Net Zero Energy Podcast

Sophia Donforth, Executive Director at VEEP – Vermont Energy Education Program, talks about their programs that guide K-12 students and teachers in developing a deep understanding of energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy technologies, and climate change. She also discusses the kits and other classroom materials they make available to Vermont (and NH!) classrooms.

About 90% of people who live in Burlington live within 1,500 steps or a short 15-minute walk of a market. While grocery shopping is a universal task, most people are in the habit of driving to the grocery store. Debra Sachs came by our studio to discuss Walk to Shop, a non-profit program that offers shopping trolleys at cost – or fully subsidized to many Burlingtonians in need.

Peggy O’Neill-Vivanco from the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition talks about residential and commercial advantages of switching your lawn care to electric tools. O’Neill-Vivanco and host Jennifer Green also discuss the many rebates available for helping Burlingtonians make the switch.

Burlington High Schoolers Chenoa and Finley discuss their semester in the innovative Burlington City and Lake program learning about how every aspect of the city affect our lives.

Sebbi Wu, Climate and Equity Advocate at VPIRG, and BED GM Darren Springer discuss the City of Burlington charter change that affects new construction. They also talk about the equity ballot question, our new Net Zero Energy yard signs, and the new rental weatherization policy.

Chef Chris Galarza is the founder of Forward Dining Solutions which is a resource for electric induction cooking. Chris consults with large commercial restaurants and with homeowners about the co-benefits moving away from gas cooking to electric.

Directed by Jenna Antonino DiMare, the Burlington 2030 District is public-private partnership that encourages commercial property owners and building managers in our city to reduce fossil fuel use from buildings, transportation and through stormwater mitigation.

Betsy Lesnikoski, BED’s Chief Forester, ensures that the wood burned at McNeil is harvested sustainably and ethically.

Burlington Architect Jesse Beck discusses his unique house in Burlington — that his wife calls “the boxcar on stilts” — and how they’re “cutting the pipe” and transitioning it to Net Zero Energy. Jesse also shares his work with the Burlington 2030 District, a private/public partnership working to reduce building energy consumption. Jesse and Jennifer also talk about the City of Burlington Historic Buildings’ Path to Net Zero Energy guide.

Burlingtonian Suzanne Garrity shares her experience driving her new electric vehicle all over New England – not just around town. She was able to make the transition more easily than she had expected.