431 Legionella Awareness Month Kickoff!
Scaling UP! H2O
Are You Ready to Talk About Legionella? Every August, we dedicate an entire month to a topic that touches public health, liability, and the core of what water treaters do — yet it’s still misunderstood by many: Legionella. In this episode, Trace Blackmore kicks off Legionella Awareness Month by returning to the basics. Where did Legionella get its name? What makes it dangerous? And why is there still confusion between a water treatment program and a water management plan? Tracing It Back: History, Misconceptions, and Missed Conversations Trace opens with the 1976...
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430 PFAS Regulations and Technologies with Brian Liotta
Scaling UP! H2O
“The winning combination will include not just removal—but real destruction of PFAS.” - Brian Liotta PFAS: The Invisible Challenge Reshaping Water Treatment PFAS chemicals are everywhere—from consumer products to our bloodstream. But as regulations tighten, water treatment professionals must now evolve faster than ever. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore speaks with , Director of Marketing and Product Development at , about the shifting regulatory landscape and the advanced technologies being developed to monitor, remove, and destroy PFAS compounds. ...
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429 The Life and Career of Jim Lukanich
Scaling UP! H2O
“You can’t learn it all in one year. You can’t even learn it all in ten.” That single statement from Jim Lukanich captures the spirit of this unforgettable episode. Returning to the for the first time since Episode 10, joins host to reflect on a remarkable 44-year career in the water treatment industry. From his early days at U.S. Steel to leading technical innovation at Buckman Laboratories, ChemCal, U.S. Water, and Kurita, Jim has been a force for mentorship, learning, and raising the bar in technical excellence. Building a Career, One Problem at a Time Jim...
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428 Innovations in Water Treatment with Dr. Jasbir Gill
Scaling UP! H2O
What happens when a nuclear chemist pivots into industrial water treatment? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore is joined by , President at Water Energy Solutions Inc, whose career spans five decades of breakthrough innovations in water chemistry and sustainability. From developing predictive modeling systems to creating new polymer standards, Dr. Gill shares how scientific rigor and practical experience came together to shape tools still used today. “We were not just saving water—we were calculating the true cost of energy and environmental impact.” From Nuclear Chemistry to...
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427 July 4th! Entrepreneurship, Water Wells, and the Spirit of Liberty
Scaling UP! H2O
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” - Patrick Henry Honoring Innovation, Freedom, and Small Business on the 4th of July In this special Independence Day episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore brings you a rich blend of patriotism, professional insight, and entrepreneurial spirit. Opening with reflections on July 4th traditions—from fireworks to parades—Trace sets the stage for a compelling conversation with Jack Clark, Owner and Founder of 180 Water. As the water industry faces growing demand and generational turnover, Jack offers a bold solution: a replicable...
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426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , Chairman of the Board, , to reflect on what it really takes to step out of day-to-day leadership—and do it well. As a multi-decade leader in water treatment, Tom shares the personal, professional, and organizational insights that shaped his transition from CEO to chairman and what it means to lead a business into its next generation. From early succession conversations to the unspoken anxieties of staff, Hutch offers a rare look behind the curtain of legacy-building in industrial water treatment. And as private equity plays a growing...
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425 Smart Technology in Water Treatment with Kevin Kuhne
Scaling UP! H2O
“You don't have to transition your entire business. You just need to start. Small beginnings are okay.” Revolutionizing Water Treatment Through Smart Tech In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , Founder and President of , for a deep-dive conversation on the emerging role of smart technology and artificial intelligence in water treatment. With decades of experience leading tech-driven innovation, Kevin unpacks how intelligent systems, edge computing, and real-time data processing are reshaping operations in the field—from cooling towers to...
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424 Chlorine Dioxide Insights with Greg Simpson
Scaling UP! H2O
A Lifelong Exploration into Chlorine Dioxide In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, Trace Blackmore welcomes Greg D. Simpson, a recognized authority on chlorine dioxide and a long-time researcher, writer, and technologist in the industrial water treatment space. With decades of hands-on experience and a personal archive of thousands of technical papers, Greg brings unmatched depth to this essential conversation. From Field Trials to File Cabinets Greg takes us through his early career, from being tasked to explore chlorine dioxide as an alternative disinfectant on the...
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423 Pushing the Boundaries: Jacob Deak on Innovating Water Treatment Systems
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore interviews , Marketing & Inside Sales Director at , for a deep dive into how innovation is born—not in labs, but in the field. Jake shares the story of Pyxis Lab’s rapid evolution from a lean, hands-on team to an industry leader in developing smart, user-informed water treatment technology. Building Solutions from Real-World Problems Jake Deak's journey began during the pandemic, stepping into a role shaped by both legacy and urgency. Working closely with his father and the Pyxis team, he reveals how their approach...
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422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis
Scaling UP! H2O
In this milestone episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes of and current President of the . Together, they explore the strategic evolution of AWT and announce an exciting new partnership that officially makes Scaling UP! H2O the association's podcast partner. This conversation is a rare behind-the-scenes look into how AWT operates, from board decisions to training initiatives, and what the future holds for water treatment professionals who want to lead, grow, and make an impact. Behind the Boardroom: How AWT Operates at the Top John Caloritis gives a full picture of how the...
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“When there’s a will, there’s a way.” - Charlie Cichetti
Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to a better future. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore sits down with Charlie Cichetti, LEED Fellow + WELL AP, CEO + Co-Founder of Skema.AI, a leading expert in green building to discuss the latest updates in sustainability and how they impact industries worldwide.
From energy efficiency to new LEED requirements, Charlie breaks down what professionals need to know about the latest green building innovations. Whether you’re a facilities manager, an industrial water treatment expert, or just passionate about sustainability, this episode is packed with valuable insights, actionable advice, and a roadmap to making buildings greener and more efficient.
What’s New in Green Building?
Green building standards are evolving, and LEED Version 5 is on the horizon. Learn how new prerequisites like electric vehicle charging stations and community impact considerations are shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure.
LEED vs. WELL Certification: What’s the Difference?
LEED focuses on building performance and environmental impact, while WELL centers around health and well-being. Charlie breaks down how these certifications complement each other and why they matter in today’s workplace.
Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization Strategies
How can companies reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs? Learn about smart buildings, microgrids, battery storage, and HVAC optimization—essential tools for cutting energy consumption while improving efficiency.
Green Financing: How to Fund Sustainability Initiatives
Many professionals assume sustainability upgrades are costly, but green financing, tax deductions, and government incentives make it easier than ever to fund energy and water-saving projects. Charlie shares how to access these opportunities.
The Role of Water Treatment in Green Buildings
The water-energy nexus is critical in sustainability efforts. Learn how industrial water treatment, cooling tower optimization, and HVAC efficiency contribute to green building goals and LEED certification points.
Bottom Line
Green buildings aren’t just about reducing environmental impact—they’re also about saving money, increasing efficiency, and creating healthier spaces. Tune in to discover practical ways you can implement sustainable practices in your facilities.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
02:12 - Trace Blackmore shares the Intro & Reflections on AI and Skynet
07:40 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
09:38 - Water You Know with James McDonald
11:29 - Interview with Charlie Cichetti about the latest on green building
25:31 - LEED vs. WELL: Understanding the Difference
31:50 - How to Get Started with Green Buildings
33:01 - Future of Green Building
Quotes
"Sustainability isn’t just about being green; it’s about reducing costs, improving efficiency, and creating a healthier work environment." – Charlie Cichetti
"Benchmarking is the first step to making any building greener—know where you stand so you can improve." – Charlie Cichetti
"LEED is still the most recognized green building certification globally." – Charlie Cichetti
Connect with Charlie Cichetti
Phone: (706) 633-6689
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://gbes.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecichetti/
Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
Green Building Education Services (GBES)
Green Building Matters Podcast
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
402 Game-Changing AI Tools: Matt Montellione’s Insights
004 It’s Not Easy Being Green!
032.5 The One That Takes You to AWT’s 2018 Technical Training
410 Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown’s ‘Fearless Pricing’ Revolutionizes Business Value
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What scaling index was developed in 1936 to predict the scaling potential of calcium carbonate in drinking water systems?
2025 Events for Water Professionals
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
