RENEWables #57: Decarbonizing Industries: Mars Materials’ Mission to Reverse the Carbon Footprint
Join this episode of RENEWables and meet the Co-founder and CEO at Mars Materials, Aaron Fitzgerald. Aaron, a natural born problem solver, shares his inspiration for starting the public benefit corporation, the impact his team of dedicated climate solutionists is having on the world, and their vision of creating a future where the use of polluting carbon becomes more costly than adopting their sustainable technologies.
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Show Notes:
Website
Linked In
X (Twitter)
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
BioStar Renewables and Castillo Engineering Partner on 15 MW Solar Project in Kansas
Partnership enables renewable diesel plant to power its operations with on-site solar energy.
BioStar Renewables and Castillo Engineering Partner on 15 MW Solar Project in Kansas
Maitland, FL, April 25, 2023 – Castillo Engineering announced today that it has partnered with BioStar Renewables, a national leader in financing, engineering, procurement, construction and asset management, to provide electrical design and engineering for a 15 MW solar project in Kansas. This behind-the-meter project utilizes a single-axis tracker and will power a recently built renewable diesel plant with on-site clean energy year-round. BioStar Renewables has engaged Castillo Engineering on three other solar projects throughout the country, making this their fourth project together. Now under construction, the project is expected to be complete in Q2 of 2023.
“We chose Castillo Engineering for this project because they have proven themselves to be an exceptional partner on the variety of projects they have supported us with in several different states,” said David Smart, Chief Commercial Officer of BioStar Renewables. “They are extremely detail oriented during each step of the design process, and we are excited to be able to work with them to provide more sustainable energy for this state-of-the-art renewable diesel plant.”
Domestic renewable diesel capacity, which can be derived from fats and oils, is expected to double by 2025, as this new plant substantially contributes to this growing trend. Given the inherent sustainable focus of the plant, it was important to the owners to power the majority of their electricity needs with solar energy and replace the facility’s prior 22 MW steam generator. In order to accomplish this, Castillo Engineering efficiently overcame the project’s key challenges, including directly interconnecting into a substation as well as site planning within a railroad loop, which required the firm to minimize rail crossings by optimizing conductor routes.
“We are honored to have been selected by BioStar Renewables for this exceptional project, which is contributing to a more sustainable future in more ways than one,” said Christopher Castillo, CEO of Castillo Engineering. “Although we have projects throughout the entire country, we are especially looking forward to providing our design, engineering and site optimization expertise for additional impactful projects in the Midwest region this year and in the years to come”
About Castillo Engineering
Founded in 1998, Castillo Engineering is a leading design and engineering firm that delivers expertise in full service solar and energy storage design, engineering, and consulting services to developers, EPC contractors and utility companies. Castillo Engineering’s services cover electrical, structural, medium and high voltage for residential and utility-scale projects ranging from 5 kW to 500 MW. The firm’s experience completing 1.5 GW of solar and energy storage projects and unmatched expertise has made it the go-to solar engineering firm for utility-scale ground mount system construction documents for the industry’s top EPCs and developers. The firm was ranked by Inc 5000 two years in a row as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., as well as the 9th fastest growing engineering firm in the nation. Castillo Engineering is based in Maitland, Florida, and is licensed in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Learn more at castillope.com.
About BioStar Renewables
BioStar Renewables is a clean energy company dedicated to playing a leading role in ensuring a lower carbon future. BioStar provides financing, turnkey engineering, procurement, construction and asset management of renewable energy assets. BioStar’s team has successfully financed and/or developed more than $200mm in transactions across the renewable electricity, renewable natural gas and organic fertilizer markets. BioStar helps its customers achieve their environmental and sustainability goals by delivering low cost renewable energy and seamless operations and maintenance services.
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RENEWables #56: From Field to Fork to Field – A Plant-Based, Zero-Waste Composting System
The food industry generates a substantial portion of not only food waste, but also packaging waste. In the United States alone, the food and beverage sector accounts for approximately 23% of all packaging waste. Plastic is the most widely used material for food packaging, representing around 40% of total plastic usage, which comes with several challenges, including environmental pollution, resource depletion, and health concerns. Therefore, there is a growing movement to reduce the use of plastic in food packaging and promote more sustainable and circular packaging solutions, such as compostable plastics, paper-based packaging, and reusable containers.
Better Earth is a Georgia-based company committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship through composting. Its main goal is to create more sustainable systems by providing 100% plant-based products and services to customers all around the world. Through the distribution of zero-waste packaging solutions, Better Earth is providing the ability to revitalize, regenerate and replenish local economies, while supporting carbon sequestering and addressing public health concerns all around. This starts in the fields where the plants are grown, to the food service establishments where the products are used, and then back to the fields where they compost the materials and start the entire process over—creating a closed loop, zero-waste system.
Join this episode of RENEWables and meet VP of Sustainability at Better Earth, Savannah Seydel to discover more about composting, plant-based packaging, and how food waste reduction and resource efficiency improvements can have significant economic, social, and environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and improving food security.
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Show Notes:
Website
Facebook
Linked In
Savannah’s Linked In
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #55: Innovative Technology for Enabling Highly Efficient Carbon Capture
As most of us already know, CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. The production processes that yield CO2 are considered highly valuable to society, but their emissions into the atmosphere have negative environmental consequences, reducing their overall value.
With the issue of climate change, reducing CO2 emissions is more important than ever. Technologies designed to mitigate these emissions, such as carbon capture, storage, and utilization, allow for the continued use of these production processes and resources, while minimizing their environmental impact. One company leading this charge is Mantel Capture, a company with a new technology that creates materials designed to operate at the high temperatures, found inside boilers, kilns, and furnaces – enabling highly efficient carbon capture that has not been possible until now.
Join this episode of RENEWables and meet Co-founder & COO of Mantel Capture, Danielle Colson to discover more about this remarkable technology and their future plans for saving the atmosphere.
Tune in and subscribe.
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #54: A New Hydroponic Farming System Controlled by a Smartphone App
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water as the growing medium instead. These controlled environments provide the plants with all the essential nutrients they need directly through their roots. This highly sustainable technology has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce high yields of crops while using significantly less water than traditional soil-based agriculture.
Using a combination of sensors, software, and LED lighting to create an optimal growing environment for plants, Babylon Micro Farms is revolutionizing the hydroponics industry and forever changing the way we grow and consume food. The Virginia-based startup manufactures indoor hydroponic farming systems designed to minimize waste and maximize energy-efficiency by providing customers with everything they need to grow their own fresh produce, including the hydroponic equipment, seeds, nutrients, and software to monitor and manage the system from a smartphone app.
Join this episode of RENEWables and meet Alexander Olesen, Co-founder and CEO of Babylon Micro Farms to discover more about his remarkable team of entrepreneurs and engineers, who are committed to making fresh and healthy food easily accessible to everyone, regardless of gardening experience or available space.
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #53: Creating Pathways Out of Poverty & Advancing a Green Economy
According to a report by the Urban Institute, about one-third of Americans have a credit score below 620, which is considered to be a subprime credit score. The same report found that low-income individuals are more likely to have subprime credit scores than those with higher incomes. In fact, about 52% of households earning less than $30,000 per year have subprime credit scores.
These statistics show that low-income communities are more likely to have subprime credit scores and other negative credit events, which can make it difficult for them to access credit and financial services. This highlights the importance of organizations like Capital Good Fund that focus on serving underserved communities and providing access to affordable loans and financial coaching.
Capital Good Fund is a non-profit financial institution that provides affordable loans and financial coaching to individuals and families who might not have access to traditional banking services. They offer a variety of loan products, including personal loans, emergency loans, and small business loans. These loans are designed to help people meet their financial needs and improve their financial stability. Capital Good Fund also offers financial coaching services to help borrowers develop good financial habits and achieve their financial goals.
Join us on this episode of RENEWables and meet the Founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund, Andy Posner, to learn more about how the organization focuses on serving low-income and underserved communities, and their work to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for communities in need.Tune in and subscribe.
Show Notes:
Linked In
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Email Andy Posner
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #52: Reusing Solar Panels for the Communities, Organizations & Individuals That Need Them the Most
As the world’s utilization of renewable energy increases, so does the waste that is created by manufacturing the materials needed to generate the power. Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years and 75 million metric tons of solar waste are projected to be landfilled by 2050. However, solar panels should not be disposed of in landfills as they contain potentially hazardous materials and other toxic substances that can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater if not properly handled. In addition, solar panels contain valuable materials such as silicon, aluminum, copper, and silver that can be recycled and reused in new products, so it is important to properly recycle them at the end of their life cycle. Although the amount of waste generated by solar panels is relatively low, recycling programs are increasingly being developed to address this issue.
The Coldharbour Institute have taken the idea of recycling to a whole other level with their Equitable Solar Solutions (ESS) program. ESS focuses on providing affordable solar energy solutions to underserved communities, particularly low-income households and communities of color, through the acquisition of surplus solar panels from solar companies or individuals that are looking to upgrade their current solar system. While these panels are not new, they are still able to produce energy and thus still have immense value. By acquiring older panels, costs are drastically reduced, making financial feasibility far more achievable.
Join us on this episode of RENEWables and meet the Co-Founders of Equitable Solar Solutions, Rich Stromberg, CJ Gooderham and Maria Agazio, to learn more about how the 501.3C non-profit program finds and repurposes these usable solar panels and their plans for ensuring the sustainability of the solar industry while minimizing its environmental impact for the future generations.
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #51: Heartland Industries – Hemp, Standardizing Sustainable Materials & Other Technologies
Heartland Industries is a material science company that engineers hemp fibers to replace and augment traditional materials like fiberglass, talc, and calcium carbonate. With its renewable sources and eco-friendly biodegradability, Hemp is a revolutionary material that’s making waves in the sustainability movement. Crafted from lipids and cellulose found naturally within Cannabis plants, this composite bioplastic is fully bio-degradable – providing an innovative solution for reducing our impact on the environment.
By working with brands and their suppliers, Heartland helps to embed Carbon negative additives into everyday products without any re-tooling costs. This helps drive down the cost, weight, and carbon footprint of these raw materials which are found in a variety of industries from automotive to consumer packaged goods. Moreover, Heartland is exploring ways to increase performance in rubber, foam, asphalt, cement, concrete and paper supply chains while continuing to reduce the carbon footprint of these industries.
Join us on this episode of RENEWables and meet the CEO and Co-founder of Heartland Industries, Jesse Henry, to learn more about how the Michigan-based hemp engineers are driving their mission to integrate hemp fiber into every industry, how they have positioned themselves as a sustainability partner and the necessary sacrifice required to saving the planet for future generations.
Show Notes:
Linked In
Heartland.io
Email [email protected]
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #50: Kanbe’s Markets is Giving Access, Delivering Food Justice & Eliminating Food Insecurity
Across the U.S., 15% of households are food insecure, meaning they don’t have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. In Missouri alone, there are more than 600,000 people living in food deserts—an area without a grocery store or other source of fresh, healthy food, making it even harder to get the meals they need.
Kanbe’s Markets is a non-profit working to build a more equitable food system for these residents of inner city food deserts. One way they’re doing this is through their Healthy Corner Store Program which partners with smaller convenience stores and “mom-and-pop” businesses who are often the only source of groceries in a food desert, but lack the resources to provide healthy and affordable options. Kanbe’s Markets provides them with the equipment, training and support they need to offer nutritious foods at prices that their customers can afford—which, on average, is about 25% less than the grocery store.
Kanbe’s Markets is changing lives by working to dismantle the barriers that stand in the way of equitable access to nutritious food. Through their Healthy Corner Store Program and partnerships with small businesses, they are ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, healthy, affordable food—regardless of their zip code.
SHOW NOTES:
Kanbe’s Markets Website
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.
RENEWables #49: Carbon Credits for Farmers & Agroforestry
Scientists have long suspected a link between industrialization and climate change, but serious study of the issue did not begin until the second half of the twentieth century when the first predictions that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could substantially alter Earth’s surface temperature through the greenhouse effect. It would be another 100 years before carbon credits are introduced as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating the $2 billion carbon credit market in which companies can offset their emissions by investing in environment-positive projects, such as planting trees in the tropics.
Join this episode of RENEWables, where we sat down with Robin Saluoks, CEO of eAgronom, to learn more about their carbon market program, what organic farming looks like in Estonia, and the short- and long-term benefits they are bringing to farmers all over the world.
Show Notes:
eAgronom website
eAgronom Linked In
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. Click here for other ways to listen. |
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation.
Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.
Click here for other ways to listen.