In this captivating episode of Flipping Founders, host Khushi welcomes Ben Rener, the Outreach Executive from Third Quadrant Design Team, renowned for their groundbreaking achievement as the world's first student team to design and construct a net-zero academic space on their campus. Ben shares the team's journey, from assembling a dedicated team to the intricacies of sustainable construction and achieving net-zero status. Discover the fascinating process behind Third Quadrant Design Team’s success, including insights into team building, construction challenges, and the innovative approaches that led to their victory in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Design Challenge in 2020 and 2021. Khushi and Ben also explore the landscape of sustainable buildings in Vancouver, pondering the prevalence of such eco-friendly structures in the city. They delve into Canada's shifting economy, discussing whether the nation is truly transitioning toward a greener industry. In a deep dive into net-zero achievement, Ben reveals the methodologies and technologies employed by the team. He discusses the pivotal role of supportive companies and organizations that contributed to their success, shedding light on collaborative efforts that made the project possible. The conversation takes an insightful turn as they address the larger picture of environmental sustainability. Ben discusses government and organizational initiatives essential to achieving net-zero goals by 2050, reflecting on the ineffectiveness of carbon offsets and the responsibility shared by various stakeholders in combating climate change. Join Khushi and Ben in this thought-provoking episode, filled with inspiring stories and practical insights. Whether you're passionate about sustainable construction, environmental initiatives, or simply curious about the future of green technologies, this conversation will leave you enlightened and hopeful about the possibilities of a more sustainable world. Tune in to Flipping Founders and embark on a journey towards a greener, more sustainable future with Third Quadrant Design Team and their remarkable accomplishments. Happy listening! Episode ResourcesBen Rener https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-rener/ Third Quadrant Designhttps://www.thirdquadrantdesign.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ubcthirdquadrant/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ubc-third-quadrant-design/