Environmentally Sound with Larry Burns

On the July edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, discusses the latest developments in alternative energy and sustainability efforts in the greater Toledo area.

In this month’s episode:

• Sridhar Viamajala, UT assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering, discusses a new research facility to test the best ways to make biofuels from algae.
• Ohio Department of Development Assistant Director Mark Barbash tells us what it means for the area to be designated the “Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub.”
• Carol Miller, the head of Wayne State University’s Committee on Environmental Initiatives, talks about what the University is doing to bring environmental and energy research and commercialization to the Motor City.
• And Chicago Tribune reporter Joel Hood provides the latest information in the fight to prevent Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes.

Related links

UT Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Ohio Third Frontier program

Ohio’s Hubs of Innovation and Opportunity

Wayne State University’s Committee on Environmental Initiatives

Chicago Tribune

Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee

On the June edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, discusses economic sustainability in the greater Toledo area.

In this month’s episode:

• Dave Nolan, president and chief executive of the Destination Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau, talks about what is being done to attract people to the area.
• The Toledo Brand Initative is the focus of conversation with Matthew Kurchko, managing director of Applied Storytelling, who is leading the effort to create a new image for Toledo.
• The University of Toledo’s Jeffrey P. Gold and ProMedica Health System’s Randy Oostra share information about their new academic partnership that will strengthen and sustain health care in the region.
• And Paul Toth discusses the investments his Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is making to ensure the Port of Toledo will remain a leader in the cargo industry for years to come.

Related links

Destination Toledo

Toledo Brand Initiative

UT & ProMedica:
Better Future Together

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

On the May edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, looks into sustainable business practices and talks with leaders about changes they have made to be more environmentally friendly.

In this month’s episode:

• Steffany Boldrini, founder of EcoBold.com, discusses the website she created to review green products and promote entrepreneurs with low carbon footprints.
• UT Interim Dean of the Judith Herb College of Education Tom Brady talks about his background with the Plastic Technologies, Inc. company he founded and making the switch to the field of education.
• Stephanie Johnston, corporate communications manager with Owens-Illinois Inc., shares the company’s study of glass sustainability and its new “lean and green” wine bottles.
• And Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s environmental programs coordinator Saul Kliorys discusses the beer company’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability.

Related links

EcoBold

Entrepreneurs for Sustainability

Plastic Technologies Inc.

Owens-Illinois

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Great Lakes Burning River Fest

On the April edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, talks with leaders from various segments of the business, educational and scientific community about the ever-changing face of the sustainability movement.

In this month’s episode:

• Keith Wilkowski, a green lawyer with Toledo’s Marshall and Melhorn, discusses legal services for businesses looking to take advantage of northwest Ohio’s new energy economy.
• UT doctoral student Todd Crail shares his experiences working with students in Swan Creek and other waterways as part of the Student Watershed Watch program.
• Della DiPietro, director of public affairs and government relations for Automotive Components Holdings, and John Hartig, manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, discuss the donation of Ford Motor Company’s 242-acre marsh in the Monroe area to the wildlife refuge.
• Jeff Skelding, senior manager of the National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Restoration Campaign, talks about national efforts to restore Michigan’s greatest resource.

Related links

Kieth Wilkowski

Todd Crail

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Restoration Campaign

This month host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, talks with leaders from across Michigan and Ohio that are helping to change the world we live in.

In this month’s episode:

• Mike Bell, mayor of the city of Toledo, discusses his plans to reinvent the Glass City and the role of sustainability in economic development;
• Lawrence Olhman, an up-and-coming entrepreneur and University of Toledo MBA student, shares how he is taking environmentally-friendly products to large-scale food service;
• Plus, Dr. Jerry Wicks, director of the Ohio Higher Education Rail Network Institute talks about how the State of Ohio will be investing big in rail service and how university students could become some of the primary passengers; and
• Doug Rothwell of Business Leaders for Michigan shares how his organization is working to rally the business community to create a better tomorrow.

On the February edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, talks with leaders from various segments of the business, educational and scientific community about the ever-changing face of the sustainability movement.

In this month’s episode:

• University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs discusses how UT is working to help its community reinvent itself and how sustainability is central to the effort;
• Karl Parker of Parker Enterprises shares information on an upcoming summit where business practices and the environment will intersect;
• Dr. Don Scavia, president’s special counsel on sustainability at the University of Michigan shows how deeply the Wolverines are involved in sustainability efforts, inside and outside the classroom; and
• Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut talks about how the Buckeye state is focusing on alternative energy research at its institutions of higher education.

On the January edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, focuses on sustainability in the animal kingdom.

In this month’s episode:

• Dr. Hans Gottgens, UT professor of environmental sciences discusses the Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes and the potential impact on the ecosystem;
• Dr. John Turner, UT endocrinologist shares his perspectives on how science can be used to control wildlife populations, and why the practice is an environmentally necessity;
• Dr. Anne Baker, executive director of the Toledo Zoo talks about sustainability and animal conservation, as well as what they’re doing to embrace sustainability in their facilities;
• And Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak, gives us a look at the newest “Pond” in Toledo and shares how alternative energy is supporting a new form of Walleye.

The December episode of The University of Toledo’s Environmentally Sound focuses largely on sustainability in intercollegiate athletics. Your host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs interviews:

• Mike O’Brien, University of Toledo Athletic Director, who discusses going green while going after top talent using top flight facilities;
• Bill Martin, Athletic Director for the University of Michigan, shares how one of the giants among university athletic departments has embraced sustainability;
• Roger Curtis, president of Michigan International Speedway shares how his facility is working to bridge the gap between racing and environment;
• Kevin Kucera, UT associate vice president for enrollment services, details a new scholarship program designed to help junior high students sustain their enthusiasm for higher education all through high school; and
• Second-year men’s head basketball coach Gene Cross joins Environmentally Sound to talk about a new season in a newly renovated arena.

On the November episode of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation, through the eyes of new companies, financial planners, incubation leaders and the academy.

This month on Environmentally Sound:

• Paul Hulsey, Chief Executive Officer of Pure Eco Environmental Solutions, offers advice about reducing our carbon footprint in business and at home.
• Jim Manning, partner and Plante and Moran, discusses the financial benefits for businesses that are focused on sustainability.
• Rick Stansley, chair of University of Toledo Innovation Enterprises tells us how UT is “putting it’s money where it’s mouth is” when it comes to economic development and how alternative energy initiatives are at the foundation.
• Dr. Rosemary Haggett, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, shares how an innovative idea that is taking sustainability education to a new level at UT.

Related links

Pure Eco

Plante & Moran

Prepare for the upswing: Energy tax

On October edition of Environmentally Sound, host Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs at The University of Toledo, talks with leaders from various segments of the business and scientific community about the ever-changing face of the sustainability movement.

In tonight’s episode:

• Rich Housh, chairman of Plug-Smart, discusses how intelligent energy solutions make for intelligent business models ;
• Dr. Connie Schall, associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering, describes the latest in research that aims to convert unused parts of plants into the fuel for your car;
• Tony Damon, chief executive officer for SSOE Group, describes how sustainable measures are being taken to heart by a major engineering and architecture firm; and
• Carrie Majeske, Manager of Sustainable Business Strategies, Ford Motor Company, shares ways that one of the big three automakers is looking to increase fuel efficiency and shrink your carbon footprint.

Related links

Plug-Smart

SSOE Group

Ford Motor Company – Green initiatives