The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: LEED Fellow Bonny Gray reveals how she built the world's largest cistern under a parking garage, battles "LEED-like" terminology that's undermining green building credibility, and why prefabricated construction might be the key to scaling sustainability. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Bonita Tice Gray, AIA LEED AP BD+C, is Director of Sustainability and Quality at Method Architecture and a 2022 LEED Fellow—the green building industry's most prestigious professional designation.  Selected as one of only 20 distinguished green building professionals worldwide, Bonny has made exceptional contributions to sustainability in Texas over her decade-plus career. Her achievements include administering diverse LEED and Austin Energy Green Building projects, serving as Author/Liaison for SXSW Eco from 2013-2016, and leading as USGBC Central Texas Co-Chair. She created the LEEDv4 Green Associate Professionals class and authored the Texas Green School Symposium.  Starting her journey in Iowa farm country with a coal-heated 1916 home, Bonny discovered her passion for architecture walking through the beautiful red brick Architecture Hall at University of Nebraska—where she was one of only two women in her graduating class.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Sean Ronnie Hill shares how his journey from a freezing, poorly built Belfast home to founding Rise Design Studio led to breakthrough insights on passive house principles, embodied carbon calculations, and the massive shift toward all-electric buildings—essential knowledge for green building professionals navigating today's sustainability landscape. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Sean Ronnie Hill is the Director and Architect at RISE Design Studio, a Sustainable & Regeneration Architect, Passivhaus Designer, Retrofit Expert, and Member of The Green Register, dedicated to creating better homes and spaces for a sustainable future. As the founding director of RISE Design Studio (established in 2011), Sean brings over 20 years of experience from award-winning UK practices, including John McAslan + Partners, Arca, and Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Based in London with expansion into Barcelona, RISE specializes in residential architecture, listed building consent, conservation area projects, and community buildings. Sean's design ethos centers on four key principles: design-led approach, commercial mindfulness, innovation, and sustainability. He's committed to nurturing the next generation of architects, having mentored at several UK universities, and believes in creating places that respond to contemporary challenges, including the climate crisis.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Angela Gill Nelms shares how interdisciplinary approaches and customer-centered innovation can transform healthcare while creating more sustainable outcomes—offering valuable lessons for green building professionals seeking to drive change in their organizations. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Angela Gill Nelms is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and board member with a diverse background in SaaS and medical device technology.  She excels in building teams and companies centered on global corporate culture, strategic planning, and process improvement.  As the founder and host of the mental wellness podcast, Recovery Advocate Network Coffee and Conversation, she addresses stigma and resource disparities in mental health. Angela has received numerous awards, including Georgia Tech's Academy of Distinguished Alumni Award and recognition among Atlanta's 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies.  She serves on the Georgia Tech Advisory Board and the Recovery Advocate Network mental health board. Outside of work, Angela enjoys hiking, reading, and engaging in activities such as woodturning, blacksmithing, and cycling, having completed six IRONMAN races.

    The Green Impact Report Quick take: Mark Snyder introduces a groundbreaking approach to indoor air purification using microalgae bioreactors that not only clean air more effectively than traditional methods but could potentially save billions in energy costs while addressing common challenges in energy-efficient sealed buildings.   Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion As the CEO of VerdeTerra, Mark Snyder brings a diverse background spanning automotive engineering (including work on the Honda NSX supercar), aerospace contracting for NASA, and management consulting at Porsche Consulting.    With an engineering foundation complemented by an MBA from SDA Bocconi in Italy and studies in Shanghai, Mark combines technical expertise with business acumen to develop sustainable solutions that deliver both environmental and economic benefits.  

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Andre Baros shares how technology can transform the overwhelming process of material selection, making sustainability data more accessible and helping architects make responsible choices without disrupting their workflow. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Andre Baros is an architect whose career has been anchored in sustainability, curiosity, and rigor. After graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology, he worked with award-winning firms including Harry Weese Associates, Wheeler Kearns Architects, and HOK.  With over two decades of experience ranging from small-scale projects to 12-million-square-foot developments, Andre has recently joined ACE Labs to revolutionize how architects access material information.  His personal commitment to sustainability includes 17 years of plant-based eating and 25 years of primarily using bicycles and public transit for transportation.

The Green Impact Report Quick take: Quick take: Myles Cohen shares invaluable insights into the recycling industry, sustainable packaging innovations, and how professionals can drive value-based sustainability initiatives that benefit both business and the environment. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Myles Cohen is a results-oriented leader in sustainable packaging, residential and industrial recycling, and environmental sustainability sectors. With senior executive experience at organizations including Pratt Industries, Sonoco, and Duracell, Myles has developed broad expertise in operations, sales, marketing, and general management. As founder of Circular Ventures Consultancy, he helps organizations address ESG issues related to waste, recycling, landfill diversion, sustainable packaging, and challenging public policy issues. A sought-after keynote speaker and industry advocate, Myles brings a creative, entrepreneurial approach to sustainability challenges. Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Myles Cohen revolutionizes traditional approaches to recycling and packaging: Key Insight #1: The Reality of Recycling Markets The Challenge: Misconceptions about recycling markets since China stopped accepting certain materials The Solution: Understanding recycling as a commodity with robust global markets, particularly for paper ROI: America collects 150 million tons of recyclable materials annually with strong markets for everything from metals (70% of US steel comes from recycled iron) to paper (40+ million tons collected yearly) Key Insight #2: Paperization: The Future of Sustainable Packaging The Challenge: Plastic packaging creating environmental concerns with limited recyclability The Solution: “Paperization” – converting plastic packaging to paper-based alternatives ROI: Over 100 product categories shifting from plastic to paper packaging, including innovations like paper-based six-pack holders, wine bottles, and shipping envelopes Key Insight #3: Business-Driven Sustainability The Challenge: Sustainability initiatives viewed as “vitamins” (nice-to-have) rather than “painkillers” (essential) The Solution: Focusing on value-based, economically viable sustainability initiatives ROI: Retailers and consumers driving demand for sustainable packaging, creating economic incentives for manufacturers to innovate with thinner papers and right-sized packaging Sustainable Soundbite Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Assess your current packaging or building materials – identify where you can reduce, reuse, or switch to more sustainable alternatives. This Quarter: Investigate “paperization” opportunities for your products or construction materials – what plastic components could be replaced with paper-based alternatives? This Year: Develop metrics that demonstrate both environmental and financial benefits of your sustainability initiatives – remember Myles' advice to “run to me with bad news” and “hire for attitude, train for skill.” Connect & Learn More Connect with Myles Cohen:  Read the transcript: 

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Waste management expert Brandie Townsend revolutionizes how we view "trash" by demonstrating that landfills are obsolete and most materials can be repurposed, recycled, or reused for both environmental and economic benefits. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Dedicated to the triple bottom line: people, profit and the planet, Brandie Townsend brings a wide range of environmental connectivity and resources to the table with an extensive background in sustainability and hospitality. This energetic and skilled professional excels at developing positive relationships with clients and communicating the benefits of sustainable design, products & services. With experience developing optimal solutions and driving sustainable returns on investments, she's an influential strategist with talent for initiating & building teams and projects.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: From youth activism to spearheading digital twin innovation at Nemetschek, Andreas Steyer reveals how technology is transforming building sustainability and why trusting design data is crucial for the industry's green future. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Based in Berlin, Andreas Steyer leads the global go-to-market strategy for Nemetschek's digital twin solution, DTwin.  With experience spanning software development, product management at Procore, and co-authoring a book on BIM and circular economy, Andreas brings a unique perspective to how technology accelerates building sustainability.  His journey from advising youth initiatives to shaping the future of construction tech demonstrates how diverse experiences drive innovation.

Paul Frischer on Organic Printed Semiconductors: The Future of Zero-Carbon Buildings The Green Impact Report Quick take: This episode reveals a breakthrough in sustainable building technology - organic printed semiconductors that can turn any window into a power generator while reducing energy consumption by up to 50%. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Accomplished Senior Executive with successful management experience in global real estate strategy, research, financial technology and ESG investment. An extensive track record in real estate operations management, financial product development, revenue growth and capital funding. Full P&L responsibility for go-to-market strategies, the pursuit of operational improvements, and organic growth. Broad areas of expertise include strategic insight, innovation, financial and operational control, writing, marketing, sales, leadership, and forecasting. He currently dedicates himself to delivering expert consulting to companies in the real estate industry, renewable energy, and startup ventures. Strong consulting professional background, graduated from Bucknell University and NYU, MBA.

The Green Impact Report Quick take: Hollywood is going green! This episode reveals how the film industry is tackling its environmental footprint with innovative technology and practical solutions that can inspire any sustainability professional. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion  Ben Hall is a film director who splits time between Los Angeles and Atlanta and has worked in the production department on multiple studio feature films and television shows.  He is developing and directing independent feature films via his production company, Marianna Motion Pictures.  Some of his films include shorts Sergeant Townsend (2012), Old Souls (2013), and feature films The Man From Outer Space (2017), Night Into Day (2020), and upcoming, Remote (2025)

The Green Impact Report Quick take: Packaging and sustainability expert Tom shares how AI and smart technology are transforming recycling and landfill diversion efforts in stadiums, universities, and corporate buildings – creating a more engaging path to sustainability for the next generation. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion  Thomas (Tom) Grinnan is a Global executive and consultant who thrives in new markets, leveraging 25+ years in the Pharmaceutical, Life Science & Packaging industries. With a strong background in sustainable packaging innovation, he's now leading DC1 as CEO, where they develop AI-powered solutions to drive recycling and reduce landfill waste. At DC1, Tom is focusing on landfill diversion through innovative technology that makes recycling more accessible, measurable, and engaging for users while providing valuable sustainability metrics for organizations. Tom began his career in strategic planning after studying French and biology at the University of Virginia. His multilingual skills (fluent in French with knowledge of Spanish, Japanese, and German) helped him develop a niche in cross-border market expansion. Throughout his career, Tom has grown businesses by 15%+ annually through strategic innovation and mentoring. Prior to joining DC1 in March 2024, he worked with major corporations like Midwest, Faco, Westrock, and Silgan, where he gained firsthand experience in sustainable manufacturing practices that reuse resources and minimize environmental impact.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Award-winning designer Blima Ehrentreu shares how thoughtful interior design creates spaces that enhance lives while minimizing environmental impact, revolutionizing healthcare experiences and community-focused projects through human-centered approaches. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion  As the Founder and CEO of The Designers Group, Blima Ehrentreu combines her creativity and talent to reform the design industry. Her passion for empowering women, giving back to the community, and championing women in the workforce earned her a spot on Globest's Women of Influence in 2020 & 2022.  The Designers Group's diverse project portfolio spans the residential and commercial sectors, and Inc. Magazine ranked The Designers Group no.15 among the top fastest-growing private companies in the New York Metro Area in 2021. Blima's journey began in Toronto, where she pursued a master's in interior architecture and design while simultaneously working at an architectural firm to understand the technical aspects of building construction. Inspired by watching her family's home transformation as a child, she developed a passion for the construction industry.  Starting with another female designer on a few projects, she grew The Designers Group into a multi-office operation with locations in New York, Miami, and Canada. Today, the firm specializes in high-end interior spaces for commercial, residential, and healthcare portfolios throughout the US and Canada.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Singapore-based sustainability expert Nilesh Jadhav shares how AI, autonomous systems, and smart technologies are transforming buildings into intelligent, grid-interactive assets that can dramatically reduce carbon emissions while improving performance. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion  With over 20 years of experience in the field of clean energy and decarbonization, Nilesh Jadhav (NJ) is a passionate champion of accelerating the net-zero transition for organizations and communities. In his professional role at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, he leads the delivery of end-to-end decarbonization solutions and digital services for sustainability. He is also a certified adult educator and conducts courses in the field of energy and sustainability as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Nanyang Business School. Nilesh is also an entrepreneur, thought leader, professional trainer, and coach, with expertise in smart and sustainable built environment technologies and digital and innovation ecosystem platforms. He co-founded and served as the first CEO of BtrLyf, a spin-off company of Nanyang Technological University (NTU, Singapore), that offers a digital built environment ecosystem platform. He also worked as a Senior Scientist and Program Director at NTU, leading the Ecocampus Sustainability testbeding initiative and the research group on Sustainable Built Environment Technologies. A chemical engineer by training, Nilesh earned his masters at Delft University before transitioning from petrochemicals to sustainability. He holds an MBA in Operations and Process Management and is a Singapore Certified Energy Manager. He published the book "Green and Smart Buildings Advanced Technology Options" in 2017 and is driven by the mission of creating innovative pathways and partnerships for achieving complete decarbonization and net-zero goals.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Legendary software CEO Dave Lemont reveals how Acelab is transforming sustainable building by creating the industry's first comprehensive material decision-making platform, bringing AI-powered intelligence to material selection. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Dave Lemont brings to Acelab more than three decades of experience in scaling software companies across various industries. He has held five CEO roles and ten board member positions. Throughout his career, Lemont has launched, grown, and guided numerous software companies from inception through dramatic growth and success. He is an expert in identifying industry-changing ideas and building winning go-to-market strategies.  He was CEO of Revit Technology, leading the company through its successful 2002 acquisition by Autodesk. Architecture practices currently using Acelab's platform include well-known firms such as AECOM, Gensler, and SOM. Acelab's product database boasts over 39,000 products across categories such as windows, doors, cladding, roofing, and insulation.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: From architect to researcher, Stuart Shell reveals how evidence and nature-inspired thinking are transforming sustainable design beyond conventional metrics to create holistic building solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Stuart Shell works with an interdisciplinary team at BranchPattern to create building solutions that place people first. As an architect-turned-researcher, he focuses on what occupants need to be healthy and engaged.  At BranchPattern, their beliefs are rooted in nature which has taught them that true sustainability sits at the intersection of human experience and environmental stewardship. Stuart Shell received a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Stuart is also certified by the Center for Active Design as a Fitwel Ambassador, Autodesk in Building Performance Analysis, the League of American Bicyclists as a League Certified Instructor, and the State of Nebraska as a Registered Architect.  In addition, he is credentialed by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED AP and by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) as a WELL AP. Finally, he has been certified by The Center for Health Design in EDAC.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: From Midwestern roots to LEED Fellow status, Kristen Fritsch shares how sustainability becomes second nature in architecture and how biomimicry can inspire truly innovative design solutions. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Kristen (Atchity) Fritsch, AIA, LEED Fellow, WELL AP is a Senior Associate and Director of Sustainability at Elkus Manfredi Architects where she has been implementing initiatives related to the AIA 2030 Commitment, healthy materials and embodied carbon.  Her role also involves advising and assisting design teams with LEED, WELL, materials and systems research, and performance analysis such as solar mitigation and daylighting concepts.  She has led firm-wide training on sustainable design practices and the greening of office operations and practice. Outside the office she has taught design studios at the Boston Architectural College on using biomimicry in the design process and is a member of the Board of Directors for Built Environment Plus (USGBC MA). Kristen is also a member of the LEED Materials Technical Advisory Group for USGBC.

Episode Title: Vardhan Mehta on Transforming Material Selection Through AI-Powered Design The Green Impact Report Quick take: A deep dive into how AI and smart data management are revolutionizing sustainable material selection in architecture, featuring insights from Acelab's founder on bridging the gap between sustainable ambition and implementation. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion: Vardhan Mehta is the Co-Founder & CEO of Acelab, where he leads an 85-person global team transforming how architects discover and specify sustainable building materials.  A Harvard GSD graduate and former architect at Weiss Manfredi, Vardhan has turned his firsthand experience with specification challenges into a groundbreaking platform serving over 8,000 manufacturers and 125,000 products.

  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.

  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.

  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

TITLE: Smart, Sustainable Buildings with TÜV SÜD's Dr. Hannes Raoul Endriß 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 Green Mark. 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.   “...buildings still can stay competitive if they get [LEED or equal] 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 green building certification even being mandatory. Overall, 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.” - Dr. Hannes Raoul Endriß      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

    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

  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

  Olga Itsiou, Chief Operating Officer at DIMAND S.A. | Architect | RIBA Joined DIMAND in 2005 as Technical Director and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, distinguished for adeptness in finding solutions in challenging scenarios, orchestrating efficient team dynamics, and pioneering the implementation of new, innovative, and sustainable policies and technologies into the operations of DIMAND. Prior professional roles include positions at HOK International Ltd in London as a Project Architect, REDS S.A. of the ELLAKTOR Group as a Consultant and Design Manager, and INTRA DEVELOPMENT S.A. as a Design Manager. Graduated as an Architect Engineer from the University of Greenwich with a BA (Hons) in Architecture. Completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture at Kingston University and obtained a Post-experience Certificate in the Professional Practice of Architecture (RIBA Part 3) from the same institution. Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the United Kingdom. Show Highlights  The role of transportation in addressing indirect emissions.  The value of travel for broadening perspectives in green building. DIMAND focuses on large redevelopments and major renovations revitalizing underutilized urban areas. Responsible for 45% of LEED certified projects in Greece Piraeus Tower Project: a landmark development and a key part of Greece's transition into a new era of urban renewal. Aim to repurpose existing structures, reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction. Community engagement is a key focus to meet local needs and enhance neighborhood vitality. Involve facility management from pre-design phase for optimal operation. Comprehensive carbon footprint assessments allow for the identification of both direct and indirect emissions, enabling targeted strategies to reduce overall environmental impact. Incorporating facility management expertise early in the design phase can optimize building performance and ensure that sustainability features are effectively utilized throughout the building's lifecycle. Emphasizing a lifecycle approach helps in understanding the environmental impact of a building from design through demolition, ensuring sustainable practices are integrated at every stage. Involve facility management from pre-design phase for optimal operation. “It's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't done. The planet is suffering. We seriously need to do something about it. So all of you that are jumping in the green building movement just keep focused, try your best to reverse the harm that has been done over the past years, and always be positive. Also, travel. I think by traveling, you get so many ideas and you get to see what other countries are doing. And it helps a lot in focusing and seeing things from a different perspective.” -Olga Itsiou    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

  Enzo Tessitore, Licensed Architect & Urban Planner, LEED Fellow, sustainability advocate, local community supporter, amateur baker and classic car lover is a sustainability-driven executive with international experience in bringing people, organizations, and money together to help drive the global property industry toward green practices. In 2023, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the global green building movement and LEED, the USGBC recognized him as the youngest LEED Fellow in the world. As an Architect and Urban planner, Enzo is responsible for the Green Building Council Brazil operations, where he has worked for over seven years. He also served on the global business development team for Latin America at the US Green Building Council, focusing on developing the Brazilian market for Arc buildings' operational performance benchmark platform. He participates on several steering and technical committees, such as in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards), in the global project Better Places for People, of the World Green Building Council, where strategies are discussed to increase the demand and the adoption of sustainable buildings that support the health, well-being, and productivity of the people within them, as well as in the Advancing Net Zero, also from the WorldGBC, which aims to increase adoption of Net Zero buildings throughout the world. For the past five years, he has maintained his professional practice in architecture and urban planning, working with projects focused on sustainability at different scales. Born in Brazil and educated in California and Sao Paulo, Enzo holds a double major in Architecture and Urban Planning from Escola da Cidade in Sao Paulo. Show Highlights   Enzo became the youngest LEED Fellow at age 30. Brazil's status as the fifth-largest market for LEED certifications. Explains structure of World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and local chapters. Focus on decarbonization strategies and biodiversity. The absence of supportive legislation contributes to green buildings remaining a niche market despite a growing interest. The push for new construction and existing building retrofits is essential for achieving sustainability goals. AI's potential impact on green building design leading to more sustainable choices. Clear communication fosters understanding and alignment among diverse stakeholders in green building projects. “Green buildings are not going away… Green buildings are an umbrella. There's a whole bunch of things underneath it, whether you're an energy efficiency geek or you really love to study how the built environment affects our forests or maybe you're really into passive design. There's a whole bunch of things that are underneath that sort of green building umbrella. There's going to be more and more legislation that requires your building to be efficient. There's going to be more and more incentives for your building to be efficient. I hope at some point we're not allowed to build inefficient buildings...” -Enzo Tessitore     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

[smart_track_player url="https://traffic.libsyn.com/gbespodcast/GBES_With_Lee_Newton_1.mp3" ]  is an entrepreneur who works tirelessly to educate the industry on more sustainable practices, from sourcing to implementation. After facing frustration with sustainable sourcing she began a project that allows designers to easily find vendors that meet rigorous sustainability criteria. Through the process of building the greenList platform. She was surprised to learn that over 80% of the residential designers do not have a formal education. And even those that do did not have sustainability as part of their curriculum. By creating a new platform that's accessible to residential designers closes a longstanding educational gap and creates new stands in conscious design. Drawing inspiration from unfamiliar spaces and traditional, time-honored elements, Megan lives not just for design, but for design that helps others love what they do, where they live, and how they feel when they step into a space that feels like them. For Megan, no two days are the same and this unparalleled edge that every day and every project brings just ensures an unmatched, custom design for all clients. You'll notice Megan's relaxed personality and tasteful wit as she collaborates on projects with you, the vendors, contractors, and installers. Show Highlight Her Projects include both residential and commercial renovations. Targeted messaging to attract sustainability-focused clients. Interior Design Greenlist is a platform for designers that aims to simplify the sourcing process by pre-vetting companies based on sustainability criteria. Sustainability is becoming more prominent in the interior design community. The rise of eco-friendly materials and practices has led to demand for sustainable design solutions among homeowners and commercial clients. Understanding product lifecycles and identifying genuine sustainable practice. Regulatory pressures and market trends are driving innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. Challenges in identifying greenwashing. Focus on net-zero construction and enhancing indoor air quality. Show Resource and Information Don't forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the website. 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 insurances 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

  Dr. Lee Newton is an optometrist who has learned to build, develop, and invest in real estate profitably. He loves to help others learn to do the same.    Beginning his health care career as his own tenant and landlord, he quickly learned the benefits of real estate as a preferred asset class and began investing in both residential and commercial properties.   Having been able to assist many medical clients with design/build projects, Dr. Lee's primary area of interest is new construction. He is particularly adept in the area of value engineering, the art of shaping the cost of the project to meet both functional and budgetary needs without sacrificing quality. His assistance is frequently sought in this realm. Other areas of expertise include building science, thermal design, and building performance.   With a proven track record of quality and transparency in both cost and timeline, Dr. Lee has been known to save clients as much as $1M on a single build. Given the effects of inflation in the post-pandemic era, his current area of passion is the design and construction of affordable residential housing.   Show Highlights   Focus on net-zero construction and enhancing indoor air quality. Promoting all-electric designs and the use of advanced air purification systems. Value-engineered home designs focus on optimizing cost while maintaining quality and functionality. All construction activities have some negative impact on the environment, emphasizing that there is no absolute green building. Adaptation of sustainable practices to improve building performance and reduce harm to the planet. Integrating heat pump technology and solar readiness in building designs supports sustainability goals and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to lower carbon emissions. Recommends investing in well-positioned raw land for future development. Increasing MERV ratings on furnace filters and adding individual room air purifiers significantly enhance air cleanliness.   “I've come to the conclusion that there is no green building that occurs at an absolute level. Everything we do to the earth results in the earth being less green than when we started. There's only green buildings in a relative sense. And it just makes the most sense to try to leave the least impact on earth as we go about constructing and rehabbing.”     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

    Jane Frederick, FAIA. LEED AP, Architect, Author, AGLN Fellow & 96th President of the American Institute of Architects. Designing sustainable houses that connect clients to the place they call home never gets old for Jane Frederick. She loves working with people who are ready to create the house of their dreams and enjoys thinking through everything, from the ideal room that captures the views to finding the perfect tile for the bathroom.    For over 35 years, Jane has been working alongside her husband, Michael Frederick, creating award-winning houses in the hot, humid Lowcountry of South Carolina. They are both passionate about sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of their houses. As participants in the AIA's 2030 Commitment, they meet the goal most years. In 2023, Jane Frederick, was awarded the AIA South Carolina Medal of Distinction, the highest honor given by the chapter, and was the first woman to receive this prestigious award. Jane Frederick, also believes in giving back, and everyone on her team actively supports a variety of organizations, both personal and professional. Locally, they support the Open Land Trust, Coastal Conservation League, The Spanish Moss Trail, and the Historic Beaufort Foundation. This commitment to service also inspired Jane to become the 2020 President of the American Institute of Architects. Show Highlights   The importance of sustainable practices in the evolving landscape of architecture. In-house HVAC design allows for tailored solutions that enhance system efficiency, better indoor air quality, and comfort. Promoting solar panels and backup batteries over generators ensures energy availability. Raising houses out of floodplains for sustainability enhances the resilience of homes against climate change impacts. Hoping for net-zero code to pass for broader sustainability goals in the built environment. Focus on custom residential design within a 200-mile radius. Sustainable materials and construction practices that enhance durability and reduce environmental impact. Effective communication of the benefits of sustainability can lead to better decision-making and increased client satisfaction.selling sustainable solutions to clients Right-sized HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and indoor air quality in modern homes.   “What's changing a lot about residential design is that the sophistication of the building systems is just growing exponentially, and that you really have to stay on top of that. Quite often, you might work with a contractor that might say, ‘We've done it this way for 40 years, and it's worked fine', and it's like, ‘Well, no, we are building super tight houses now, and we have to bring in fresh air, and you have to make sure that everything is working, because it's not just how we've always done it.'” -Jane Frederick   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

  John Mlade, Sustainable and Healthy Environments, LFA, WELL Faculty, LEED Fellow  Sustainability is more than a job; it is a way of thinking. Having practiced in a dedicated sustainability role within design, engineering, consulting, and construction firms for the better part of two decades, this individual has developed a command of both the science and art of sustainable design and construction. Inspired most by the opportunities that emerge when addressing challenges through a lens of sustainability, they promote positive change in their work through the engagement of people using tools for systems thinking, reflective conversation, and visioning. They are a process champion with the ability to bring together disparate stakeholders around a common vision, goals, and strategies without compromising technical rigor. This individual is looking forward to being the incoming 2023 Chair of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Green Alliance, as the organization makes great strides to decarbonize Chicago and the State of Illinois. With the 2020 strategic plan, Illinois Green has a robust strategy in place to accelerate and solidify its place in the market, leading lasting change in new ways and creating the positive impact that the world needs. Illinois Green has long been the local organization most aligned with this individual's professional career, and they would like to give back in the most meaningful way possible by guiding its future growth and strategic direction. They believe we are at a critical moment for sustainability. With efforts around carbon drawdown, green infrastructure, EDI, resilience, and health and wellness continuing to mature across the industry, unprecedented obstacles persist, and the urgency is greater than ever before. It is time to double down efforts to ensure continued reach to new audiences, growth in the depth of expertise among practitioners, influence on policymakers and other key influencers, and rapid movement beyond the “sustainability status quo.” Show Highlights   Aspiring green professionals to adopt a sustainability lens in their careers. Importance of LEED Fellow credential and reviewing applications. White and Company:  Focus on integrative design and sustainability Internal sustainability standard applied to all projects Additional value on the client's behalf more integrated way for frameworks, kind of like rating system agnostic.  Emphasis on embodied carbon and materials reuse in current projects. John discusses a crucial focus for the industry. Materials assessment before demolition for reuse and recycling. Apply sustainability lens to any field, pursue 'up all night curiosity.' Accountability frameworks to help assure all the stakeholders.    “ I think LEED still has a lot of value. I'm really excited for LEED v5. It's going to be extraordinarily difficult for some teams and the industry is going to have a little surprise coming [like when LEED v3 came out]. But I think it's worth it. It's a challenge that we all need to accept and that we all need to excel at.” -John Mlade Show 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

    James Inedu George, One of the most eminent and influential West African architects and designers of recent decades recognized for his innovative approach to solving complex urban challenges, and most famously his brilliance with space and design.    He is the founding partner and Design Lead at HTL Africa Ltd, Tao South Africa, and HTL Asia Plus, which works on projects around the world and is widely considered “among the most significant in contemporary architecture.”   Born and raised in Zaria, Nigeria, Jame's passion for architecture blossomed under the influence of his vibrant hometown, known for its historical significance. His early career accolades include winning the Sahara Energy young architect student competition, setting the stage for a career characterized by keen attention to social issues in architecture, housing deficits, and economic disparities.    James is recognized for his innovative approach to solving complex urban challenges, and most famously his brilliance with space and design.    James's professional journey is distinguished by his unique ability to address complex urban issues through inventive architectural solutions. His career milestones include designing key pieces for the 2003 Nigerian presidential inauguration and developing a replicable $10,000 sustainable house in Lagos, which demonstrated the feasibility of affordable housing intertwined with economic opportunities for its residents.   In 2008, James founded HTL Africa, a research-driven architectural firm dedicated to addressing the specific challenges of West African environments. HTL Africa is today one of the most prolific architectural practices from the continent, with a varied body of work and a myriad of impressive ongoing projects beyond Africa. The practice's work ranges from master plans to the restoration of historic buildings, urban planning and all aspects of design.   Honored internationally, including a nomination for the prestigious Rolex Mentor, Protegé Art Initiative   A fervent advocate for adaptive reuse, James has been instrumental in revitalizing structures and infusing them with new purposes, long before it became a mainstream architectural trend. In Ghana for example, it restored an already defunct 200-year-old Presbyterian church into more than just a spiritual centre but a major tourist hub to last for centuries more.    Currently underway is the first of its kind Transcorp Hilton Event Factory, a disused valley warehouse transformed into a 5,000 seater state-of-the-art venue, amongst many others. James's contributions have been honored internationally, including a nomination for the prestigious Rolex Mentor, Protegé Art Initiative, a gold mention for the Home Africa Crisis organized by the UN.    He actively participates in exhibitions like the Biennale d'architecture d'Orleans in France, Venice Biennale, showcasing his "Miracle Room" installation in 2019. His TEDX talk, "Invention of isi ewu," delves into his studio's work and the concept of Affordacity (affordable city).   Show Highlights   Integrating traditional African designs with sustainable practices.  James' firm work on residential, commercial, and performance buildings. Challenges of recycling materials in Nigeria.  Focuses on ‘local sustainability' - combining contemporary design with traditional practices Exploring building permeability and energy efficiency. Developing an 'energy bill' concept for cities. Tying contemporary high end design with traditional practices. Holistic use of different materials to support sustainable processes, availability, and finance in the region.   Energy balance needs to exist from the onset for the architecture to work.    “What we've been learning is that sustainability has to be ingrained in it. In that sense, a building must be responsible first and foremost. When I say responsible, like how you and I are responsible, it must act as a citizen, so it must pay tax. So if you look at it from that perspective, our buildings are paying tax because they outlive us. So if they pay tax and they are responsible citizens to the environment, sustainability starts to rewrite itself and develop differently. So that's the trajectory that we've gone.” -James Inedu George    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

  Richard Harpham has more than 20 years of experience launching products into international markets for both start-up ventures and enterprise organizations. Currently he is a co-founder of Skema, Inc.    Richard has experienced most of the highs and lows of bringing disruptive technology to developers, designers and contractors. He was an early hire at the start-up, Revit Technology Corp, and then after Revit was acquired by Autodesk, spent nine years helping to bring it and a ‘new' concept of BIM to the U.S. market.    At the same time, he also led global marketing for AutoCAD and all Autodesk AEC products. More recently, at Katerra, he led software strategy to support transformational changes in how buildings are designed, engineered, and delivered.   Show Highlights   Skema founded to address challenges in design for constructability. Focus on modular, repeatable elements in building design. Tips to design with constructability in mind early in the process. Emphasis customer implementation and value experience over sales and marketing AI in Architecture and Construction applications are mostly narrow and specific. Skema uses machine learning and AI for design assistance and understanding visual aspects of previous designs. AI needed as a design assistant, not a replacement for human architects. Importance of asking the right questions about AI technology.   “Let's have the machine look after the things that aren't the inspirational and differentiated part of design, so that you can put more time into thinking about the quality and things that you bring as a designer that truly make the difference to the owner, the client, the occupier, and probably help you win more work and make more money in the process when you deliver the designs.” -Richard Harpham     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

Marco Valerio Ceccotti,  Italian sustainability consultant and LEED AP. His background includes many of the first LEED v2.2 and v2009 certified projects in Italy, collaborating with design and construction companies.   Graduated in Economics and specialized in Environmental Management, I'm fully involved in the Italian Green Building Movement since 2015, using USGBC rating systems to inform and improve decision making in the construction industry.  Using such tools in this field as well as other business industries is a key factor to balance negative impacts created by environmental and social “externalities”, and to foster innovation, resilience and equity on each investment or initiative. I was also recently involved in piloting the latest version of LEED v5 for European projects.   We need to find a “purpose” in business to ensure each company is not only devoted to financial stability, which is necessary, but also to provide products or services with a positive impact on our society. We need to create a stakeholder economy capable of redistributing value to people, of creating benefits for the whole community. This is why I'm also proud to work, day by day, with private companies aligned to these concepts' ad giving me the possibility to focus on what really matters, yes, as Green Building   Show Highlights   Highlights of work to achieve harmonized sustainability standards across 30 countries and one of the first LEED v5 projects. NATIVA's mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable business practices. Emphasis on double purpose companies that pursue profit and positive impact on people and planet with the same force. Additional Certification Programs and GBCI programs like True Zero Waste and Parksmart. True Zero Waste as a standard for multinational companies. Marco predicts a strong future for portfolio approaches and green finance. Emphasis on the importance of sustainability in long-term investments. European regulations like CSRD are driving transparency in sustainability efforts.   “I think that everyone jumping into the green building movement should be excited because this is our moment. This is the moment when sustainability professionals become too important for projects, especially when the investment is a long term investment. Things must be studied with sustainability in mind, because otherwise, we will have in the future something that we regret. We have the chance now to do our job and help our society at the same time, we can be purpose driven professionals. ” -Marco Valerio Ceccotti      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  

    Jeffrey Johnson, PhD, PE operates at the intersection of expertise, innovation and  technology to advance sustainability efforts that will revolutionize the water  industry while protecting the future of generations to come.    Tapping in-depth knowledge of domestic and global water issues honed through business and academic experience, Jeffrey leads groundbreaking work related to stormwater, wastewater, potable water, agricultural water, and coastal environments. His work harnesses artificial intelligence to provide data and practical insights to a world watching its most precious resource — water — slip through the cracks.    With two trillion gallons of drinking water lost in the U.S. annually — leading  to a $7.5 billion revenue loss — Jeffrey is committed to transformative  change to create a future where water resources are managed with the  utmost efficiency and sustainability.   Articles by Jeffrey Johnson  Show Highlights   Oldcastle Infrastructure's focus on water and sustainability  Role in water management and sustainability. Work in stormwater management and green infrastructure. Addressing water scarcity. Innovative solutions they are developing. Alarming statistics about water loss in the U.S., including 2 trillion gallons lost annually due to leaks. The challenges of aging water infrastructure and the need for innovative solutions. Jeffrey highlights the use of AI and real-time sensing to improve water management. The importance of listening and public service learned from his mentors and other avenues in the industry.  Goals to improving water infrastructure report cards  Tips for the future of sustainability and the green building movement.   “Here's what I'm most excited about these days. It's our work around aging infrastructure and this crossroads that we found ourselves at in the United States with our water infrastructure. And you look at the American Society of Civil Engineers, as a proud member there, and they put out an infrastructure report card every so often where they look at bridges, roads, communications, water, and they give it a grade for the country. And you look at water across the spectrum of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater report cards, not good.” -Jeffrey Johnson      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  

TITLE:  Green Building and Sustainability Leader John Harrison (Returning Guest) John Harrison, FAIA, RDI, LEED Fellow.  John is a sustainability innovator and licensed architect with extensive and diverse experience in both project and enterprise level certifications and design standards. He is one of the world's foremost experts on the global application of sustainable strategies at scale and utilizes his expertise in sustainable architecture, engineering and construction to enable organizations to reach unprecedented goals.   John is a pioneer in the evolution and implementation of multiple LEED rating systems; as an early adopter for the original 1998 LEED pilot, the first commercial interiors rating system, and the LEED retail and volume build pilots. While at Starbucks, he co-authored the company's LEED for Retail Volume Build Program and led the execution team responsible for sustainable strategies and LEED certifications. With over 1,600 certified stores in 22 different countries/territories and all 50 US states, the program is recognized as the most successful green building program of its kind in the world. In private architectural practice, John spent 13 years at Mithun in Seattle working with a variety of sustainably driven retail, commercial and institutional clients including: Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI), Precor, Miraval Resort and Spa and the IslandWood Environmental Learning Center. IslandWood was one of the first five LEED Gold certifications in the world and an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Award winner. For the outdoor retailer REI, John executed more than five dozen sustainable core stores, in addition to flagship projects in Bloomington, MN and Tokyo, Japan. With John's leadership, the REI building portfolio was elevated with scalable core standards based on sustainable strategies explored in flagship projects resulting in some of the first LEED ID+C Retail Projects ever certified. John is a dedicated environmental advocate who has donated thousands of hours, through multiple channels at local, regional, national and international levels. Through outreach, service and education, he has elevated the sustainability knowledge of building industry professionals, provided board leadership for ecologically focused nonprofits and helped develop environmental education for the next generation of leaders. He currently serves on the AIA COTE Advocacy Task Force, the Greenbuild Advisory Board and is board vice president for Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG), which is a regional non-profit focused on responsible forest practices and FSC certifications. Prior to his service with NNRG, John was board president for the environmental restoration and youth leadership development organization EarthCorps. John is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on sustainability at scale and has led presentations to building professionals on subjects related to LEED volume certification and sustainability at the national AIA convention, multiple Greenbuild conferences and a variety of other industry events. Show Highlights   Navigating global sustainability standards and challenges of working with different sustainability standards across countries. Importance of adapting to local codes and practices while maintaining global sustainability goals. Examples of projects in various countries, luxury retailers, and their unique challenges. The future of green building with a focus on carbon reduction and human health in building design. The need for generative design and inclusive leadership in the green building movement. Importance of addressing existing building stock and portfolio-driven solutions. John's collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to projects in his career. Exposure to sustainable materials and practices  Early adoption of sustainable practices and materials. REI flagship store in Seattle. Challenges and successes in certifying over 1600 Starbucks stores globally. Collaboration with USGBC and GBCI to develop and refine the LEED volume program. Impact of his work on colleagues and the broader green building community   “The other thing I think is thematic and necessary is that we can build a lot of really cool, perfect buildings and it takes a lot of effort and maybe they use very little water and no energy off the grid, but it doesn't account for the vast majority of the housing stock and the business stock and the office stock and the retail stock. The portfolio driven solutions are going to be another thing that is going to continue to drive the industry. It's like how do I take a massive machine and make it 20% better, because that 20% represents a whole heck of a lot of carbon and other negative impacts.” -John Harrison   “I think it's more about the ripple effect. The ripple effect of green building projects is pretty cool, and totally quantifiable. It's like basic math and something people understand, the ripple effect with people that you either influenced or helped along the way or they helped you along the way and what they've become and where they've gone.” -John Harrison     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

    Andrea Valentini, Architect, LEED AP BD+C,ID+C, WELL AP, ENV SP,Fitwel Amb.,USGBC Pro. Architectural Firm with broad experience gained in green building design,construction management and real estate development of high- end residential buildings   He graduated from the Venice Architecture Institute in March 1986 with a score of 110/110 with a degree on the work of Luigi Moretti architect.   He started to practice the profession of architect also continuing the family business in real estate. He focused its experience in the residential sector in both new construction and renovation projects combining all the phases from to preliminary design to the construction following all the whole project management. He gained extensive experience and nearly three decades of  professional activity with special attention to all the issues of building sustainability.   In 1998 he took a specialty Enea  course on energy savings while in 2009 he got Casaclima Junior Expert Diploma; in 2013 he got the professional accreditation from the Green Building Certification Institute, USA, as LEED ® Green Associate and in Spril 2014 he got, from GBCI, the accreditation as LEED® AP (Accredited Professional) BD + C (Building Design + Construction).    He pursues actively many  activities as a member of the Italy Green Building Council following both courses of education that events, actively involved in the foundation of the Chapter Marche of Italy GBC. Since January 2018 is secretary of the Chapter Marche of Italy GBC. - LEED,WELL,FITWEL project management and certification project administration - LEED design charrette and integrative design process - Training for environmental sustainable design - Development design ideas and presentations for new buildings or historic buildings - Preparation of architectural designs, presentation drawings, technical specifications - Estimate costs and schedules and other elements associated with construction projects. - Management of all facets of project management (budget, schedule, procurement, quality, risk) - Project costs management through the ongoing valuation of labor,material and equipment. - Coordinating,advising and directing project leaders,contractors, and construction workers.   A senior Italian architect with broad experience gained in green building design,construction management and real estate development over a 35+years career. Results oriented and skilled professional with an extensive record of consistently exceeding project goals, specialized in building design of high-end residential projects.Ability to manage,coach,and build cohesive teams and surpassing business objectives.   Show Highlights   Transition to green building with the support of the Green Building Council of Italy (GBC Italia). Historical knowledge in sustainable practices and the need for resilient buildings. GBC supported building rating system for ancient and historic buildings. The challenges of finding new team members and the importance of education. Ancient building verification and sustainable building practices. Emphases for resilience in buildings due to changing weather patterns. The future of the green building and the importance of passion in the field. To experience sustainability you need to study the story and architecture of ancient buildings.   “Be humble and to be available to listen, to learn in every stage of life. The key word to approach the green building movement, is foundations, not only in the way of thinking, a way of doing, but to go to foundation. You have to make a habit, to learn and to compare all the phases and to deepen every question, every issue. I prefer to have received my career with this way of thinking, a way of making the disposition to learn from people and from every kind of people, because everyone has something to teach us.”  -Andrea Valentini      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

  Discover the secrets to successful Adaptive Reuse in Urban Development in this enlightening webinar. Experts will guide you through the essential aspects of this innovative approach, highlighting embodied carbon, financial strategies, community enhancement, strategic planning, and navigating project limitations. Dive into the world of adaptive reuse, where we balance heritage preservation with modern urban needs. What You Will Learn: Learn about reducing environmental footprints and enhancing sustainability through adaptive reuse of existing structures. Explore the strategic planning and flexibility of adaptive reuse for sustainable urban development. Discover the financial and community revitalization benefits of adaptive reuse in urban areas. Understand the challenges and limitations in adaptive reuse, including legal, structural, and financial factors. Bryce Gerritsen is a member of the Sustainability Consulting Team at Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) as a full-time Sustainability Consultant. In this role, Bryce oversees and manages multiple projects related to sustainable and healthy buildings for commercial real estate clients.   Education Bryce holds a MS in Agricultural and Resource Economics from University of California – Davis and a BS in Environmental Economics and Policy from Oregon State University. His academic studies focused on measuring resource and environmental impact, economic analysis of resource and environmental policies, and ecosystem services valuation. While at OSU, Bryce worked with a multidisciplinary team as part of the EPA's P3 Sustainability Grant Competition to develop a web application for enhancing residential green infrastructure and community-based environmental management.   Experience Bryce has worked with more than 50 organizations from a wide range of industries, both private and civil, to integrate sustainability into their processes and develop 5-year sustainability action plans. These plans have saved the organizations more than 56M kWh and $7.8M annually.   Interests Bryce is most at home in the outdoors where he loves to spend time with the family hiking, camping, and spotting wildlife. When not in the mountains you will usually find him wrenching on a car.   Monte Hilleman, comes to us as an expert in the green building industry with over 25 years of experience and a strong reputation for credible and authentic urban development that maintains the vitality and sustainability of urban spaces. Monte has built his legacy at the forefront of developing and advancing ESG goals to create social, ecological and economic transformation.    Monte's leadership and experience in equitable economic and community development, including real estate transactions and finance, renewable energy infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainable urban design and development, is leading the industry towards a regenerative and equitable future. Trish Matthews, Principal at Matthews Design Group: MBA-HR LEED/ WELL AP/ FitWel/ RESET. Matthews Design Group Inc. is a niche firm focused on Human-Centered Sustainable Design. MDG advises developers/ building projects on healthy building certifications and rating systems, sourcing and securing green initiatives and grants.   We believe that buildings are the first line of defense against illness, both mental and physical. Our approach is focused exclusively on the ways that buildings, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices, and enhance, rather than compromise, occupant health, and wellness.   We support our clients by implementing standards or certifications that put health first in the built environment.   MDG is proud to be part of the global movement to transform our buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive. We believe in People above all.   Show Highlights   Green financing tools to promote sustainable practices and funding opportunities in the industry.  Community impact and wellness, promoting concepts for occupants' health in repurposed spaces. Trends in regulatory frameworks, highlighting the need for stakeholder collaboration for successful implementation of sustainable strategies in adaptive reuse initiatives. Discussion on unlocking the potential of adaptive reuse and urban development with a focus on sustainability. Challenges in urban development and the importance of sustainable growth and cultural heritage preservation. Importance of prioritizing energy, transport, materials, and engaging the design team early in adaptive reuse projects. Overview of the green financing feasibility snapshot and its impact on project valuation. Community resilience and revitalizing communities through green building concepts. Case studies and their impact on community well-being.   “Adaptive reuse helps with the BD+C credit site development through protection of existing vegetated areas and habitats. It helps us meet the fundamental commissioning and verification prerequisite by optimizing existing systems for efficient performance. Adaptive reuse can earn us LEED points through the following materials and resource credits: building life cycle impact reduction sourcing of raw materials and construction and demolition waste management LEED recognizes the creativity and forward thinking approach required for adaptive reuse projects. We can earn innovation points for energy efficiency, materials reuse, historic preservation, community impact, flexibility and adaptability, and collaboration.” -Bryce     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