417 How To Live a Life of Significance: Insights from Aaron Walker
Scaling UP! H2O
“ Don’t Just Be Successful – Be Significant” How do you define success? Is it about financial achievement, accolades, or influence? What if true fulfillment lies in significance rather than just success? In this episode of the Scaling Up H2O podcast, we welcome back a distinguished guest, . With over four decades of entrepreneurial experience, Aaron has not only built thriving businesses but has also dedicated his life to mentoring others, helping them navigate their paths with purpose. His belief that "Relationships Matter Most" is a guiding principle for those seeking deeper...
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416 The SteriPen Revisited: Scaling UP! Your UV Digestion Knowledge
Scaling UP! H2O
“Always test your tools before field use. Side-by-side comparisons ensure repeatability and accuracy.” In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host delivers an in-depth update on the SteriPen, a widely used tool for water treatment professionals. After overwhelming demand from listeners, we revisit the SteriPen, its capabilities, and its impact on testing organic phosphates and azoles. If you're looking for efficiency, precision, and portability in water testing, this episode is packed with actionable insights. The Evolution of the SteriPen Learn how the SteriPen became a game-changer...
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415 Green Building Updates: What You Need to Know
Scaling UP! H2O
“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 , LEED Fellow + WELL AP, CEO + Co-Founder of 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...
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414 Pinks and Blues: Trace's Phosphate Redux
Scaling UP! H2O
"Scaling is like debt—it’s always better to prevent it than to clean it up later." Phosphate plays a crucial role in Industrial Water Treatment, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood chemicals. In this Pinks and Blues episode, Trace Blackmore revisits phosphate chemistry and its application in cooling systems, corrosion prevention, and scale inhibition. Breaking Down Phosphate Chemistry Phosphate exists in different forms, each with specific applications in water treatment. Orthophosphate (PO4³⁻): The simplest and most reactive form, used for corrosion inhibition. ...
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413 Charting the Future: Mastering the Art of Strategic Planning
Scaling UP! H2O
"Strategic planning is creating certainty in an uncertain world." – Tim Fulton Strategic planning is essential for success in any business, yet many companies either overlook or struggle with the process. In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , President of , to explore the fundamentals of strategic planning and how businesses can chart their course for success. Tim shares insights on why strategic planning matters, how to involve the right people, and how to create a plan that actually works. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or part of a team, this episode...
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412 Pinks & Blues: The Iron-clad Saga
Scaling UP! H2O
"Be the iron fist that keeps your water flowing clean and clear." - Trace Blackmore Welcome back to another insightful Pinks & Blues episode of Scaling UP! H2O! In this episode, host Trace Blackmore dives into the fascinating world of iron in water treatment systems. While iron is essential for life, it can be a major problem in industrial water systems, leading to corrosion, equipment damage, and inefficiencies. This episode unpacks the science behind iron, testing methods, and practical strategies for managing its impact. Understanding the Iron Triangle To effectively manage...
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411 Adiabatic Humidification: Harnessing Nature's Cooling Power for Efficient Climate Control
Scaling UP! H2O
“Be curious because the more you learn, the more exciting it is. Hit those challenges head on.” - Ryan Reimer Adiabatic humidification is revolutionizing climate control, offering an energy-efficient way to maintain humidity and cooling in industrial and commercial spaces. But what exactly is adiabatic humidification, and how does it compare to traditional isothermal methods? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes of , to break down the mechanics, benefits, and critical applications of adiabatic humidification. Together, they explore how this low-energy cooling method...
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410 Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown's 'Fearless Pricing' Revolutionizes Business Value
Scaling UP! H2O
"If you’re excellent at what you do, you’ve got to be paid like you’re excellent." – Casey Brown Ever wondered if you're truly getting paid what you're worth? In this unmissable episode of Scaling UP! H2O, we bring back , speaker, founder of and author of the newly released Known for her electrifying talks and actionable insights, Casey dives deep into how businesses can build confidence, charge their true value, and break free from the fear of pricing discussions. From her journey as an engineer to becoming a pricing powerhouse, Casey's passion for helping businesses...
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409 A Western Refinery's Journey to Improved Water Efficiency
Scaling UP! H2O
"Water is a limited resource, and in this refinery, every gallon saved is a win for sustainability." – Juan Meneses Water is a critical resource in industrial operations, and improving efficiency is a top priority for many companies. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, returning guest , District Manager at , discusses how a Western refinery optimized its water footprint using advanced treatment technologies. This episode is packed with insights on water conservation strategies, sustainability goals, and the role of advanced monitoring technologies like 3D TRASAR in maximizing...
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408 Pinks and Blues: The Power of Processes
Scaling UP! H2O
What gets measured gets improved. But without a process, how do we know what to improve? In this brand-new episode, , the host of and the CEO and Founder of , dives deep into the power of processes in industrial water treatment. Learn why creating and documenting processes is essential for consistency, collaboration, and success. Hear Trace's personal journey of process discovery, practical steps for implementation, and how processes can make your work more efficient and fun. Plus, a new "Water You Know" segment by James McDonald challenges your water treatment knowledge....
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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.
