Ep. 161 Donnel Baird: Founder & CEO of BlocPower

Today's guest is Donnel Baird, Founder & CEO of BlocPower. BlocPower is a Brooklyn-based climate technology startup that is making American cities greener, smarter, and healthier. BlocPower analyzes, finances, and constructs renewable energy and energy-efficient projects on a building by building, block by block basis. BlocPower focuses on buildings in low-income communities and underserved neighborhoods throughout New York City. Donnel has a passion for climate solutions that serve low-income communities. After graduating from Duke University, he became a community organizer and advocate for job growth that also addresses climate change. In 2007, Donnel joined the Obama For America campaign as a Regional Field Director and Constituency Vote Director. After President Obama took office, Donnel continued to work on green job creation as a consultant for the Administration and several labor unions, including Change to Win Federation and Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Donnel left the public sector in 2011 with the idea that eventually became BlocPower. He has an MBA from Columbia University and sits on the board at many New York institutes, The Sunrise Movement, and The Sierra Club. I was looking forward to this conversation because Donnel has been on our wishlist for a while. Donnel explains his climate journey, how he started BlocPower, and the company's mission to serve low-income communities. We talk about how best to accelerate the rapid adoption of green buildings and the psychology of paying bills. We also touch on what holds back the industry, why BlocPower's solution is unique, and the role the US plays in the climate emergency. Donnel is an incredible guest with a wealth of knowledge. This episode is a must-listen. Enjoy the show! You can find me on twitter @jjacobs22 or @mcjpod and email at [email protected], where I encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests. Episode recorded May 25th, 2021