landfills. Organic Food Waste Diversion Initiative ReCIRCLE targets pre-consumer food waste from producers and supermarkets. Waste is characterized and tracked using a proprietary tool called TraceOS. Food waste is repurposed into animal feed through custom-developed recipes. The animal feed has a significantly lower carbon footprint than landfilling or other disposal methods. A prototype facility in Ontario diverted 27,000 tons of waste in 2024. Plans are underway to scale the model to California and other U.S. regions. Food Waste Diversion Success Story Diverting 27,000 tons of waste avoided 13,860 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. TraceOS provides real-time tracking of waste diversion and CO₂ savings for partners. Collaborations with nutrition experts are developing feed for beef, poultry, and soil applications. Exploring anaerobic digestion for non-farmable waste streams. AT Production and Cost Optimization Focus on optimizing AT (animal feed transformation) production and maximizing feedstock value. Feed products are more cost-effective than traditional materials like soy or wheat. Offers economic and environmental benefits for farming partners. Expansion and Future Plans Success is attributed to a high-performing, mission-driven team. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post ReCIRCLE Solutions: Scaling Organic Waste into Sustainable Feed appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    18 min

  7. NOV 13

    Catching Up with Chris Whittaker at the Disasters and Resilient City Expos

    This month’s quick Follower Friday highlights our time at the Disasters Expo USA and Resilient City Expo in Houston, where we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Chris Whittaker, an alum of The Green Insider podcast. Chris Whittaker serves as the city manager/administrator for Magnolia, TX, and during our discussions at the conference, we delved into the insights gained and the ongoing resilience initiatives in Magnolia. A special shoutout to the team behind Disasters Expo USA/Resilient City Expo for their exceptional work and warm hospitality. We extend our gratitude to Mark LaCour from OGGN for graciously hosting us in their podcast lounge. We express our sincere thanks to our dedicated listeners, followers, guests, and our sponsor, UTSI International. Your support is truly appreciated. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Catching Up with Chris Whittaker at the Disasters and Resilient City Expos appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    9 min

  8. NOV 10

    TerraCycle's Innovative Recycling Mission

    Tom Szaky, the Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, joined Mike Nemer for a podcast discussion about recycling on episode 305 of The Green Insider. They discussed TerraCycle’s mission to recycle items that are typically not recyclable, with Tom explaining that their offices are constructed from waste materials like soda bottles and old doors. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion between Mike Nemer and TerraCycle’s founder, Tom Szaky: 1. TerraCycle’s Core Mission The company’s primary goal is to “recycle the non-recyclable.” They focus on waste streams that local municipal recycling systems typically do not accept, such as cigarette butts, dirty diapers, chewing gum, wetsuits, and writing instruments. 2. The Recycling Challenge: Economics vs. Technology Tom Szaky explained that the main barrier to recycling isn’t technology—he states that all objects are technically recyclable. The real challenge is economic feasibility. Most waste is not profitable to recycle because the cost of collecting and processing it is higher than the value of the materials recovered. 3. Global Operations & History Origin: Tom Szaky started TerraCycle in his college dorm room 25 years ago. Global Reach: The company now operates in 20 countries and offers recycling solutions for over 400 different waste streams. Milestone: In the U.S., they are close to recycling their one-billionth cigarette butt. 4. Business Model & Recycling Programs TerraCycle operates two main types of recycling programs: Free Programs: These are funded by manufacturers and retailers, allowing consumers to recycle specific products (like writing instruments) at no cost. Paid Solutions: For waste streams not covered by free programs, TerraCycle offers paid recycling options. 5. Specific Recycling Processes Tom detailed the processes for several waste streams: Writing Instruments (Pens): Collected from schools and businesses. They are shredded, the ink darkens the plastic, and metal components are separated. The plastic fraction is processed into new polymers sold to manufacturers (e.g., in the automotive and construction industries). Tom noted that Pilot in Japan successfully creates new pens from recycled ones. Dirty Diapers: Collected from sources like nurseries and elderly care facilities. Cigarette Butts: Collected from urban areas and specific venues. 6. Future Plans Tom mentioned that TerraCycle is focused on growth, including: Recent and future acquisitions in the U.S. Expansion of their “reuse” platform in Europe. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post TerraCycle’s Innovative Recycling Mission appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    21 min
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The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE focuses on one of the most exciting and important aspects of the world economy and arguably the key to Earth’s future and survival – Sustainability. Each week, Mike Nemer talk with the leaders and disruptors pacing The Energy Transition and are changing the way the world gets its energy and resources.

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