Open Source Sustainability

Alex is diving 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 sustainab...

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 com...

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. ...

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 ...

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 sustainab...

In this episode, Alex is talking with Zach Berliner, a sixth-year associate in 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 scrutin...

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 ...

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 ...

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 e...

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 uni...

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 re...

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. L...

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,...

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 plan...

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 unders...

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 busin...

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...

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 ...

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 d...