Welcome to this exciting episode where hosts Dave, Lysandra and John are joined by Luis Chibante, President and CEO of Golden Acre Farms, to discuss the evolving landscape of energy management in greenhouse operations. Luis offers deep insights into how energy costs have shifted over the past decade, the percentage of total operating costs that energy typically represents, and the pros and cons of modern energy efficiencies like LEDs. With a focus on both proactive and reactive energy management strategies, this episode delves into how the greenhouse industry compares to other energy-intensive industries and explores potential future technological advancements. Luis also discusses the role of greenhouses in enhancing food and energy security, particularly in Ontario. The episode wraps up with key takeaways for listeners on the importance of proactive planning and mindset in the ever-changing energy landscape of greenhouse operations.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:24 Energy Costs in Greenhouse Operations02:20 Efficiency and Technology in Greenhouses07:51 Proactive vs. Reactive Energy Management11:13 Global Perspectives on Energy Management16:25 Sustainability and Food Security20:06 Government Role in Energy Innovation21:19 Overcoming Fear in Decision Making21:38 Proactive Energy Management in Greenhouses22:20 Peak Shaving and Energy Efficiency23:18 Curtains and LED Lighting for Energy Savings25:19 Evolution of Greenhouse Technology26:28 Strategic Energy Planning27:47 Impactful Energy Decisions29:17 Future of Greenhouse Technology31:10 Greenhouses and Energy Security32:30 Collaborating with Government for Energy Efficiency35:08 Balancing Energy Use in Greenhouses39:28 Final Takeaways and Reflections

In this episode, Dave, John, and Lysandra delve into the pressing issue of energy security. They discuss how many organizations and individuals take energy availability for granted, defining energy security as the provision of reliable and affordable energy to continue desired activities. The conversation explores the impacts of energy security on daily life, the influence of global conflicts, and the role of climate change. They also highlight the importance of preparedness, risk assessment, and potential future shifts towards distributed energy infrastructures. Don't miss this insightful discussion on how to proactively manage energy security in a rapidly changing world.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:23 Defining Energy Security

02:59 Global Perspectives on Energy Security

05:03 Energy Security Challenges in North America05:31 Strategic Importance of Energy

06:35 Impact of Climate Change on Energy Security

08:06 Energy Security in the Modern World

24:53 Cybersecurity and Energy

29:54 Steps to Protect Against Energy Disruptions

33:47 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Join hosts Dave and John as they welcome back Henning Stein, Practice Head of Energy, Climate, and Resources at Eurasia Group, for an in-depth discussion on Europe's electric transformation. This episode covers Europe's progress in green transition, the challenges posed by energy security, the impact of geopolitical dynamics, and the future of European industries amidst the transition. Henning also highlights the importance of the next two years in ensuring the success of the green transformation and the potential consequences of a fragmented European energy policy.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:13 Europe's Electric Transformation

04:22 Geopolitics and Energy Security

11:16 Challenges in Energy Infrastructure

19:21 Industrial Competitiveness in Europe

23:51 Policy Fragmentation and Investment Flows

26:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Join Dave, John, Lyssandra, and special guest Alex Seyer, CEO of Sir Carbon Bono, as they delve into the essentials of carbon certification, renewable energy credits, and evolving carbon markets in emerging economies. This episode covers the importance of transparent and verifiable certification processes, the methodologies used, major global standards, and insights on COP 29's outcomes and the significance of COP 30 in Brazil. A must-watch for anyone interested in climate action and carbon market mechanisms.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:24 Introducing the Guest: Alex Seyer

00:41 Understanding Certification and Carbon Markets

03:06 The Certification Process Explained

09:16 Navigating Standards and Protocols

15:29 Key Takeaways from COP 29

20:53 Looking Ahead to COP 30

23:40 Latin America's Role in Climate Action

27:20 Impact of Regional and Global Politics on COP 30

Join Dave, Lysandra and guest Lasse Kari, Global Energy and Resource Research Lead at Accenture Research, as they delve into the evolving landscape of European heavy industry. This episode examines the potential for industrial relocation, the structural challenges facing the sector, and the innovative strategies companies are employing to remain competitive amid high energy costs. Discover the role of AI in industrial research, the impact of public sentiment on decarbonization efforts, and the unique strategic orientations companies are adopting to navigate a volatile global market. A must-watch for anyone interested in energy markets, industrial strategies, and the future of European competitiveness.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:43 Understanding European Industrial Relocation

04:26 Pressing Challenges in European Heavy Industry

06:55 Energy Transition and Industrial Strategies

07:49 Relocation Risks and Strategic Orientations

12:08 Geographic and Strategic Differences in Europe

21:33 Innovative Strategies and Global Competition

25:19 Future of European Heavy Industry

27:58 AI in Industrial Research

31:43 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of John la Sandra podcast, hosts John and Sandra have an insightful discussion with Catherine O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Regulatory Government Relations, and Sustainability at Nestlé Canada. Catherine shares her unique career journey into sustainability and emphasizes the ingrained nature of sustainable practices at Nestlé. The conversation touches on partnerships like the Canada Plastics Pact and Circular Materials Canada, employee engagement, and the role of consumers and investors in driving sustainability. Catherine also talks about the challenges and strategies in maintaining long-term sustainability goals amidst changing political climates and the importance of communication and collaboration in achieving those goals. Tune in to learn how Nestlé Canada is committed to creating shared value for both their business and society.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:19 Catherine's Journey to Sustainability

02:11 Nestle's Cocoa Sustainability Efforts

05:08 Collaborations and Partnerships

09:09 Balancing Sustainability and Profitability

12:51 Employee Engagement in Sustainability

17:20 Consumer and Investor Roles

20:46 Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs

24:18 Future of Corporate Sustainability at Nestle

25:34 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode, Dave and John return from their travels to discuss Finland's ambitious climate goals with Helena Saren, head of the Zero Carbon Future Mission at Business Finland. Helena shares insights into Finland's strategies for reaching carbon neutrality by 2035 and carbon negativity by 2050, including innovation funding, industry collaboration, and systemic changes to drive a cleaner future. The conversation explores Finland's unique features, the challenges and successes of Finnish industries, and the crucial role of education and transparency in driving sustainable change. Join us for an in-depth look at how Finland is leading the way towards a zero carbon future and what the rest of the world can learn from their approach.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:28 Introducing Helena Saren and Zero Carbon Future Mission

02:01 Finland's Ambitious Climate Goals

02:47 Business Finland's Role in Climate Innovation

05:55 Industry Commitment to Carbon Neutrality

12:29 Challenges and Public Perception of Net Zero

19:19 Government and Financial Mechanisms for Clean Transition

24:30 Innovative Clean Tech Solutions in Finland

29:05 Nordic Collaboration and Climate Impact

36:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, hosts Dave and Lysandra are joined by Ed Crooks, Vice Chair America's at Wood Mackenzie and host of the Energy Gang podcast. Ed discusses the evolution of the energy industry, focusing on climate policy, the energy transition, and insights from his extensive experience. Topics include the impact of the Paris Agreement, the Russia-Ukraine war on energy security, the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy, and the rise of China as a low carbon energy superpower. Ed also explores the transformative role of AI in the energy sector and provides guidance for industry newcomers and seasoned professionals. This discussion highlights the dynamic changes and future directions in the global energy landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Ed Crooks' Journey in the Energy Sector02:21 Challenges and Opportunities in Energy Transition06:08 China's Role in Low Carbon Energy13:33 Insights from Industry Experts20:33 The Impact of AI on Energy29:17 Future of Energy in North America33:13 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this insightful podcast episode, Dave, John and Lysandra discuss the evolving customer expectations around corporate sustainability with Gerald Leonard. They delve into the broader spectrum beyond carbon accounting, including societal and community impacts, corporate governance, and the crucial triple bottom line of planet, people, and profit. The episode explores how different sectors like food, transportation, and tech are making strides in sustainability, the importance of transparency, and the role of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. The conversation also touches upon the economic advantages of robust sustainability practices and the significance of a well-rounded strategy for long-term business success.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:00 Customer Expectations in Corporate Sustainability04:00 Sustainability in Various Industries05:30 Balancing Sustainability and Profitability07:26 Communicating Sustainability Efforts09:31 Emerging Technologies in Sustainability11:37 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode, hosts Dave and John welcome Stephen Schork, principal and co-founder of the Schork Group, to discuss strategies for energy companies dealing with extreme price volatility. Steven shares his expertise on hedging during non-volatile periods, the uniqueness of company hedging programs, and the role of risk tolerance. He also explores the future of energy markets, the impact of AI on trading and hedging, the shift toward renewable energy, and the importance of a comprehensive energy policy in the United States. Throughout the discussion, Steven emphasizes the ongoing learning process in energy forecasting and the necessity of a diversified approach to energy generation.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Hedging Strategies for Energy Companies

02:19 Real-World Hedging Examples

07:25 Benchmarking and Forecasting Accuracy

12:42 Adapting to Renewable Energy and Decarbonization

22:14 The Role of AI in Energy Trading

25:32 Final Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode, we welcome Dave, John, and Bruno from Air Company to discuss the transformation of CO2 into a valuable resource and its implications for decarbonizing the aviation industry. The conversation covers innovative approaches to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, the role of startups versus established companies in driving change, and the importance of regulatory frameworks and collaboration across the aviation ecosystem. The discussion also explores the potential economic and environmental impact of sustainable aviation fuels and the future growth of Air Company.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:08 Air Company's Mission and Sustainable Aviation03:00 Innovation in Low Carbon Fuels05:43 Scaling Up Air Company's Technology06:53 Regulatory and Policy Support11:21 Partnerships and Industry Collaboration14:40 Future Impact and Company Growth19:12 Personal Responsibility and Carbon Offsets22:07 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this engaging episode, Dave and Lysandra discuss the implications and preparations for Canadian companies regarding the Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS) with Gregory Carli.

The conversation dives deep into the impact of CSDS on businesses, the evolution of these standards, challenges in sustainability reporting, and the critical need for adopting these standards to stay competitive.

Greg highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into a company's DNA and leveraging existing compliance processes. The episode also touches on the consequences of non-compliance and strategic steps organizations can take to prepare for mandatory implementation. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how CSDS can shape Canadian businesses' future and their sustainability approach.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:32 Understanding CSDS and Its Impact

03:56 Challenges and Strategies for Implementation

05:12 Global Standards and Canadian Adaptation

09:24 Practical Steps for Canadian Companies

13:48 Consequences of Non-Compliance

18:44 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode, hosts Dave and John are joined by Catherine O'Brien, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Regulatory, Government Relations, and Sustainability at Nestlé Canada. Catherine shares insights on balancing sustainability goals with regulatory and economic pressures, Nestlé's commitment to carbon reduction, and approaches to packaging and recycling. She also highlights the importance of partnerships and the challenges in implementing sustainable practices in a large corporation. 

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on Nestlé's sustainability journey and its impact on the environment and communities.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:26 Meet Catherine O'Brien: Nestle's SVP of Corporate Affairs

01:41 Nestle's Commitment to Sustainability

03:37 Balancing Business Needs with Sustainability

04:26 Driving Change in Corporations

06:17 Nestle Canada's Approach to Carbon Reduction

09:13 Innovations in Energy and Emission Reduction

21:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainability

25:17 Plant-Based Alternatives and Consumer Trends

26:22 Final Takeaways and Conclusion

In this engaging episode, Tamara, Vice President of Sustainability at the International Fresh Produce Association, joins John and Liandra to discuss the intersection of agriculture and sustainability, with a focus on climate smart agriculture practices in the fresh produce industry. The conversation delves into the challenges of improving farming practices, reducing food waste and the environmental impact of packaging. They explore the emerging concept of regenerative agriculture, comparing it to sustainable farming, and discuss how innovations in packaging and farming can contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, Tamara shares insights from her diverse career and highlights the importance of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for both personal and planetary health. The episode emphasizes the complex but vital role of consumer choices, growers’ engagement, and broader industry efforts in creating a more sustainable world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:30 Understanding Fresh Produce and Sustainability02:08 Challenges in Fresh Produce Industry05:21 Regenerative Agriculture Explained09:56 Plant-Based Diets and Sustainability15:21 Organic Farming and Its Future17:48 Carbon Farming and Forestry22:34 Innovations in Packaging30:03 Climate Smart Agriculture Pilot Projects31:59 Final Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode, Dave and Lysandra sit down with Dick Bakker. Director at Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative (OREC). 

The conversation spans the founding and mission of OREC, the current and future role of community-owned renewable energy projects, and the intricacies of electricity regulations in Ontario. 

Dick shares insights on the cooperative's efforts to decentralize the grid, advocate for policy changes, and integrate various renewable technologies like solar, wind, and batteries. The discussion also touches upon historical and future perspectives on energy demand, efficiency, and the potential for community engagement in accelerating the energy transition.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:06 Guest Introduction: Dick Bucker

01:17 Overview of Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative (OREC)

03:43 Role of Community-Owned Renewable Energy

07:05 Challenges and Regulations in Ontario

10:49 Policy Changes for Renewable Energy

19:21 Emerging Renewable Technologies in Ottawa

31:45 Energy Storage Opportunities and Challenges

36:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Join hosts Dave, John and Lysandra as they welcome Nicole Yazbek-Martin, head of taxonomy and natural capital at the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute. In this episode, Nicole demystifies the concept of sustainable finance taxonomy and its pivotal role in transitioning Australia to a low-carbon economy. Learn about the significance of taxonomies, Australia's unique approach compared to other frameworks, and the critical role of the financial services sector, including banks and insurers, in driving sustainable finance practices. Nicole also shares insights on integrating nature-related risks, the challenges of developing sustainable economic activity definitions, and the importance of making these frameworks user-friendly. Whether you're well-versed in finance or just getting started, this episode offers valuable takeaways on sustainable finance and its transformative potential.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:54 Understanding Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

04:39 Australia's Approach to Sustainable Finance

08:24 Global Collaboration and Transition

09:23 Government and Market Stability

11:25 Nature-Related Financial Disclosures

14:51 Challenges and Local Adaptation

25:21 Role of Financial Institutions

33:15 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, hosts Dave and John are joined by Jon Norman, President of Hydrostor, for the third time.

They discuss Hydrostor's rapid growth, innovative compressed air energy storage technology, and recent project milestones in California and Australia. Jon Norman shares insights into the company's expansion plans, the importance of long-duration energy storage in the global energy transition, and the critical role Hydrostor plays in replacing fossil fuel generation.

They also touch on the broader implications of their projects, including infrastructure development, regulatory challenges, and future growth strategies in emerging markets.

Join hosts Dave, John, and Lysandra as they break down their Spotify Wrapped 2024 stats and discuss some of the year's most impactful episodes. From remarkable audience growth to popular episodes like 'Zero Carbon Industrial Heat' and 'Future of Clean Tech,' the hosts cover listener demographics, geographic reach, and the influence of certain episodes on their thinking. They also highlight key takeaways for various audiences, including executives and those in the manufacturing industry, emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainable practices, and the urgency of addressing climate change.

00:00 Welcome Back and Spotify Wrapped Overview

02:22 Listener Demographics and Global Reach

05:48 Top Episodes and Listener Favorites

09:35 Impactful Episodes and Personal Reflections

13:08 Executive Recommendations and Industry Insights

19:18 Biggest Takeaways and Aha Moments

31:03 Final Thoughts and Thank You

Join hosts Dave, John, and Lysandra as they delve into COP 29, the 29th Conference of the Parties held in Baku, Azerbaijan. This episode explores the purpose of COPs, the significance of the Paris Agreement, the outcomes related to climate finance and Article 6, and the conference's attendance and organizational dynamics. The hosts discuss the challenges of reaching international agreements, the role of private and public investment in climate finance, carbon trading mechanisms, and the geopolitical context surrounding the conference. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of COP 29 and its implications for global climate action.

00:57 Overview of COP 29

01:27 Location and Purpose of COP 29

03:23 Delegates and Attendance

06:10 Notable Absences and Political Context

18:33 Climate Finance and Article 6

34:38 Reflections and Future Outlook

41:40 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

oin hosts Dave and Lysandra as they engage in an enlightening conversation with Ed Crooks, Vice Chair of Americas at Wood Mackenzie and host of the Energy Gang podcast. Ed shares his insights on shaping the discourse around critical energy topics through fact-based, topical, and diverse perspectives. Discover the significance of accessible explanations in complex subjects like climate policy and energy markets, the evolution of the Energy Gang podcast, and the value of connecting U.S. trends with global energy developments. Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in energy, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking insights. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:29 Ed Crooks on Thought Leadership in Energy 02:59 Challenges and Objectives of the Energy Gang Podcast 06:02 Listener Feedback and Balancing Perspectives 09:34 Importance of Economics in Energy Discussions 13:24 The Role of Clear Communication in Energy 24:29 Global Perspectives and Future Directions 28:41 Conclusion and Key Takeaways