Sustainability SmartPod

Shannon Thomas Carroll, AVP of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T, joins the show to outline some of the numerous sustainability initiatives underway at the telecommunications giant.  Obviously, AT&T has a massive infrastructure footprint and a huge fleet of vehicles, but as Shannon explains, the company's efforts to enhance sustainability and resiliency stretch far beyond its own operations. For example, AT&T is partnering with FEMA and Argonne National Laboratory to help communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Through its Connected Climate Initiative, AT&T is collaborating with other organizations on a mission to eliminate a gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2035. Just like AT&T's expansive network. Shannon covers a lot of ground in this interview. Get ready to learn a lot about how AT&T is tackling sustainability.

Key highlights

Overview of AT&T's climate and sustainability goals - (2:54)
What is the biggiest piece of AT&T's carbon footprint? - (5:27)
Key steps to making early progress on Scope 1-3 goals -  (7:02)
Examples of AT&T helping large organizations increase their sustainability - (10:51)
How AT&T manages its infrastructure with an eye on sustainability - (12:24)
AT&T's role in disaster preparedness and resiliency - (16:01)
Progess report on AT&T's own sustainability goals - (18:28)
Data-driven partnership on reducing landfill waste - (20:32)
Lessons learend that can be shared across industries - (23:42)
The biggest sustainability challenge on Shannon's mind - (28:41)


More resources

Learn more about AT&T's sustainability efforts
AT&T's Connected Climate Initiative
AT&T, FEMA and Argonne National Laboratory collaborate on ClimRR

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As Evan notes in this episode, data is the linchpin of corporate sustainability. So we are gonna spend a lot of time talking about data; including how companies like Amazon and FedEx gather and disseminate sustainability data.

And to help us sort out the complexitiy of all that data, John Mennel,  Managing Director in Deloitte’s Sustainability, Climate & Equity practice, joins the show (18:44) to share his insights on current corporate sustainability trends. John also details some of the technology- and analytics-enabled tools Deloitte has developed -- including GreenLight Solution, GreenSpace Tech and ClearCarbon -- to help companies and investors design and implement decarbonization plans, commercialize abatements and better understand climate-related risks.

Show segments

Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:58)
Amazon's HQ2 make some bold sustainability claims

Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (12:05)
FedEx offers emissions tracking tool
Climate change reducing omega-3 content of ocean fish
Dutch city tackles litter with fleet of mini EVs

Highlights from John Mennel - (18:44)

Deloitte's centralized position in the sustainability landscape - (18:58)
Things organization need to remember when establishing net-zero goals - (20:21)
Do we live in a world with too much data? Or not enough? - (22:04)
Which data needs to be prioritized: Compliance vs Business improvement vs Business transformation - (23:50)
The challenges of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 reporting standards - (27:04)
Using data to navigate the intersection of stakeholders and regulators - (29:39)
Talent as a key stakeholder - Deloitte's Gen Z and Millenial Survey (32:07)
The basics of GreenLight Solution - (34:55)
How GreenSpace Tech propels innovation - (37:46)
The ClearCarbon tool for the food sector - (41:10)
How the field of sustainability has evolved over the years - (42:38)
John's bold predictions about the future of sustainability - (44:51)

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This episode is sponsored by the Circulen family of sustainable solutions from LyondellBasell. Visit LyondellBasell.com/Circulen to learn more.

The Sustainabilty SmartPod gang is doing something different and bringing you a themed episode. Today we're going to focus on plastics, recycling, and the circular economy. From wind turbines and solar panels to 3D printing and executive education, all of today's segments will touch on at least one of those topics, if not all three. And after the four of us do our usual roundtable discussion, we will also be welcoming in two different guests.

Roman Smith, Director of Global Environmental Sustainability and Social Innovation from AT&T, joins the show (25:07) to talk about an AI-powered recycling tool AT&T has deployed at its headquarters in Dallas. 

Dan Coughlin, Senior Staff and Leader of Industrial Collaborations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will also join the show (31:32) to delve into how the government is working hand in hand with industry and leveraging technologies like 3D printing to create more sustainable manufacturing materials for industries like aviation, wind energy, housing and more.

Show Segments

Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:54)
The recycling/repurposing conundrum surrounding wind turbines and solar panels

Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (8:29)
Smart bin will automatically track food waste
Investors urge CPG firms to speed plastic reduction
Execs seek courses to fill sustainability knowledge gaps

Here and There - (18:30)
How The Philippines is using AI to monitor its plastics trash

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In the quickservice restaurant industry, Wendy's is known as the 'Queen of QSR.' But as Wendy's continues to serve up tasty burgers and yummy Frostys, the company is also working to be the Queen of ESG. Guiding the company's efforts on that front is Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Liliana Esposito. Esposito joins the show (21:41) to outline the details of 'Good Done Right' - which is the name Wendy's has given to its ESG strategy. Esposito also offers insights from Wendy's 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report, shares her experience establishing the company's Science-Based Target goals and details numerous other sustainability efforts Wendy's has embraced.

Show Segments

Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:45)
Should whales be monetized as carbon offsets?

Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (8:11)
The 'Cardboard washing'  of consumer products
Creating bioplastic pellets from seaweed
Is 'Sustainable Fashion' just a trend?

Here and There  - (15:28)
Copenhagen leads the way on sustainable fashion shows

Highlights from Liliana Esposito

The origins of 'Good Done Right' - (22:10)
Highlights from 2022 Corporate Responsibility report - (23:20)
Responsible food sourcing - (27:47)
Sustainability as a factor in food safety - (29:10)
How sustainability shapes menu innovation - (30:44)
Responsible packaging - (31:52)
Science-Based Targets - (34:55)
Wendy's environmental footprint - (38:43)
New 'Global Next Gen' restaurant design - (40:12)
Partnering with Duke Energy Florida on community solar power - (42:09)
Tying executive compensation to ESG performance - (43:22)
Liliana's bold predictions - (47:27)

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Countless items we use and consume in our everyday lives have a foundation in chemistry. Charles Franklin, the Senior Director for Energy, Climate and the Environment at the American Chemistry Council, joins the show (21:19) to discuss the role the business of chemistry plays not just in sustainability, but also the overall economy.  Franklin also shares insights from a paper the ACC recently released that highights the many ways natural gas can -- and already is -- playing a crucial role in the energy transition, including in areas like wind and solar energy and electric vehicles. Franklin also explains how natural gas will play a big part in the expansion of hydrogen as an energy source.

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ACC Paper: Natural Gas Supports US Competitiveness and Lower GHGs

 Show Segments

Sustainable or Suspicious - (2:23)
What to make of Weyerhaeuser's claims about being an environmental do-gooder

Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (10:45)
Starbucks expands its sustainability program to more stores
Does a carbon take-back obligation make sense?
Nuclear impacts environment less than other clean energy

Here and There - (17:20)
Global Citizen Award Winner Ineza Umuhoza Grace from Rwanda

Highlights from Charles Franklin

The work of the American Chemistry Council - (21:19)
The role natrual gas plays in the economy - (23:54)
How natural gas helps lower emissions - (25:27)
The role of natural gas in a hydrogen future - (29:07)
The key theme's of ACC's recent paper - (32:07)
The promise and potential of hydrogen hubs - (34:30) 

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If you've flown on American Airlines recently, there's a chance your plane was fueled by a small amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Jill Blickstein, Vice President of Sustainability at American Airlines, joins the show (18:27) to talk about the latest advancements in SAF, fleet upgrades the airline has made to enhance its sustainability and an AI-enabled system called 'Smart Gating' that conserves fuel and saves time for travelers.  American Airlines is undertaking numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. As Jill explains, many of those efforts come in places passengers might not notice, but certainly lead to more sustainable air travel.

Highlights from Jill Blickstein

Update on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) - (20:10)
American Airlines' goals for SAF usage - (23:56)
Using SAF to attract business travelers - (26:36)
Creating a SAF certificate for all travelers - (30:22)
The potential for zero-emission hydrogen-electric aircraft - (30:47)
Partnering with the Bill Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy Catalyst - (33:24)
Other sustainability initiatives at American Airlines - (35:10)
'Smart Gating' - (39:47)
Powering operations with renewable energy - (42:20)
Validation from the Science-Based Targets initiative - (43:02)

Other Show Segments

Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:54)
E-liability

Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (6:53)
Sustainable precast concrete products made with locally sourced recycled materials
Comcast boosts its energy efficiency
Electrifying roads to cure electric vehicle 'range anxiety'

Here and There - (13:04)
3 ways to make data centers more sustainable

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Matt Ferrell joins the show to outline various ways everyday people can embrace cost-saving strategies that also make their homes more resilient and more sustainable.

Matt is the creator of Undecided with Matt Ferrell, where he has amassed more than one million subscribers on YouTube by applying his technology-focused eye to all things sustainability. Matt is also the co-host of the Still To Be Determined podcast. He tests smart and sustainable technology solutions and often offers advice to viewers and listeners who seek advice on making decisions about which solutions are best for their home.

Matt touches on batteries, solar panels, weatherization and the future of home sustainability tech, so we think you’ll appreciate hearing what he has to say.

Segments

Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:58)
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (13:44)
Corporate Sustainability Becomes a Team Sport
Green Product Claims Face Growing Consumer Scrutiny
Beavers to return to London as part of urban rewilding

Here and There - (17:05)
Efforts underway to make Ramadan more sustainable

Key highlights from Matt Ferrell

(22:08) - The most common questions from consumers
(23:12) - The Do's and Don'ts when it comes to installing solar
(27:48) - The Do's and Don'ts when it comes to installing batteries
(31:45) - How to prioritize energy efficiency needs
(34:37) - The low-hanging fruit when it comes to energy efficiency solutions
(37:12) - How the Inflation Reduction Act impacts consumers
(39:58) - The role of Community Solar
(41:14) - Exciting tech of the future: Flow batteries for homes
(43:11) - Matt's bold predictions
(44:29) - Matt's take on the future of EV charging

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Get ready to hear a whole lot about poop. Cow poop to be precise. John Hanselman, the founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Vanguard Renewables, joins the show (15:52) to talk about the work he and his colleagues collaborate with farmers to make the agriculture sector more sustainable. They do this by building anaerobic digesters that take food waste, and yes, cow manure and turn it into products like natural gas, fertilizer, bedding for cows and cash for farmers.

Other segments

"Sustainable or Suspicious" -   (1:13)

The team looks into an effort underway to reduce the carbon footprint of websites. We gauge a few popular websites like Google, Microsoft and Apple ... and then take a very disappointing look in the mirror.

"Headline Check" - (18:25)

1. PwC and Workiva survey shows business leaders taking proactive approach to climate disclosure, regardless of SEC timeline
2. IKEA's Latest Climate Target: Glue
3. United Airlines and Sesame Street partner on green education campaign

"Here and There" - (12:40)

Singapore stands out for sustainable tourism

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From electric bikes, cars and trucks to air travel and shipping, sustainability is influencing how people and things get from Point A to Point B. Frank Menchaca, the founder and president of the Sustainable Mobility Solutions initiaitive at SAE International, joins the show (18:42) to discuss the work the transportation sector is doing to develop more sustainable technologies and operating models.

Other segments:

"Sustainable or Suspicious" - (2:04)
The Sustainability SmartPod team dissects the list of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies recently released by Corporate Knights.

"Headline Check" - (9:30)
Karen Kantor recaps interesting stories from SmartBrief on Sustainability.

"Here and There" - (13:33)
Jaan vanValkenburgh outlines innovative sustainability solutions being deployed in the United Arab Emirates.   

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Sustainability has become a huge part of everyday business. So much so that organizations far and wide are revolutionizing the way they operate. But amid all the hype around sustainability, it’s easy to lose sight of the difference between talking the talk… and walking the walk.

This podcast will focus on the people who are walking the walk. The team of content experts from SmartBrief, including Karen Kantor, Evan Milberg, Jaan Van Valkenbergh, will dissect the latest sustainability news and trends to help you separate the signal from the noise 

This podcast isn’t specific to any particular industry.  Different industries face similar sustainability challenges, so we’ve got guests lined up from an array of organizations. These are leaders who are tackling some of the most complex sustainability challenges head-on. After all, many of the technologies and strategies that they are deploying can be applied to multiple industries, so why not hear insights from experts who know what it takes to turn all those bold sustainability promises and predictions into reality. 

If you are looking to get smarter about sustainability by listening to a fun and informative podcast that focuses specifically on the people, technologies and trends that are creating a more sustainable society for all of us  … this is it.

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