Open Source Sustainability
Real stories from sustainability professionals
We interview sustainability leaders across industries to learn what they are working on and how they are steering their companies toward a climate-friendly world.
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Latest episode
Davis Wright Tremaine & Dentons: Navigating the New ESG Frontier with Vidhya Prabhakaran & Andrew Shaw
Published: June 6, 2024
Alex dives into the intricacies of environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives with Vidhya Prabhakaran, a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, and Andrew Shaw, a partner at Dentons, who are bringing their expertise in environmental law and ESG to the table. From the challenges of mitigating emissions and navigating regulatory changes to the opportunities presented by renewable energy initiatives and sustainable practices, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how businesses are responding to the urgent call for environmental responsibility.
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All Episodes
Davis Wright Tremaine & Dentons: Navigating the New ESG Frontier with Vidhya Prabhakaran & Andrew Shaw
Published: June 6, 2024
Alex dives into the intricacies of environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives with Vidhya Prabhakaran, a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, and Andrew Shaw, a partner at Dentons, who are bringing their expertise in environmental law and ESG to the table. From the challenges of mitigating emissions and navigating regulatory changes to the opportunities presented by renewable energy initiatives and sustainable practices, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how businesses are responding to the urgent call for environmental responsibility.
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ESG for In-house Counsel: Founder, Christine Uri
Published: May 24, 2024
Join Alex and Christine Uri, a seasoned lawyer and consultant specializing in ESG programs, as they delve into the practical challenges and strategic considerations for companies striving to address ESG concerns. From the evolving role of general counsel to the impact of ESG regulations on businesses of all sizes, Christine shares insights from her experience working with companies to navigate the intersection of legal compliance and sustainability. Learn why ESG has become a top priority for legal departments, how it influences investor decisions, and why proactive engagement with suppliers is essential for long-term success.
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Lamp House: CEO, Lisa Hart Shepherd
Published: April 11, 2024
Alex is joined by Lisa Hart Shepherd, Founder of Lamp House Strategy. As they delve into Lisa’s extensive 25-year journey researching the legal industry, discover the genesis of Lamp House and its mission to elevate the legal community’s performance while fostering positive impacts. The two talk the unique challenges the legal landscape faces in embracing ESG considerations and understand why firms are compelled to adapt. Lisa shares insights from Lamp House’s recent report, shedding light on the state of ESG initiatives in law firms across the UK, US, and Canada. Gain perspective on the importance of measuring and reporting, the evolving role of stakeholders, and the pressure firms face to align with ESG values.
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Tishman Speyer: Global Head of Sustainability, JP Flaherty
Published: March 28, 2024
Join Alex as he talks with JP Flaherty, Global Head of Sustainability at Tishman Speyer. The two delve into the intricacies of Tishman’s sustainability expedition, gaining exclusive insights into managing colossal structures like the iconic 200 Park Avenue. JP sheds light on decarbonization challenges, meeting investor demands, and adapting to regulatory shifts, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. Explore the intersection of technology, investor expectations, and evolving regulations in the realm of real estate’s green odyssey.
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NYSE: Head of ESG Advisory, Brian Matt
Published: March 05, 2024
In this episode, Alex is joined by Brian Matt, Head of ESG at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Tune in as they explore Brian’s investor relations journey, spanning from the late ’90s to his current role at the forefront of the evolving ESG landscape. Discover the intricacies of sustainability integration within the business models of over 2,400 listed companies at NYSE and the growing significance of dedicated sustainability roles within these organizations. Whether you’re an investor or a business leader, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies for driving sustainable business growth.
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Lowenstein Sandler: Associate, Zach Berliner
Published: February 29, 2024
In this episode, Alex is talking with Zach Berliner, a six-year associate at Lowenstein Sandler’s Environmental Law and Litigation Practice Group. Together, they explore the groundbreaking sustainability legislation recently enacted in California – SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305. Discover the implications for businesses, including the reporting of scope 1 through 3 emissions, climate-related financial risks, and the scrutiny of net-zero claims and carbon offsets. Gain insights into how these laws are reshaping the landscape of environmental law, influencing businesses, and compelling even law firms to adopt ESG frameworks. Join us as we unravel the complexities of sustainability and learn how companies, both large and small, are gearing up to meet the challenges of a more eco-conscious future.
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Ethos Giving: Founder and CEO, Emily Kane Miller
Published: February 15, 2024
In this episode, Alex talks with Emily Kane Miller, the visionary behind Ethos Giving, to unpack the layers of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the realm beyond compliance. From tracing the fascinating history of philanthropy post-World War I to dissecting the motivations behind embracing CSR during the Cold War, this episode is a rollercoaster through ethical business practices. Dive into the complexities of CSR frameworks, the rise of sustainability efforts in the 1990s, and explore how businesses today can be instrumental in tackling global challenges. This episode offers a fast-paced journey through the past, present, and future of corporate impact, sharing actionable insights for a purpose-driven business revolution. Tune in for a dynamic exploration of Ethos Giving’s impact blueprint and discover how businesses can shape a sustainable and purposeful future.
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Hunt Club: Founder, Nick Cromydas
Published: December 07, 2023
In this episode, Alex delves into the world of sustainability and ESG hiring with Nick, the founder of Hunt Club. Discover how sustainability and ESG practices are influencing the recruitment landscape, and explore the evolving hiring trends in this rapidly growing sustainability field. Gain valuable insights into the key skills and attributes required for successful sustainability leaders, and how businesses are adapting to attract top talent passionate about creating a better tomorrow. Nick also highlights the significance of authentic, business-aligned sustainability initiatives. Tune in for a deeper understanding of the sustainability talent revolution and its profound impact on the future of hiring.
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Amity Advisory: Founder and CEO, Pamela Cone
Published: October 12, 2023
In this episode, Alex is joined by Pamela Cone, founder and CEO of Amity Advisory. A dedicated board member of the Law Firm Sustainability Network (LFSN) with extensive expertise in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, Pam and Alex explore the pivotal role that law firms play in the global journey toward achieving net-zero emissions. Pamela reveals how law firms are becoming integral to the sustainability efforts of their clients, emphasizing the significance of managing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in supplier relationships. Pamela also highlights the importance of transparency, sharing practical steps for law firms to take inventory of their existing sustainability practices, conduct materiality assessments, and proactively engage with the EcoVadis assessment, which allows firms to showcase their commitment to sustainability and maintain their competitive edge. Discover why sustainability is no longer confined to companies manufacturing physical products, and why legal service providers are increasingly finding themselves in the spotlight of sustainability and ESG scrutiny, and gain insights into how law firms can respond to client demands, build their sustainability narratives, and adapt to evolving industry expectations.
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Sustainability in Higher Education: Will Crawford and Brad Ives
Published: September 14, 2023
In this episode, Alex is talking with two distinguished guests: Brad Ives, Head of Sustainability at Catawba College, and Will Crawford, Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Follett, North America’s leading campus retail partner. Together, they explore the multifaceted journey toward sustainability and reducing carbon footprints on college campuses across the United States. Discover the challenges and unique approaches faced by colleges and universities of various sizes, including factors like energy consumption, transportation, waste management, and more. Brad shares insights from Catawba College’s remarkable achievement as the first college in the Southeast to achieve carbon neutrality. Will sheds light on Follett’s commitment to sustainability and how it aligns with the diverse needs of higher education institutions. Learn how collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and initiatives like Follett Access are transforming the way students access course materials while contributing to a greener future.
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Greenplaces: VP of Sustainability, Corinne Hanson
Published: August 31, 2023
In this episode, Alex is talking sustainability strategy with Corinne Hanson, a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in the field. As a former head of sustainability at SH Hotels and Resorts and now the VP of Sustainability at Greenplaces, Corinne shares her expertise on how businesses are transitioning from mere philanthropy to holistic sustainability, driven by customer expectations, investor demands, and regulatory shifts. Learn the essential steps to kick-start your sustainability journey, from centralizing data to tapping into available incentives. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting and strategy, and how Greenplaces is empowering businesses with actionable intelligence to navigate this complex and vital realm.
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Spiffy: Cofounder and CEO, Scot Wingo
Published: August 17, 2023
In this episode, Alex is joined by Scot Wingo, the co-founder and CEO of Spiffy, a pioneering on-demand mobile car wash and detailing company. As a serial entrepreneur and former CEO of ChannelAdvisor, Scot’s expertise and curiosity led him to revolutionize the car care industry. Tune in to hear how Spiffy employs convenience, technology, and sustainability to create a modern, greener car care service and business model. Learn about innovative solutions like water reclamation, eco-friendly chemicals, and lithium-ion “penguin power packs,” that are environmentally friendly and create a better customer experience. Plus, hear Scot’s insights on Spiffy’s role in evolving markets and electrification, and its commitment to sustainability.
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Oglebay: Senior Director of Strategic Planning, Beth Whitehouse
Published: August 3, 2023
In this episode, we chat with Beth Whitehouse, Senior Director of Strategic Planning at Oglebay, a 2000-acre resort and public park in Wheeling, West Virginia with a history steeped in environmental stewardship. In addition to providing leisure and luxury activities and accommodations for the whole family, Oglebay is building a one-of-a-kind sustainable ecosystem–one that enriches the resort’s operations, guest experience, broader community, and planet alike. In partnership with businesses, donors, and local groups, Beth and team are tackling awesome sustainability initiatives, including a robust forestry management plan (think: removing invasive species, reforestation of native trees, and converting forest litter into biochar), and an innovative solar project to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. Explore the park’s fascinating history and hear how today’s team continues to honor the founding vision, creating a greener future for their campus and community.
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Contentful: Head of Community Impact, Annie Field
Published: July 20, 2023
In this episode, Alex speaks with Annie Field, the Head of Community Impact at Contentful, about how the content management platform and a grass-roots, cross-functional team are driving positive change within the tech industry through ambitious sustainability goals. Annie shares her journey from the nonprofit sector to the corporate world, and highlights the similarities in driving positive impact for business and the planet. Hear how Contentful is tackling sustainability–through the model of handprints and footprints–aligning with their core values, engaging cross-functional teams, and integrating sustainability into business practices to drive positive impact on climate and profitability. Gain valuable insight on a grass-roots approach to building a thoughtful sustainability practice, and motivation from Annie to “just get started!”
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PDQ: VP of Marketing and PR, Jeffrey Kamis
Published: July 6, 2023
In this episode, we speak with Jeffrey Kamis, VP of Marketing and PR at PDQ, a beloved fast casual dining chain. PDQ stands for People Dedicated to Quality–quality of food, service, and now, sustainability. Discover how PDQ is approaching sustainability one step at a time and anchoring, as always, in quality. Amidst rising challenges faced by the restaurant industry, PDQ is working with Greenplaces and committing to understanding their footprint, defining their version of sustainability, and taking small steps that will add up to long lasting impact for the environment, their brand, and the well-being of their team members and the communities they serve.
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Hodinkee: Founder, Ben Clymer
Published: June 28, 2023
In this episode, Ben Clymer, Founder of Hodinkee, shares the journey to becoming the top destination for all things horology: making watches and information about them accessible to all. Ben shares his timeless story of how a simple blog (in 2008) evolved into a thriving watch business with a strong sustainability mission, proving luxury and eco-friendly aren’t mutually exclusive, and founding the content-to-commerce business path along the way. From pioneering sustainable packaging to partnering with brands using Fairmined gold and recycled materials, sustainability is woven into Hodinkee’s products and experiences. Join us for a good time, as we unravel the fascinating world of watches and a progressive view on sustainability–where thoughtfulness and curiosity lead to more efficient operations, improved customer experiences, and a smaller environmental footprint.
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Yext: Senior Manager of Inclusion and Diversity, Neal Booker
Published: June 8, 2023
In this episode, Neal Booker, Senior Manager of Inclusion and Diversity at Yext, shares valuable insights into how Yext incorporates sustainable practices and innovative strategies into its core operations to make a meaningful impact. After discussing Yext’s sustainability initiatives, Neal delves into the company’s efforts to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, where employees are encouraged to contribute to sustainability goals and make a difference in their local communities. Learn how Yext leverages its platform and partnerships to promote sustainable practices across the digital landscape and empower other digital organizations to adopt eco-friendly strategies.
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Durham Academy: Sustainability Coordinator, Tina Bessias
Published: May 11, 2023
Durham Academy is training the next generation of climate champions by teaching students about carbon footprints, waste generation, and more as a part of their primary education. Tina, the school’s sustainability coordinator, along with a student government sustainability committee work to ensure the K-12 school in Durham, N.C. is doing its part to reduce its footprint, and teach students to do the same through courses on the topic. In this episode, Alex and Tina discuss why the school has introduced combating the climate crisis to their curriculum and the impact these lessons can have on the planet. This episode was recorded during Earth Month, and a portion of this conversation was included in our Earth Day compilation episode.
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Earth Month Bonus: Insights and Actions for Creating a Sustainable Future
Published: May 02, 2023
To celebrate another miraculous Earth Month, we’re sharing this compilation of conversations between Alex and Greenplaces’ partners as they discuss how they’re making small changes in their industries that are leading to big differences. He’ll be talking with Ben Clymer from Hodinkee, Neal Booker from Yext, Tina Bessias from Durham Academy and Jeffrey Kamis from PDQ. We hope this bonus episode inspires you to treat every day like Earth Day!
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Ben and Jerry’s: Global Sustainability Manager, Jenna Evans
Published: Apr 20, 2023
In this episode, Alex is joined by Ben and Jerry’s Jenna Evans. As the global sustainability manager, Jenna’s role involves developing strategies for improving energy efficiencies in manufacturing, creating more sustainable packaging and reducing carbon emissions, all of which they approach holistically through a social justice lens. They also discuss the company’s long-term goals of driving systemic change towards a more sustainable future, including the goal of eliminating plastic packaging completely.
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Meta: Sustainability Strategy Manager, Paull Young
Published: Mar 09, 2023
When global companies like Meta commit to climate action, their goals and programs create vast, positive impact for the planet, and inspire other businesses to follow suit. As Meta’s Sustainability Strategy Manager, Paull Young works with the company’s environmental partners to develop products that will facilitate Meta’s goals of being net-zero across their value chain by 2030, using 100% renewable energy, and becoming water positive by 2040. Learn more about Paull’s work and the importance of setting and sharing public sustainability goals in this latest episode of Open Source Sustainability.
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Just Salad: CSO, Sandra Noonan
Published: Feb 09, 2023
What does sustainability in the 21st century look like? That’s what we’re exploring this week with Sandra Noonan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Just Salad. From innovative sourcing solutions to carbon labels on the menu, hear how Sandra is driving Just Salad towards zero-waste dining and making the fast-casual restaurant industry climate-conscious. To learn more about the programs mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.thenewgreennormal.com/ and https://justsalad.com/carbonlabel.
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Taco Bell: Director of Global Nutrition and Sustainability, Missy Schaaphok
Published: Jan 12, 2023
In the first episode of Open Source Sustainability, Alex sits down with Missy Schaaphok, RDN, Director of Global Nutrition and Sustainability at Taco Bell. Missy shares how the fast food giant is working to educate diners on Taco Bell’s green initiatives and planet-friendly options, and gives insight into how her background as a nutritionist fits into her sustainability role at Taco Bell. Plus, find out her answer to the age-old question: what’s your Taco Bell hot sauce of choice? Learn more about how to recycle your sauce packets through Taco Bell here: https://www.tacobell.com/terracycle
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