In this episode of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, father-daughter duo, Ted and Sierra Flanigan host the clean energy crash course focusing on energy resilience, specifically on electricity, highlighting the importance of durability and reliability in the face of changing climate conditions and extreme weather events. Resilience is simply keeping the lights on during utility emergencies, and more accurately, critical loads for medical equipment, communications, security systems, etc.

As Southern California is still dealing with devastating wildfires, Ted addresses how resilience is now top of mind for homeowners, business owners, and EcoMotion's clients. Thousands of households and businesses have suffered, and will continue to suffer, from power outages – some for more than a day – as dangerously high wind gusts knock out electricity and utilities impose precautionary power safety shutdowns.

With the imminent threat of climate change, the grid will undoubtedly become less stable as these events increase in the number and severity, posing economic impacts, and a danger to the health and lives. Ted discusses critical loads, shares his recommendations on making your home or business more energy resilient, highlights lessons learned from EcoMotion's resilience works, and addresses equitable pathways to foster resilience in the future.

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Bill Wyatt, CEO and Founder of Red Mountain Biochar, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the use of sustainable materials in the concrete, steel, and agricultural industries. Bill Wyatt is a third-generation lumberman turned eco-entrepreneur with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. His work spans continents and industries, making him a pioneer in the regenerative business movement.

Bill shares his journey from the lumber industry to now leading the development and production of high-quality biochar, harnessing lumber and agricultural wastes to create innovative solutions that reduce carbon footprints, enhance soil health, and strengthen communities worldwide. Red Mountain Biochar turns biomass residuals, like sawdust and wood chips, into biochar through pyrolysis. This sustainable solution helps reduce waste and generate revenue from materials once considered costly to dispose of. The innovative pyrolysis technology not only provides sustainable solutions but also offers significant carbon credits, helping industries achieve a greener footprint.

With projects in Tanzania, India, and beyond, Bill explains how biochar improves soil health, reduces water usage, and even makes concrete carbon-neutral—all while building a sustainable business model and contributing to climate resilience. Bill believes that integrating biochar into business practices isn’t just eco-friendly; it’s a game-changing strategy for sustainable growth.

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director at City of Ann Arbor, working with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America.

Dr. Stults has dedicated 20 years of focus and national level expertise on urban resilience and climate change in an array of roles, prior to joining the City. She has worked on adaptation to climate change since 2004, as the Climate Director at ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability and as a consultant to philanthropic organizations. Missy holds dual PhDs from the University of Michigan in urban & regional planning and natural resources & the environment. She also has her Masters in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and undergraduate degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science from the University of New England.

She and Ted focus their conversation around some big and recent news out of the City: 79% of Ann Arbor voters voted to form a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). An SEU is another form of utility, rooted in energy efficiency, activated locally, and intended to be an accelerated pathway for the community to promote clean energy to meet its 2030 climate commitment. Ann Arbor's SEU is an opt-in, supplemental community-owned energy utility that will provide energy from local solar and battery storage systems. It will also implement networked geothermal systems beginning with a 232-home project in a low income neighborhood, also serving a public school and community center. Thanks to the SEU, green energy will be provided to residents and businesses through direct installations on their properties, as well as through small-scale distribution systems such as networked systems or microgrids.

Missy and Ted discuss the benefits of the City's SEU: improved energy reliability at times when the grid goes down through increased access to solar and energy storage and shared geothermal systems - all City owned, energy justice initiatives, including broad and deep access to renewable energy, and the creation of programs for low income and underserved residents, including workforce training opportunities, and the expansion of weatherization services.