Less Talk, More Action

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel welcomes Matthew Knoll, Co-founder and CTO of Quilt. Matthew shares Quilt’s mission to accelerate home electrification through innovative, user-friendly heat pump technology. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional HVAC systems, the benefits of ductless mini splits, and how Quilt’s vertically integrated approach improves design, efficiency, and user experience. Listeners will learn about the economic and environmental advantages of switching to smarter, more sustainable home heating and cooling solutions, as well as the broader impact of technology and market forces on the future of clean energy. Don’t miss this great conversation!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introduction and Joel’s Personal Connection to Quilt (0:45)
• Guest Introduction: Matthew Knoll (3:04)
• Why Heat Pumps? Founding Quilt (5:57)
• What is a Quilt? Ductless Mini Splits Explained (9:12)
• Problems with Existing Mini Splits & Quilt’s Design Approach (10:21)
• Designing for the US Market (14:34)
• Software, Upgrades, and Occupancy Sensing (17:54)
• User Experience: App, Controls, and Demand Response (20:41)
• Room-by-Room Control and Learning (21:19)
• Cost, Installation, and Consumer Experience (22:28)
• Geographic Expansion: Where is the Quilt Available? (26:25)
• Comfort and Room-by-Room Benefits (30:19)
• Hope for the Future: Economics of Clean Tech (33:39)
• Connecting with Quilt and Parting Thoughts (35:04)

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 author and consultant Alex Kruzel to explore the shifting landscape of corporate sustainability. The conversation covers the challenges of effective messaging, the growing influence of regulation and compliance, and the potential for sustainability to align with national security and economic interests. Alex shares insights from her book, "The Courage to Continue," and discusses the need for actionable, value-driven solutions in the business world. Key takeaways include the importance of reframing sustainability for broader appeal, the role of regulation in driving change, reasons for optimism in global efforts, particularly in China and India, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• What's in the News: Decarbonization Debate (2:01)
• Permitting, Regulation, and Marketing Challenges (3:13)
• Messaging: Money, Nature, and Overeducation (5:05)
• Welcoming Alex to the Show (7:43)
• Polarization & Public Sentiment (9:39)
• Book Background & Corporate Sustainability Critique (10:36)
• Shift from Conservation to Carbon Emissions (13:16)
• AI, Quantum, and National Security (15:02)
• Corporate Sustainability: Marketing or Substance? (17:10)
• Supply Chain, Compliance, and ESG Reporting (18:54)
• Voluntary Commitments vs. Compliance (21:35)
• Skills Crisis in Corporate Sustainability (23:02)
• National Security Framing for Sustainability (26:07)
• Long-Term Thinking & Political Challenges (27:04)
• Book Deep Dive: The Courage to Continue (29:29)
• Future of Net Zero & Regulatory Drivers (34:42)
• Board-Level Challenges & Literacy (38:14)
• Hope for the Future: Global Progress (44:14)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (45:22)

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 fly solo as they dive into the evolving landscape of sustainability, discussing Formula 1’s ambitious net zero goals, the debate between real and “fake” net zero, and the growing fatigue around ESG reporting in commercial real estate. They share insights from a recent industry conference, explore the impact of rising energy costs, and consider the future of renewable energy in light of new policies and market shifts. Key takeaways include the importance of focusing on direct emissions reductions, the need for credible sustainability frameworks, reasons for optimism as the industry adapts to new challenges and opportunities, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Welcome to the Episode and Listener Feedback (1:15)
• Introducing Gus Bartholomew & F1’s Net Zero Commitment (2:33)
• Debate: Real vs. Fake Net Zero (4:41)
• Industry Trends: Net Zero Regressions & Focus (6:38)
• F1’s Emissions Reductions & Sustainable Fuels (8:07)
• Sustainable Fuels: Lifecycle & Broader Implications (9:06)
• Conference Recap: ESG & Decarbonizing Real Estate Forum (11:14)
• Energy Costs Becoming Material in Real Estate (15:14)
• Energy Efficiency Retrofits as an Asset Class (17:25)
• Potential Boom for Energy Efficiency & Solar (19:45)
• Optimism for the Future of Clean Energy (23:17)
• Political Implications & All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy (24:31)
• Reasons for Hope in Sustainability and Parting Thoughts (25:53)

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 Aaron Tartakovsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, exploring innovative water reuse technologies. Aaron shares how his company transforms building wastewater into valuable resources, recycling water for non-drinking purposes, and even creating beer and whiskey from treated water. The conversation delves into the challenges of water infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of making sustainability both economically viable and engaging. Key takeaways include the potential for decentralized water systems, the need to view wastewater as a resource, and the power of creative marketing in driving climate innovation. Aaron's approach demonstrates that sustainable solutions can be both impactful and fun, offering hope for addressing water scarcity and environmental challenges. You won’t want to miss this conversation.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Conference Preview & Critique Game (1:15)
• GP/LP Dynamics in ESG Investing (3:18)
• Decarbonization Strategies for Tenant-Controlled Buildings (7:08)
• Green Lease Skepticism & Multifamily Decarbonization (8:58)
• Introducing Aaron Tartakovsky & Epic Cleantec (12:19)
• Why Water Matters in Climate Tech (14:50)
• Regulatory Challenges in Water Innovation (17:18)
• Epic Cleantec’s Approach & Technology (20:44)
• Retrofitting vs. New Construction for Water Reuse (25:29)
• Progress in Water Reuse Regulation (27:44)
• Drivers for Water Reuse Beyond Scarcity (30:57)
• Barriers to Scaling Water Reuse (34:01)
• Is Water Too Cheap? (36:12)
• Beer & Whiskey from Recycled Water (38:37)
• Marketing, Humor, and Toilet Talk (43:27)
• What Gives You Hope? (47:23)
• Connecting with Epic Cleantech and Parting Thoughts (49:04)

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 James Ball, Director of the Future Cities Initiative at the National Building Museum. The conversation explores the need for a radical reimagining of urban development, moving beyond individual building approaches to a holistic city-level perspective. James challenges current sustainability narratives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, diverse perspectives, and creating an optimistic vision for urban transformation. Key takeaways include the necessity of breaking out of existing regulatory and design constraints, the power of including multiple stakeholders in urban planning, and the potential for innovative solutions that make sustainable design more appealing and accessible. The episode underscores the importance of hope, creativity, and collective action in addressing climate change and urban challenges. Don’t miss this great conversation!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Reflections on James Ball & National Building Museum (1:22)
• Segment: Owen and Joel Play Climate Skeptics (2:12)
• Debate on Climate Predictions and Communication (4:21)
• Welcoming James to the Show (7:38)
• What is the National Building Museum? (10:16)
• Cities vs. Buildings: The Right Scale for Change (14:46)
• Rethinking Messaging and Community Engagement (16:11)
• Design, Aesthetics, and the Loss of Urban Character (18:20)
• Emerging Community Models & Rethinking Development (23:32)
• Who Is Responsible for Change? (25:35)
• Unlocking Innovation: Prefab, Financing, and Systemic Barriers (28:18)
• Entrepreneurial Ideas: Biophilia and Interior Insulation (31:23)
• Living Building Challenge & Community Inspiration (35:24)
• Hope, Community, and Personal Resilience (40:37)
• Connecting with James and Parting Thoughts (42:07)

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.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Josh Dorfman’s Background and Journey (1:14)
• Solar Corner with Owen: Solar Industry Challenges (2:20)
• Solar Industry Outlook and “Solar Coaster” (5:11)
• Tax Credit Phase-Out Timeline (7:27)
• Josh’s Approach to Climate Solutions (9:56)
• Food Waste Entrepreneurship Stories (12:33)
• Supercool Media Brand Structure (15:26)
• Challenges of Selling to Multifamily Owners (18:37)
• Communicating Climate Solutions Effectively (21:32)
• Selling Outcomes, Not Features (28:08)
• Building Planted: Sustainable Materials Startup (33:01)
• Serendipity and Startup Lessons (38:08)
• Building a New Supply Chain (43:04)
• Optimism: Hope for the Future (46:34)
• Connecting with Josh and Parting Thoughts (48:38)

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 Becca Timms, Founding Principal at Ultreia Advisory, as they dissect the current state of sustainability and ESG reporting. The conversation explores critical industry challenges, including the over-reliance on complex reporting frameworks and the need for more practical, business-focused approaches to environmental impact. Becca shares insights from her 12-year career, advocating for aligning sustainability efforts with financial goals and breaking down organizational silos. Key discussions include the potential of marine protected areas as an alternative to traditional carbon reduction strategies, the importance of data management, and the need for more flexible, results-driven sustainability initiatives. The episode offers a candid, provocative look at how companies can create meaningful environmental change while maintaining business performance. Don’t miss it!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• The Focus on Sustainability and ESG Real-Estate (1:49)
• Marine Protected Areas Concept (4:54)
• Discussion on Ocean Conservation (6:45)
• Introduction of Becca Timms (9:00)
• Becca's Career Background (10:06)
• Early Career and Sustainability Journey (12:16)
• ESG Industry Evolution (14:12)
• Challenges in Sustainability Reporting (16:38)
• Data Management and Reporting Difficulties (19:39)
• Industry Reporting Challenges (24:54)
• Sales and Solution Pitching Strategies (26:16)
• Matchmaking in Sustainability (34:42)
• Technology and Data in Sustainability (38:40)
• Conference and Industry Networking Ideas (44:34)
• Optimism for Sustainability Future (46:48)
• Connecting with Becca and Parting Thoughts (47:53)

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.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Making a Bet: Building Performance Standards (1:55)
• Impact of BPS/BIPs on Real Estate Investment (5:02)
• Wager on BPS/BIPs Enforcement (8:06)
• Guest Introduction: Thomas Stanchart (9:02)
• Thomas’s Entry into Stoneweg US & ESG (12:23)
• Incremental Approach to Sustainability Investments (16:06)
• Engaging Leadership in ESG (17:45)
• Reporting vs. Action in ESG (22:10)
• Challenges of Forward-Looking ESG Reporting (25:46)
• Energy Economics & Real Estate (30:29)
• Transition to Low-Carbon Economy (33:59)
• Practical Steps for Biodiversity (36:28)
• Technology & Engagement in Biodiversity (39:04)
• AI Tools for Storytelling & Engagement (43:12)
• Optimism for the Future (46:42)
• Connecting with Thomas and Parting Thoughts (49:23)

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.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Positive Trend Segment (1:37)
• Jack’s Background & C.Scale Mission (4:08)
• Challenges in Architectural Decision-Making (8:00)
• Role of Software in Decarbonization (10:13)
• Jack’s Career Journey (13:08)
• Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) & Building Design (17:42)
• Integrating Financial Data & Cost-Carbon Tradeoffs (23:58)
• Material Choices & Embodied Carbon (26:03)
• Scope of Analysis in Retrofits & New Builds (31:09)
• Supply Chain Decarbonization & Market Signals (36:39)
• C.Scale’s North Star & Future Vision (00:39:49)
• Connecting with C.Scale and Parting Thoughts (43:17)

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 sustainability expert and Chief Action Designer at Hello World Labs, Katie Patrick. During the conversation, Katie challenges traditional approaches to environmental action by emphasizing behavior design over education. She discusses innovative strategies for motivating people to engage with sustainability, including gamification, social comparison, and leveraging human psychology. Key takeaways include the importance of creating actionable, inspiring approaches to climate change, the need to view sustainability as a creative art form, and the power of making environmental action engaging and sexy. Katie also shares insights from her work with children's environmental education and corporate sustainability, advocating for bold, creative solutions that move beyond mere awareness to tangible impact. The conversation underscores the critical need for more dynamic, human-centered approaches to addressing environmental challenges. Don’t miss it! 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Discussion on Sustainability Communication (1:27)
• Shark Tank Segment Introduction (2:14)
• Entrepreneurship Risks (5:02)
• Katie Patrick's Introduction (9:08)
• Cultural Differences in Sustainability (11:59)
• Hands-on Sustainability Practices (14:25)
• Gamification and Climate Action (17:15)
• Five Mechanisms to Motivate Action (20:19)
• The Role of Group Identity (22:32)
• The Crowd Out Effect (24:29)
• Social Influence in Sustainability (26:24)
• The Importance of Feedback Loops (31:04)
• The Need for Real-Time Carbon Disclosure (33:04)
• Comparative Rankings in Sustainability (35:02)
• Imagining Eco Cities (39:50)
• Importance of Early Education (41:18)
• Creative Medium for Sustainability (44:25)
• Challenges of Real-World Change (47:30)
• Confidence in Advocacy (50:22)
• Connecting with Katie Online and Parting Thoughts (54:30)

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.