The Green Hour

by Preston Poag Jr.

The Summit Series: Donny Simmons, President of Commercial HVAC Americas for Trane Technologies

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. Join us as we delve into the crucial intersection of indoor air quality and sustainability. We're joined by a true leader in the HVAC realm, Donny Simmons, President of Commercial HVAC Americas for Trane Technologies, a company weaving innovation into the very air we breathe. From the overlooked nuances of indoor air to Trane's pioneering sustainability initiatives, this episode uncovers the stories that make the invisible visible. Tune in for a breath of knowledge and a journey towards a healthier, more sustainable world.

E24

Oct 10, 2023

18:42

The Summit Series: Yosef Abramowitz, CEO of Gigawatt Global

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Yosef Abramowitz, the luminary CEO of Gigawatt Global. Yosef, often dubbed "Captain Sunshine," not only co-founded the solar industry in Israel but has propelled solar energy onto the global stage. His visionary leadership has earned him not one but multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations, highlighting the profound impact of his work in advancing renewable energy and promoting peace through sustainability. Join us as we unravel the remarkable story of Yosef Abramowitz, a true pioneer who has not only harnessed the power of the sun but has also ignited a revolution in the way we perceive and utilize clean energy.

E23

Oct 5, 2023

31:34

The Summit Series: Nich Logothetis, Co-founder and Chairman of Concordia

Join Preston Poag in this live episode from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City as he interviews Concordia Co-founder and Chairman, Nich Logothetis. Nich shares an entrepreneurial journey that goes beyond business, focusing on social impact. From starting an after-school snack business to creating the largest nonpartisan forum alongside the UN General Assembly, Nich discusses Concordia's commitment to sustainability and its role in addressing the refugee crisis. The episode explores eco-friendly practices, partnerships, and a policy-driven approach while emphasizing the significant impact businesses can have on global challenges.

E22

Oct 3, 2023

32:26

The Conservative Climate Movement with Danielle Butcher Franz, CEO of the American Conservation Coalition

Join us for a conversation on politics and the environment. Learn how organizations like the American Conservation Coalition are providing a platform for young people around the conservative environmental movement. Our guest, Danielle Butcher Franz, takes us on a journey through the organization's unique approach to climate advocacy and provides insights into how you can become a part of this vital movement.Danielle Butcher Franz serves as CEO of the American Conservation Coalition, where she has played an instrumental role in the organization's vision and strategy. As a founding member of ACC, Danielle has dedicated her career to building bridges between traditional conservative values and environmental advocacy. Danielle's leadership has been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations in the country. She has been named a Forbes 30 Under 30, a MavPac Future 40, and a Clean Energy News Network 40 Under 40 lister. As an international speaker and frequent guest on national radio and television, Danielle brings her dynamic perspective on culture, conservatism, and environmental policy to audiences around the world. Her writing has been featured in publications including Fox News, The Times, National Review, and Washington Examiner.

E21

Sep 18, 2023

50:33

Maui Wildfires and Climate Change with Sierra Quitiquit, Professional Skiier, Model, and Climate Activist

In this episode of The Green Hour, we challenge conventional notions of climate activism as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Sierra Quitiquit, an accomplished professional skier and model transforming the landscape of advocacy. Discover how Sierra's journey, from carving slopes to modeling for global brands, has uniquely positioned her to drive change and inspire a global audience. Explore her innovative initiative, Plastic Free Fridays, and her role as a strategic brand ambassador committed to a greener future. Plus, gain insights into the Maui Wildfire, underlining the critical importance of climate action.

E20

Sep 5, 2023

26:42

Living Buildings: Georgia Tech's Kendeda Building with Brooke Vacovsky, Senior Facilities Manager at the Kendeda Building

Join us on a journey into the world of living buildings with a spotlight on Georgia Tech's Kendeda Building. Uncover the magic where architecture meets sustainability, as we delve into its groundbreaking design, regenerative features, and the passionate visionaries driving its impact. From energy surplus to eco-friendly materials, tune in to explore how this living marvel is reshaping our understanding of buildings and the environment.

E19

Aug 15, 2023

50:25

From Hive to Habitat: The Crucial Role of Honey Bees in Shaping Our Environment with Brooke Vacovsky, Senior Facilities Manager at Georgia Tech

Join us on a captivating journey as we explore the interconnected world of honey bees and their profound impact on our environment. In this episode, we're not only unraveling the crucial role honey bees play in pollination and the ecosystem, but we're also weaving in the inspiring story of Brooke Vacovsky. Through her unexpected love for honey bees, we'll witness how a computer science major's path took a transformative turn during a study abroad experience in Copenhagen. From that moment, her journey led to volunteering at Georgia Tech's beehives and eventually founding her own beekeeping venture, Southeast Beescapes. Brooke's story exemplifies the synergy between passion and environmental stewardship. Tune in to discover how these remarkable creatures shape our world, the challenges they face, and the sustainable practices that can safeguard their future. This episode offers a holistic perspective on honey bees' significance, both as vital contributors to our ecosystem and agricultural landscape.

E18

Aug 8, 2023

44:24

Beyond the Crown: Miss America's Impact on Nuclear Energy Awareness with Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023

In this episode of The Green Hour, we meet Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023, a nuclear engineering student and a passionate advocate for clean energy. Grace uses her platform to dispel myths about nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of female scientists. We also explore the significance of nuclear power in securing a sustainable energy future with insights from the groundbreaking Plant Vogtle project in Georgia. Tune in to discover the powerful potential of nuclear energy and the challenges it faces in gaining widespread support.

E17

Aug 1, 2023

1:18:24

City Zoning: The Good, the Bad, and the Environmental Consequences with Nolan Gray, Author and Professional City Planner

For a lot of people, their only experience with city zoning is from playing SimCity. While SimCity may have introduced some aspects of zoning, it only scratches the surface of its real-world complexities. In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of zoning on our environment, including its role in promoting urban sprawl and car-dependent lifestyles that contribute to increased carbon emissions. Join us as we uncover the untold environmental consequences of zoning and discuss alternative approaches to create more sustainable and eco-friendly cities. It's time to reimagine the relationship between zoning and the environment for a greener future. Our guest on The Green Hour today is Nolan Gray, a distinguished expert in zoning and urban planning. I had the pleasure of meeting Nolan at an environmental conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he delivered a compelling talk on zoning and discussed his book titled "Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It," which was published in 2022. Nolan Gray currently serves as the research director for California YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) and has dedicated the majority of his career to the study of zoning. He brings a wealth of practical experience to the table, having worked as a planner in New York City. Nolan is also an Affiliated Scholar with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he advises state and local policymakers on land-use policy. With a Ph.D. in urban planning underway at UCLA, Nolan is actively contributing to the academic understanding of urban planning. He is widely recognized for his insightful contributions, with his work appearing in prominent publications such as The Atlantic, Bloomberg CityLab, and The Guardian. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nolan Gray is a member of the esteemed America's Future 1995 Society, further demonstrating his standing as a respected authority in his field.

E16

Jul 11, 2023

1:24:02

Water for All: FreeWater's Pursuit to Quench the World's Thirst with Josh Cliffords, Founder and CEO of FreeWater

Picture a world where clean water flows freely, nourishing every community and quenching every thirst. Unfortunately, the reality is far from this idyllic vision. Across the globe, millions of people face the daily struggle of accessing clean and safe water. It's a crisis that not only affects their health and well-being but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality. In the face of this challenge, there are individuals and organizations tirelessly working to make a difference. One such organization is FreeWater, a trailblazing initiative that aims to transform the way we think about water accessibility and sustainability.Founded by Josh Cliffords, FreeWater is a mission-driven company with a singular goal: to bring clean water to those who need it most. But they're not just another charitable organization. FreeWater is reimagining the concept of giving by providing a tangible product that costs nothing – free water. Their innovative approach challenges the profit-driven model that prevails in the bottled water industry and puts the power back in the hands of the people. By utilizing creative packaging and sustainable materials, FreeWater tackles not only the issue of water scarcity but also the growing problem of plastic waste.In this episode, we embark on a captivating journey into the world of FreeWater. We'll explore the origins of the organization, tracing Josh's transformative experience encountering Nigerian refugees in Rome and the profound impact it had on shaping his mission. We delve into the unique strategies employed by FreeWater, such as leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to spread their message and engage with a global audience. Additionally, we'll uncover their innovative approach to packaging, sustainability, and building strategic partnerships to maximize their impact.

E15

Jun 13, 2023

1:27:49

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