In Act 1, Tyler thanks the audience for a fantastic debut season which concludes with this episode. He discusses why he believes now is the perfect time to subscribe to a podcast evangelizing the future of smart buildings, including the importance of the industry, the tipping point of infrastructure inversion we are currently overlooking, and the need for imagination and creativity in a space that can make all of our lives better. He illustrates his point with the infrastructural ramifications that automobiles have had on society, and compares this to the connected environment now being created by our new building technologies.
In Act 2, we are joined by Kevin Self, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Business Development & Government Relations at Schneider Electric North America. Kevin treats us to many incredible statistics about the challenges that lie ahead in creating a sustainable and resilient energy future, including that 65% of the buildings that will be around in 2050 already exist (and thus need our immediate attention). Our most devoted listeners will also find reference to two familiar anecdotes! While discussing these issues, we learn about innovative problem-solving and solutions from a wide range of fascinating technology-adjacent companies and sources like Fortnite, Netflix, WeWork and Bill Gates, as well as impressive success stories from building landmarks such as JFK International Airport, The Empire State Building, and The Shedd Aquarium.
Kevin also details the importance of policy throughout the discussion, including a reference to his work at The Alliance to Save Energy, in spearheading and steering technology innovation. He underscores the value of education at all life stages: the youth with programs like FIRST Robotics, the demand for climate action from university students, and the evolving nature of continued online learning throughout life. Kevin has charted his career to tackle "big, hairy, audacious goals", and as such we hope and believe he reflects the listener base of our series. It's an inspiring discussion and a perfect sendoff as we prepare to craft a more impactful series in Season 2.
Thank you for listening this season. It would be wonderful if you could subscribe, rate, and comment on our series with what you liked or enjoyed from Season 1. We are honored to have you be a part in this.
Outro Music: "Saltwater" by Geowulf
