Bill Weihl: Facebook Sustainability Guru

Are you curious about what Facebook is doing to “go green” and reduce the energy use (and resultant emissions) from its enormous computer systems that service 1 billion FB users worldwide? Listen to Joan’s conversation with Bill Weihl, Facebook Sustainability Guru to find out.

An Oil Empire Embraces Renewable Energy

Joan talks with Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director of Sustainability at Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s  renewable energy company.  Besides her incredible work there she is also the Director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize and an adjunct professor at Masdar’s Institute of Science and Technology.      

Water Pressures Rise Just in Time for World Water Day; U.S. Gets a ‘D’

Will the major water main break in the D.C. area this week incentivize Congress to deal with our aging infrastructure? That’s one heck of a way to commemorate World Water Day (Friday, March 22nd). When it hits home, people take notice. The water and sewage system in the D.C. area is between 77 and 100… Continue reading Water Pressures Rise Just in Time for World Water Day; U.S. Gets a ‘D’

What About Us?

The president’s climate action plan that he recently outlined at Georgetown University has something in it for almost everybody. The Georgetown University audience of mostly young people applauded several times during the president’s speech. Their applause is a good sign for the President because his approval among this 18-29 year old cohort dropped 17 points… Continue reading What About Us?

Rebecca Blank, Deputy Secretary of Commerce

GCR host Joan Michelson spoke with Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank at the 2013 DC Auto Show about the dearth of women in the auto industry – 1.8% on the shop floor and about 20% in offices – and what can be done about it.

Kathy Loftus of Whole Foods

With the recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market by Amazon, it’s a good time to listen to Green Connections Radio host’s fascinating conversation with Whole Foods Markets’ Global Head of Sustainable Facilities, Kathy Loftus. Kathy initiated some innovative strategies to reduce the enormous energy consumption of the retailer’s 420 stores and myriad other buildings. How… Continue reading Kathy Loftus of Whole Foods

The secret weapon in the large-company toolbox

Intrigued by new energy management software, the Utility Accountant by Load IQ, Siemens decided to underwrite a small-scale beta test of it in Germany. Liking what they saw, they opted for another beta test, at 10 times the size of the first one. What’s so appealing? Load IQ’s Utility Accountant enables property or facility managers… Continue reading The secret weapon in the large-company toolbox

What is the new International Green Construction Code and why does it matter?

Jessyca Henderson, Managing Director, Policy and Community Relations at The American Institute of Architects (AIA) tells us – and how women are taking sustainable building by storm. Listen to Jessyca Henderson here:

Ah that new car smell….but do you know how harmful those chemicals are that you’re inhaling?

Amy Sorter of EcoSavvyMoms explains the nasty chemicals that smell comes from and how to avoid it, including in office furniture.

ARPA-E on the Practical Side of (Energy) Innovation

Leaders talk about growing a green economy and developing clean energy solutions, but the (mostly-male) talent trolling the halls of the Gaylord National Harbor Convention Center for the ARPA-E 2012 Innovation Summit last week was filled with folks actually doing it. One of the keynote speakers who brought the engineers face-to-face with reality was Steve… Continue reading ARPA-E on the Practical Side of (Energy) Innovation