Podcast · Business

The Building Energy Pod

by The Building Energy Hub · English · Business

The Building Energy Pod is the go-to podcast for professionals navigating the evolving world of building retrofits, green construction, and energy efficiency. Hosted by Matt Watson of Illinois Green Alliance, each episode features in-depth conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and changem

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 37 min
Latest: 24 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

24 Sep 2026 · 43 min

Ri Prasad: The Long-Term Economics of Sustainable Housing

Summary: Affordability is often measured by what a buyer can pay at closing, but the true cost of housing continues long after the purchase. In this conversation, Matt Watson talks with Ri Prasad, CEO and co-founder of AR2 Homes, about why affordable housing must also be safe, energy-efficient, comfortable, and inexpensive to operate. They explore how utility bills, outdated systems, and maintenance costs can make a low-cost home unaffordable over time. Ri shares how her path from software marketing to real estate brokerage and development shaped her approach to building. She and Matt…

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Earlier episodes 22 most recent

E21 · 4 Sep 2026 · 31 min
Jessica Miller: The Future of Market Transformation
Summary: The term ‘market transformation’ is used frequently in the building industry, yet it can be hard to define—until you get concrete about what actually has to change. This conversation breaks down how building performance policy moves beyond early adopters and into the reality of class B and C buildings, mom-and-pop owners, and communities that care first about health, affordability, and housing stability. Matt Watson talks with Jessica Miller, Chief Program Officer at the Institute for Market Transformation and a member of Evanston's Healthy Buildings Accountability Board, about the…
E20 · 29 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Chyanne Husar: Sustainable Buildings and the Workforce Pipeline
Summary: In this episode, Matt Watson sits down with Chyanne Husar, founder and CEO of HUSARCH, to explore how a traditional architecture firm can evolve into a broader sustainability and energy efficiency practice. Chyanne explains how peer networks like AIA and Illinois Green helped her find support, build cross-sector connections, and move from single-building work into portfolio-scale impact. The conversation traces her path from architecture into sustainability consulting and then into utility and government energy programs, showing how her firm found opportunity by staying rooted in…
E19 · 25 Jun 2026 · 38 min
Paul Sambanis: The Nexus of Water and Energy in Buildings
Summary: Water is one of the most overlooked systems in building performance, yet it sits at the intersection of energy, public health, resilience, and climate adaptation. In this episode, Matt Watson sits down with Paul Sambanis, PhD, Vice President of Sustainability at Sloan, to unpack why water efficiency deserves far more attention from building owners, operators, and the broader green building industry. From the retrofit of Wrigley Field to the water-energy nexus hidden inside every gallon that enters and leaves a building, the conversation reveals how much complexity lives behind…
E18 · 16 Jun 2026 · 37 min
Sachin Anand: Sustainability, Code Innovation, and System Optimization
Summary: In this episode, we explore innovative approaches to green building design, code compliance, and energy efficiency with industry expert Sachin Anand, Principal at dbHMS. Sachin shares insights from the Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) project, Chicago’s first Living Building Challenge certified school, highlighting the integration of building systems into the curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of viewing energy codes as minimum standards rather than as a ceiling and discusses the role of commissioning in optimizing building performance. The conversation also covers…
E17 · 15 May 2026 · 35 min
Claudia Rodriguez: Innovating the Future of Sustainable Affordable Design
Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sustainable affordable housing with Claudia Rodriguez, Vice President of Design and Construction at Preservation of Affordable Housing. Claudia shares her journey from architecture to leading affordable housing projects, emphasizing the integration of high-performance building standards like passive house certification. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing all-electric buildings in urban settings, highlighting strategies for energy and water efficiency, such as low-flow fixtures and envelope improvements.…
E16 · 30 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Patty Lloyd: The Power of Peer Networks and Market Transformation
Summary: In this episode, we dive into the future of sustainable construction with Patty Lloyd, the Director of Sustainability at Leopardo Construction. Patty shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of green building, emphasizing the importance of leadership and collaboration in driving sustainable practices. We explore the latest developments in LEED v5 standards and discuss how these changes are shaping the industry locally and globally. Patty highlights the critical role of practitioner-led knowledge sharing and peer networks in advancing sustainability. She explains how these…
E15 · 17 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Tom Bassett-Dilley: Advancing High-Performance Design Through Practice and Policy
Summary: In this episode, we dive into the world of sustainable architecture and passive house design, focusing on net zero adoption, the importance of retrofitting existing buildings, and the role of policy in advancing high-performance standards across Illinois. Join us as Tom Bassett-Dilley, owner at architecture firm TBDA, shares insights from his extensive experience in this areas, emphasizing the importance of climate-specific standards for net zero certifications such as Phius, practical retrofit strategies, and the future of materials and policy. Key Topics & Takeaways: Evolution and…
E14 · 27 Feb 2026 · 47 min
Manny Flores: Unlocking the Power of Green Financing
Summary: In this conversation, Manny Flores, president and CEO of SomerCor, discusses how SBA 504 loans can serve as a critical tool in financing energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades in small business facilities. He also highlights the role of grants and economic development funds in supporting building upgrades and neighborhood sustainability. Manny addresses the barriers small and medium-sized building owners face in accessing capital for energy efficiency upgrades and emphasizes the need for collaboration among lenders, policymakers, and nonprofits. He also shares insights from…
E13 · 13 Feb 2026 · 43 min
Beth Holaday: The Intersection of Sustainability and Business
Summary: In this conversation, Beth Holaday, Senior Sales Manager at Verde Energy Efficiency Experts, joined the Pod to explore the intersection of sustainability and business. She shares the journey that she takes building owners and facility managers on when starting their energy efficiency journey, starting with the lowest-hanging fruit—LED lighting and controls—that often have the quickest payback period, before moving on to larger investments. Beth also dives into how advanced rooftop controls can enhance HVAC efficiency and extend the life of your equipment. This episode demystifies…
E12 · 30 Jan 2026 · 45 min
Wayne Beals: The Power of Realtors in Accelerating Green Building Adoption
Summary: In this conversation, Wayne Beals, a seasoned realtor and sustainability advocate, shares his insights on the intersection of real estate and green building. He discusses his journey into the world of sustainable buildings, the critical role realtors play in educating clients about high-performance homes, and the importance of policy advocacy in advancing green building practices. Wayne emphasizes the need for trust in realtor-client relationships and the emotional aspects of transitioning to all-electric homes. He also addresses the social justice dimensions of green building and…
E11 · 19 Dec 2025 · 32 min
Bob Hattier: Navigating the Future of Solar and Energy Storage
Summary: In this conversation, Bob Hattier, the Director of Renewable Energy for IBEW Local 134, discusses the evolving landscape of renewable energy and workforce development. He highlights the importance of attracting young talent to the industry, the impact of legislation on training programs, and the challenges and opportunities presented by energy storage and electrification. Bob emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a transitioning energy sector and the collaborative efforts required to engage stakeholders in this process. He also shares insights on…
E10 · 5 Dec 2025 · 37 min
Delmar Gillus: Empowering Communities Through Clean Energy
Summary In this conversation, Delmar Gillus, COO of Elevate, discusses the importance of equity in clean energy initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. He emphasizes the role of workforce development in creating job opportunities and the importance of community engagement in building partnerships. Delmar also highlights the impact of recent legislation, such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA), on advancing clean energy goals in Illinois. Looking ahead, he shares Elevate's focus on energy affordability and community resources…
E9 · 14 Nov 2025 · 34 min
Benny Skelton: The Business Case for Energy Efficiency
Summary In this episode of the Building Energy Pod, host Matt welcomes Benny Skelton, founder of Cyclone Energy Group, to discuss the business case and ROI for energy efficiency improvements and sustainable retrofits across various sectors. They explore the challenges and opportunities in commercial, educational, and other types of buildings, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and innovative technologies like heat pumps and retro commissioning. Benny shares insights on funding mechanisms, the role of incentives, and the impact of long-term planning on building sustainability.…
E8 · 24 Oct 2025 · 28 min
A.J. Patton: Transforming Communities Through Sustainable Development
Summary In this episode, AJ Patton, founder and CEO of 548 Enterprise, discusses his journey in creating sustainable housing solutions and the importance of integrating clean energy into real estate. He shares insights on workforce development, the challenges of achieving high-performance energy efficiency, and the need for collaboration between developers and local governments. AJ emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the role of education in fostering a sustainable future. You can learn more about A.J. and his work, as well as the 2025 Emerald Award honorees here:…
E7 · 7 Oct 2025 · 37 min
Joe Clair: Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Retrofits
Summary In this episode of the Building Energy Pod, host Matt Watson speaks with Joe Clair, Commercial Vice President at Windfree Solar Co., about his journey in building sustainability, the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. They discuss the significance of identifying low-hanging fruit in energy efficiency, navigating historic buildings, and the role of solar energy in achieving net zero certification. Joe also shares insights on funding opportunities and incentives available for solar projects in Illinois. Takeaways Joe Clair's…
E6 · 26 Sep 2025 · 42 min
Chris Meister: Financing a Sustainable Illinois
Summary In this episode, Chris Meister, executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority and Climate Bank, discusses the role of the Climate Bank in supporting Illinois' green economy. He highlights the importance of state-level action in sustainability, especially in light of federal uncertainties. The conversation covers various funding mechanisms, successful case studies, and the practical steps for building professionals to access financing for energy efficiency projects. Chris emphasizes the collaborative efforts with local governments and the significance of attracting private…
E5 · 12 Sep 2025 · 31 min
Nancy Kohout: Strategic Planning for Building Sustainability
Summary In this conversation, Nancy Kohout, a licensed mechanical engineer and senior principal at Smith Group, discusses the critical importance of decarbonization and sustainability in the building industry. She emphasizes the need for strategic long-term planning in retrofitting existing buildings, addressing air leakage, and navigating electrical capacity challenges. Nancy also highlights the role of new technologies, such as geothermal systems, in achieving decarbonization goals. The discussion further explores the significance of collaboration, mentorship, and leadership in fostering a…
E4 · 9 Sep 2025 · 18 min
Brian Imus: Twelve Years at Illinois Green Alliance
Summary In this special episode, Brian Imus, Executive Director of Illinois Green Alliance, reflects on his 12-year journey with the organization, discussing the evolution of the green building industry in Illinois, key milestones, and the importance of building a strong network among professionals. He emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to achieve the ambitious goal of 100% net zero buildings by 2050, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of sustainability. Key Takeaways Collaboration among different sectors is crucial for…
S1 · E3 · 29 Aug 2025 · 41 min
Jason LaFleur: High-Tech Solutions for Building Decarbonization
Summary In this conversation, Jason LaFleur discusses the decarbonization pyramid approach to building technologies, emphasizing the importance of energy demand reduction and advancements in mechanical systems. He highlights the challenges posed by grid capacity, particularly with the rise of data centers, and explores innovations in on-site renewable generation and battery storage. The discussion also covers the integration of various systems to achieve net zero buildings, the significance of building performance verification, and offers advice for building professionals to stay updated…
E2 · 15 Aug 2025 · 54 min
John Gay: The Rhythm of Sustainable Architecture
Summary In this conversation, John Gay, president of the architecture firm JAQ, discusses his unique approach to design as a 'Rhythm Architect,' drawing inspiration from jazz music. He emphasizes the importance of adaptive reuse in sustainable architecture, advocating for the retrofitting of existing buildings over new construction. John also highlights the significance of client collaboration in the design process, where clients select music that resonates with their projects. He shares insights on sustainable fusion, the challenges posed by changing policies on sustainability, and the…
E1 · 29 Jul 2025 · 37 min
Lesley Showers: Taking Action for Sustainable Communities
Summary In this conversation, Leslie Showers, the executive director of the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) in the USA, discusses the ICA Greenrise Restoration Project, a sustainable renovation of a historic building aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting community health. She shares insights on the challenges of renovating an old building, navigating city regulations, and the importance of creative financing for sustainable projects. The discussion also highlights the collaborative efforts in the Carbon Free Building Demonstration Collaborative, focusing on sharing knowledge…
E1 · 17 Jul 2025 · 1 min
The Building Energy Pod is Coming Soon
Get ready! The Building Energy Pod officially kicks off August 1st, bringing you in-depth conversations with leaders in building retrofits, green construction, and energy efficiency. Hosted by Matt Watson of Illinois Green Alliance, we'll explore trends, solutions, and challenges for high-performance buildings. Follow us now so you don't miss our debut episode and all future insights!

About The Building Energy Pod

The Building Energy Pod is a English business podcast from The Building Energy Hub. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Building Energy Hub
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 37 min
Latest episode: 24 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1827129839

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