The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

The Green Impact Report Quick take: An enlightening conversation with BREEAM USA's Director of Operations on how science-based building standards are reshaping real estate value and transforming sustainable performance measurement. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Breana Wheeler is the Director of Operations for BREEAM USA, where she leads the deployment of BREEAM's sustainability standards in the United States. With over 20 years of experience in environmental and sustainability risk management, she has been instrumental in adapting BREEAM's science-based methodologies for the U.S. market since 2016. 🌱Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Breana shares transformative insights into building certification: Key Insight #1: Beyond Traditional Certification The Challenge: Sustainability certification has historically been used mainly for marketing. The Solution: Integration of certification into asset value assessment and risk management. ROI: Access to better financing terms and enhanced asset value through verified performance. Key Insight #2: Industrial Evolution The Challenge: Traditional rating systems struggled with triple-net lease properties. The Solution: BREEAM's unique approach to measuring owner-controlled aspects. ROI: Enabling certification for previously underserved building sectors. Key Insight #3: Performance-Based Innovation The Challenge: Need for reliable, science-based performance metrics. The Solution: Dual metrics for energy and carbon intensity with minimum standards. ROI: Clear pathways to achieving net-zero goals while maintaining building value. Sustainable Soundbite "Once you see climate risk, you can't unsee it. No bank in the world is backing off. They may be backing off of their public commitments some, but there is no way they're backing off the biggest business risk they have to asset value in real estate." - Breana Wheeler Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Learn to speak the language of finance when discussing sustainability. This Quarter: Build cross-departmental relationships to enhance project success. This Year: Develop comprehensive metrics that align with Version 7's new standards. Connect & Learn More 🌿 Connect with Breana: 🗒️ Read the transcript: 🔗 Learn more about BREEAM USA's standards and certification process Want More Green Building Insights? Newsletter coming soon! Green Building Matters, Inc © 2025 | Good Green Fun™

The Green Impact Report Quick take: A masterclass in transforming sustainable building practices into regenerative design, featuring insights from HDR's Director of Sustainable Development on pushing beyond net-zero to create net-positive impact buildings. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Colin Rohlfing serves as the Director of Sustainable Development for HDR's Global Architecture practice, where he leads a team of 20+ sustainability experts. With over 20 years of experience, Colin has been recognized on BD+C's "40 Under 40" list and is a frequent speaker at major events including TEDx and SXSW. 🌱Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Colin shares revolutionary approaches to sustainable design: Key Insight #1: The Evolution Beyond Sustainability The Challenge: Traditional sustainability metrics have become watered down over the past 20-30 years. The Solution: Implementing regenerative design frameworks that target pre-industrial revolution performance metrics. ROI: Achieving net-positive impacts in energy, carbon, water, and human health. Key Insight #2: Mass Timber Revolution The Challenge: High-carbon traditional building materials and construction methods. The Solution: 75+ mass timber projects, including first-of-their-kind healthcare facilities. ROI: Reduced embodied carbon while maintaining structural performance and expanding into new building types. Key Insight #3: Electrification & Resilience The Challenge: Fossil fuel dependency in building operations. The Solution: Full building electrification with integrated resilience strategies. ROI: 99% of California projects now all-electric, with growing adoption nationwide. Sustainable Soundbite "We can't just improve slightly from what it was 30 years ago when we had ecological disasters and poor air quality. We do need to go back to pre-industrial and agricultural revolution metrics if we're truly going to figure our way out of this mess that we're in." - Colin Rohlfing Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Start tracking both operational and embodied carbon in your projects. This Quarter: Implement energy modeling with payback analysis on all projects. This Year: Develop regenerative design metrics for your practice that go beyond traditional sustainability targets. Connect & Learn More 🌿 Connect with Colin: 🗒️ Read the transcript: 🔗 Watch Colin's TEDx Talk on regenerative design at Ted.com Want More Green Building Insights? Newsletter coming soon! Green Building Matters, Inc © 2025 | Good Green Fun™

Mark Chen, National Carbon Manager at Skanska, a global construction and development firm. Mark has over nine years of industry experience and has worked on a range of projects with high sustainability goals, including LEED, ILFI Living Building Challenge, and Zero Carbon certifications. Mark also brings expertise in corporate emissions reporting, corporate emissions reduction strategy, embodied carbon accounting and reduction strategy utilizing the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) tool, and construction activity embodied carbon accounting and reduction strategy. His most recent project experience includes managing the sustainability strategy for a multi-billion-dollar campus redevelopment project, a multitude of data center projects, and many other project types across the country. Show Highlights Air quality issues in Southern California fostered a lifelong interest in sustainability and the desire to improve the built environment. Mark’s knowledge of sustainability and carbon reduction strategies in construction projects as the Leading initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive sustainability efforts as the National Carbon Manager at Skanska. Skanska's climate commitments: 70% emissions reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2045. Use of alternative clean fuels, research on electric and hydrogen-powered equipment. Focus on embodied carbon in construction Tracking emissions across projects, with varying levels based on client requirements. Providing embodied carbon assessments for structural materials on all projects using EC3 tools. Decarbonization in construction material manufacturing, innovation in electric and hydrogen equipment, digital footprint concerns Use of alternative clean fuels, research on electric and hydrogen-powered equipment. "Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable and realizing that putting yourself in those uncomfortable positions and situations - while in the moment doesn't feel great - is where the most growth comes from." -Mark Chen Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2025 GBES

With an extensive background in sustainable architecture, Allison Bernett worked to reverse climate change and improve quality of life through innovative design. Allison Bernett pursued a diverse career spanning architecture, sustainable design, and biology, reflecting her belief that the most effective solutions to the climate crisis emerge from integrating the natural and built environments. Her expertise includes regenerative design, design for manufacturing and assembly, whole life carbon analysis, building performance simulation, and health and wellness strategies. As the founder of Vireo Design & Strategy, she leveraged this expertise to develop climate-positive solutions for her clients. Previously, Allison worked as the Sustainability Manager at the modular housing company Assembly OSM, where she guided designs through Passive House and WELL compliance. She also contributed to pioneering sustainability projects and research at Terrapin Bright Green, such as Factory as a Forest. Allison is a published author on early design building simulation and a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and biology from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.Arch degree from Cornell University. Through design and technology informed by the natural world, She believes that we can and must transform the built environment to support ecosystems, reverse climate change, and foster thriving communities. Show Highlights Advocated for Passive House design at Assembly OSM Developed ecological performance metrics for factories to integrate biological principles into factory design, enhancing sustainability and ecological impact. Allison started Vireo Design & Strategy to focus on diverse projects aimed at achieving a climate-positive future. Focuses on driving towards a climate positive future by going beyond net-zero to regenerative design, Emphasizes the importance of Passive House principles Highlights the significance of WELL certification for creating healthful spaces Stresses the need to consider both energy/carbon and human factors in design "Be open to new opportunities that may not seem like a perfect fit with your plan... especially in the sustainable design field. It's evolving so fast, so rapidly. There are new jobs and new roles and new specialties and needs coming out every year." Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2025 GBES

Mike Bahr is the Regional Sustainability Manager at Turner Construction Company. Mike is responsible for helping clients achieve their sustainability goals by implementing efforts in embodied carbon, material selection, hybrid & electric equipment, and other sustainability initiatives. Mike is a leader in embodied carbon and understands the challenges that need to be overcome in sustainability, piloting efforts to track across all A-stages of a building’s lifecycle including best practices for A4 emissions. Mike has led sustainability implementation on over 4,000,000 sf of certified green building space, covered LEED, WELL and Living Building Challenge programs. Mike is also a member of the Market Leadership Advisory Board for USGBC Iowa. Prior to his full-time sustainability role, Mike worked as a project manager and engineer across diverse projects including health care, high-rise, multi-family, historical renovation, adaptive reuse & tenant improvement. These past experiences provide Mike with valuable knowledge of the challenges and opportunities the construction industry has ahead as it continues to push towards a more sustainable, just future. “Buildings are ubiquitous, supporting virtually every business, supply chain, economic need, and positive social outcome globally. However, buildings are responsible for nearly 50% of global GHG emissions, a significant amount of landfill waste, and can lead to negative health outcomes for individuals when poorly designed and operated.” Mike works to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions through delivering more sustainable buildings and real estate, at every stage of the lifecycle. He has contributed to positive outcomes on nearly 5 million square feet of 3rd party certified buildings spanning the LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge programs. Additional efforts have included construction equipment electrified, low-carbon materials, and circularity initiatives. He has achieved this through supply chain partnership, internal consensus building, and industry collaboration. Show Highlights Future trends in biodiversity and the circular economy. Recycling and embodied carbon while emphasizing client-driven initiatives. Turner's Approach to Sustainability Focuses on adapting national sustainability programs to local markets. Challenges in sustainability practices can differ significantly based on regional infrastructure and policies. Emphasis on client-driven sustainability approaches. On-site energy and fuel use for ESG program. Pushing for electric construction equipment to reduce emissions and air pollution. Implementing biodiversity assessments can lead to more sustainable design practices. Promoting the use of native species and habitats in project planning. Explore circular economy principles in building materials and processes. "Go out and find your people...USGBC chapters, Carbon Leadership Forum, the networks...Just kind of find those people, get to know each other, work together. This is fulfilling work, but it is challenging and there are a lot of obstacles."- Mike Bahr Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2025 GBES

Francesco Iorio is the CEO of Augmenta, leading a team focused on AI, computational science, and user-centered design to revolutionize construction. The Augmenta Construction Platform uses generative AI to transform building design and construction, partnering with forward-thinking AEC companies like Interstates, Lighthouse Electric, and Miller Electric Company to boost productivity and optimize their electrical design process. An Innovation Specialist, Research Scientist/Leader, Technical Manager and Software Architect, with a constant drive for innovation, business acumen and the ability to build and nurture extremely high-performing teams, together with excellent software development and project management skills. Proven experience and a track record of innovation in multiple fields, with considerable technical and business impact.Expert knowledge of software architecture, strategic innovation, high performance systems, machine learning, multi-threaded/multi-processor/distributed computing scalability issues, low-level systems performance optimization, signal processing, 3D computer graphics, low-latency and real-time programming and principles. Expertise in designing and leveraging computing solutions ranging between small, low-power embedded systems, hybrid custom accelerators and GPUs, large-scale cloud-based software and supercomputers with several thousands of processors, and from fundamental research and custom software prototyping to customer-facing shipping products. Initiation of and contributions to business development activities, client-facing strategic innovation sessions and presentations, academic partnerships and M&A activities. Invited speaker and panelist at multiple high-profile scientific and engineering venues.Several awarded patents and numerous scientific publications in the field of computer science. Show Highlights Augmenta’s innovative approach to automating building design to boost efficiency, minimize waste, and promote sustainability. Leverage artificial intelligence to automate and optimize building design processes, particularly in the construction industry. Reduce material waste and improve compliance with building codes through intelligent design solutions. Target customers: specialty subcontractors in electrical trades and engineering firms The Generative Design research program focuses on leveraging computational power to create optimized building designs. First building constructed using Augmenta's AI: public elementary school in rural Michigan. AI system trained on synthetically generated data and real-world projects. Collaboration and assembling diverse teams as key to success. “I have a virtue that I love to collaborate with people. Like for me, collaboration and surrounding myself with people who are even smarter and kinder than me is what I actually enjoy the most." - Francesco Iorio Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2025 GBES

Matthew Warren, Director of Business Development at Insight Partners, a leading commercial HVAC solutions provider headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. In his role, he leverages his extensive expertise in business development, sales, account management, and marketing strategy to help building owners and facility managers optimize their HVAC systems' performance. At Insight Partners, Matthew leads initiatives to provide streamlined solutions for large energy users, focusing on factory-direct HVAC equipment and comprehensive system optimization. His team specializes in delivering high-quality HVAC equipment and parts directly from manufacturers, while offering expert diagnosis, upgrade recommendations, and performance optimization services. Matthew's approach emphasizes personalized service, understanding that each building presents unique challenges and opportunities. Under his leadership, Insight Partners works closely with clients to develop customized solutions that enhance indoor comfort, reduce energy consumption, and extend equipment lifespan. His commitment to delivering projects on time and on budget has helped establish Insight Partners as a trusted name in the commercial HVAC industry. Active across multiple professional platforms, Matthew maintains a strong digital presence where he shares industry insights and connects with clients and partners. He can be found on various social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where he continues to build relationships and share his expertise in commercial HVAC solutions and business development. Show Highlights The critical need to prioritize building performance and energy efficiency over merely adding solar solutions. Challenges in industrial energy efficiency and the significant growth potential in the HVAC market. Matthew’s entrepreneurial spirit and transition from agriculture and landscaping. Focus on building performance and energy efficiency before adding solar panels to buildings. Insight Partners, focusing on solving building performance issues for large energy users. Industry trends and the evolving nature of energy efficiency solutions. Changes in refrigerants and the potential issues with spray foam insulation. New professionals should focus on building performance and to be adaptable in their approach. "Not everyone embraces sustainability, and that’s okay. Focus on the clients who at least see value in energy efficiency/cost reduction and that will lead to more sustainability conversations." - Matthew Warren Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2025 GBES

Nostromo Energy’s Yaron Ben-Nun and the Need for Thermal Storage in Decarbonization Yaron Ben-Nun, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Nostromo Energy (TASE:NOST) where his vision for reducing carbon emissions led to the development of the company’s IceBrick™ energy storage technology to help decarbonize buildings. A passionate environmental advocate, he has a background in big data analytics for industrial energy conservation and has held leadership positions at several clean-tech software companie Yaron’s team designed an ice thermal energy storage system that is challenging the current energy storage landscape. With proven technology, their system is perfectly safe with zero degradation over 10 years of operation. Their first commercial deployment has been running since June 2019 and they have 3 systems under construction in total capacity of 3.8 mWh. Show Highlights Nostromo focuses on using water as an energy storage medium. Technology allows for retrofitting existing buildings to become sustainable energy storage systems. Ideal project specifications and electric bill structure for determining project viability. The growing importance of buildings in energy management as the green economy evolves particularly in large buildings with high cooling demands. Nostromo's technology is best suited for buildings with significant cooling loads. Inefficiencies of traditional energy storage methods like lithium-ion batteries. Enabling retrofitting of existing buildings into sustainable energy systems. The green economy is growing, and clean energy transformation is inevitable. Buildings must become proactive participants in energy management. Local regulations like New York's Local Law 97 are crucial for driving sustainability in the building sector. “You should wish to fail fast. That's what I'm saying. After a few failures, if you actually learn something from it, you will have success. So you need not only to get up on your feet, you need to know that it's all about how you get up from failure.”- Yaron Ben-Nun Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2025 GBES

Dr Hannes Raoul Endriß has been leading the global and newly established Smart Sustainable Buildings Business Line at TÜV SÜD from October 2021. The business line covers topics such as green buildings, ESG, digital twins and drone operations. Hannes has worked in construction and project management on various national and international projects, as well as product owner for BIM and AR software. Most recently, he worked in a start-up company as CTO, operating BIM-capable software on all continents. Hannes started with an apprenticeship as a draftsman and now holds a Master of Engineering as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration from Liverpool John Moores University. Show Highlights Necessity for existing structures to adapt to increasing sustainability mandates. Emphasizing on transparency and benchmarking in energy efficiency. The critical impact of technology in sustainable construction. TÜV SÜD’s focus on advancing sustainability initiatives over the next five years. The importance of integrating sustainable practices and technologies in building design and operation to reduce carbon footprints. Hannes discusses his role at TUF Suit and the company's international footprint. The growing trend of green building certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Greenmark. The importance of these certifications in the global market. The need for existing buildings to adapt. Insights on the importance of these certifications in the global market. “I noticed that we have a problem in the building industry with this really significant carbon footprint and that our industry is contributing a lot to the carbon footprint. And once I've heard that, I recognize, ‘Okay, I want to change something and I want to shift my career from a general, from general work in the building industry in various fields and positions to a more specific job where I can impact this industry in a better way and work in the field of sustainability and have a positive impact on the whole movement towards sustainable buildings.’” “Every second building is a LEED certified commercial building. We are getting there in a more continuous or in a more closed landscape of certified buildings. And buildings still can stay competitive if they get certified and if they make measures to improve their performance in a stepwise approach. I definitely see this landscape growing also in Singapore where we have in certain parts like green building certification even being mandatory. Overall, globally in countries that are more on the wide side of green building certification, there is an emerging trend of getting certifications done and making real estate assets future proof.” “If I look at our technical monitoring service, we look in a building and interpret the data that we can get out of the building automation system. I see that we have so much potential to improve simply because buildings are not running smoothly because the commissioning was maybe too long ago and all of these different individual components are not running smoothly and interacting smoothly with each other. This really gives some opportunity to improve building operations without big investments.” “There are so many great tools. The user interfaces get better and better. The AI component supports it as well by making it easier to interact with technology, finding fast solutions to technology as well. There is no need to fear and also to make others aver on this change and make others, like, supportive as like a holistic industry to move forward, applying change methodologies together and improve the performance of our industry together.” “Leadership is definitely staying in the front line if things go right and not stepping back when things go. When things really go wrong and reverse. So if things go right, stepping back and giving the spotlight to the others.” “Green building, smart building, ESG compliance of the built environment will be the future. And there will...

Rohan Rawte based in Singapore, is the Managing Director at IESVE Singapore Pte Ltd. He brings experience from previous roles at IES Ltd., Integrated Environmental Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., SimCosm India Pvt. Ltd. and In-Finite Solutions. Director Asia and Middle East, Rohan has been involved in the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) industry for almost 20 years. Initially specialising in the use of digital twins for avoiding failure, extending life/warranty, and optimizing cost in the mechanical and automotive industries, Rohan transitioned from the mechanical industry to the built environment when he joined IES in 2010. Rohan now manages multiple divisions for IES across the Middle East, India and Asia. Based in Singapore, he is currently focused on developing the company’s regional HQ in Asia, drawing on his experience in facing new markets, supporting the development and sale of new products, developing global and local partnerships and fostering multi-disciplinary global teams to drive results. Show Highlights An essential tool for optimizing building performance to ensure buildings operate as designed. The integration of AI with digital twins is expected to enhance predictive modeling and data optimization. The need for AI in real estate and the importance of decarbonization efforts. Addressing decarbonization in buildings to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Immediate action is needed from the building sector to address their contribution to global carbon emissions. Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) focus on building design Technology that aids in designing and operating high-performance buildings. Sustainability and decarbonization. The company's flagship product, the Virtual Environment. The integration of digital twins with IoT systems and AI technologies enabling predictive modeling and optimization of building operations. “One of the areas where there is a lot of action that's taking place is on the embodied carbon side where it's not just about efficient operations, but it's also about what's in the material. I think this is a very green area for exploration, for growth, and for really getting into depth of understanding how we produce, how we use, and how we recycle.” - Rohan Rawte Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Michael is a seasoned business strategist in the AEC tech sector with a focus on structural engineering and fabrication. He practiced as a structural engineer at Ellerbe Becket, holds an MS in Civil Engineering, an MBA from Michael J. Coles College of Business and is a Professional Engineer from California. He is also certified in AI for Business Managers from MIT. Michael Gustafson is an Innovative business strategist with a demonstrated history of impactful change in the architecture, engineering and construction sector. Customer-centric professional skilled in Strategic Planning, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Go-to-Market Strategy and Strategic Partnerships. Michael has deep industry and technology expertise in Structural Engineering, Building Information Modeling and AI/Generative Design. Proven leader that inspires others to create success. Passionate about reducing the carbon footprint of our built environment to address climate change. Show Highlights Reducing embodied carbon in construction for mitigating climate change and achieving sustainability goals. The potential of AI in concrete and steel optimization to analyze vast datasets. Commercializing cost-carbon analysis for steel connections. Interactive design optimization to minimize waste in steel connections while maintaining necessary standardization for ease of construction. Sublime Systems and Carbon Cure innovations in concrete space. Highlights Nucor's efforts in using nuclear energy for steel production. Expresses concern about embodied carbon in global construction. The industries need international cooperation in reducing embodied carbon. “Over the last two years, we've been making a slight shift with the technology to be more focused upstream because we've seen the impact on reducing waste inefficiency as well as better carbon planning, focusing more on owners, general contractors, and structural engineers. Recently we've released new technologies integrated on Autodesk Revit.” Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Corey Squire, AIA, is a dedicated leader in sustainable design and advocacy within the architectural industry. With a career focused on advancing high-performance design, Corey has played a pivotal role in enabling award-winning firms to integrate sustainability into their work. His expertise has positioned him as a recognized thought leader, with frequent lectures on sustainability topics nationwide. Notably, Corey was a lead author of the AIA Framework and Toolkit, which are transforming standards of excellence in the built environment. Corey’s academic foundation includes a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. As an Associate Principal, he continues to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture, guiding leadership and practice toward a carbon-free future. Show Highlights Insights into the challenges and strategies for advancing sustainable architecture. A Framework for Design Excellence for AIA that has influenced industry standards and practices. Sustainable design strategies that prioritize environmental impact, occupant well-being, and social justice. Encourages collaboration among project teams to ensure consistent application of sustainability strategies. Research on passive survivability key considerations. Reducing peak cooling load can enhance building resilience against extreme weather events. Simplifies complex sustainability topics for non-professionals. Discusses non-traditional building systems like trees and occupant behavior. “...what the Framework For Design Excellence did, was formally integrate these ideas so now sustainable design, resilient design, healthy design, and equitable design is just…good design…this was a major step forward for the profession and we're still moving that direction.” - Corey Squire Show Resource and Information (Corey’s Book) Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Don is the founder of Just Capital Quotient, where his team is focused on driving sustainable transformations for businesses. While sustainability in residential and smaller-scale projects is important, Don's mission is to show how businesses can integrate green building principles to create healthier, more sustainable environments in larger-scale commercial developments. His work goes beyond traditional green buildings, offering a holistic approach that blends sustainability with ethical and spiritual considerations, making it relevant for the business community. Don's unique background as a consultant and theologian allows him to address sustainability from practical and values-driven perspectives. Don shares new insights into how commercial spaces—often overlooked in sustainability conversations—can be transformed to benefit not only the environment but also the people who work and operate in them. A dedicated online professional who began his career in the Internet space right out of college, never looking back. He loves everything about working online, from non-standard hours and unconventional workplaces to challenging projects and engaging people. Over the years, his career has spanned various industries, but he found his true calling in research around 14 years ago. The dynamic, project-based nature of online research, with its short timelines and constant transitions to new challenges, perfectly matches his drive for variety. Curiosity is a significant part of what fuels his passion. He’s constantly intrigued by unusual client requests—such as surveying one-armed yak farmers in Memphis—and loves figuring out how to meet client needs while winning their business. Despite the humor in these unconventional requests, he thrives on the challenge. He is the co-author of Jesus Wants to Save Christians with Rob Bell. You may have seen him in Huffington Post, The New York Times, CNN, or NPR. In addition to his work with JCQ, he is the Chief Impact Officer at Threefold Private Equity. Specialties: Online marketing, business development, online research, product development, MR panel management, sales, and sales team management. Show Highlights The concept of 'intrinsic impact' in business. A multi-capitals framework that incorporates profit, people, place, and planet. The need for personal growth and engagement to drive sustainable change in their organizations. Innovative projects aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency in traditional industries. Emphasizes the importance of the inner life of business leaders in driving change. Highlights challenges of introducing disruptive technology in static industries. 'Necessity of You' framework: wake up, grow up, and show up. Uncover the resistances people have to the disruptive technology. “What I love to do is work with companies to help them find that category of one leadership where they become the most impactful and sustainable solution in their industry. That's what I love doing.” Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

T.R. is a seasoned leader in the clean energy sector, bringing more than a decade of expertise in management and executive roles within the solar industry. He has guided both large and small solar companies, with a strong emphasis on sales, marketing, and finance, and played a key role in advancing solar lending in the Northeast. T.R. earned his MBA from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands and was one of the first in the U.S. to achieve NABCEP Technical Sales certification, solidifying his standing as a pioneer in the solar industry. ABCEP PV Technical Sales, Solar Power Financing, Solar Leasing, Residential Marketing and Sales, Database Marketing, Business Development. Major Account Relationship Management, selling IT Strategy and Management services, IT Consulting Sales Specialties: Vendor selection, negotiation, benchmarking, industry analysis, opportunity planning, go-to-market strategy, and channel strategy Show Highlights The future of solar and storage, highlighting the concept of virtual power plants and the hurdles of battery deployment. The founding of Brooklyn Solarworks and the innovative solar canopy product for flat roofs in NYC. Solar and storage systems and exploring the Amicus Solar Cooperative for mission-driven initiatives. New York City solar incentives: Federal, state, and unique local incentives available. The need for innovative solutions, such as solar canopies, to address challenges with solar installations to comply with fire department regulations. The integration of solar and storage systems is expected to enhance energy resilience and reliability for homeowners and businesses. Virtual power plant concept for distributed energy resources. Challenges with battery deployments in NYC due to fire department restrictions. “It’s never too late! If you've got special skills and you can bring something to the table, there's definitely a place in solar renewables for you. Because this industry and this sort of general set of technologies is going to grow so fast in the next ten years because of things like the Inflation Reduction Act, climate change, energy prices, etc. There's going to be so much opportunity…so go for it, get your foot in the door, do whatever you have to do to just get some experience.” Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Leading two groundbreaking ventures, Wild Orchard and RePure, my journey in the wellness industry is marked by innovation and a commitment to health and regeneration which goes beyond sustainability. At Wild Orchard, we've successfully introduced the world's first Regenerative Organic Certified teas, a testament to our dedication to exceptional quality, beyond sustainable farming practices, and farmworker fairness. Wild Orchard teas have earned 24 medals at the most prestigious global tea competitions, and can be found in top organic retailers like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and many others. Our award-winning teas are also featured in Michelin-rated restaurants, where they are celebrated for their purity and exceptional quality. With RePure, we've turned our focus to the home environment, providing families with top-tier wellness technology that prioritizes indoor air and water quality. Our healthy home operating system has earned accolades such as the 2023 CTA Wellness Product of the Year, and Health & Wellness Project of the Year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, reflecting our impact on creating smarter, healthier living spaces. By merging my expertise in regenerative organic products and wellness technology, I'm steering both companies toward a future where we regenerate our soil, bring more nature into our lives and use a bit of technology to fill in the gaps for a longer healthspan for all. Show Highlights Michael's Dual Roles: Michael shares insights from his work optimizing indoor environments through his company, RePure, and his regenerative organic tea brand. Cross-Industry Innovation: Both businesses are interconnected, allowing for the innovative application of health and wellness principles across different industries. Healthier Living Spaces: Focus on optimizing indoor air and water quality for improved health in residential and commercial environments. Regenerative Organic Tea: The tea company emphasizes regenerative practices, is regenerative organic certified, and promotes health benefits while supporting environmental sustainability. Career Advice: Michael reflects on overcoming growing up as an introvert and how traveling when young broadens perspectives and fosters personal growth. Consumer Demand: Growing interest in healthier living spaces is driving innovation and investment in wellness real estate. Wellness Real Estate Growth: As the fastest-growing sector in the wellness industry, it presents lucrative opportunities for architects, builders, designers, and developers. Design Impact on Health: Michael highlights that architecture and design are never neutral—they either contribute to or degrade health. Community Engagement: Emphasizing the importance of volunteering and mentoring, Michael discusses the value of engaging with communities and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. "The demand for wellness solutions in real estate is rapidly growing. Whether you are a builder, architect, designer, integrator or developer, I encourage you to explore offering wellness-focused products and services. Doing so will not only elevate your business but also bring significant value to the clients you serve." —Michael Don Ham Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Levar Jackson, CEO of Yogh Group | Sustainable Technology and Hospitality Visionary Levar Jackson is the Founder and CEO of Yogh Group, a sustainable and impactful hotel development and management company. Yogh Group is making significant strides to be at the forefront of hospitality and sustainability as society transitions to an interconnected, intelligent, low-carbon world. The company integrates hospitality, art, agriculture, and cuisine into its operations to help lead the way into this new era. Prior to founding Yogh Group, Levar was the Founder and CEO of Visual Renaissance, a full-service art strategy firm that operated from 2009 to 2022 with notable success. Visual Renaissance specialized in sourcing and curating unique wall art, paintings, sculptures, and installations for high-end hospitality, residential, and commercial properties. Now part of Yogh Group, Visual Renaissance manages the company’s art museums. Show Highlights Sustainability focus: developed infinitely reusable canvas for hotel art. Realized importance of attaching ROI to sustainability efforts. Shifted focus during COVID pandemic to effective sustainability in hospitality. Yogh Group aims to make sustainability more profitable than non-sustainability. Algo Helix system: algae growth for textiles, food, and more. Key Energy system: modular energy generation for properties and beyond. Need for intelligent design incorporating global architectural wisdom. Passive home design is becoming more common, but challenges remain. Heat pump limitations in large cities due to heat island effects. “We're very much about sustainability and impact. You have to be sustainable for the planet and for the people. If you're doing something that's hurting people, they won't do it, even if it saves the planet. And when you do something that's saving the planet, you're saving the people. Climate change is real, and it's fairly deadly when you get caught in heavy storms or floods. And heat is actually a killer. A lot of people die from heat related deaths per year, and it's getting worse.” x Show Resources and Information LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Rebecca Riss is originally from White Plains, New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Studio Art from Carleton College in Minnesota and Master of Architecture from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Her passion for sustainability has led her to be active in AIA New York COTE, a steering committee member for the Carbon Leadership Forum New York Chapter, and the Carbon Leadership Hub Policy Lead, just to name a few. A true environmentalist, Rebecca is excited by the change in architecture, as the approach to sustainability continues to respond to new research, technology, and priorities. Her involvement and initiative have helped develop and implement updated standards, advocate for meaningful policy changes, and explore more holistic methods for evaluating a project’s health and environmental impacts across the industry. Rebecca’s motivation comes from the colleagues and the communities she serves. She states, “It is inspiring to work with smart, caring, and inquisitive people to positively impact our neighbors and our future generations.” AIA Framework for Design Excellence design principles that integrate sustainability into all aspects of architecture. Exploring tools for embodied carbon analysis and outreach to suppliers for detailed reporting. Excited about AIA Materials Pledge and increased manufacturer disclosure. Material vetting strategies for lower embodied carbon products ensuring products with lower environmental impact are prioritized. Implementing life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the overall sustainability of materials throughout their entire lifecycle. Integrating both operational and embodied carbon strategies to minimize overall carbon footprint in building design. Encouraging client education and advocacy for sustainable practices. Sustainable design practices tailored to meet the unique needs of educational, public facilities, and municipalities to enhance community infrastructure. “...If you're getting into this green building movement now - just be proactive about going outside of your comfort zone. Take initiative to do what interests you and explore the questions that you're invested in. And you don't need to ask permission of people to take those next steps and dive into the sustainability issues that you're particularly interested in exploring.” -Rebecca Riss Show Resource and Information LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Andrew Pace, Healthy Building Expert, Creator of the Non Toxic Environments podcast. Andrew Pace is a Healthy Home Concierge and Founder of The Green Design Center, a leading resource for homeowners and contractors looking to source products that are healthy and green and receive expert consulting advice on designing and building healthy green homes. Andrew is the host of the Non Toxic Environments Podcast. He is a worldwide expert on green and healthy building products and services customers and contractors from around the globe. As founder of the oldest healthy building supply company in the United States, Andrew has become one of the single most helpful and educational experts dealing with the day-to-day concerns of those individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities. Andrew serves as a board member of the Change the Air Foundation and has been featured in numerous national media outlets. Please follow along at @nontoxicenviornments and https://www.thegreendesigncenter.com. His projects and expertise have been featured in numerous media outlets and industry podcasts including Real Simple, Men's Health , Architectural Digest and Wellnessmama just to name a few. He has recently presented alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Deepak Chopra as part of the 2023 Change The Air Summit with host Michael Rubino and discussed The Science of Healthy Buildings at the Healthier Tech Summit. Andrew serves as a board member of the Change the Air Foundation. Eye opening health risks associated with traditional construction methods. Growing concern over mold due to energy-efficient building practices. Focuses on human health concerns in construction to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants in indoor building design. Industry trends and a renewed excitement in healthy building post-pandemic. Wisconsin climate challenges create challenges for building design and materials. Whole-home projects to create healthier living environments. A proactive approach to adapting to industry changes in the rapidly evolving green building industry. Engaging with clients and peers provides valuable insights that contribute to personal and professional growth. Traveling to learn about sustainable practices in different cultures can provide unique insights into local environmental stewardship. Diverse approaches to sustainability can inspire innovative solutions for modern challenges. “A lot of the problems that people are going through health-wise can be attributed to how we live in our built environment. Understanding what's happening from a health standpoint really helps me decide on how we're going to approach our new podcast season, who we're going to talk to, maybe the things that we need to look for.” -Andrew Pace Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES

Jennifer Taranto brings more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate and construction industry. She joined Structure Tone in 2001, where she served as a superintendent and project manager before becoming STO Building Group’s Vice President of Sustainability. She ensures that environmental, social and governance (ESG) principals are incorporated into client projects and STOBG organizational strategy. As a passionate advocate for reducing the environmental impact of the built environment, Jennifer gets involved in the early stages of design and construction to define the client’s ESG goals and help the project team create an internal roadmap to achieve them. With her guidance and expertise, organizations around the world have been able to improve people’s health and wellbeing while reducing the construction and operating impacts of facilities. As a founder of the non-profit, Built Environment Plus, and the current Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, Jennifer is a recognized sustainable construction leader and frequent speaker. She has been recognized by the International WELL Building Institute with their WELL AP award in 2018 and the WELL Faculty award in 2019, 2020 and 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University. Show Highlights Overview of the integration of green building programs such as LEED, WELL, Fitwel, and BREEAM into construction practices. Key strategies of the benefits of forming a green team, promoting ride-sharing, enforcing no-idling policies, and using electric vehicles on construction sites. The importance of green materials, prefabrication, temporary systems like LED lighting and solar power, and technologies such as drones Attention was given to reducing embodied carbon and future green construction trends, followed by a Q&A session. Discussion on the importance of LEED credentials and the growth of the green building movement. Discussion on the importance of certifications for corporate sustainability and green financing. Introduction to the top ten ways to green a construction site. The role of technology in construction, including drones and virtual meetings. the evolution of green materials and the importance of EPDs and HPDs Examples of innovative materials and construction methods being used in the industry to reduce waste. “You're going to start to see a lot of designs that are going to shift toward lower embodied carbon materials. A lot of our clients are getting savvier and asking those questions. I think the other, the pie chart that maybe you don't have, Charlie, in the deck is the fact that 49% of the embodied carbon is in the building the day that the contractor hands over the keys to the client. So half of the lifetime amount of carbon is in the building before anybody even occupies it. There's a big opportunity there in order to really ratchet those numbers.” -J Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2024 GBES