Welcome to The Down Low with Joe | Episode 21 | 18/02/25

The Climate Gap is growing—can AI help close it?

Commercial buildings are one of the biggest contributors to energy waste and carbon emissions, yet change has been slow. 20-30% of building energy is wasted, with HVAC being the biggest culprit.

In this episode of The Down Low with Joe, we sit down with Sam Ramadori, former CEO of BrainBox AI (now acquired by Trane Technologies), to discuss how AI is transforming HVAC, energy management, and sustainability at scale.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why buildings waste so much energy and how that impacts the Climate Gap

• How AI can forecast HVAC needs with 99% accuracy

• The role of autonomous building control in lowering emissions

• Why AI is solving the labor shortage—not replacing jobs

• The impact of Trane’s acquisition of BrainBox AI on scaling AI-driven energy efficiency

This isn’t just about cutting costs - it’s about solving the Climate Gap.

📌 Watch now to learn how AI is shaping the future of smart buildings.

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#TheDownLowWithJoe #ClimateGap #ai #energyefficiency #sustainability #hvac #smartbuildings #BrainBoxAI #TraneTechnologies #buildingautomation

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech talent specialist passionate about building industry-defining teams across niche and global enterprises.

In this episode, Lewis speaks to Ben Tacka from Phaidra, a pioneering company deploying AI virtual plant operators to transform industrial facilities. They explore how AI is revolutionizing industrial efficiency, particularly in optimizing cooling systems and reducing energy consumption while maintaining critical stability.

The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI solutions in data centers, and how self-learning, intelligent control systems are shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure.

They also discuss:

• The intersection of AI and sustainable data center operations
• Innovative approaches to reducing energy consumption in computing
• Balancing increasing computing demands with environmental responsibility
• The future landscape of sustainable infrastructure and green technology
• Real-world applications of AI in industrial efficiency
• Strategies for maintaining stability while optimizing energy usage

About Phaidra

Phaidra is revolutionizing the industrial sector with AI-powered control systems that automatically learn, adapt, and improve over time. Founded by experts from Google-Deepmind, Trane, and Johnson Controls, Phaidra transforms static infrastructure in pharmaceutical production, data centers, and district energy facilities into dynamic, resilient operations. Their technology has already achieved impressive results, delivering 40% energy savings at Google's data centers, and they're rapidly expanding their AI solutions to other industrial applications.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, visit: https://lnkd.in/ehykVybJ

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech talent specialist passionate about building industry-defining teams across niche and global enterprises.

In this episode, Lewis speaks to Eric Lee, Senior Vice President at Aligned Climate Capital, about investing in the clean energy transition. They talk about Eric's background in sustainability and impact investing, as well as Aligned Climate Capital's unique approach to funding both early-stage companies and large-scale clean energy projects.

The episode looks into the importance of prioritizing proven technology, the role of education in driving the clean energy transition, and how Aligned Climate Capital is making a difference through investments in companies like Boxpower, which provides microgrid solutions for utilities.

They also discuss:

• The concept of a "just climate transition" and how Aligned Climate Capital focuses on investments that benefit low-income communities.
• The critical need for skilled technicians in the clean energy sector and how programs like ChargerHelp's partnership with local community colleges are addressing this need.
• The challenges and opportunities in the climate tech investment landscape, including the lack of public market comparisons and the growing interest from investors.
• The future of the clean energy industry, with a focus on nature-based solutions and offshore wind energy.

About Aligned Climate Capital

Aligned Climate Capital is a leading investment firm dedicated to decarbonizing the global economy. They invest in innovative people, businesses, and infrastructure projects that are driving the transition to a more sustainable future. With a focus on generating strong financial returns alongside meaningful environmental and social impact, Aligned brings together expertise in finance, technology, and public policy to identify and support the most promising opportunities in the clean energy sector.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech talent specialist passionate about building industry-defining teams across niche and global enterprises.

In this episode, Lewis speaks to Bas Van Den Brande, Country Manager Germany at Carbon Equity, an investment firm looking to create serious sustainable and environmental impact with their funding. They discuss the excitement around the European landscape of climate tech investing right now, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and market dynamics bringing the market to the forefront of industry conversations.

The episode delves into the background of Carbon Equity as a business, and its unique approach as an investment platform, as well as the differences between the US and European markets in terms of climate tech innovation and investment, an why they matter.

They also discuss:

• Challenges and opportunities within the European climate tech investing landscape.
• Carbon Equity's alternative investment platform that allows smaller investors to participate in climate venture capital and private equity funds.
• The difference between the US and European markets in terms of climate tech innovation, investment, and regulatory landscapes.
• Renewable energy, energy storage, and grid capacity as key areas receiving significant investment in the climate tech space.
• Valuations becoming more reasonable and a growing focus on M&A activity.
• International expansion and strategic growth as key drivers for climate tech companies, with a focus on global adoption and impact.
• How to find opportunities in venture capital, business development, sales, and legal roles.

About Carbon Equity

Launched in 2021, Carbon Equity aims to democratize climate investing. Their platform allows individuals to invest in climate technologies across a range of portfolio funds. Each fund is a curated collection of private equity and venture capital funds, some which focus on a single sector or phase while others are opportunistic generalists, but they are all focused on creating climate impact and attractive returns. Their platform unlocks a traditionally exclusive asset class typically reserved for institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Carbon Equity empowers individuals to support world-changing climate solutions and the founders behind them.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech talent specialist passionate about building industry-defining teams across niche and global enterprises.

In this episode, Lewis speaks to Mike Wallace, Chief Decarbonization Officer at Persefoni AI, about the importance of transparency in climate action and carbon accounting. Persefoni is changing the game for carbon management, using AI and automation to analyse scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon footprints for businesses of all sizes and complexities.

The discussion covers measuring and managing carbon emissions, the regulatory developments in different countries, and the growing demand for carbon accounting in supply chains, as well as the reality of taking on the role of the Chief Decarbonization Officer and the challenges and opportunities in the field.

They also discuss:

• Why transparency is crucial for climate action.
• How carbon accounting plays a vital role in measuring and managing carbon emissions.
• Regulatory developments around the world driving the need for companies to understand and report carbon footprints.
• The demand for carbon accounting within supply chains.
• The reality of revolutionizing the market with new tech.
• Compliance and regulations as a significant role in carbon accounting, and the importance of accurate reporting.
• The future of carbon accounting, including automation, satellite technology, sensor technology, and nature-based solutions.

Plus, we discuss Mike's advice for starting a career in climate as someone with an impressive history in the space.

About Persefoni:

Persefoni's platform uses a range of technologies to track and measure carbon emissions, including its own integrated AI platform for anomaly detection and on-demand technical carbon accounting support. Supporting companies to replicate their organizational structure and gather data on carbon emissions from different sources, includes key factors such as buildings and travel.

It integrates with expense systems to pull in travel data and has a proprietary CO2 activity ledger for tracking emissions at a granular level. Adaptable for global usage, considering regional differences in units and calculations, this tool really is the future of carbon accounting, encompassing automation, satellite and sensor technology, and nature-based solutions.

The Persefoni Academy aims to democratise carbon accounting by enabling everyone with the education necessary to be successful on their net zero journeys, with a library of lessons covering everything from carbon footprint and climate risks to and decarbonization to support the need for upskilling and education to reach a truly sustainable future.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech & talent specialist building industry-defining teams and solutions across niche and global enterprises.

In this conversation, Lewis speaks with Maria Atkinson and Nikhil Choudhary from Nirman Ventures, about just why the VC landscape in Climate Tech is thriving right now and their investment strategy, which focuses on early-stage startups in the construction and clean tech industries.

Maria is an experienced and internationally recognised sustainability strategist with credentials gained in corporate, not-for-profit, government and professional organisations. Nikhil is the founder and former CEO of Zenith Engineers, an AECM firm that was ranked as the #1 fastest growing design company in America by Inc 5000 in 2019. He scaled the company by over 100% year over year without any external funding, and remains an active board member and shareholder. Now, they are partners in Nirman Ventures, a Silicon Valley based venture capital firm that invests in technologies shaping the future of construction.

The pair emphasise the importance of sustainability and operational skills in their investment decisions, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by the construction industry, including inefficiencies and the need for innovative solutions.

The discussion space insight into the value of founders with industry experience and the importance of providing support and advice to early-stage startups, as well as the need for chemistry and expertise, and the value of angel investors.

They also explore the current fundraising landscape, including impact of legislation on innovation, and the exciting technologies in construction and clean tech, particularly AI and data analytics and other key trends they're watching right now.

The pair share an insane amount of knowledge and insight from their industry experience, but more importantly, a clear focus on the current opportunities available in the space. If you're a founder or leader, or an innovator seeking your next move, in climate tech, then this is a must-listen to see how truly exciting the industry is right now.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech & talent specialist building industry-defining teams and solutions across a range of niche and global enterprises.

In this conversation, Lewis speaks with Josh Hacker, a climate scientist with an extensive background in research and science management. His experience spans from laboratory to university, but most recently in leading an exciting startup, Jupiter Intelligence, in the journey to fulfil private sector needs for rigorous and reliable information quantifying the costs of climate change on companies and market sectors.

The conversation explores:

• Allowing the economy to start pricing in physical climate risk
• The maturity of climate modelling, cloud computing, and machine learning for risk analysis.
• The level of maturity and challenges for climate risk in the current market.
• Being open to the limitations of current science in regards to climate risk, including data reliability.
• Starting the climate risk management journey early and finding trusted partners.
• Regulatory changes and their material impact on climate risk management.

and loads more!

Josh is a scientific genius and true industry innovator with a very real perspective on the impact we can have today. If you're interested in understanding the future of our market, this is a must-listen.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 A podcast highlighting the leaders and topics fuelling the future for our climate tech industry. Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech & talent specialist responsible for building industry-defining teams and solutions across a range of niche and global enterprises.

In this conversation, Lewis speaks with Paul Maximuk, a senior leader and consultant in the Intelligent Buildings space. Paul has a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry, and is passionate about everything BMS, Controls, Energy Management, Facility Management (FM), Electrical Wiring, Heating, and Contract Management.

The conversation explores:

• Crucial need for accurate occupancy data for optimizing building operations and managing space utilization
• Driving efficiency and sustainability with AI technologies in building operations
• Key challenges including effective data management and integration
• The prominence of ESG and sustainability considerations
• The complexities in the sales process when implementing smart building tech
• Challenges in retrofitting and construction projects for smart building tech
• The challenge posed by a shortage of skilled workers in the industry
• Technology solutions versus hands-on skills
• AR/VR for remote troubleshooting and repairs

and loads more!

Paul is a multi-faceted leader in the smart buildings space, with a truly infectious passion for creating change and facilitating growth for the space. If you're interested in the above topics, you'll be sure to love this conversation.

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Climate Tech Spotlight 💡 A podcast highlighting the leaders and topics fuelling the future for our climate tech industry. Hosted by Lewis Martin, a climate tech & talent specialist responsible for building industry-defining teams and solutions across a range of niche and global enterprises.

In this conversation, Lewis speaks with Ted Atwood, Co-Founder of Carbon Connector with over three decades of experience in refrigerant management. Ted is a master of environmental stewardship, and technology innovation, and has dedicated his career to solving complex industry challenges and advancing sustainability efforts.

The conversation explores:

• The misconceptions and lack of awareness surrounding refrigerants
• How refrigerant emissions contribute to global warming
• The importance of regulations and enforcement in controlling refrigerant emissions
• The power of disclosure and reporting
• The impact of local laws and energy management systems
• The carbon border adjustment mechanism
• The Inflation Reduction Act

and loads more!

Ted is a true expert in his field, and his insights are second to none in this space. Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did!

To speak to Lewis about becoming a guest, or to discuss the topic in more detail, get in touch at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To sign up and hear about the next episode straight to your inbox, click here.

#ClimateTechSpotlight

The Climate Gap is powered by Element Six.

Element Six specializes in addressing talent challenges across the built environment and climate technology sectors. Partnering with technology vendors and solutions providers delivering decarbonization solutions, helping them find the leaders and teams they need to scale.

Decarbonizing the built environment takes bold ideas and brilliant people. Element Six brings them together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.