Cement is everywhere – from the buildings we live in to the roads we travel on – but it’s also one of the world’s biggest sources of CO₂ emissions.

In this episode of the Tech for Climate Action Podcast, Ralph Cochrane speaks with Rob van der Meer of Cement Europe to uncover how the industry is tackling its carbon footprint.

🎙️ Discover:

• Why cement is essential for modern life

• The five “C’s” of reducing CO₂ in production and construction

• Innovations in carbon capture, alternative fuels, and new materials

• The challenge of scaling low-carbon solutions to millions of tons

• How governments, policy makers, and procurement can accelerate change

If you care about construction, sustainability, or how Europe is driving industrial climate action, this episode is a must-listen.

How do you design a battery system so you can store enough electricity to power a small city?

Canadian company Hydrostor are already doing it. In this episode Ralph Cochrane interviews Jon Norman, President of Hyrdostor.

Learn about the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, the evolution of energy storage technology, and Hydrostor's pioneering use of advanced compressed air energy storage in the USA, Canada and Australia.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of sustainable energy and the role of innovative storage solutions in shaping a cleaner, more reliable grid.

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Join us on the Tech for Climate Action Podcast as we chat with Mary de Wysoki, Cisco's Chief Sustainability Officer, in Washington DC. Mary discusses her role and strategy for embedding sustainability across all functions at Cisco. 

Key topics include decarbonizing business practices, fostering product circularity, and the challenges of diverse global policies. Discover how AI, cybersecurity, and IoT are shaping Cisco’s sustainable future. Plus, gain insights into how organizations can start their journey towards tech-enabled sustainability. Tune in to learn how Cisco leverages technology to create a more inclusive and resilient future.

In this episode of the Tech for Climate Action podcast, we delve into the world of water sustainability with Hans Jurgen Kalmbach from Hansgrohe. Hansgrohe, a leader in premium bathroom and kitchen products, has been at the forefront of water conservation and climate change initiatives since the 1990s. Hans Jurgen shares insights into the company's innovative solutions that redefine daily rituals in the bathroom and kitchen, focusing on reducing water and energy consumption without compromising on user experience. From pioneering products like the Mistral Eco hand shower to the development of greywater recycling systems, Hansgrohe's commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its DNA, driven by a legacy of innovation and responsibility towards the environment.

Hans Jurgen discusses the company's approach to embracing the circular economy, reducing carbon emissions, and eliminating fossil fuels in their production processes. He highlights the importance of collaboration with policymakers and industry leaders to promote water resilience and energy-efficient products. The episode also explores Hansgrohe's vision for the future of bathroom culture, aiming to drastically reduce water usage while enhancing user experience. As the company continues to innovate, Hansgrohe sets an example for integrating sustainability into business strategy, proving that environmental responsibility can also be a competitive advantage.

With over 100 events and 1000 attendees, the first ever D.C. Climate Week in Washington D.C. promises to be a hugely impactful event, bringing together like minded people and showcasing some of the latest thinking and innovation. 

Ralph Cochrane interviews co-organisers C'pher Gresham & Vid Micevic

- Ralph Cochrane

https://serve.podhome.fm/tech-for-climate-action

Can we decarbonise quicker without spending anything?
Just by using the energy grid in a more flexible way? 

The EU has an ambitious target that by 2030 renewable energy will account for 45% of our energy needs. Could this be a potential solution? Ralph Cochrane talks to Sympower's CEO & Founder Simon Bushell to find out more. 

Host: Ralph Cochrane
Produced by: event.video

The City of Stockholm is leading the way in sustainability with a net positive carbon impact. In this special edition of the Tech for Climate Action Podcast, we're live from the Coffee Lounge at the Tech for Climate event in Brussels. Join us as we sit down with Karin Ekdahl Wästberg, Director of Innovation from the city of Stockholm. Karen discusses her varied role in supporting 47 different administrations and companies in Stockholm, managing projects that range in scope and scale. She provides insights into major initiatives like the 10-year project to rebuild a central lock in the city and details the importance of collaboration with academia and the business sector. Karen highlights Stockholm's journey to sustainability, touching on significant achievements such as winning the Smart City Award and implementing a zero-emission zone. The episode delves into the importance of changing behaviors, leveraging digital technology, and making sustainable choices easy for citizens. Tune in to learn about Stockholm’s ambitious goal to not just become climate neutral but climate positive and their innovative approaches to achieving it. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation on how tech and innovation are driving climate action in

Ralph Cochrane interviews Ilias Iakovidis who is a special adviser within the European Commission (DG Connect) working on the nexus of  digital and green transitions. We discuss:

• The Digital Product Passport
• The Real Net Impact of Digitalisation
• The Circular Economy
• Why the environment is as important as the economy

Host: Ralph Cochrane
Produced by: event.video

Istvan Ujhelyi was an MEP From 2014-2024 and a leading figure within the European Parliament working within the Environment, Transport and Tourism committees. Twice voted special representative of the year he has recently created a think tank focused on helping business work with the EU institutions. 

Ralph Cochrane (host) interviews Istvan about what's next for the EU Green Deal as well as his views on policies that are working and technologies that can help fight climate change. 

Host: Ralph Cochrane
Produced by: event.video