We Are Winning the Building Decarbonization Fight

With Panama Bartholomy,
Executive Director, Building Decarbonization Coalition
In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Panama Bartholomy, Executive Director at the Building Decarbonization Coalition. During the conversation, Panama talks about building decarbonization while sharing optimistic insights into the growing heat pump market, innovative neighborhood electrification strategies, and the importance of focusing on practical benefits over climate politics. The conversation also highlights market momentum in clean energy, the need for skilled professionals, and a hopeful message that sustainable transformation is not just possible, but already happening. Don’t miss this great conversation!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Focus on Solutions (2:06)
  • Call for Optimism (4:43)
  • Welcoming Panama to the Show (6:26)
  • Panama’s Background (10:03)
  • Maintaining Optimism (13:54)
  • Reframing the Conversation (17:09)
  • Chef Insider Program (20:33)
  • Challenges with Gas Competition (23:44)
  • Future of Gas Investments (25:58)
  • Real-World Data on Heat Pumps (27:29)
  • Neighborhood Electrification Strategy (30:20)
  • Pilot Projects and Early Successes (33:21)
  • Utility Tariffs for Electrification (34:58)
  • Legislative Concerns in California (37:22)
  • Advice for Future Climate Leaders (39:01)
  • Optimism in Sustainability (45:13)
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways (46:48)

 

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.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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