Balancing Impatience and Optimism with Action

With Matt Grocoff,
Founder/CEO of FEW Nexus & FEW Energy
In this episode of the Climate Rebels Podcast, Joel and Owen are joined by Matt Grocoff, Founder of THRIVE Collaborative & Founder/CEO of FEW Nexus & FEW Energy. During this conversation, Matt shares his personal story of converting his own house to net zero which became the oldest home in America to achieve net zero. Matt also shares his work in green building and real estate, his commitment to sustainability, the urgency of addressing climate change, the Veridian sustainable neighborhood project, and more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Introduction of Matt and his green building work (0:57) 
  • Special segment: Zero bullshit (3:21)
  • What makes Matt a climate rebel? (8:30)
  • Staying optimistic in the climate fight (11:13)
  • We have the tools for sustainability (12:38)
  • The need for accessible information and support (18:06)
  • Matt’s early recognition of the climate crisis (21:20)
  • Converting a home to net zero (24:23)
  • Crowdfunding and community investment (28:42)
  • The urgency in addressing climate change (31:36)
  • The Veridian project (32:36)
  • Challenges locally and developmentally with Veridian (40:22)
  • Redesigning community for a car-light lifestyle (43:29)
  • What gives Matt hope for the future? (45:04)

 

The Climate Rebels Podcast is presented by Rayven. The climate conversation has never been hotter. As disruptors in this space, we’re hungry to find solutions to the challenges our planet faces. We celebrate the doers, those taking action against climate change and executing on their vision for a better future. You’ll hear from us, as well as leaders in science, tech, and business, as we all take steps to decrease carbon and reach net zero. The tone will be edgy, authentic, optimistic and unafraid to call out BS. Thanks for joining the conversation. Be part of the revolution at joinrayven.com.

About the Hosts

Joel Cesare
Joel Cesare is a visionary leader in sustainable real estate, currently serving as Growth Lead at Cambio, an AI building retrofit analytics platform. He previously led Google's $50B global net zero real estate program and oversaw the building of Santa Monica's City Hall East, one of the world's greenest buildings. Recognized with awards like ENR Top 25 Newsmaker, Living Future Hero, Building Design & Construction 40 under 40, his mission is to dream, inspire and deliver.
Owen Barrett
Owen Barrett is the world's foremost expert in solar on multifamily properties. Owen is currently the CEO of Shine and has over 12 years of experience in the clean technology sector covering fuel cells, HVAC, LED lighting, and of course, solar. Owen is the former Global Energy Manager of a Fortune 500 company and a successful founder with two exits.

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