The Green Stream

What does it really take to build a more sustainable city, and how do we measure progress along the way?In this episode of The Green Stream, Tepfirah Rushdan, director of sustainability for the City of Detroit, sits down with Zahra Seblini, analyst & project manager at the City of Detroit’s Office of Sustainability, and Kendal Kuneman, executive director of the Detroit 2030 District.Together, they break down:• The impact of Detroit’s benchmarking report on the community• Why tracking energy and water use is critical for buildings and developers• Challenges in implementation and how the city is navigating them• Innovative partnerships driving sustainability forward• Practical steps businesses and individuals can take to make a differenceThis conversation is all about turning data into action and building a more sustainable Detroit.🔗 Resources & Links:Detroit 2030 Districthttps://2030districts.org/detroit/Energy & Water Benchmarking Ordinancehttps://detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/office-sustainability/energy/energy-and-water-benchmarking-ordinance2025 Benchmarking Reporthttps://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2026-02/2025_Benchmarking%20Report%20Final_web.pdf#thegreenstream #podcast #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusiness #podcasts #podcasting #sustainability #detroit #greenbuilding #climateaction #urbanplanning #energyefficiency #cityofdetroit #waterconservation #sustainablebusiness #podcast #citydevelopment

On this episode #44 of The Green Stream, a podcast brought to you by SBN Detroit, host Wafa Dinaro, executive director of New Economy Initiative, sits down with Madeline Walker-Miller, CEO of NexTiles.In this conversation, Madeline shares the mission behind NexTiles and how they’re rethinking textile waste through innovative recycling and upcycling solutions. Together, Wafa and Madeline explore Detroit’s growing role as a hub for sustainability-focused startups, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and what meaningful support for early-stage companies really looks like—from access to capital to community-driven impact.The episode also dives into how sustainability startups can measure success beyond profitability, practical ways individuals and businesses can adopt more sustainable practices, and what’s needed to continue building a strong, equitable green economy in Southeast Michigan.

On this episode #43 of The Green Stream, a podcast brought to you by SBN Detroit, host Alissa Sevrioukova (strategy & special projects manager & chief of staff, community engagement at DTE Energy) sits down with two leaders driving sustainability-focused innovation in Detroit — Meaghan Kennedy, co-founder of Penny Pickup, and Brittany VanderBeek, director of development at AquaAction.From what meaningful support for sustainability entrepreneurs really looks like, to collaboration across startups, established businesses, and support platforms, this conversation dives deep into the realities of building impact-driven companies in Detroit’s growing tech and sustainability ecosystem.The discussion also explores access to capital, scaling sustainable solutions, measuring environmental and social impact, and how water innovation and waste reduction can shape the future — all while keeping the focus on actionable insights for founders, investors, and community leaders alike.If you’re passionate about sustainable business, curious about Detroit’s role as a hub for innovation, or looking for practical ways to support and scale impact-driven solutions… this episode is for you.

On episode #42 of The Green Stream, a podcast brought to you by SBN Detroit, Jennifer Guarino, CEO of ISAIC, sits down with two leaders shaping the future of fashion in Detroit and beyond — Tracy Reese, founder of Hope for Flowers, and Brittanie Dabney, CEO & founder of Ecosphere Organics.From defining what sustainability really means, to emerging trends, circular economy practices, and the moments that inspired their journeys, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and actionable inspiration.If you’re passionate about sustainable fashion, looking to integrate eco-conscious practices into your business, or simply curious about how natural materials like citrus peels and coffee grounds can become the next big green thing… this episode is for you.

What does sustainability look like at the local level? 🌎In this episode 41, host Terry Barclay sits down with three city leaders working towards shaping a more sustainable future across #SoutheastMichigan:💬 Logan Applebee, zero waste systems manager, City of Ferndale💬 Alexis Weinberg, sustainability planner, City of Sterling Heights💬 Souzan Yousif, sustainability planner, City of SouthfieldTogether, they dive into topics like waste diversion, climate action, renewable energy, food waste elimination, and how cities are engaging residents in real sustainability solutions.Tune in for insights, inspiration, and actionable ideas from those driving local change.🔗 Listen now:    • Ep 41 SBN Detroit The Green Stream, Ft Ter...  

📚 How can education shape the future of sustainability in Detroit and beyond?On Episode 40 of The Green Stream, Terry Barclay, Chair of SBN Detroit and CEO of Inforum, is joined by Tony Reames, director of the U-M SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic; Rebecca Jordan, professor and department chair of community sustainability at MSU; and Dan Pitera, dean of University of Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture + Community Development.Together, they explore how sustainability is being taught through real-world projects, why equity and ecology must go hand-in-hand, and how citizen science, community engagement, and urban design are shaping the next generation of problem-solvers. From energy justice to circular economy initiatives, this conversation dives deep into what it means to prepare students, and Detroit, for a greener future.Listen now to be inspired by the leaders educating our region’s future change-makers.🎧 Learn more about the guests:Tony Reames → https://seas.umich.edu/clinicRebecca Jordan → https://www.canr.msu.edu/p

💡 What does the future of sustainable mobility look like, and what role will Detroit play in shaping it? On Episode 39 of The Green Stream, Terry Barclay, Chair of SBN Detroit and CEO of Inforum, sits down with John McElroy, creator of Autoline Daily and host of Autoline This Week, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of mobility, tech, and sustainability. From radical collaborations to game-changing trends, John shares behind-the-scenes insights, lessons from his decades in media, and advice for anyone entering the mobility space today. Follow Autoline on Youtube: / ⁨@AutolineDetroit⁩ Learn more here: https://www.autoline.tv/

“If we want to collectively solve problems, we have to get into a ‘yes, and’ mindset. And when we do that, all of a sudden, if you and I are working on a problem together and we’re in ‘yes, and’ land — you don’t have to lose for me to win.” – Matt Elliott, CEO and founder, Blue Lake IdeasIn Episode 38 of #TheGreenStream, Matt Elliott joins SBN Detroit Chair and Inforum CEO Terry Barclay to unpack:🌿 How sustainable banking shaped his consulting approach🌍 The Power of & in sustainability🌀 Taming chaos in today’s business climate⚙️ Applying innovation thinking to real-world solutions🌱 Practical steps YOU can take toward sustainable business🎧 Watch now and get inspired by actionable insights for leadership and #SustainableBusiness.

“We can’t control everything—but we can use data and technology to react more efficiently. As we rethink re-industrialization through advanced manufacturing, we should also be asking how those tools can strengthen our food systems.” – Nia Batts, managing director and COO, Union HeritageIn episode #37 of #TheGreenStream, Terry Barclay, SBN Detroit Chair and CEO of Inforum, sits down with Nia Batts for a powerful conversation about what it means to invest in a sustainable and equitable future.Together, they explore:✅ The pivotal moments that shaped Nia’s approach to sustainable investing✅ How Union Heritage is addressing climate risk in minority communities✅ Why Detroit’s built environment and manufacturing sector play a key role in a greener future✅ The role of circular economy principles in reshaping investment decisions✅ JustAir and the power of clean air access as a public health and equity issue✅ Practical steps businesses and individuals can take to drive impact nowThis episode dives into the intersection of climate, equity, innovation, and action, and how Detroit can lead the way.Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PcZgo4🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3xL1ioB🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NWn8LO#sbndetroit

“Our current economy says: ‘Okay, that’s not a waste stream, we throw that in the dump.’ But it goes in the dump and it goes away. I truly believe there’s no such thing as away. Even in the dumps—away becomes pollution for some person’s backyard. It doesn’t help our water streams. There is off-gassing and there’s methane and there’s all of the negatives around using that system of just throwing stuff away.” – Jarret Schlaff, co-founder and CEO, Pingree Detroit; founder, Lectric BoilIn episode #36 of #TheGreenStream, Terry Barclay, SBN Detroit chair and CEO of Inforum, sits down with Jeff Schlaff to explore:✅ The #SustainableBusiness practices that shaped his perspective✅ Pingree’s approach to repurposing automotive materials✅ Their sustainability goals for the year✅ Practical tips to inspire and empower our audienceTune in, take notes, and share your thoughts with us!