Net Zero Energy Podcast

Steven Conant, owner of The Soda Plant complex on Pine Street talks about the history of the Soda Plant, today’s diverse assortment of businesses and organizations, and his efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage throughout. Renovations began in 2018 to insulate, weatherize, add heat pump. What’s next?

South End resident Chip Patullo debunks common concerns about heat pumps, shares great advice on how to start weatherizing your house, and he talks about his work with the Champlain Housing Trust.

Deputy Directors at the Building Electrification Institute and strategic electrification experts discuss the ballot item for Town Meeting Day 2023 concerning a proposed carbon pollution fee for large buildings in Burlington. 

Biking is the most energy efficient way for people to get around. Executive Director of Old Spokes Home Jon Copans talks about their mission to make bikes more accessible and affordable for all Burlingtonians and how Old Spokes Home is helping us achieve our Net Zero Energy goal.

Local commercial property owner and entrepreneur A.J. Rossman talks about the challenges and opportunities of bringing his commercial office space on North Avenue up to Net Zero Energy standards.

The DeltaClimeVT business accelerator is a Vermont-based program serving startup and seed-stage ventures focusing on climate economy innovation across multiple industries. Geoff Robertson & BED’s own James L. Gibbons talk about the successes and opportunities that DeltaClimeVT brings.

Annie Bourdon, Executive Director of CarShare Vermont, talks with us about the history, benefits, and considerations of carsharing in Burlington. In addition to offering an affordable alternative to owning a vehicle, CarShare Vermont’s fleet includes electric vehicles. This is a great way for Burlingtonians to familiarize themselves with EV technology and contribute to the City’s Net Zero Energy vision.

Nicole Hernandez left Tennessee and her teaching career during the pandemic to begin a new life with her family here in Vermont. She soon found the Vermont Works For Women Trailblazers program and studied various energy-related trades including forestry.

Tony Nguyen drives over 40,000 miles a year delivering pizza for a living and taking road trips with his son. Tony shares his research on how much money he saves driving his Tesla over his old internal combustion engine car. We also discuss EV rebates available to Burlingtonians including Mileagesmart that supports low- and moderate-income Vermonters.

UVM professor and climate scientist Dr. Amy Seidl has written two books on climate change. She talks about adaptation and resilience from an evolutionary biology perspective. How has life adapted to our changing climate and how can we prevent the adverse effects.