Planet First Action

Join us at 9pm EST tonight for the third and final episode of this Thanksgiving Holiday Special featuring Assembly OSM, helmed by CEO Andrew Staniforth, who are building the homes of the future and have deployed award-winning technology and novel processes that are hiding in plain site... https://lnkd.in/eDkJkCfj Andrew concludes his sit-down interview sharing an abundance of insights for all stakeholders to learn from - from veteran policy-makers to rising graduates, and we hear first hand from the #brooklyn community how they feel about this new development in the historical district of Fort Greene. You won't want to miss it! #sustainability #housing New York City Economic Development Corporation New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Partnership for New York City NYSERDA Newlab Sidewalk Labs (Part of Google) SHoP Architects Building Decarbonization Coalition Building Energy Exchange The Building People The Passive House Network Passive House Institute Passive House Accelerator Trust for Governors Island Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Urban Future Lab

Coming out of the stuffing and the cranberry sauce and the gravy... sit down and prepare to learn from the one-of-a-kind leader, Assembly OSM CEO Andrew Staniforth. Watch the live premiere of the second part of the Planet First Action Thanksgiving Special at 8pm EST tonight, 11/30: https://lnkd.in/eUBCt8fi Following Part I of the #Thanksgiving Special with Alexandra Donovan and Edward Palka, AIA, in Part II, CEO Andrew Staniforth shares valuable insights from his leadership at Assembly in building the homes of the future. From why they leaned so heavily into their first prototype, to breeding innovative solutions through competing tensions while avoiding the 'pendulum' problem, to overcoming the challenges of #fundraising, Andrew shares a uniquely valuable perspective and actionable takeaways for all stakeholders. The built environment is a critical sector, its emissions are substantial, and the housing shortage is severe. It's fantastic to see leaders like Andrew and Assembly OSM stepping up to take on the challenging problems, and be recognized for their success. Watch the filmed version on YouTube, or listen to the audio only on Spotify or Apple podcasts. #sustainability #housing New York City Economic Development Corporation New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Partnership for New York City NYSERDA Newlab Sidewalk Labs (Part of Google) SHoP Architects Building Decarbonization Coalition Building Energy Exchange The Building People The Passive House Network Passive House Institute Passive House Accelerator Trust for Governors Island Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Urban Future Lab

This Thanksgiving, "Follow Your Gut" - that advice from Alexandra Donovan, Head of Design and Innovation at Assembly OSM, applies to both personal enterprises throughout Thanksgiving Day... and also (as she intended) to those working in the #builtenvironment, from developers, to construction firms, to aspiring architects. As you head home to visit family, celebrate the holiday and enjoy food and fun at home, take a moment to watch Planet First Action's Thanksgiving Special, featuring Assembly OSM who is at the leading edge pioneering new solutions to tackle the climate crisis and the housing crisis, and ensure many more can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday together, in that special place we call home. In the first episode of a three-part holiday special, Alexandra Donovan and Edward Palka, AIA take us on a tour of their pioneering solution and their pilot project in #Brooklyn NY, and show how they are breaking down barriers to create the next generation of sustainable, healthy and affordable homes, with #modular skyscrapers. Watch Part 1 here: https://lnkd.in/e4jmCgKh Here at Planet First Action, we have tremendous gratitude for visionary leaders like AOSM CEO Andrew Staniforth and the whole team at Assembly OSM, who are tackling the biggest challenges of today, head on. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe, and we'll see you on the other side of the stuffing! #sustainability #housing New York City Economic Development Corporation New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Partnership for New York City NYSERDA Newlab Sidewalk Labs (Part of Google) SHoP Architects Building Decarbonization Coalition Building Energy Exchange The Building People The Passive House Network Passive House Institute Passive House Accelerator Trust for Governors Island Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Urban Future Lab

"The key to our success- as it always has been- will be to compete by developing new products, generating new industries, by maintaining our role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation. It's absolutely essential to our future." - President Barack Obama Celebrating the 7th Annual American Innovation Index winners on Tuesday, November 18th at the Fordham Gabelli School of Business, Barbara Marie Porco, Managing Director of the Responsible Business Center, in her opening remarks highlighted the fundamental reason behind the importance of #innovation for companies, and more, for society - that "innovation isn't just a buzzword, and it isn't just about tech and products - it's about people, understanding lived experiences, and improving lives." Charles Oakley Roberts, VP of Innovation at Trane Technologies added that the importance of innovation, especially in the built environment, is because of it's direct impact on #health. And Gina Woodall, VP and Group Director of the Illuminas team advancing the study, pointed out that, according to their results, for every 5 point increase in the Innovation Index, shareholders on average benefited from an increase of over $3 billion in wealth. Moderated by Laura Podesta , Evan DeKaser who support Data, Analytics and AI at Google, Mary Strain, who leads AI and Machine Learning Strategy for US EDU at Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Jeremy Neil, Vehicle Training Specialist at Toyota Motor Corporation shared insights on the current state and future of #AI, from it's role in self-driving cars to advancements in #education, and importantly highlighted that distinction between quick tactical deployments, and the broader strategic questions around AI's role that we collectively must face. Following those insights, Patsy Sciutto Doerr led an excellent discussion with experts from the airline and financial industries on the role and opportunity of social innovation initiatives. Katherine Hunter, Executive Director for Impact Finance and Advisory, and Head of Venture for JPMorganChase, Clarissa Moses-Washington, MPS, Manager for DEI at JetBlue and Kathleen Myers, AVP at Navy Federal Credit Union shared from their experience on the frontlines of advancing and financing those very initiatives at the heart of social innovation, from the evolving spectrum of capital coordinated at JP Morgan, to JetBlue's "Fly Like A Girl" program, which inspires young girls every year to consider aviation, and after 10 years of consistent impact, has welcomed it's first pilot to the airline. Last but certainly not least, Zoya Mirza, ESG Editor at Industry Dive had a fireside chat with Mardi Ditze, CEP, U.S. Sustainability Manager for IKEA on the critical role, and opportunity, for large corporates to drive forward impactful innovation, particularly as an enabler of #pilot programs. Congratulations to Leigh Anne Statuto, MBA and the entire team, and to all of the awardees! Fordham University

Described as every country's greatest resource by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres earlier this year, initiatives around education, training, and workforce development, and the country's investment in the "minds of its people", is of the utmost importance. And according to a McKinsey & Company report, the demand for skilled tradespeople in "US industry is projected to remain high due to infrastructure needs, a surge in real estate development, and the energy transition", resulting already, in an increase of 20% of the sector's wages on average since 2020. The need for more talented tradespeople across the country could not be more clear. And it is going to require creative, innovative solutions, new public-private #partnerships, and #collaboration. And at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 14th, 2024 in Sheboygan WI, Rocket Academy Dual Credit Advanced Technology Center unveiled a solution addressing that very need, built with those specific inputs. Michele Carter, Administrator of the Division of Employment & Training for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, highlighted Governor Evers' description that 2024 is the "year of the worker", adding "to make sure we have a workforce ready for the 21st century", we must lean into partnerships. Rocket Academy Governance Council President Michael Dietrich, remarked of the launch of the first-of-a-kind school, that it has been a 'masterclass in collaboration'. Offering students the opportunity to learn in an entirely new way, leveraging the #technology of today, Rocket Academy uniquely offers high school students in the area the opportunity to learn in-demand trade skills and earn certifications, offering them even greater latitude and economic opportunity as they graduate. With incredible programs, like youth apprenticeships, led by organizations like CESA 6, Rocket Academy and partners across the state are leading the way in training the next generation of workers, and fulfilling the growing talent demanded by high-paying, family-sustaining #jobs. Gordon & Frost and Planet First Action congratulate the entire team behind the launch of this new institution, especially Lisa Geason-Bauer, Trained B Consultant who, leveraging two decades of experience in social sustainability, #workforce development, community engagement and marketing, has the unique capacity to strategize and execute collaboratively across the vibrant Wisconsin ecosystem she has helped cultivate. Congratulations to the students themselves, and the leaders at Rocket Academy driving success forward! David Friend, Director Nikki Kiss, Secretary of the Governance Council Board Members: Jamie Schramm Jonathan Feld Randall Kurth Gary Knaub Gregory Prahl Rachel Kroeplien, EdD Sign up at planetfirstaction.com to get more insights on the Rocket Academy, see more behind the scenes pictures from the ribbon cutting, and to learn about other leading organizations pioneering our collective path forward.

John Podesta, the Special Climate Envoy for the United States to the United Nations, remarked during this year's U.N Climate Change Conference (#COP29), that the 'work in the U.S. is going to continue with #commitment, #passion, and #belief'. That commitment, passion and belief - and the reality of that forward momentum - driven by leaders in both the public and private sector - was on full display here in the key state of Wisconsin yesterday, for the 17th annual Wisconsin Sustainable Business Conference. From the next generation of leaders highlighting their efforts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to the veterans of the manufacturing industry helming 150+ year old institutions at the core of American industry like Kohler Co., to leading financial institutions like PACE Equity, LLC innovating new mechanisms to fund new infrastructure projects - from #dairy farmers to #carbon management solutions, the WSBC conference brings together stakeholders to drive business forward like few else can. Thank you to Founder Tom Eggert, to Managing Director Jessy Servi Ortiz, MBA, and former board member, planning committee member and recognized champion of the Wisconsin sustainability community - Lisa Geason-Bauer, Trained B Consultant for cultivating in Wisconsin an ecosystem that is propelling forward the entire state to create jobs, support communities, and build more resilient and profitable businesses. And for creating the space and opportunity for those leaders in the community to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, this year at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. - Businesses like Artisan Dental, LLC - the first general dentistry in the U.S. to have carbon-negative operations. - Businesses like Purpose Design Co., harnessing industry experience and expertise to accelerate the commercialization of the next generation of companies, led by the incredible Sarah Berchild, Purpose Design Co - Businesses like KeenWorks, LLC and Keen Homes, led by Douglas B Johnson, Ph.D., building the future of dwellings as (efficient) sanctuaries. - Businesses like Cream City Conservation, led by the incredible, and award-winning founder August M. Ball, who is elevating the capabilities and building capacity for more effective leadership in large organizations, while simultaneously supporting youth from historically disadvantaged communities to enter the workforce in critical areas. Beyond private sector alone, Wisconsin also represents those leaders who are advancing the public-private partnerships that can transform and revitalize communities, and achieve #economic and #workforce development. Leaders like Stuart Carron, Director of Facilities for Milwaukee County, highlighting their Climate Action Plan and its guiding principles and strategies, and like Francisco Sayu, VP of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, highlighting the new Green Innovation Fund. Congratulations again to the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council!

'Breadmakers - from 30,000 units sold at $300, to 2,000,000 sold at $30.' Planet First Action is out in Wisconsin for the annual Wisconsin Sustainable Business Summit and Awards Ceremony. And the driver behind the radical change and success in just a few short years captured in that transformation, as highlighted Randy Bertram, the director of sustainability and operational excellence for WMEP Manufacturing Solutions as he received this year's prestigious Thomas L. Eggert Leadership Forward Award, was the relentless pursuit of efficiency and optimization of materials and labor. Randy added that that engineering-based approach and mentality is the exact same foundation that underpins modern #sustainability efforts from #LCA analysis to #supplychain resilience and more. And as she received her award and recognition for their dedication and Impact at Evolution Marketing, A Certified B Corp, Lisa Geason-Bauer, Trained B Consultant the founder and president, highlighted the critical yet often over-looked role of impact storytelling, and the importance of effective communications to successful and sustainable impact initiatives. That is the pairing that is so essential - the underlying operational efficiency, and the ability to communicate those plans and values effectively. And Lisa wins this award following decades of successful work driving forward sustainability and efficiency across the entire state of Wisconsin and the U.S. more broadly, with that common thread of effective communications and community engagement propelling forward #businessforgood and #workforce development. Planet First Action congratulates Randy Bertram, Lisa Geason-Bauer, and each of the finalists and awardees for this year's Sustainable Business Awards by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. Sustainable Leader Category Winner: Sandra Henry, President and CEO, Slipstream Runner Up: Russ Klisch, CEO of Lakefront Brewery Runner Up: Rachel J. Turgasen, MSPM, Senior Director at Foremost Farms USA Sustainable Product Category - 2024 Winner: Sabrina Schwietzer, Vice President at New Leaf Paper, Certified B Corporation + Public Benefit Company, - Runner Up: Roastar Innovative Service Category - Winner (Enterprise) Gundersen Health System - Winner (SME):Lisa Geason-Bauer, Trained B Consultant, Founder and President of Evolution Marketing, A Certified B Corp Thank you also to Jessy Servi Ortiz, MBA for her incredible leadership of the WSBC and for highlighting these leaders driving forward innovation, efficiency and sustainability on the frontlines across sectors. Thank you also to the presenters and sponsors for the night: Stephanie Krubsack, Founder and CEO of Purevant Living Brett Wetzel, VP of Sustainability and Innovation at U.S. Venture, Inc. Lands' End Milwaukee Tool EUA Mortenson Planet First Action and the team Gordon & Frost look forward to continued leadership and highlights from the frontlines during this year's summit! #sustainability #Impact

It's #election day! We cannot sit this one out - we must go and vote. Vote to protect our rights, our future, our families, and our planet. Everything we have been fighting for leads to this moment, and it will take each of us to go and vote to continue to drive forward. Catch up with Planet First Action's brief pre-election video below! https://lnkd.in/esB859pv #election2024 #Vote

Thank you to Kate Frucher, Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Clean Fight, Thatcher Bell, Program Director at The Clean Fight and to the entire Clean Fight and New Energy Nexus team for an incredible conclusion to this cohort and this week's Decarbonizing Food Service Summit. With NYC Chief Climate Officer Rohit Aggarwala's advisement, TCF tackled Food Service with this cohort, and had on display at this week's summit the highly integrated nexus point that it represents. Bringing together everything from Cold Chain and Fleet #Electrification, to Refrigeration and #Waste Management, to #HVAC and Heat Recovery, the Food Service nexus represents a conflation of various dynamics, sitting at a unique intersection point between the environment, society and the economy. And that combination increases the challenge and complexity of tackling decarbonization and sustainability for the sector, but also amplifies the impact that progress in this area will unlock. And as Linda Lam, PE, Director of Facilities Electrification for Walmart highlighted, the challenge truly isn't the engineering, the difficulty behind the challenge, especially with broad scale systemic change, stems from the fragmentation of the landscape, the different climate zones, utility grids, community and #workforce resources, and more. And in that context, Manuel A., VP of Supply Chain Electrification at Ndustrial highlighted the ever-present challenge in the minds of businesses, community leaders and public servants, especially with a sector addressing something as crucial as access to food - that the task at hand is advancing progress without excessive disruption of the functioning processes we depend on today. Thank you again to the New Energy Nexus and The Clean Fight, and to organization leaders like Steven Berkenfeld for another exceptional program, and bringing together leading innovators, #pilot partners and customer collaborators to accelerate the pace of deployment! Congratulations to each of the cohort companies and their representatives, who shared incredible insights and perspectives as to what are the successes to build upon, and the remaining obstacles to overcome: Katie Siegel, CEO & Co-Founder at Flipturn Manuel A., VP of Supply Chain Electrification at Ndustrial Joselyn Lai, Co-Founder and CEO at Bedrock Energy Air Water Global Lucas Tepman, CFO at GlacierGrid Matthew Kruse, Area General Manager for Blue Frontier, Inc. Javier Aleman, MBA, CEM, LEED AP, US Lead for Energy Machines™ Thank you also to each of the customer collaborators for the program: Linda Lam, PE, Building Decarbonization at Walmart Alaina Scott, Global Product leader at Carrier Albertsons Companies Linnea Paton, CEM, Pilot and Emerging Tech Programs manager at Con Edison Matt Landin, VP, Energy, Asset Management at New York City Economic Development Corporation #NYC #CleanFirm #DeployDeployDeploy #ClimateFinance #Pilots NYSERDA U.S. Economic Development Administration Newlab

In one of the most consequential elections in history, be sure your voice is heard and your interests are represented. Our future is in all of our hands. Make a plan, and cast your vote this coming Tuesday. Find information on how to vote in the upcoming U.S. elections on November 5th at vote.gov (https://lnkd.in/eBxHD6nA) Planet First Action voted, be sure to engage your families and communities - we all need to vote - for action, for our planet, for our children, for our future. Vote early if you can, cast your vote this Tuesday, November 5th. Our future and our children depend on it! #elections #electionday #election2024 #vote