Josh Dorfman on Carbon-Negative Building Materials, Demand Response, and Biking Innovation for a Greener Future

Grid Connections

Summary
Curious about the future of carbon-negative building materials and how climate tech can seamlessly integrate into your everyday life? In this insightful episode, Josh Dorfman—co-founder of Plantd and Supercool—explains how he and his SpaceX-trained team developed a groundbreaking, grass-based alternative to plywood that’s stronger, more water-resistant, and greener than conventional wood. Along the way, you’ll discover how streamlined solutions like virtual power plants, user-friendly solar installations, and data-driven demand response can help businesses, homeowners, and entire communities cut costs while slashing carbon emissions. If you’re eager for real-world success stories, tips on scaling sustainable ventures, and a preview of the latest EV Charging Summit & Expo, you’ll want to tune in and learn from Josh’s journey—and maybe pick up a few ideas you can apply right now.
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Links from this Episode:

1. Supercool
2. Plantd
3. EV Charging Summit & Expo

Takeaways

1. Ex-SpaceX Engineering for Carbon-Negative Construction
   Learn how former SpaceX collaborators are applying first-principles thinking to develop high-strength, grass-based panels that transform the building industry.
2. Demand Response: Big Savings for Franchises
   Discover how zero-money-down energy upgrades help restaurants like Popeyes and Sonic drastically cut costs and support grid resilience.
3. Turning Healthcare Systems 100% Renewable
   Hear how a Midwestern hospital network leveraged local breweries, dairies, and biodigesters to slash carbon emissions and patent new clean energy processes.
4. Community-Driven Bike Lane Success
   See how a focus on nostalgia and inclusive outreach led Memphis and other cities to build bike lanes three times faster, boosting health and livability.
5. Consumer-Friendly Climate Tech Adoption
   Uncover the power of simple, transparent marketing—like Sunrun’s ‘pizza tracker’—in demystifying solar installations and battery storage solutions.
6. Redefining Construction Materials Supply Chains
   Understand why vertical integration and hybrid crops are critical to Plantd’s mission of delivering affordable, drop-in replacements for OSB and plywood.
7. Preview of the EV Charging Summit & Expo
   Get a glimpse of this year’s top electrification trends in Las Vegas and learn how they’re shaping the future of EV infrastructure and clean mobility solutions.

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