Clear Haze Exchange

Mechanical engineer turned sustainability leader Kristy Walson (Principal, Branch Pattern; LEED Fellow) joins Clear Haze Exchange to break down decarbonization in plain language. We talk operational carbon, embodied carbon, and refrigerants, why energy modeling matters, how to start with utility data, and why lease language can block building upgrades. Kristy also shares lessons from her Rebuild 2024 talk and the industry effort behind MEP 2040.
What you’ll learn:
  • Why decarbonization doesn’t always cost more—and often saves over time
  • The “three carbons”: operational, embodied, refrigerants (and how they map to scope 1–3)
  • How to use utility bills, work orders, and simple data to find quick wins
  • Where energy modeling helps owners make better decisions
  • Why green leases matter for big buildings and portfolios
  • Setting goals early—and holding the team to them
Guest: Kristy Walson — Principal at Branch Pattern, LEED Fellow; focuses on energy modeling, net-zero strategy, and whole-life carbon.
Host: Marcus Hazelwood, CEM — Principal at EA Energy Solutions; host of Clear Haze Exchange.

What is Clear Haze Exchange?

Clear Haze Exchange is an interview-led podcast focused on simplifying sustainability while uncovering the hidden systems, decisions, and long-term impacts shaping our built environment and energy future.

Hosted by Marcus Hazelwood, an energy engineer with 15+ years of experience in sustainability and energy efficiency consulting, the podcast has evolved across two seasons:

Season 1 focused on breaking down the fundamentals—making energy efficiency, building systems, and sustainability concepts more accessible and practical for a wide range of listeners.
Season 2 builds on that foundation, diving deeper into the systems-level thinking behind sustainability—exploring how decisions in design, operations, policy, and business strategy create long-term outcomes.

Each episode features thoughtful conversations with industry leaders, engineers, architects, researchers, and decision-makers who are actively shaping the future of sustainability. From building performance and infrastructure to sustainable chemistry and organizational mindset, Clear Haze Exchange connects ideas across disciplines to provide real-world insight.

This podcast is for professionals and curious minds alike, those who want to better understand not just what sustainability is, but how it actually works in practice.

If you're interested in smarter investments, better systems, and meaningful progress, you're in the right place.

Subscribe to Clear Haze Exchange on your favorite platform and join the conversation.

For inquiries or guest opportunities: hello@clear-haze.exchange