There is a growing push toward sustainability in the ski resort industry, with more resorts embracing environmentally conscious practices to reduce their carbon footprint and protect natural landscapes.

In this episode, we explore Vail Resorts' sustainability journey and the efforts they are making to become a leader in green initiatives among ski resorts. Joining us are Vail's Director of Sustainability, Fritz Bratschie, and the Executive Director of the Colorado Cleantech Industries Association (CCIA), Laura Hickernell, who share insights into Vail's sustainability strategy and the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders.

We discuss how Vail Resorts is addressing unique environmental challenges, from reducing energy consumption and implementing clean energy solutions to adopting sustainable practices both on and off the slopes. This conversation sheds light on Vail's ambitious goal to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030 and how they are navigating the path to achieving it.

Discover the innovative approaches driving change in the ski industry and learn what it takes to make a significant environmental impact in one of the world's most beautiful and adventure-filled settings.

There is a justified sense of urgency when it comes to cleaning up the global energy mix and addressing climate change. Sweden is ahead of the curve in this respect, making substantial progress on the energy transition and implementing environmentally friendly processes and programs. 

In this discussion, we examine the case of Stockholm, Sweden, with a focus on apolitical solutions that can be implemented today without the need for further advancements in technology. For this insightful discussion, we are joined by the Chief Climate Officer for the city of Stockholm, Bjorn Hugosson, and the Business Development Executive at CU Boulder Venture Partners and CCIA board member, Nicole Forsberg. 

We are diving into Clear Comfort Water, a Louisville, Colorado company with innovative technology to treat water. Their solution also reduces the use of high carbon footprint chemicals. 

Founder and CEO of Clear Comfort Water, Steve Berens, and founder of Aravaipa Ventures, Robert Fenwick-Smith, join us to tell their story from spas to water parks, and expanding to serve agriculture and horticulture industries as well.

Join us for a conversation between the CEO of Steelhead Composites, Andrew Coors, and the President of Hydrogen Systems at Steelhead Composites, Steve Hughes as they provide insight into how hydrogen technology is enabling the Energy Transition both as a combustible fuel and energy store for intermittent renewable sources. 

We will take a deep dive into how Steelhead Composites transitioned from manufacturing lightweight hydraulic accumulators for hybrid vehicles to playing a pivotal role in the hydrogen economy by producing modular hydrogen storage tanks. We hope you enjoy this intimate look at a key player in the Hydrogen ecosystem in Colorado and beyond.

In an engaging discussion centered around the hydrogen economy, CCIA is joined by guests Ski Milburn, CEO of Eberspächer VAIREX and Ian Stonington, Global Director of Sales, Marketing and Business Development at Eberspächer VAIREX. Ski and Ian provide us with an insightful historical analysis that entails inspiring analogies and lessons learned in scaling and steering the business. 

Join us as we explore the history of VAIREX leading up to its acquisition by Eberspächer, their unique position in the market providing cathode air compressors, Colorado’s role as a hydrogen hub, momentum for a hydrogen economy, and the integration of hydrogen technologies across multiple industries.

Join us as we learn how innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has modernized the recycling industry, helping to minimize waste. Rob Writz, Director of Industry Developments, and Carling Spelhaug, Director of Corporate Communications from AMP Robotics, explain how they apply AI-powered automation, robotics, and data capture to economically and sustainably improve the global recycling system.

You will hear about the inception of AMP Robotics, the AI software at the core of their technology, AMP’s new innovation Vortex, how Colorado public policy supports the recycling industry, and where AMP and the recycling industry at large are headed.

We are diving into the journey of Lightning eMotors, a Loveland, Colorado company that deploys zero-emission-vehicle solutions for commercial fleets, and the road they took to become a publicly traded cleantech company.

CEO and co-founder of Lightning eMotors, Tim Reeser, and the chairman of the board for Lightning eMotors and founder of Aravaipa Ventures, Robert Fenwick-Smith, join us to tell their story. 

Tim and Robert walk us through how they navigated tough hurdles, from funding obstacles to having to pivot their product offering, and insights for budding entrepreneurs in cleantech. We also address building sustainable business models for cleantech companies, the future of electrification, EV adoption and the infrastructure to support it.

In a lively conversation between Jigar Shah, Director, Loan Programs Office at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Trent Yang, President and Co-Founder of Galway Sustainable Capital, we get expert advice for entrepreneurs and startups wanting to break through in the cleantech industry.

The discussion centers around the evolution of cleantech as Jigar takes us through his journey as an entrepreneur at SunEdison, Carbon War Room, and Generate Capital before taking on his current role in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Office.