The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

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...

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...

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...

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'...

Simon Buckmasteris the Technical & Sales Services Manager for James Hardie UK, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibregypsum building solutions. Simon has worked for James Hardie for over 10 years in a number of technical and operational roles, and is currently responsible for the UK Technical, Customer Support and office team. He’s looking forward to being part of the Hardie® Plank Challenge to raise awareness around the Hardie® VL Plank range, in collaboration with a number of builders’ merchants across the UK. The challenge runs until November this year when the ‘fastest fixer’ will be announced. In his spare time Simon is a Governor for St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School and enjoys taking part in triathlons across the country. Show Highlights Focus on reducing waste and improving efficiency in construction processes. Reducing waste in production and installation processes. Discussion on the impact of programs like LEED and BREEAM on the materials industry. Shift from cost-focused to sustainability-focused construction practices. Reach of James Hardie in Europe, covering multiple countries. Development of sustainable and long-lasting products Focusing on fiber gypsum Fiber cement cladding products. Development of new products and ensuring they meet regulations. Embrace new technologies and be bold and progressive. Importance of mentorship and continuous learning within the industry. Innovations in sustainable products “The main thing is just to embrace anything new. Don't get too wrapped up in the traditional side of it. We're really big in developing, redesigning and pushing the boundaries. We have a saying here which is to be bold and progressive. And I think that fits really well into the construction industry. The only way for somebody that's new in the industry to develop and grow would be to embrace the new things coming through the systems or new developments within the construction industry.” -Simon Buckmaster 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

Allison Hudock has over 23 years of professional experience while working for 3 highly respected, fast-paced, environmental consulting firms. Allison holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior from Rutgers University, in addition to her LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Living Future Accreditation, Fitwel Ambassador credentials. Allison has been a freelance contributor for GBES for several years, and puts her passion for sustainability and wellness to use in creating best-in-class continuing education content for GBES customers holding LEED, WELL and SITES credentials. Allison entered the sustainability space as a mid-career pivot. Her experience includes reviewing project documents and drawings, updating LEED and WELL project scorecards and credit trackers, attending internal and external meetings and project charrettes, and preparing project exhibits. She enjoys providing support on LEED and WELL projects that encourage healthy behavior and include healthy and/or lower carbon materials. Allison aspires to provide project support on projects that support communities and Living Building Challenge projects. Allison is a member of Mindful Materials and the International Living Future Institute. Show Highlights The challenges of finding mentors in sustainability and tips on how to find your own path. Trends for LEED v.5 and its new focus on recognizing resilience (resilience is not the same as sustainability) and equity. WELL projects and the importance of biophilic design and adaptive reuse. Mentions the influence of the TV show 'Greensburg' and Leonardo DiCaprio on her career path. Discusses the importance of continuous learning, webinars and online courses to prepare for the WELL AP and LEED exams. Allison’s passion for pets and the wellness movement. Why stack credentials such as LEED AP, Fitwel Ambassador, and WELL AP. GBES on continuing education content and her involvement with Mindful Materials. “LEED v5: I'm super excited about it. I am so happy they've incorporated resilience. It is not the same as sustainability, and very important, also the equity, inclusion, and also, for someone like me, who's very heavily interested in materials, the fact that they have reorganized the materials category on the scorecard. I think is going to be very helpful going forward.” -Allison Hudock 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

Joe MacDonald, Principal, Chief Energy & Sustainability Officer | Net Zero Carbon Strategist | Innovator | Data Driven | Climate Risks & Opportunities. Joe MacDonald is an internationally recognized executive and visionary architect, researcher, policy specialist, and climate subject matter expert advocate. Joe founded Urban A&O in New York while serving as an Associate Professor at Harvard University, his alma mater, and now serves as one of its principals. His mission is to revolutionize global project development, management, and delivery by harnessing the power of decarbonization, digitization, and enhanced data collection, delivering buildings of the future powered by renewable energy & automation. Joe is UA&O’s Project Architect, and his current focus is on revolutionizing the data center industry by incorporating emerging clean tech solutions including SMRs, Pumped Storage Hydropower, Geothermal, and green hydrogen for maximum sustainability, blue hydrogen as a practical compromise, and natural gas for immediate deployment benefits. MacDonald designed Project Energos, a 150MW Data Center achieving carbon neutrality by combining a solar array of 100MW and a geothermal plant. Project Energos is the largest green development in the USA powered by hybrid energy. Joe has been a thought leader in the net zero space for over a decade.He played a pioneering role in advancing smart city principles and data center innovations across Scandinavia, the Americas, and the EU. Joe was an early adopter on the net-zero development space across America, EU, and MENA regions.He secured and delivered a phased 2,000 multi-family home zero emissions development in the Hudson Valley, a $245M suburb development in San Francisco focused on circularity principles, and has worked with various asset management firms taking advantage of the IRA to provide net-zero middle to low income housing in the Texas Triangle. He lectures worldwide on impact investing, climate change, the UN's 17 SDGs, circular economies and the drive to net zero strategies.Joe serves as an ambassador within the international sustainability and UNFCCC climate action spheres, delivering keynote addresses in Bangkok, Dubai, London, and Copenhagen. He leverages his influential platform to forge profound connections with industry leaders. Show Highlights Joe outlines his firm's core competencies: carbon neutral data centers, eco resorts, smart cities, green roofs, and plant walls. Pro tips on how to transition from a local office to a global workforce. Remote work with regular Zoom meetings and use of WhatsApp for efficient communication. Discussion on the significance of policy in driving sustainability. Comparison of US and EU policies, and the role of corporate mandates. Emphasizes the importance of patience, creativity, and grit. Focus on carbon neutrality and net zero projects, Passive House in Texas and Smart City in Colombia Be progressive and stay on the cutting edge of new technologies with federal funding. “I've seen many colleagues, both young people and also mid-career people, make this switch [into Green Buildings], and they're so thrilled that they did because the net of making that switch is that you do end up making a real impact in this space. So I encourage everybody who's interested to really take a crack at it.” -Joe MacDonald 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...

Sanitary and Environmental Engineer from the Universidad Pontificia de Bucaramanga, Colombia, with a Master Degree in Civil Engineer Consulting from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain. LEED AP BD+C since July 2012 and LEED AP ND since May 2014. With 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, working in Spain on issues related to urban and industrial wastewater treatment plants, environmental planning, water management and water resources. From July 2011 to September 2018 as Lead Project Engineer specialized in plumbing, architectural, landscaping and construction systems in Commissioning, LEED Consulting and Sustainability processes. Instructor in corporate courses, non-formal education and invited to teach master's degree modules at the Universidad de Los Andes - Colombia. Currently as Senior Technical Specialist of the Colombia Green Building Council, leading projects and initiatives related to health and well-being, construction materials, sustainable operation and LEED. Show Highlights Innovation for sustainable construction solutions amid challenges. ​​Green building projects in Colombia, South America and the emphasis on passive design strategies, efficiency, and well-being. Current projects and training at CCCS and the Colombia Green Building Council, including LEED workshops and sustainability-related topics. Tatiana's work at CCCS, involvement in various sustainability projects, and training workshops on LEED and sustainability. Anticipated market trends with LEED O+M and LEED v5. Emphasis on sustainability integration in academic curricula. Focus on resiliency and the importance of existing building sustainability. ​​Advice on thinking outside the box and embracing sustainable practices. “Denzel Washington said, don't confuse movement with progress. I think that's really amazing because in the times we're living right now, we are really busy. We're doing a lot of stuff. But he said, being busy or being active doesn't necessarily mean that meaningful progress is being made. So that made me think a lot about all the things I'm doing. What is really doing something or accomplishing something, not just doing stuff like moving around. Also, moving around makes you tired but gets you nowhere.” -Tatiana Carreño 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

Simran Safer, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate | Wellness Real Estate Specialist at Solo Real Estate | Sustainable Designer, Social Impact, Health & Wellness, Energy Efficiency, Stakeholder Collaboration & Engagement. In a world striving for sustainability, breaking down silos is crucial. Interoperability holds the key, enabling collaboration and integration. Each day Simran’s passions continue to guide her towards a clear set of goals that enhance my abilities through: Broadening Perspectives: She exposes herself to diverse experiences, knowledge, and viewpoints. This broadens her perspective to approach challenges with a more comprehensive understanding and find innovative solutions. Increasing Breadth: She explores different areas and acquires a wide range of skills and expertise to tackle interdisciplinary problems and make connections across various fields, amplifying my effectiveness. Amplifying Impact: By aligning her passions with her goals she channels her energy and efforts towards making a meaningful impact to create a ripple effect, multiplying the positive changes she can bring about. Show Highlights The impact of buildings on human well-being. Green building, and programs like LEED on sustainability efforts. Mention of the and its influence on her career path. Simran emphasizes the value of mentors, technical expertise, and seizing opportunities. Study strategies and practice test success tips for WELL AP and LEED GA exams. Focus on a holistic approach to real estate development. Discussion on the evolving narrative in the green building movement and future trends. ​​Notable focus on ecology and wellness in building design. “The beauty of this field is that you can implement it into your own life. You don't have to start your own business, and you don't have to wait for that glittery job you're hoping for. You can start implementing health and wellness, whether it's trees on the streets, whether it's assessing your own indoor air quality, and so much more. You can start to navigate in a way that allows you to start drawing your own little booklet, your little guide, because there's these big developments and then there's a lot of small scale incremental change that needs to happen.” -Simran Safer 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

Jonathan Landry is the founder and CEO of ChaAC I+N+C, he leads a team of building performance specialists, ESG consultants, and green building certification consultants who are passionate about improving the urban environment. With over seven years of experience in the green construction industry, he has developed a strong expertise in whole building simulation, advanced HVAC design, optimizing energy efficiency, interior and exterior thermal comfort, and documentation for LEED certification. His mission is to promote the use of modeling from project inception to construction, and to make digital twins the center of an integrative building process. He uses specialized software such as IESVE, SketchUp, One Click LCA, ANSYS, and Pointwise to perform various computational simulations, such as BEM, CFD, LCA, daylighting and glare modeling. He also applied passive methods to achieve net-zero carbon buildings, and CFD modeling of pollutant and smoke dispersion. Show Highlights Energy-saving technologies for buildings. Impact of digital twins for energy efficiency and LEED projects. Application of digital twins in optimizing energy, natural light, and carbon emissions in buildings. Future of Green Building, and Digital Movement, including a shift towards reducing emissions. Importance of early involvement in design to optimize energy efficiency and lifecycle impact Trend towards electrification, reduced carbon emissions in construction and early expert involvement for effective designs. Action steps for a better future through eco-friendly practices in building design and operation. Entrepreneurial Journey in creating ChaAC I+N+C specializing in energy modeling, digital twins, and optimization for buildings. Use of energy models beyond compliance for existing building optimization. “I learned the hard way... and most people don't get it, you cannot do things by yourself. You should learn to delegate, ask for help, support yourself with great people that can help you go to as high as you aim to be, but you cannot do it alone.” -Jonathan Landry 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

Today is a special episode - notes from Athens as well as LEED v5 preview. I talk about the amazing conference I recently attended in late April in Athens, Greece. The great folks that run GBCI Europe, Kay and Nicole Killmann and their entire team do such a great job promoting green buildings, especially programs like LEED, all through Europe. And every Spring, they host a LEED community reunion. About 400 attendees that really practice green buildings and especially LEED get together in one amazing city in Europe each Spring. This year was Athens, Greece. I had never been to Athens. It was an amazing trip! Last year was Barcelona, Spain. Two years ago I was in Munich, Germany. I want to tell you a little bit about what I saw, what I heard coming out of this amazing conference. And then one of the big topics of course, was LEED v5. We wanted to do this special episode and put some links to the latest information on LEED v5 for all of you to make sure you're reading up on it right now. There was an additional focus on healthy buildings and healthy communities and then really technical sessions on LEED v5. We were fortunate to hear from both Peter Templeton and Melissa Baker that came over from the U.S. Green Building Council to give us the latest information. It was great to see so many friends that practice LEED throughout Europe all in one place. ______________________________________________________ GBCI Europe Circle event is an annual community reunion which combines the best qualities of a retreat and a conference. It is an energetic space to connect, learn and discover – a blend of familiar faces and important ideas. LEED unites many who attend – property owners, investors, architects, entrepreneurs, engineers, consultants and more – but experience with LEED is not required, nor is our content exclusively about LEED. We discuss the topics most important to those building green and healthy in Europe, those transforming our built environment for the next generations. Show Highlights The event celebrated the growth of LEED in Europe, emphasizing sustainability in existing building real estate through benchmarking. European Green Building trends, programs, future Services and community focus and sustainable design. Introduction to a new platinum certification criteria to boost energy efficiency and renewable energy use while improving performance monitoring across the building lifecycle. The shift towards emphasizing actual green building performance over design aspects was recognized as a strategic move. Highlighting the focus on LEED v5 and healthy buildings. Overview of the central areas of impact for LEED v5 - decarbonization, quality of life, ecological conservation. LEED v5 Updates Development Areas: Decarbonization, quality of life, ecological conservation Key Changes: Modified scorecards, point weighting Development Cycle: Five-year cycle, update in 2030 Focus: Continuity across building lifecycle, green building performance Certification: New requirements for platinum certification Explanation of LEED's move to a five-year development cycle and continuity across the building lifecycle. The conference in Athens, Greece was a catalyst for positive change within the green building community, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration towards environmental sustainability and green building excellence. 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...

Jeff Hochberg is credentialed as a WELL AP, LEED GA, ActiveScore AP and Fitwel Ambassador, and has spent over 35 years in the fields of healthy building and wellness and population health management, serving in leadership roles within the corporate, hospital, health plan, public not-for-profit and consulting sectors. Along with Jeff's WELL AP credential, which signifies knowledge in human health and wellness in the built environment and specialization in the WELL Building Standard, Jeff is a member of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) WELL Faculty. Jeff is a Fellow of the former Association for Worksite Health Promotion (AWHP), is passionate about building healthy, livable, and sustainable communities, and working to integrate total person wellness into the built environment. Show Highlights Sustainable buildings and well-building initiatives, underlining the importance of employee health in corporate environments. Exploring the role of analyzing health trends in organizations. Emphasizing the importance of a value proposition in sustainability for companies and mandates Initiatives with the International Wealth Building Institute focusing on integrating sustainability education in various disciplines. Collaborative program focusing on practical application of wellness concepts. Outlining steps to achieve the healthiest building and various certification credentials. Jeff highlights the need to align with organizational goals for successful implementation, ESG investments, and mental health impacts. Importance of well-building standards and certifications in the industry. Approaches to sitting down with prospective clients aim to alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed while also establishing clear expectations. “My mentors were really great in helping me take that passion, as you described, and say, ‘Okay, but you've got to put good business sense behind it. You have to put a value proposition behind this.’ That's what speaks to companies. Nobody disagrees that Wellness is a good thing, but somebody's got to make a decision to spend some money on it.” -Jeff Hochber 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

is a Regenerative Practitioner. He is a highly communicative, practical, and reliable individual who lives in the world of the five senses. He is curious and needs mental variety in life. He has an analytical and critical side and is an eternal student, enjoying rapport and exchanging ideas with people. He is ambitious, enjoys material comfort and everything sensual and nature-related. When we look at the way we design and build our buildings, the only way forward is by creating good green buildings. Buildings that lead to improved health for homeowners, reduced impact on the environment and profit for the building industry. Emmanuel is a strong believer in a new paradigm for the Real Estate Industry which is based on trust based team formation, early collaboration, built-in sustainability and transformational leadership. Show Highlights Evolving beyond traditional sustainability practices towards regenerative thinking, creating systems for new possibilities. Emmanuel highlights courses emphasizing understanding life and applying it strategically to project development. Regenerative Design's innovative nature as a "thinking technology" transforming construction processes. Upcoming initiatives on integrative processes and facilitation roles to enhance professional capabilities in line with regenerative principles. The shift towards regenerative thinking incorporating principles from living systems science and fostering systemic understanding. Regenerative design presented as a meta technology in policymaking at a European level. Exploration of new roles and opportunities for professionals in evolving sustainable practices. Strategic decision-making and intervention points in regenerative design processes. “Regenerative development design is a thinking technology that has the same power that can really change the way we're going to work. And in that sense, for me, it's a real innovation. Because without regeneration there is no future.” -Emmanuel Pauwels 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