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?

Have you ever wondered about climate action and decarbonization initiatives? Curious about building optimization or energy-efficient practices?

Whether you are a homeowner, engineer, architect, work in the energy or building maintenance fields, HVAC technician, a facilities or maintenance employee, commercial or residential home builder, electrician, or home project DIY-er who loves home projects, the Clear Haze Exchange podcast was created for you.

Clear Haze Exchange is an interview-led podcast created to simplify the often tricky concepts of sustainability and energy efficiency, clearing the haze, so to speak, making these ideas relatable, feasible, and easy to grasp for everyone. Host Marcus Hazelwood, an energy engineer with 15+ years of sustainability and energy efficiency consultancy experience, will explore practical solutions and share success stories, making sustainable practices more understandable.

Subscribe to Clear Haze Exchange to enjoy engaging and thought-provoking conversations with leading experts about innovative solutions, success stories, and practical advice. If you have questions or want to be a guest, contact hello@clear-haze.exchange.