438 Innovative Water Treatment Chemistry with Matheus Paschoalino
Scaling UP! H2O
Can a carbon-negative, bio-based molecule replace legacy phosphonates and help you use less azole—without sacrificing corrosion performance? In this episode, host , welcomes Senior Business Development Manager and Microbial Control SME of , to unpack polyhydroxycarboxylic acids (PHCs) and how they’re changing cooling-water programs from the field up. We cover HEDP replacement in light-duty systems, azole enhancement in copper-challenged waters, a second-generation cut for heavy-duty heat flux, and PHC behavior with oxidizers and non-oxidizer biocides. From Bioforge to Basin:...
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437 Redefining HR: The Key to Talent & Culture in Water Treatment
Scaling UP! H2O
What if HR wasn’t the department you dreaded — but the partner that helped your team thrive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , HR Director at , to explore how human resources can be a strategic driver of talent, culture, and profitability in the water treatment industry. Redefining HR’s Role Tia shares her journey into water treatment and how she built HOH’s HR department from the ground up. Instead of treating HR as a compliance function, she reframed it as a leadership partner—focused on employee connections, transparent...
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436 Raising the Bar: Legionella Management & Industry Standards
Scaling UP! H2O
With those words, Jemma Tennant highlights one of the most profound differences between Legionella management in Europe and the United States. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , Chair of the Water Management Society (WMSoc), to explore how legislation, enforcement, and professional training shape the fight against Legionella. Proactive Regulation and Duty of Care The UK treats Legionella as a foreseeable and preventable risk. Jemma explains how laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH Regulations require mandatory Legionella risk...
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435 Optimizing Legionella Control Strategies with Dr. Vincenzo Romano Spica
Scaling UP! H2O
Legionella remains one of the most complex challenges for water professionals worldwide. How do we balance effective monitoring with realistic costs—and which strategies deliver true public health impact? In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes Head Public Health University of Rome "Foro Italico to explore new insights from his comparative research on Legionella control. Reframing Legionella Risk Dr. Spica explains why public health data increasingly points to Legionella pneumophila—not all Legionella species—as the primary concern for human health. He shares how...
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434 Encore Interview with Patsy Root
Scaling UP! H2O
“Rules written in a panic rarely stand the test of time.” In this encore episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , Senior Manager of Government Affairs at IDEXX Water and active member of the AWT Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Patsy brings global data, case studies, and clear recommendations for smarter Legionella regulation — and why a targeted focus on Legionella pneumophila can save both lives and resources. From Outbreaks to Proactive Policies Patsy unpacks a central truth: most regulations emerge reactively, often after a high-profile outbreak. Drawing on...
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433 Legionella Investigations and LIDO Technology
Scaling UP! H2O
What if preventing Legionella outbreaks wasn’t about adding more chemicals, but removing what the bacteria needs to survive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore talks with Dr. David Krause, Certified Industrial Hygienist, toxicologist, and founder of HC3, about his groundbreaking approach — LIDO (Legionella Inhibition by Deoxygenation). Legionella on the Rise Dr. Krause has investigated high-profile Legionella outbreaks and seen firsthand how current prevention strategies often fall short. Despite ASHRAE 188 standards, CMS requirements, and increasing water...
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432 Water Management Plans: Evolving Standards and Best Practices with Matt Freije
Scaling UP! H2O
"Just because you have a water management plan doesn’t mean it’s working." That’s the hard truth Matt Freije, founder and CEO of HC Info, delivers in this episode of Scaling UP! H2O. As the architect behind LAMPS — a leading cloud-based platform for water management programs — Matt joins Trace Blackmore to explore the critical evolution of water safety, compliance standards, and real-world implementation challenges facing facilities in 2025. Beyond the Binder: Water Management Plans That Actually Work In an era of heightened awareness and shifting regulations,...
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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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“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.
