Less Talk, More Action

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.