In Episode 6 of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood is joined by guest Yolanda Owens, Executive Director of Local Matters, who emphasizes that sustainability involves understanding how to utilize the resources we currently have to ensure a viable world for the next generation.

As a Buckeye from Columbus, Ohio, Yolanda brings her unique perspective on sustainability practices to this discussion about the importance of understanding our consumption habits and their broader implications for energy efficiency and environmental health.

Yolanda defines sustainability as "the responsible use of resources to ensure a viable world for future generations" and explains how everyone should challenge our judgments about the haves and have-nots when it comes to food access. Yolanda's definition of sustainability encompasses social and economic dimensions as well. She points out that sustainability has often been "greenwashed," leading to misconceptions about its true meaning. For her, it involves collaborating with growers who prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring that agricultural land remains productive and healthy for years to come.

At the heart of sustainability lies the principle of wise resource utilization, including considering the inputs used in food production, such as water, soil, and energy. Yolanda discusses the importance of addressing what happens to food that doesn't reach consumers, often ending up in landfills instead of being repurposed or becoming compost. Initiatives like food rescue programs, which Local Matters has implemented, aim to redirect surplus food to those in need rather than allowing it to go to waste. By rescuing food and redistributing it, organizations can help alleviate food insecurity and take actionable steps toward fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits both people and the planet.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Alan Scott, the Director of Sustainability at Intertek. With a dynamic career as a registered architect and project manager in various architectural firms, Alan shares insights into his career evolution from the creative side of architecture to a managerial role focused on sustainability and building science solutions.

In Episode 5 of Clear Haze Exchange, Alan emphasizes that this integration is essential for several reasons:

1. Financial Implications: Building owners are increasingly subject to regulations that require them to disclose their natural hazard and climate-related risks. Understanding these risks can help mitigate potential economic losses associated with property damage or business disruptions caused by natural disasters.
2. Long-Term Viability: By identifying vulnerabilities early, project teams can design buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also resilient to future climate conditions. This foresight can lead to significant cost savings over the building's lifecycle, as it reduces the likelihood of extensive repairs or retrofitting after a disaster.
3. Enhanced Client Relationships: Engaging clients in discussions about resilience can help them appreciate the value of investing in these assessments. It allows architects and developers to frame the conversation around the broader benefits of resilience, including social aspects such as occupant safety and well-being.
4. Holistic Design Approach: Integrating resilience assessments encourages a more comprehensive design process. It fosters collaboration among various technical experts, ensuring that all aspects of a project, such as energy efficiency, occupant health, and safety, are considered with potential hazards.

As Alan reflects on his transition into consulting 25 years ago, he emphasizes that he remains a creative problem solver, blending design vision with technical expertise where there is a need for his subject matter expertise.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Marcus Hazelwood invites his wife, Stephanie Hazelwood, to the Clear Haze Exchange podcast, and a unique turn of events occurs: Marcus gets interviewed instead of being the interviewee. The couple discusses the evolution of his career, the risks they’ve taken, and the insights gained through their shared experiences. Stephanie brings a fresh perspective, asking behind-the-scenes questions about Marcus, highlighting his expertise and personal growth in the energy and sustainability industry.

Marcus attended Eastland Career Center in high school and completed a design drafting course. This experience ignited his interest in architecture and mechanical design and introduced him to the design and engineering world.

However, after working at an engineering firm, Marcus was introduced to mechanical design and the building industry, including early green building design concepts. This exposure laid the groundwork for his future sustainability and energy efficiency endeavors. Years after marriage, the couple decided to move to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Marcus and Stephanie embraced sustainable lifestyles, where everything they ate, purchased, and used in their homes was reviewed through sustainability.

Episode 4 of Clear Haze Exchange emphasizes the journey into sustainability as being so much larger than a career choice. At Harvard, Marcus and Stephanie immersed themselves in a culture prioritizing sustainability. He worked on various projects, including LEED certification and building commissioning, which ensured that buildings operated as intended. His experiences at Harvard expanded his understanding of sustainability beyond just a career; it became a lifestyle he and his wife, Stephanie, embraced together.

In conclusion, the podcast episode illustrates that personal lifestyle choices and an awareness of sustainability can significantly enhance professional effectiveness and passion in the field. By viewing sustainability as a way of life rather than just a job, individuals can profoundly impact their careers and inspire others to embrace sustainable practices. This holistic approach fosters a culture of sustainability that benefits both personal and professional realms, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.