Supercool
Discover real-world climate solutions that cut carbon emissions, boost the bottom line, and improve modern life. Supercool pinpoints proven technologies, business models, and playbooks accelerating the low-carbon economy in towns and cities around the U.S. and across the globe. Supercool explores how CEOs, Mayors, startup founders, executives, and policymakers are addressing climate change head-on to shape a smart, sustainable future—right now.
Wed, April 23, 2025
3x the Grid: Siemens Energy and the Race to Rewire the Future
It took 150 years to build today’s power grid. Now we need to triple its capacity by 2050. Why? Because energy demand is exploding and a net zero future depends on it. Electrification is transforming transportation, buildings, data, and industry. Renewables are decentralizing generation. The current grid, designed for centralized, fossil-based power, isn’t built to handle what’s next. Grid infrastructure has become one of our most urgent climate and industrial challenges of our time. And Siemens Energy is leading the race to modernize it. Its technologies already power one-sixth of the world’s electricity. It’s focused on upgrading, expanding, and digitizing the transmission backbone that the clean energy economy depends on. At the center of that effort is Tim Holt. He sits on Siemens Energy’s Executive Board, leads its Grid Technologies business, and oversees operations across the Americas. In this episode, Tim shares what it takes to rewire the world’s power systems—and how Siemens Energy is moving fast to build the clean energy grid of the future. Show Notes Guest: Tim Holt, Member of the Executive Board and Labor Director at Siemens Energy Company: Siemens Energy For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, April 16, 2025
Simple, Unstoppable: Rondo Energy is Solving Industrial Heat with Bricks
Rondo Energy is building a renewable energy battery using bricks and toaster wire. But it’s not for your home—it’s for the factories that run the world. Industrial heat drives 10% of global carbon emissions. It’s essential for making steel, cement, chemicals, food, paper, and fuel. And it’s one of the hardest challenges in climate—expensive to electrify, risky to retrofit, and central to the global economy. That’s what makes Rondo’s approach so powerful. In this episode, John O’Donnell, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, explains how Rondo stores excess wind and solar energy as clean, high-temperature heat and delivers it into existing industrial systems without combustion, redesigns, or rare materials. Its low-cost approach is underway across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. John shares how decades of experience building global energy projects—and navigating the realities of infrastructure finance—shaped Rondo’s strategy for rapid scale and deployment, and why the low-carbon future is being built with bricks. Show Notes Guest: John O'Donnell, Chief Innovation Officer Company: Rondo Energy For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, increase profits, and enhance modern life, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Weekly Newsletter * Youtube Channel * Supercool on Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, April 09, 2025
Apple-ifying Energy: Renew Home Makes Virtual Power Plants Painless & Profitable
Fifteen years ago, smart thermostats promised to save you money and learn your habits. Today, they—and other grid-connected devices and appliances—are forming the backbone of the most sustainable power plant on the grid. Jeff Gleeson, Chief Product Officer of Renew Home, joins Josh to unpack how his team is transforming everyday home tech into a distributed, intelligent, always-on energy layer—one that cuts carbon, boosts grid resilience, and earns households money, all without asking homeowners to think much about it. Jeff explains why the industry’s go-to term—“virtual power plant”—doesn’t resonate with consumers and how Renew Home is finding language that actually lands. He shares how the company is scaling a sophisticated, AI-powered home energy platform, why utilities—once hesitant—are now eager to partner, and why the most important power plants in a low-carbon economy may be the ones that never need to be built at all. Show Notes Guest: Jeff Gleeson, Chief Product Officer Company: Renew Home For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, April 02, 2025
Reuse, Rock ‘n’ Roll & the Circular Economy
Mike Martin helped launch the first climate change concert tour with Dave Matthews. He’s worked with Billie Eilish to flip venues vegan and wrote the green touring playbook years ago that artists still follow today. But after decades trying to make recycling and compostables work at live events, Mike hit a wall. Zero-waste wasn’t working. Then he remembered what he saw on tour with U2 during the Joshua Tree run—European stadiums using reusable cups. That moment sparked r.World, the reuse company now transforming how concerts, stadiums, and venues across the country are ditching single-use and building a circular economy. From Red Rocks to Coachella to Alaska Airlines, Mike shares what it takes to scale reuse—and why it all starts with a cup no one wants to take home. Show Notes Guest: Michael Martin, Founder & CEO Company: r.World For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, March 26, 2025
Old Giant, New Vision: Johnson Controls Puts Carbon Reduction on Autopilot
Johnson Controls helped invent modern air conditioning. Now, it’s reengineering how buildings cut carbon — using AI and automation to make infrastructure smarter, cleaner, and more efficient. Reuben Petty, Principal Digital Sales Engineer, works with business leaders, facility teams, and city officials to connect legacy systems to the digital tools of tomorrow. His focus is OpenBlue — the company’s platform that brings data and intelligence to the heart of building operations. In this episode, we explore how a 140-year-old company is reinventing itself for a low-carbon future — and what it means for commercial real estate, city infrastructure, and climate action at scale. Show Notes Guest: Reuben Petty, Principal Digital Sales Engineer Company: Johnson Controls Open Blue at World Cup 2022 - Qatar For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, March 19, 2025
The E-Bike Boom: How Upway Is Winning the Million-Bike Market
E-bikes are booming—nearly as many were sold in the U.S. last year as electric cars. But while EVs get the attention, e-bikes are quietly reshaping how people move, cutting emissions, making urban life easier, and recreation more fun. The catch? Buying an e-bike is easy. Reselling one isn’t. That’s where Upway comes in. They’re building the Carvana for e-bikes—a seamless resale marketplace with accessible pricing, warranties, home delivery, and easy returns. And the industry is taking notice. This week, Max Renson, U.S. General Manager at Upway, joins us to talk about why resale is the missing piece of e-bike adoption, how Upway is powering returns for brands like Aventon and Rad Power Bikes, and what it takes to turn secondhand e-bikes into a mainstream, trusted option. E-bikes are taking off. Upway is making sure nothing slows them down. Show Notes Guest: Maxime Renson Company: Upway For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, March 12, 2025
Power Moves: Turning Clean Energy into a Simple, Irresistible Lifestyle
How do you make solar adoption irresistible? By not selling solar. This week on Supercool , we’re joined by Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, and Jessica Bergman, a marketing strategist who’s spent her career figuring out why clean energy adoption stalls—and how to fix it. Under Mary’s leadership, Sunrun stopped being just a solar company and became something much bigger: a storage-first, customer-obsessed clean energy lifestyle brand. And it’s working—60%+ of customers now add batteries, turning their homes into mini power plants that keep the lights on when the grid goes down. What’s the secret? Productization. Jessica argues that the industry has been selling kilowatt hours when it should be selling comfort, convenience, and control. Sunrun is proving that when you remove friction, make financing a no-brainer, and give customers a “Pizza Tracker” for their solar installations, adoption skyrockets. In this episode, we dig into why clean energy isn’t scaling fast enough, what the industry gets wrong, and how Sunrun is changing the game. If you want to know how to move clean energy from “maybe someday” to “why didn’t I do this sooner?” —this one’s for you. Show Notes Guests: Mary Powell, CEO Jessica Bergman, Senior Strategist Companies: Sunrun ID Lab Global For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, boost the bottom line, and improve modern life right now, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Weekly Newsletter * Youtube Channel * Supercool on Linkedin and Instagram
Wed, March 05, 2025
Telling the Future: Climate, Capital, and the Power of Story
Supercool regularly speaks with innovators working at the intersection of business, technology, and climate—AI giving buildings brains, pneumatic tubes hauling away trash, and electric school buses optimizing routes. With so much climate momentum underway, how do we properly assess this moment? Molly Wood has been tracking it from multiple angles. A veteran journalist (Wired, CNET, The New York Times, NPR’s Marketplace), she left media to invest in climate tech—then returned with Everybody in the Pool, a podcast and newsletter focused on climate solutions and the entrepreneurs, businesses, and products solving the climate crisis. Today, she shares her perspective on what’s working, what’s next, where the biggest opportunities lie and the importance of powerful narratives and storytelling that drive investment, innovation, and action. SHOW NOTES Guest: Molly Wood, Award-winning journalist and podcaster, climate tech investor, startup advisor, and consultant. Companies: Molly Wood Media and Amasia Show: Everybody in the Pool For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, February 26, 2025
There’s a New Clean Energy Grid in Town—And It’s Your House
Since 2018, GoodLeap has financed home solar, batteries, and efficiency upgrades at an unprecedented scale—serving over 1 million customers and originating more than $30 billion in financing for sustainable solutions. Founder Hayes Barnard saw the bottleneck wasn’t price—it was friction. Homeowners needed fast, hassle-free financing. Contractors needed better tools to manage projects. GoodLeap built a technology platform to solve both—delivering a seamless, app-driven experience that puts financing, project management, and energy upgrades in the palm of your hand. Now, GoodLeap is expanding into energy management. Homes won’t just consume power; they’ll contribute to the grid. Virtual Power Plants will enable homeowners to generate and sell energy back to stabilize the system and reduce fossil fuel reliance. Beyond that, GoodLeap is financing smart home tech, energy-efficient appliances, and electrification solutions—helping homeowners take control of their energy use and maximize savings. At the center of this shift is Dan Lotano, GoodLeap’s Chief Operating Officer. After 15 years at NextEra Energy, the nation’s largest utility and its largest producer of renewable power, Dan is now leading a transformation where our homes become active participants in the energy grid and accelerate the clean energy transition. How will this reshape home energy—and how soon will we be thinking about kilowatt-hours the way we think about the cost of gasoline? Dan Lotano shares what’s next for clean energy and how our homes will drive the change. Show Notes Guest: Daniel Lotano, Chief Operating Officer Company: GoodLeap For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, February 19, 2025
The Architects Who Don’t Wait For Permission
CannonDesign is building a reputation for designing buildings that eliminate carbon and improve lives. In 2024, Metropolis Magazine recognized the firm as its Planet Positive Firm of the Year for leading the way in net-zero architecture. It wasn't always this way. As one of North America's largest and oldest firms, CannonDesign had the scale, heritage, and reputation—but no clear sustainability strategy. In 2019, they turned to Eric Corey Freed, one of the foremost voices in green architecture, to embed sustainability into every project and reframe the business case for net-zero buildings. Freed has been practicing and advocating for better, greener buildings since the 1900s—as he fondly puts it. In 2005, San Francisco Magazine named him Best Green Architect. He literally wrote Green Building for Dummies a generation ago. CannonDesign's novel approach to designing solutions for today's greatest challenges, combined with Freed's wisdom and expertise in shifting mindsets, has pushed sustainability to the forefront, making it the standard, not the exception. The firm's work showcases how the greenest buildings are not only good for the planet but essential for a future where people and places thrive. Show Notes - Guest: Eric Corey Freed, Principal, Director of Sustainability - Firm: CannonDesign -Eric Corey Freed's Books on Amazon - Eric Corey Freed's TEDx Talks: Here and Here For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, February 12, 2025
AI Has Entered the Building: The Future of Energy Management is Here
What if buildings could think for themselves—anticipating energy needs, preventing breakdowns, and adjusting to outside weather conditions in real-time? In this episode, we explore how BrainBox AI, a Montreal-based company, is making that a reality. Their cutting-edge technology powers over 15,000 buildings across 17 countries, using advanced artificial intelligence to take the guesswork out of building management. No more scrambling for last-minute repairs or manually adjusting systems—BrainBox AI predicts issues before they happen and fine-tunes operations automatically, giving maintenance technicians and facility managers more time to focus on what matters. This isn’t just automation—it’s a new era in which buildings learn, adapt, and predict, continuously improving their performance without anyone lifting a finger. The benefits go beyond convenience. By optimizing HVAC systems, BrainBox AI slashes building energy consumption by up to 25% and reduces carbon emissions by up to 40%. BrainBox AI CEO Sam Ramadori joins Josh to share how artificial intelligence is redefining the future of the built environment. Show Notes Company: Brainbox AI , recently acquired by Trane Guest: Sam Ramadori, CEO Aria Videos referenced in the interview. For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, February 05, 2025
Hot Rocks: The Battery That is Changing Industrial Energy
Industrial heat is one of the biggest, most stubborn sources of carbon emissions—responsible for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gases. High costs, complex retrofits, and tight margins keep manufacturers locked into fossil fuels. But what if there were a way to swap out natural gas boilers without costly disruptions or major infrastructure overhauls? That’s exactly what Brenmiller’s thermal energy storage (TES) technology offers. Chief Business Officer Doron Brenmiller explains how their heat battery—where energy is stored in crushed rocks—provides reliable, on-demand heat to seamlessly replace legacy systems. With industries from food processing to brewing embracing this approach, the shift to clean heat isn’t just possible—it’s already happening. Show Notes Guest: Doron Brenmiller Company: Brenmiller Energy For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low-carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, January 29, 2025
Zero-Carbon Compute: How TeraWulf Powers The Future of AI and Bitcoin
Best known as one of the industry's most efficient Bitcoin miners, TeraWulf is expanding into high-performance computing (HPC) data centers for AI. Critics slam AI and Bitcoin mining for their massive energy consumption, but TeraWulf challenges that narrative. Its operations run on 91% zero-carbon energy, mostly hydropower, proving energy-hungry computing doesn’t have to come at a climate cost. Nazar Khan, TeraWulf’s co-founder and CTO, joins Josh to discuss building world-class AI infrastructure, the crossover between Bitcoin mining and HPC-AI, what DeepSeek’s rise signals for industry and society, and how TeraWulf is leading Bitcoin and AI into the low-carbon future. Show Notes Guest: Nazar Khan, co-founder and CTO Company: TeraWulf Video: Demolition of the 613-foot smokestack from the retired coal mine at TeraWulf's Lake Mariner site on the shores of Lake Ontario. For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low-carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, January 22, 2025
$72 Billion Brokered: CRC-IB is Clean Energy's Dealmaker
Who is paying for the clean energy revolution? Today, we’re diving into the financial side of the transition—where the trillions of dollars needed to move civilization off fossil fuels and into a low-carbon future are coming from, and how these massive deals come together. Joining Josh is Britta Von Oesen, Partner and Managing Director at CRC-IB, the nation’s leading investment bank dedicated exclusively to financing the clean energy economy. CRC-IB has advised on over 350 deals worth $72 billion. Britta herself has led $15 billion in transactions and is one of the most influential leaders in renewable energy finance. She take us behind the scenes to explain how deals are structured, who’s paying, and why financing the clean energy revolution makes smart business sense. The good news? These deals don’t just cut carbon and deliver strong ROI—they also improve modern life for people and communities. Show Notes Guest: Britta Von Oesen, Partner and Managing Director Company: CRC-IB For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, January 15, 2025
Right on Schedule: Zum Gives America’s School Buses a 21st Century Upgrade
Every day, 27 million kids ride 500,000 school buses—the largest transit system in America. And yet, this 80-year-old relic is stuck in the past: buses are late, routes are inefficient, and parents have no clue where the bus is or when it’s coming. Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum, decided to fix it. All of it. With real-time tracking, smarter routes, and electric buses, Zum has modernized student transportation for 4,000 schools, including the school districts of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston. In Oakland, Zum introduced the nation’s first fully electric school bus fleet, slashing emissions and cutting the number of buses needed nearly in half. Zum isn’t just about buses—it’s a tech, Human Resources, logistics, and infrastructure company rolled into one. The result? Parents can breathe, kids get to class on time, and school districts finally have a system that works. Ritu joins Supercool this week to discuss how Zum is making school buses smart, sustainable, and better for everyone. Show Notes Guest: Ritu Narayan, founder & CEO Company: Zum For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low-carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, January 08, 2025
Cutting Carbon with a Side of Fries: Budderfly Lowers Energy Consumption by 40%
Budderfly is one of the fastest growing companies in America, with an unparalleled Energy-as-a-Service offering. For many small business owners, especially franchisees of the world's most recognizable fast food brands like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, Al Subbloie and team offer up to 40% energy savings and no-cost upgrades of HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration equipment. Solar panels? Why not? Budderfly won’t even charge to install all of this state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an offer too good for customers to refuse, Budderfly is on its way to becoming a billion-dollar company and bringing many of the most recognizable American brands along for the sustainability journey. Yet, Al's vision for the low-carbon energy efficient future goes far beyond. Show Notes Guest: Al Subbloie, Founder & CEO Company: Budderfly For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, January 01, 2025
The Hidden Problem Wasting 10% of the World’s Energy—And Its Ingenious Fix
In 2009, Amit Gupta, a rising executive at Carrier, the global HVAC company, discovered a neglected technology inside the company called Aeroseal. It used aerosol particles to seal air leaks in building envelopes and air ducts—offering a simple yet powerful way to tackle a major problem: the 10% of global energy wasted due to leaks. Seeing its potential, Amit took a leap. In 2010, he left his corporate career, rebooted Aeroseal as a startup, and focused on what matters most to customers: lowering energy bills, improving indoor air quality, and creating comfortable spaces. Today, with backing from world-class climate tech investors, including Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and over 260,000 buildings sealed, Aeroseal is sealing the cracks in our energy future. Show Notes Guest: Amit Gupta Company: Aeroseal For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, December 25, 2024
(Reprised) Green Hospitals: How Gundersen Switched to Renewables to Cut Costs and Improve Lives
In 2014, Gundersen Health, headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, became the nation's first health system to eliminate fossil fuels, transitioning to 100% local renewable energy. Today, the high-growth Gundersen saves $5 million annually on energy, helping to control healthcare costs for its patient populations across 11 hospitals and 100+ clinics in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. Gundersen merged with Bellin Health in 2022 to become Emplify Health. Alan Eber led the effort at Gundersen. Today, as CEO of Eneration, Eber's job is to show the rest of the healthcare industry how to pursue a clean, low-carbon, renewable energy future. Alan joins Josh to share the playbook. This episode was first published on July 17, 2024. Show Links: Guests: Alan Eber Company: Eneration Initiative: Gundersen Envision Health System: Emplify Health For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, December 18, 2024
The Underground Climate Economy: Modernizing Cities from Below
Cities have nowhere to go but down to tap new sources of emissions-free, clean energy, harden assets against climate impacts, cut operational costs, and enhance urban life for their residents above. In this end-of-year episode, we're delving into the emergence of the underground climate economy, a Supercool trend we've identified after completing our first 20 episodes since launching in July. Whether eliminating curbside trash pickup by sending out trash through pneumatic tubes below streets, recovering wasted heat from water sloshing through sewer pipes, or drilling down to tap geothermal energy, the fate of cities and our civilization increasingly depends on what's happening down below. For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, boost the bottom line, and improve modern life, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Newsletter * Youtube Channel * Supercool on Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, December 04, 2024
In Iowa, Wind Energy Sees No Red or Blue, Only Green
Iowa generates enough wind power to meet 77% of its energy demand. That's great for combating climate change and financially beneficial for local farmers, towns, and the overall economy. Discover how Iowa rose to wind energy prominence. We're joined by Chaz Allen, former Mayor of Newton, Iowa, and current Executive Director of the Iowa Utility Association. We also speak with Kathy Law, a farmer turned corporate attorney and one of the leading wind energy dealmakers in the state. Notes Guests: 1. Chaz Allen , Executive Director, Iowa Utility Association 2. Kathy Law , Attorney, Nyemaster Goode Law Firm Television Segment: Chaz Allen on 60 Minutes Data on Iowa's wind energy production: See U.S. Energy Information Agency Data Analysis by Stanford University Professor Mark Jacobson. For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low-carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Link
Wed, November 27, 2024
Breakthrough Climate Tech Marketing: Rising Above a Sea of Same
Even the most innovative climate tech startups face marketing challenges. To gain traction or raise capital, they must generate brand awareness, educate the market, and build trust with prospective customers in a race against time before their funds run out. Companies that go bold in their climate communications stand a stronger chance of standing out in a "sea of same." That's the advice of this week's guest, Adam Malik, co-founder of Bloxspring, a marketing agency for visionary brands radically changing the future of our buildings, cities, and the planet. NOTES Guest: Adam Malik , Co-founder Company: Bloxspring Jaguar: Its new EV car commercial - featuring no cars Volvo: Its new EV car commercial - cinematically leaning into its safety reputation For more Supercool climate solutions accelerating the low-carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, November 20, 2024
No Grid, No Problem: d.light Transforms 180 Million Lives with Solar Power
Ned Tozun co-founded d.light in 2007 with a mission to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions for all. Seventeen years later, d.light's solar products have improved the lives of over 180 million people across 72 countries, with major operations in India, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. The company employs 1,200 people and tens of thousands of local sales agents to bring its innovative products to remote, rural communities. Ned joins Supercool to share how the business has effectively scaled around the world as it races to impact one billion people by 2030. Show Notes Guest: Ned Tozun, Co-Founder and CEO Company: d.light Time Magazine's 2024 Time100 Climate List: Feature on Ned Tozun Video of d.light's product durability: See it on Amazon For more Supercool climate solutions accelerating the low-carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, November 13, 2024
Walk This Way: Redesigning Cities with Jeff Speck
What moves people to ditch their cars and use their own feet? The key, says Jeff Speck, is that the walk must be as good as a drive. Jeff wrote the book on walkability—literally. Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time is the best-selling city-planning title of the 21st century. On today’s show, Jeff presents the playbook for creating walkable neighborhoods and cities, the maddening obstacles standing in the way, and how to clear the path—one thoughtful step at a time. Show Notes Guest: Jeff Speck, FAICP, CNU-A, LEED-AP, Honorary ASLA; Partner, Speck Dempsey Organization: Speck Dempsey Book: Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time TED Talk: The Walkable City Report: Foot Traffic Ahead by Smart Growth America For more Supercool climate solutions accelerating the low-carbon future, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Sat, November 02, 2024
Clean Energy Transition with David Turk, Deputy Secretary of U.S. DOE
In just two years since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became U.S. law, the clean energy economy has been on a tear: $380B in new investment by companies; 900 new and expanded manufacturing facilities; and clean energy jobs growing at twice the rate of conventional jobs (4.2% vs 2%). Joining Josh to discuss these supercool accomplishments is David Turk, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. As the DOE’s second-in-command and Chief Operating Officer, David has played a key role in implementing President Biden’s landmark clean energy legislation. Show Notes Guest: David Turk, Deputy Secretary Organization: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) US DOE Projects: Community Benefits map — where the DOE is funding projects) Article: 2018 New York Times Op-Ed by Andrew Jones and Auden Schendler For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linked
Wed, October 30, 2024
Climate Meets Crypto: CleanSpark’s Clean Energy Bitcoin Revolution
Bitcoin mining faces frequent criticism in climate circles for its voracious energy appetite. But what if that narrative is over-generalized or maybe even entirely misses the mark? Joining Josh is Matthew Schultz, the founding CEO and current Executive Chairman of CleanSpark, a publicly traded Bitcoin miner with nearly 5% market share of new Bitcoin. CleanSpark operates predominantly using nuclear energy in rural communities throughout America. Tune in to discover how CleanSpark blends clean energy with cryptocurrency to forge a sustainable future. Show Links Guest: Matthew Schultz , Executive Chairman Company: CleanSpark | America's Bitcoin Miner For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus our: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Supercool on Instagram and Linkedin
Wed, October 23, 2024
Geothermal Comes with the House: The Future of Home Energy
Kathy Hannun began incubating within Google X, the startup that would become Dandelion, a home geothermal energy company that today is the largest and fastest-growing in America. With several thousand residential installations completed in the Northeast, Dandelion is scaling nationally, partnering with installers and homebuilding giants like Lennar. Carbon-free geothermal energy is about to become the default heating and cooling source for thousands of American homes. Show Links: Guest: Kathy Hannun Company: Dandelion Energy For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, follow the podcast and subscribe to: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, October 16, 2024
Crime Fighters & Therapists: How Urban Trees Improve City Life
While saving the Amazon grabs headlines, the trees right outside your front door shape your life in important ways. The more trees in your city neighborhood, the less crime, the fewer prescriptions for antidepressants, and the lower rates of asthma, childhood leukemia, and other immune diseases. These leafy giants affect everything from healthier newborns to longer life expectancy to higher property values. Geoffrey Donovan, an urban forester and economist with the U.S. Forest Service, joins the show. His groundbreaking research over the two decades is reshaping how urban planners and policymakers think about the essential public health and economic role of trees in city life. Show Links: Guest: Geoffrey Donovan Organization: U.S. Forest Service Grant Program: U.S. Forest Service's Urban and Community Forest Program For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, October 09, 2024
Clean Streets: Piping Out Trash Below Cities in Pneumatic Tubes
Garbage trucks have gone missing in cities around the world. In neighborhoods from London to Barcelona and Singapore to Seoul, their unmistakable sight, sound, and smell are notably absent. The reason? Trash has gone underground, whisked away through a hidden network of pneumatic pipes—no trucks, no noise, no stench. If this sounds like the future, it is. But this particular slice was invented in the 1960s by Swedish company Envac. The company’s CEO, Joakim Karlsson, joins Supercool to discuss how Envac is taking trash removal to a whole new dimension. Show Links: Guest: Joakim Karlsson Company: Envac Conference Video: Joakim Karlsson on stage in Rio de Janeiro at The Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII Institute) For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, October 02, 2024
Masterfully Planned: Hurricane-Proof, Zero-Energy Homes on Florida's Coast
Marshall Gobuty didn’t set out to build green when he became a real estate developer in his 50s. After a successful career in the clothing and furnishings industries, he sought to establish credibility in Florida’s competitive housing market. LEED certification presented the perfect opportunity. But Gobuty didn’t stop at meeting the minimum. His first project, Mirabella, became the first LEED Platinum Certified residential community in the U.S. His next development, Hunters Point, became the first LEED Zero Energy Certified community in the world. Sometimes, it takes an outsider to push an industry beyond its norms and conventions. Gobuty is building sustainable neighborhoods and communities many could hardly imagine—until now. Show Links: Guest: Marshall Gobuty Company: Pearl Homes Residential Development: Hunters Point Green Building Resources: U.S. Green Building Council and RESNET For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, September 25, 2024
Cities on the Move: Safe, Connected Bike Lanes Built 3X Faster
Fresh out of grad school, Kyle Wagenschutz was hired by the mayor of Memphis, TN, and given a daunting task: prevent the city from being named the "Worst Place to Bicycle in America" by Bicycling Magazine for a third year in a row. Kyle succeeded. Five years (and over a hundred miles of bike lanes) later, Memphis was recognized as a national leader, and Kyle was honored at the White House as a Champion of Change. Kyle took his insights to other cities and accomplished the near impossible: he enabled them to build safe, convenient, protected bike lanes in months, not decades. He joins Supercool this week to share the playbook. Show Links: Guest: Kyle Wagenschutz Organization: City Thread Grant Program for Cities: Accelerated Mobility Playbook ( Applications Open Until 11/20/24 ) Project: The Final Mile For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, September 18, 2024
Wind, Water & Solar: 100% Clean Renewable Energy by 2035
Stanford professor Mark Jacobson wasn’t just dreaming of a world powered by renewable energy back in 2009—he was doing the math and architecting the plan. Jacobson teamed up with actor-turned-eco-hero Mark Ruffalo to co-found The Solutions Project with a mission to transition the world to 100% renewables by 2035. As Jacobson's vision took root, states and cities began making 100% renewable pledges. By 2019, his idea had reached Capitol Hill when AOC and Senator Markey introduced the Green New Deal. Jacobson’s message? We can pull it off, it’ll save us trillions, and spare millions of lives. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to live in just about any state that’s ahead of the curve, you’re already paying some of the lowest energy bills in the country. Show Links: Guest: Mark Jacobson ( Stanford University , LinkedIn , Wikipedia ) Book: No Miracles Needed: How Today's Technology Can Save Our Climate and Clean Our Air Organization: The Solutions Project Article: Scientific American - A Plan to Power 100% of the Planet with Renewables Background data: U.S. Covid-relief spending For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, September 11, 2024
Net Zero Energy Schools: Lower Emissions, Higher Standards in Baltimore
At Holabird Academy and Graceland Park, two net-zero energy Baltimore public schools, the future is already in session. Solar panels line the roofs, geothermal wells lie below the ballfields, and energy-efficient features keep these buildings running entirely on renewable power. But while these schools are a win for the planet, the real story is how they’re transforming the lives of everyone who steps inside—students, teachers, administrators, and the surrounding community. Stephanie Novak Pappas, the award-winning Principal of Holabird Academy, joins the conversation along with Amy Upton, Director of Environmental Design and Principal at Grimm & Parker Architects, the visionary behind these modern, sustainable, 21st-century schools where carbon emissions are down and performance is up. Show Links: Guests: Stephanie Novak Pappas and Amy Upton School: Holabird Academy Company: Grimm + Parker Architects (see the Holabird project ) For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon and improve modern life, subscribe to our newsletter .
Wed, September 04, 2024
Inside the 21st Century Race to Decarbonize Cities and Enrich Urban Life
Cities are in a race against time to cut carbon, and the stakes are high. Responsible for 70% of global emissions, urban centers around the world are stepping up. At the heart of this global movement are mayors. Through C40 Cities—a network of nearly 100 leading cities—mayors are sharing, learning, and spreading the most effective climate solutions worldwide. David Miller served as Mayor of Toronto from 2003-2010, where he transformed the city into a climate leader with a strategy rooted in innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. Now, as a Managing Director at C40, David is guiding cities toward a sustainable future—where addressing climate change also means improving city life. Show Links: Guest: David Miller Organization: C40 Cities Podcast: Cities 1.5 , hosted by David Miller and produced by the University of Toronto Press. It features progressive policy conversations with urban leaders taking action to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. Book: Solved: How the Great Cities of the World are Fixing the Climate Crisis For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, August 28, 2024
Robots Make The Cut: The Future of Lawn Care
Across America, a quiet revolution is unfolding—autonomous electric mowers are gliding silently across parks, ballfields, and backyards. These zero-emission machines couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Lawn care and gardening account for 4-5% of the U.S.'s total greenhouse gas emissions—a staggering number for a single industry. Adam Sloan is the founder and CEO of Greener, which provides climate-friendly robots to landscaping companies that install them in customers' backyards. Hundreds are in the field. More on the way. Landscapers love the mowers because they free up time for more skilled tasks. Homeowners love them because their lawns look pristine. And neighborhoods? Well, they finally get their peaceful, quiet Saturday mornings back. Show Links: Guest: Adam Sloan Company: Greener For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Thu, August 22, 2024
In Boise, Idaho, Geothermal Energy Heats Up Everyday Life
Geothermal energy's roots in America run deep. Before the Wright Brothers took flight and the first Ford Model-T rolled off the assembly line, residents of Boise, Idaho, were heating their homes with geothermal energy. Today, Boise’s system heats over 100 buildings and six million square feet in the downtown core and even pulls off some supercool feats—like melting snow off sidewalks in the winter. In Boise, you can wash your clothes at a geothermal-heated laundromat, swim in a geothermal-heated pool at the YMCA, and buy flowers grown in a geothermal-heated greenhouse. Tina Riley manages Boise’s geothermal system—the largest of its kind in the U.S. Show Links: Guest: Tina Riley Climate Initiative: Geothermal Energy in Boise, Idaho For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, August 14, 2024
Denver Public Schools Cut Carbon, Save Millions, and Inspire Future Leaders
After a determined two-year campaign, thirty Denver Public Schools (DPS) students convinced the School Board of Education to approve a climate policy to make the school district a national leader in climate action. LeeAnn Kittle, Executive Director of Sustainability for Denver Public Schools, now leads the charge, overseeing the Climate Action Plan, which already saves the district $5 million annually through carbon-cutting initiatives. LeeAnn joins host Josh Dorfman to discuss what it takes to guide a large organization toward ever-greater climate goals. Riley Loveland Falvey, Associate Director at the New Buildings Institute, also joins the conversation to discuss how districts and students nationwide are collaborating and stepping up to build a supercool, climate-forward future. Show Links: Guests: LeeAnn Kittle and Reilly Loveland Falvey Initiative: Denver Public Schools Climate Action Plan Organization: New Buildings Institute Discover more Supercool climate solutions. Subscribe to our newsletter .
Wed, August 07, 2024
Utah's Home Solar-Plus-Storage Model Could be the Blueprint for America
Though over a hundred solar companies fled the state when its utility, Rocky Mountain Power, cut solar incentives four years ago, Utah is one of the fastest-growing states for residential solar—but with a twist. Many new customers also purchase grid-connected batteries. While others left, ES Solar, a local solar company, went all-in on solar-plus-storage. That move paid off; the company has installed 96% of Utah's residential solar-plus-storage systems. Zach Randall, ES Solar's VP of Sales, joins the show to share how his company has succeeded and why other states are playing catch-up to emulate Utah's success. Show Links: Guest: Zach Randall Company: ES Solar Initiative: Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart Battery Program For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, July 31, 2024
Recycling Heat From Sewers and Vancouver's Green City Ambitions
Vancouver boasts the lowest carbon emissions per capita in North America and consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities. That's no coincidence. This week, Josh speaks with Gregor Robertson, former Mayor of Vancouver, who championed many climate innovations during his three terms in office, including installing North America's largest waste sewer heat recovery system—delivering zero-carbon space and water heating to over 6,000 apartment units. Josh is also joined by Lynn Mueller, founder of Sharc Energy, who invented the technology, which is now spreading to cities across the U.S. Show Links: Guests: Gregor Robertson and Lynn Mueller Company: SHARC Energy Organization: Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Initiative: Sewer Heat Recovery System Vancouver's False Creek Neighborhood For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Wed, July 17, 2024
Green Hospitals: How Gundersen Switched to Renewables to Cut Costs and Improve Lives
in 2014, Gundersen Health, headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, became the nation's first health system to eliminate fossil fuels, transitioning to 100% local renewable energy. Today, Gundersen saves $5 million annually on energy, helping to control healthcare costs for its patient populations across 11 hospitals and 100+ clinics in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan (Gundersen merged with Bellin Health in 2022 to become Emplify Health). Alan Eber led the effort at Gundersen. Today, as CEO of Eneration, Eber's job is to show the rest of the healthcare industry how to pursue a clean, low-carbon, renewable energy future. He joins Josh to share the playbook. Show Links: Guests: Alan Eber Company: Eneration Initiative: Gundersen Envision Health System: Emplify Health For more Supercool climate solutions that cut carbon, improve modern life, and shape the new low carbon economy, subscribe to the podcast plus: * Youtube Channel * Weekly Newsletter * Instagram and LinkedIn
Trailer · Thu, June 20, 2024
Welcome to Supercool
Supercool is a new conversation about extraordinary climate solutions that cut carbon and improve modern life. From tech innovation to policy implementation, host Josh Dorfman pinpoints the stories and data behind the low-carbon economy as it spreads to towns and cities across the globe. The starting point for Supercool is, "What if solving climate change improves life?" The evidence is increasingly clear: Climate innovation enables safer city streets, improved education, stronger national security, more economic opportunity, and better health - the issues Americans routinely say we care about most. Not all climate solutions are created equal. Some are unrealistic. Others are uninspired. Yet, in the hands of forward-looking entrepreneurs, engineers, policymakers, and everyday professionals, the low-carbon economy delivers. We’re excited to share it with you.
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