People, Planet, Profit: Navigating ESG

What do living walls, green rooftops, smart building technology, and natural light all have in common?They are part of a proactive and collective effort to make properties more sustainable and environment-friendly.Sustainability-friendly or climate-resilient properties will get more favorable terms from lending institutions, as they are seen as less risky. Having these types of properties can also lead to reduced operational costs and lesser energy consumption, enabling investors and property owners to reap long-term benefits.How can investors and property owners make the switch to more sustainable commercial real estate? How can they get certified? Who can they turn to for consultation?That’s why I’m talking to Dez Edwards, Senior VP at Pulse Commercial Group. Dez is on a mission to change the narrative in commercial real estate and educate customers about “going green.” In this conversation, she talks about what sustainability looks like in commercial real estate and what the long-term financial benefits are of making the switch to greener buildings.Join us as we discuss:[02:15] What true property value means in sustainable commercial real estate[13:10] Current trends in sustainable commercial real estate[15:57] Unique financial benefits that the switch to sustainable and climate-resilient properties bringCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Pulse Commercial GroupESG Network AssociationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit” in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you ever wonder what happens to all those shipping containers that sit idly in the world’s busiest ports?Did you know that these containers can now be repurposed and transformed into a new and sustainable housing solution?Buildings made from old shipping containers are considered property and can be permanently fixed, appraised, and insured. They can also be built quickly, are well insulated, and are more durable. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to help everyone “think green” when it comes to buildings.How can homeowners and businesses make the switch to green construction? What do they need to be aware of? Who can they turn to for consultation?That’s why I’m talking to Jessica Lewis, CEO of Mobu Enterprises. Jessica is on a mission to help build greener and more sustainable homes and buildings. In this conversation, she highlights the benefits of using shipping containers in green construction and the impact of selecting sustainable materials on the planet.Join us as we discuss:[02:48] How shipping containers are used for green construction[08:48] Factors that influence the adoption of green construction in the U.S.[17:47] The benefits of choosing sustainable materialsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Mobu EnterprisesEnviro Building SystemESG Network AssociationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit” in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Whether you’re a consumer or a business, we all have a role to play when it comes to using sustainable packaging.Taking a step in the right direction is better than not taking any step at all.Finding out how you can make a switch to sustainable packaging, understanding what materials the packaging is made of, and taking the time to separate recyclable items are paramount in helping to protect the environment.How can consumers, as well as businesses, make the switch? Is cost a deciding factor? Where can they go for more information and support?That’s why I’m talking to Brad Levin, Senior Sales and Sustainability Manager at Millennium Group. Brad is on a mission to encourage companies to “think green” when it comes to product packaging. In this conversation, he highlights some challenges and provides some recommendations on how we can make the switch to packaging that’s more sustainable.Join us as we discuss: [01:24] How consumer attitudes towards sustainable packaging have changed[06:44] Some examples of companies who have adapted their packaging[11:24] Some common misconceptions that consumers and businesses have around sustainable packaging[15:54] Recommendations for small businesses and startups who want to enter the spaceCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Brad Levin Millenium GroupESG Network AssociationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit” in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What do the Metaverse, artificial intelligence, and indigenous communities all have in common?They are all part of the “digital twin” effort that utilizes modern technologies to proactively help create sustainable solutions.It also enables the purchasing of carbon credits, creates a more robust ecosystem in which indigenous communities can thrive, and helps to protect the environment worldwide.What is a digital twin and how can it help in the environmental space? How can the Metaverse and AI play a key role in sustainability to protect the livelihood and cultures of indigenous communities? That’s why I’m talking to Almeth Alzate, Director of International Projects at Sybel Solutions. Almeth is involved in projects with indigenous communities globally and is on a mission to solve environmental challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the world we live in. In this conversation, he talks about the role that technology, AI, and the Metaverse play in creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable world.Join us as we discuss: [00:51] What a digital twin is and how it helps the environment[11:52] How countries benefit from someone purchasing carbon credits[24:11] How the Metaverse and AI play a role in sustainability[28:40] How to protect indigenous communitiesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Almeth Alzate Sybel SolutionsESG Network AssociationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit” in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We can prevent building collapses and other man-made disasters if we take the necessary precautions.Regular inspections, reviewing a building’s structural integrity, and ongoing maintenance and repair work ensure that properties are kept safe and will last longer.These will also enable us to implement steps to make communities more sustainable and environmentally friendly for the greater benefit of the residents.How can we incorporate these critical elements into our communities? How have the real estate laws changed in the wake of recent tragedies? Who can we turn to for information or legal advice?That’s why I’m talking to Shayla Mount, Attorney at Arias Bosinger LLC. Shayla represents condominium and homeowner associations and is on a mission to educate people on the importance of sustainability and community living in real estate. In this conversation, she elaborates on these topics and explains how changing market dynamics have also created opportunities to convert real estate into something more affordable and sustainable.Join us as we discuss: [01:55] How Shayla sees sustainability in her space[07:54] Legal measures implemented following the Surfside Condo tragedy[14:43] How condominium terminations lead to new opportunities in real estate[17:20] How HOAs are adapting to the growing demand for eco-friendly living spacesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Shayla MountArias Bosinger LLCESG Network AssociationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit” in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We can’t control natural disasters, but we can control how we invest, adapt, mitigate, and prepare for them.Preparedness not only helps to save lives, but it also helps to lessen the harm and suffering when disasters occur.It also helps us to rebuild in stronger and more sustainable ways.Where can people find more information about disaster preparedness and mitigation? What roles and importance do schools have in this scenario? How can the different sectors work closer together to be better prepared?That’s why I’m talking to Dr. Lori Peek, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Peek works closely with engineers, scientists, and government agencies like FEMA on topics such as school and natural hazard safety. In this conversation, she elaborates on the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation, how this impacts the planet, and how you can get involved in the disaster planning and preparation process.Join us as we discuss: [03:01] The definition of a disaster[07:27] Ways that schools are part of a larger community[18:27] How the different sectors can work closer together[21:34] How the bottom line is impacted by preparednessCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Dr. Lori PeekNatural Hazards Center University of Colorado BoulderFEMAESG Network AssociationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit” in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

One of the best ways to future-proof your business is to take control of how you get the power you need to run your facility. And there are ways in which small businesses can be involved without making significant investments. What can businesses do to become more energy-independent? Who do they turn to for help, advice, or professional consultation? That’s why I’m talking to Justin Miller, CEO at High Life Solutions: Energy Agriculture Development. Justin has extensive experience in the utility sector, from building utility-scale commercial solar arrays all the way to selling residential systems. In this conversation, he provides us with great tips and insights on what businesses can do to reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy-independent. Join us as we discuss:  - [04:15] The path to energy independence and how it helps companies become more sustainable - [15:14] How companies can become more sustainable and energy-resilient - [23:05] How companies and communities can make the switch to renewable energy - [33:28] Why businesses shouldn’t be involved in the carbon credit game Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:   - Justin Miller  - High Life Solutions: Energy Agriculture Development   - ESG Network Association To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Carbon credits are way for companies that are causing the most harm to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and their carbon footprint. What is it, and how does it help companies to do their part for the environment? What steps need to be taken to purchase carbon credits? That’s why I’m talking to Apollo Mondesir, Co-Founder at Rocksteady Consulting. Apollo walks us through the process of conducting audits, how to purchase carbon credits, and also, avoid greenwashing. Join us as we discuss:  - [00:25] What a carbon credit is - [05:06] How carbon credits work - [11:59] What greenwashing and phantom credits are - [23:49] Some challenges organizations face when trying to access carbon credits Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Rocksteady Consulting - ESG Network Association To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Climate change has dramatically altered the weather and has caused disasters of cataclysmic proportions. This has not only impacted how we work but has also influenced how people conduct business in industries such as construction or agriculture. How has climate change run up the costs for unprepared businesses? What can companies do to proactively address climate change? They can’t do anything about climate change, but they can do something about how they respond to it. Where can they find reliable information or trusted consultants? Trusted information, reliable consultants - unbiased, etc. That’s why I’m talking to Jessica Mederson, Partner at Stafford Rosenbaum. Jessica has been practicing business litigation for over two decades and has made it her mission to help companies find solutions that help companies stay ahead of litigation by being prepared, instead of coming to her after they’re being sued. Join us as we discuss:  - How climate crisis in one place can impact other regions [00:41] - How climate change impacts the workforce [10:10] - What companies can do to address climate change proactively [16:38] - Why people shouldn’t take water for granted [26:14] Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Stafford Rosenbaum - Stafford Law Blogs  - ESG Network Association  To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Wellness begins with the air you breathe. Companies and buildings should not ignore this, and investing in better air quality has never been more important and affordable. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to ensure buildings have better systems and technologies in place for better air quality and ventilation, especially when they can be a smart financial choice for your business. That’s why I’m talking to Amy Carenza, Chief Commercial Officer at ActivePure. Amy shares her experience, insights, and expertise about what needs to be done to ensure that buildings have better air quality that is manageable as well as sustainable. In this episode, we unpack what it takes to make sure that the air we breathe indoors is better and cleaner. Join us as we discuss:  - How air quality impacts a business’s bottom line [00:43] - Common instances that contribute to low air quality [02:45] - What to do to mitigate bad air [11:53] - Why businesses should follow ASHRAE standards [24:36] Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ActivePure  - ASHRAE  - ESG Network Association To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

There is a visible labor shortage in the trades at the moment. As many people start to retire, it’s paramount to start recruiting and hiring new people across the different sectors. How can you get students interested in pursuing a career in the trades? Where can they go to find the right training and programs? Who can they consult or turn to for advice? That’s why I’m talking to Ronald Anderson, President and Chairman of The Association of Facilities Engineering. Ronald is passionate about helping underserved minorities become leaders through pre-apprenticeships, which is why he founded HUMBLE. In this episode, we delve into the importance of workforce development. Join us as we discuss:  - The connection between workforce development and governance [00:33] - How organizations can create more workforce development programs [6:18] - The key governance challenges for companies [07:59] - What types of workforce development programs are available [15:33] Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - The Association of Facilities Engineering To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Women and minorities have been ignored and underserved in construction and the trades for far too long. It is therefore important for us to initiate the necessary change that supports these groups and provides them with better opportunities. It starts with a change in mindset and eradicating those biases that impede the progress of these groups who need support. Join us in our thought-provoking conversation with trailblazer Christi Powell as she talks about how to overcome biases in construction and the trades. Christi shares her experiences with us and talks about how we can get involved in our communities to see who needs help and how those needs can be addressed. Join us as we discuss: -How people can change their mindset to overcome bias [04:03] - Why there are unrealized biases [12:49] - Some actionable tips for the audience [16:39] - Christi’s advice to women and minorities [26:37] Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - 84lumber.com - Breaking Barriers Forum - Women Talk Construction Podcast - ESG Network Association To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the introductory episode of People Planet Profit: Navigating ESG. Hosted by Sarah Feldmann, this is the show for professionals looking for the best news and insights related to ESG that can be implemented within their organizations. There is a massive communication breakdown between the three different silos of environmental, social, and governance. The show aims to bridge that gap in these three silos and bring people across different disciplines closer together. The show will also focus on educating anyone looking at improving the people in their world, the planet in their world, or the profit in their world. Join Sarah as she discusses: - The biggest challenge companies face when implementing ESG programs today [06:17] - How Sarah is looking to bridge those gaps with this show [07:00] - Who this podcast is for [07:15] Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - ESG Network Association To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website or search for “People, Planet, Profit”  in your favorite podcast player. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In a world where sustainable business practices are becoming imperative, "People, Planet, Profit: Navigating ESG" delves into the core challenges organizations face in implementing true sustainability. Every week, we’ll explore the intricacies of Environmental, Social, and Governance issues with your host, Sarah Feldmann of the ESG Network Association. Through insightful conversations with industry experts, we offer actionable advice tailored for ESG professionals across major global corporations. If you're seeking to transform mere ESG compliance into a strategic advantage, or if you aim to stay ahead of the curve in the realm of sustainable business, then "People, Planet,  Profit: Navigating ESG" is your beacon in the dynamic landscape of modern corporate responsibility. Join us, and be part of the paradigm shift towards a more conscious, more profitable, and more  sustainable future.