Raising a New Generation of Green Building Advocates with Julia Pooler

Author

Charlie Cichetti
January 22, 2026

QUICK TAKE

This episode shines a light on how youth advocacy and sustainability education are creating ripple effects in the green building world.

Julia Pooler shares how empowering children with the right tools and mindset today can shape the carbon-zero leaders of tomorrow.

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🎧 LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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🌱BREAKING GROUND ON BETTER BUILDING

In this episode, Julia Pooler revolutionizes traditional construction approaches:

[Key Insight #1] Elevating Youth as Catalysts for Carbon Awareness

  • What's outdated: Sustainability efforts in construction often overlook youth engagement.

  • The innovation: Julia’s Girl Scout troop created an award-winning project on low embodied carbon concrete, even presenting at Greenbuild 2022.

  • Impact: Youth-driven outreach reached professionals, spotlighting embodied carbon while building leadership in the next generation.

[Key Insight #2] Turning Green Buildings into Educational Tools

  • What's outdated: Green building principles rarely make it into early education.

  • The innovation: Julia authored a children’s book that demystifies green building concepts and celebrates the professionals behind them.

  • Impact: Kids begin to understand and appreciate green design early, creating a lasting foundation for eco-conscious thinking.

[Key Insight #3] Building a Movement with Joy and Accessibility

  • What's outdated: Sustainability messages can feel overwhelming or negative.

  • The innovation: Julia emphasizes fun, uplifting, and community-driven resources through the Carbon Zero Youth Initiative.

  • Impact: More meaningful engagement from students and professionals, driving curiosity and long-term cultural shifts in the built environment.

♻️ YOUR GREEN BUILD CHALLENGE

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âś… CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

đź—’ Read the transcript: HERE 

đź“„ Read the transcript: HERE

đź”— Connect with Julia Pooler::