Alex Dews explains how buildings can become climate solutions instead of climate problems.Show host Jeff Nichols sits down with Alex Dews, Executive Director and CEO at the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), to explore the virtues of “adaptive buildings” and how building dynamics will shape the next decade of building decarbonization. Alex argues that the built environment has become one of the most powerful, yet underutilized levers for climate action. His insights blend policy expertise, market understanding, and a deep commitment to equity, offering a clear view of what must happen next to keep momentum strong. Alex shares a persistent misconception: that building decarbonization is primarily about technology adoption. In reality, he says it’s about performance—measuring what buildings actually do, not what they were designed to do. Far too many buildings, including thousands of GSA’s operate below their potential because owners lack key data, tenants or lessors bear the energy costs, and financing pathways are too cumbersome. He notes that “you can't manage what you can't measure,” underscoring why data transparency is now both a climate priority and a market necessity. One of the most compelling insights from the conversation is Alex’s view of buildings as active participants in the energy transition. Instead of being static energy consumers, buildings are becoming dynamic, grid-interactive assets, capable of shifting demand, storing energy, and even generating power. This shift is being accelerated by new technologies, creative funding, and building performance standards emerging in cities and states across the country.Alex highlights that building performance standards are working because they focus on measurable, outcome-based improvements. These policies set real energy or emissions thresholds and give owners multiple pathways to compliance. They also create long-term certainty that drives investment in efficiency, electrification, and smart controls. But policy alone isn’t enough—success requires financing tools, accessible data, and support systems that help owners take action. He also stresses the importance of affordability and equity, arguing that decarbonization must not repeat the inequities of past energy transitions. Communities that have historically faced higher energy burdens must be prioritized for building upgrades, incentives, and health benefits such as improved air quality. “If climate solutions don’t work for everyone,” he says, “they don’t work.” Alex makes one thing clear—the transition away from fossil fuels in buildings is not only essential, it’s already underway. But sustaining momentum depends on aligning policy, markets, data, equity, and financing in smarter, more integrated ways. Buildings aren’t just part of the climate problem; with thoughtful planning, they can become one of the most powerful climate solutions we have. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight. If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, please email us: reframe@pilotlight.ai
Daniel Poppe of 2030 reminds us that meaningful climate progress begins when collective voices drive collective action.Show host Jeff Nichols talks with Daniel Poppe, Executive Director of the Seattle and Bellevue 2030 Districts. Daniel shares the ways that forward-looking cities are transforming their buildings, energy policies, and partnerships to meet ambitious climate goals. The conversation explores the intersection of innovation, community collaboration, and realism in the journey to decarbonize the built environment.Daniel’s commitment to sustainability began abroad, serving in the Peace Corps in China, where he witnessed firsthand the severe consequences of unchecked pollution. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, he has dedicated his career to advancing clean energy and now leads two of 26 North American 2030 Districts—supporting initiatives aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.Seattle faces a 25% commercial vacancy rate, a challenge Daniel sees as both a strain and an opportunity. Empty floors offer chances for easier retrofits, energy upgrades, and smarter use of space. Meanwhile, Bellevue is seeing a surge of state-of-the-art, low-carbon buildings driven by forward-thinking developers. These cities are becoming testbeds for sustainability strategies—showing how market demand, policy, and design innovation can converge and drive greater momentum for sustainable growth.Daniel highlights that buildings are the second-largest source of carbon emissions in the region. He supports Washington State’s Clean Buildings Standard and Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standard as vital steps but emphasizes the need for more accessible financial tools. Many building owners struggle to navigate grants, incentives, and financing options such as C-PACE or green banks. He argues that funding sustainability improvements should be simpler, faster, and continuous—and suggests that fines collected from noncompliance should be reinvested directly into decarbonization programs for historic and older buildings with unique challenges that pose higher retrofitting costs.While older buildings pose unique challenges, they also offer opportunities to apply regenerative design and environmental projects that act as carbon sinks. Utilities can also play a role by offering new programs like demand response, which helps reduce peak grid strain by shifting when buildings use energy. He envisions a future where automation, clean energy, and smarter controls make buildings active participants in climate solutions.Key Takeaways:Collaboration across public, private, and policy sectors is essential for climate action.Financing reform and incentive alignment are the next frontiers.Data-driven, community-based models like 2030 Districts provide real value.Optimism and innovation are fueling a new era for urban sustainability.Despite setbacks, Daniel remains optimistic. Since 2014, U.S. building emissions have dropped 30% while energy use declined 8%. Through community connection, a shared purpose, and practical collaboration, cities like Seattle and Bellevue can build the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future.Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight.ai/podcast. If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the show through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes!
Patrick Babbitt explains why energy compliance is not a burden but an opportunity. Jeff Nichols speaks with Patrick Babbitt, Climate and Energy Program Manager for the City of Bellevue, Washington. The conversation delves into Patrick’s plans to make its public and commercial buildings more energy efficient and compliant with Washington State’s Clean Buildings Performance Standards. Buildings account for nearly 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in Bellevue, making them a central focus of their climate strategy.Patrick’s career in sustainability began in Tacoma, Washington, continued in New York City and now centers on Bellevue’s Clean Buildings Incentive Program. His work emphasizes collaboration between local governments, building owners and operators to meet state requirements while creating broader benefits such as cost savings, tenant satisfaction, and extended building lifespans.=Washington’s Clean Buildings Law applies to more than 800 buildings in Bellevue. Of these, about 600 Tier 1 buildings already face performance requirements, while roughly 200 Tier 2 building larger retrofits–making compliance less daunting, more inclusive and ensuring that even under-resourced owners and operators can begin making progress.Patrick highlights real-world success stories like Bellevue’s own Service Center which is undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade expected to reduce its energy use intensity by 30 energy usage intensity (EUI) points, supported by state incentives. Similarly, a local hotel has identified over $100,000 in potential savings alongside a projected 20-point energy performance improvement. These examples demonstrate that compliance is not only possible but often financially advantageous.Looking ahead, Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (mandating 100% clean electricity by 2045) aligns directly with Bellevue’s efforts. As the grid decarbonizes, buildings that electrify their systems, particularly HVAC, will rapidly move toward zero carbon. Since 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already standing, retrofits are not optional; they are essential for meeting climate goals.Patrick underscores that starting early is critical—waiting only makes compliance harder and potentially costlier. Simple compliance steps like benchmarking can be completed in weeks, while larger retrofits may take 18 months or more. He positions energy efficiency as a shared responsibility among owners, operators, tenants, utilities, and government, with abundant resources available to support progress.Bellevue’s climate strategy demonstrates that energy efficiency is not just about meeting state mandates. It’s about reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy and operating costs, and securing the long-term value of buildings, all while contributing to a healthier environment and more sustainable community.If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, please email us at reframe@pilotlight.ai. Follow the show through your preferred podcast app to stay updated on future episodes! Or, you can find all episodes at Pilotlight.ai/podcast.
Jennifer Ewing is the Sustainability Manager for the city of Bellevue, WA. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Jennifer Ewing, Sustainability Manager for the City of Bellevue, Washington. Jennifer has spent nearly a decade leading local sustainability initiatives, outlining strategies for Bellevue’s future and collaborating with regional partners—all in the pursuit of defining and achieving Bellevue's ambitious climate goals. The conversation explores Bellevue’s sustainability strategy and delves into the complex balancing act between growth, climate action, and community priorities.Local Government is Where Change Happens Jennifer describes how Bellevue’s sustainability efforts grew out of the city’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative. Initially focused on tree canopy preservation and natural environment protection, the program evolved in the mid-2000s to align with national and international climate goals, including commitments to carbon neutrality. Jennifer was drawn to Bellevue after prior work in consulting and urban planning, inspired by the idea that cities are uniquely positioned to tackle climate change locally while connecting to regional and global challenges.The discussion emphasizes the critical role of local governments. Bellevue influences land use, transit-oriented development, and community engagement in ways that directly shape emissions and climate resilience. Jennifer notes that residents tend to trust local government more than state or federal entities, giving cities a stronger platform to engage people more directly in climate solutions. Still, she stresses that achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 requires action at all levels, including federal, state, and local, as well as collaboration across city borders.Vision and Stewardship Driven to Action Jennifer outlines Bellevue’s Sustainable Bellevue Plan, which addresses both city operations and community-wide emissions. The city has committed to net-zero emissions by 2040 for its own operations—ten years ahead of its community goal. Examples include a partnership with Puget Sound Energy to secure renewable energy, building retrofits, and electrifying city fleets. On the community side, Bellevue has launched programs such as Energy Smart Eastside, which helps homeowners adopt energy-efficient heat pumps to cut carbon and improve resilience during extreme heat. When asked about her greatest challenges, Jennifer cites the difficulty of balancing multiple city priorities—climate action, affordable housing, transportation, and more, while demonstrating that sustainability initiatives complement, rather than conflict with, these goals. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community engagement, and partnerships in building support and securing funding, as resources are typically limited.Jennifer concludes with advice for other cities starting sustainability programs—beginning with cost-saving improvements in government operations, leveraging peer networks, and demonstrating quick wins that build credibility. She also reflects on her biggest learning from local government—complex problems require nuance, patience, and collaboration, even when urgency is high.Jennifer’s perspective underscores that cities like Bellevue are on the front lines of climate action. By integrating sustainability into both operations and community planning, engaging residents directly, and collaborating across regions, local governments can drive meaningful change. If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the podcast through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight.
Dr. Timothy Unruh represents Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), a group of companies that take on performance risk and guarantee savings.In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols interviews the Executive Director of NAESCO, Dr. Timothy Unruh—a seasoned leader in the energy efficiency industry, particularly in energy savings and Performance Contracting. Tim shares insights from his decades-long career, discusses the evolution of the energy services industry, and reflects on the leadership and policy decisions that have shaped ESCO’s (Energy Service Companies) contribution to energy efficiency work across the public sector.Tune in to hear Tim recount his early days at the US Department of Energy (DOE), where he led the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). At DOE, he was instrumental in driving Performance Contracting adoption within federal agencies, helping to secure financing and structure contracts that enabled energy improvements without upfront public spending. He emphasizes the importance of risk transfer and guaranteed savings and underscores the power and importance of partnerships between the government and private sector players in executing large-scale energy efficiency projects.It’s Not About The Lights Jeff and Tim discuss how performance contracting expands access to energy upgrades, particularly for institutions that lack capital funding. Tim explains how incentives can be aligned by having Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) guarantee savings, assume performance risk, and incentivize long-term system performance.As Executive Director of NAESCO (National Association of Energy Service Companies), Tim advocates for standardization, transparency, and growth of the ESCO market. He shares his views on emerging trends, such as the integration of resiliency, decarbonization, and data-driven measurement and verification into performance contracts. Tim also discusses the importance of workforce development and how the industry must attract younger, mission-driven professionals to maintain momentum. He reflects on the leadership qualities needed in this space: adaptability, clarity of vision, and the ability to collaborate across sectors.As Tim tells it, the industry is evolving to include resilience, decarbonization, and data transparency as standard goals, and leadership in this sector will require vision, adaptability, and cross-sector collaboration. What started with just a few experts has expanded to a broader base of expertise that is helping to draft the laws and policies that are driving performance contracting adoption.In addition, workforce recruitment and development will continue to be a growing challenge and opportunity, especially with climate urgency rising. And despite the noise, Tim stresses how the federal government is critical in policy support and market development for energy efficiency. The interview wraps with Tim’s advice to future leaders.Follow Jeff Nichols on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Timothy Unruh on LinkedIn Learn more about NAESCO’s accreditation process Connect With Us If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the podcast through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight.ai
Greg De Temmerman is building a bridge between science and decisions on climate. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols widens the aperture to explore how global climate-focused philanthropies are making a difference and helping to clear a path toward a more sustainable future. One such organization is the Quadrature Climate Foundation which has provided over a billion dollars to help communities prepare, adapt, and respond to the impacts of climate change. You’ll meet Greg De Temmerman, Quadrature’s Deputy CEO and Chief Science Officer–with decades of science and climate research experience, he knows how and why we need to shift our focus to climate readiness, resilience, and action. A Marathon, Not a Sprint Greg also knows that sweeping change is never easy–the path ahead will be bumpy and the pace of change will be slow. He reminds us, like all major technological and societal shifts, that “one system has to die before another one is born.” Given this reality, we gain a deeper perspective into Greg’s focus and the mission of his organization. Find out how Quadrature measures the impact of their philanthropic grants, what factors determine positive results, and why heading in the right direction may be good enough. Signals and Noise Today’s environment is full of mixed messages and differing views on climate, energy, and the role of science in these conversations. For Greg, it’s hard to see the future of global climate policy through all the signals and noise. As a scientist, how do you communicate the reality of the journey ahead without confusing or alienating people? Greg walks us through his perspective on how to adapt these conversations to the new climate reality. He explains why science needs to play a larger role in advising and informing decision-makers who may be reluctant to take action. Yet, despite the noise, the effects of climate change are becoming clear to everyone, especially those who have been directly impacted. Greg explains why more collaborative partnerships between science, governments, communities, and businesses are vital for taking action and making meaningful progress towards the future. Like several of our previous podcast guests, Greg is seeing signals from both private and public entities, suggesting that the path forward may be a little less bumpy. Tune in to hear real stories of progress and discover more about what gives Greg hope. Follow Jeff Nichols on LinkedIn Follow Greg De Temmerman on LinkedIn See Greg’s TED Talk “Climate progress isn’t a sprint–it’s a marathon” Learn how Quadrature measures impact Listen and Connect If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the podcast through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight.ai
Applying EV lessons to the built environment, with Scott Case. In this episode, show host Jeff Nichols widens the aperture by looking at the transportation sector to better understand the complex future of sustainability—and EVs provide a timely example. You’ll meet Scott Case, Cofounder and CEO of Recurrent. Scott, a former colleague of Jeff’s became an innovator of smart energy solutions well before they were a thing back in 2008. After a successful run at his first startup, Energy Savvy, Scott began to focus on what problems needed to be solved to help consumers confidently make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). What he found was an untapped market for EV education and the need for a common understanding of battery life giving consumers a more accurate gauge of their EV's secondary market value. In 2019, Scott co-founded Recurrent, a platform that quantifies the value of and enables a robust market for, pre-owned EVs. Chaos, rebates, credits, and incentives Like energy tax deductions and credits for buildings, EV incentives are also subject to enormous changes in today’s political environment. EV incentives are unique in that they were designed to encourage price parity between EVs and (ICE) vehicles while also encouraging manufacturers to move their battery and vehicle production and assembly plants back to US soil. Scott shares examples of how this has worked and where there is risk should the current administration take a more aggressive stance on rolling back these benefits. Scott and Jeff discuss other important variables to consumer EV adoption, such as charging infrastructure (or lack thereof) in markets where EVs have lower adoption rates, and where Federal programs like NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) are beginning to gain traction in partnership with private investment, improving access to reliable charging stations across the US. Team Red, Team Blue Scott points out that NEVI greatly benefits states and regions with lower EV density and describes why states with Republican majorities may have the most to lose if the current administration pulls the plug on EV incentives. Scott sees a future with more affordable pre-owned EVs becoming more available to those ready to switch. The macro-economic implications of EV adoption are also clear with an estimated 175,000 EV-related jobs created in “Red Team” states as a direct result of the provisions within the 2022 IRA. Scott urges lawmakers to listen to their constituents and take caution with any proposed rollbacks of EV incentives.Circling Back Cars are emotional purchases for people which is an interesting dynamic when it comes to making the switch to an EV—will folks go back to ICE vehicles once they’ve experienced the benefits of their EVs? Scott and Jeff discuss whether the growing passion for EVs will have an impact on the demand for more efficient homes and buildings. How does this growing wave of passion for EV adoption apply to “tenant” awareness and passion for more efficient and sustainable spaces? Follow Jeff on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonnichols/) Follow Scott on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-case-193139/)Learn more about NEVI (https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/12744) Listen and Connect If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the podcast through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight.ai
Kerry Meade on the importance of local leadership, especially now.Show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Kerry Meade, the Executive Director of Seattle’s leading energy efficiency trade organization, Building Potential. Hear what Kerry thinks about the implications for building owners committed to energy efficiency, smart building technology, and other clean energy investments now that a new administration has been sworn in. For building owners and stakeholders already committed to transitioning their buildings and operations to renewable energy sources, is this a moment of pause or an opportunity for acceleration? Kerry explains why now is the ideal time for local market education and leadership to unlock and align regional players with mutual interests in sustainable energy infrastructure investment and development. Local MattersJeff and Kerry discuss the critical role of trade organizations, like Building Potential, in building a broader coalition of local governments and private businesses by partnering to develop energy policy and standards. They talk about the other players in this equation–and the importance of aligning with entities like public utilities (PUDs) to support and help drive the adoption of renewable power generation and distribution. Kerry underscores the value of these local partnerships along with energy service companies (ESCOs) who have the expertise to help stakeholders accelerate their adoption of clean building standards while helping to demystify the perceived difficulty and complexity of energy-saving retrofits. Some Needed Disruption We live in an electrified future with demand only growing and putting more pressure on both the supply and demand side of our energy infrastructure. Kerry addresses the pressing question of what role the private sector can play in accelerating innovation and investment in clean energy infrastructure. With weather patterns becoming more severe and unpredictable, it’s imperative to work towards decentralizing energy storage and transmission in partnership with local utilities that are bound by Federally established standards. How is the private sector uniquely positioned to disrupt the status quo and play a larger and more vital role in the future of sustainability? Kerry sees the future through the lens of what is possible bolstered by the reality that both blue and red states are working to achieve greater energy reliability and beginning to see the real economic benefits from their transition to a more sustainable future. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn Follow Kerry on LinkedInGet more info about Washington state’s Clean Building Performance Standards. Learn about energy education programs at Seattle’s Smart Building Center Listen and Connect If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the podcast through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight
Maximizing energy tax incentives has a new hurdle, Josh Howes shows us how to clear it. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols explores the intersection between the designers of energy-efficient buildings and the accounting teams who process the energy tax deductions and credits. Who sits in the middle to provide a bridge between these functions and why is their role so critical? You’ll meet Josh Howes who takes us deep into the world of energy project planning, building assessment, and certification. A civil engineer by trade, Josh is the CEO and co-founder of the Blue Energy Group who found his way into the world of energy incentives back in 2010 when these programs were barely a blip on the radar of most building owners and professionals. Getting The Ball Rolling Josh started his business with two primary objectives– first, he needed to respond to designers and building industry professionals asking, “What is 179D and how do I qualify?” Secondly, Josh had to address misperceptions for those who assumed that these incentives were a scam and not real. You’ll hear Josh’s advice for dealing with these objections and explain his process for qualifying projects and where he recommends the best place to start. Josh also shares his views on why energy tax incentives are intentionally allocated unevenly, seemingly to give preference to certain types of build-outs or energy-saving initiatives. Josh’s team can provide an energy incentive assessment within just a few days but there is a bigger challenge with maximizing the deductions available for 179D. The new 2022 legislation introduced a 5X multiplier for builders who meet certain criteria that have less to do with the benefits of the project and more to do with who’s doing the work. Learn why this is easy for some and why so many others struggle to meet this new requirement. Josh gives us a deep dive into the steps for how building owners, contractors, and designers can clear this hurdle and receive the maximum deduction. Get more info about Federally recognized construction apprenticeship programsLearn more about the Energy Policy Act of 2005 A New Opportunity One of the most lucrative aspects of these incentives is the ability to allocate, exchange, or transfer credits. Josh shares the range of circumstances for how energy incentives can be allocated and why this can be crucial to initiating and funding a project. While the rules can be opaque, the flexible options available can benefit all parties and in some cases can be allocated to fully find the work of the project architect or designer. What Comes Next? The current landscape suggests that any future extension of energy credits and deductions will likely target specific smart building technologies or industry sectors such as dated schools or hospitals that are overdue for energy efficiency retrofits. Learn how companies like Blue Energy Group are positioning themselves to have a bigger impact on the short and long-term benefits for building owners, designers, accountants, and the folks who occupy these spaces. Listen and Connect If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, email reframe@pilotlight.ai. You can also follow the podcast through your preferred app to stay updated on future episodes. Reframe is presented by Pilotlight
Perry England is your "Building Performance Ambassador."In this episode, show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Perry England, VP of Building Performance at MacDonald-Miller, one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Perry brings decades of experience and a passion for helping his clients evaluate and ensure their buildings operate more efficiently and comply with ever-evolving standards. Perry reveals his biggest fear for building owners along with tips for staying ahead of the policies, standards, and fines that can be assessed for buildings that fail to meet these standards. Most To Gain and Most To Lose Who’s accountable when buildings fail to meet energy efficiency standards? Balancing building performance with climate policy is complicated. But with so much information available and an assortment of incentives designed to kick-start clean energy projects, why are we seeing continued resistance? Perry outlines what resources are available to help commercial building owners understand the policies, standards, and improvement options, and the skills that are needed to implement a plan. States like Washington and Oregon have begun to establish stricter guidelines and standards. And compliance with these standards is binary–either you meet them or not. Once fines are assessed, they remain in place until compliance is confirmed which can be a 48-month cycle after the project is completed. Building owners who can get ahead of these policies and successfully implement energy-saving initiatives are uniquely positioned to take advantage of lucrative tax incentives and deductions that can offset their project costs by as much as 70%. Acknowledge Reality Instead of Ignoring ItBuilding sustainability has evolved into a matter of survival for both commercial and public building owners and operators. But where does this journey start? Perry recommends several starting points including a comprehensive building evaluation using tools such as Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Building owners must take the time to learn and consult with experts to understand how their buildings can operate more efficiently.Perry stresses the importance of empathy to have constructive conversations with the “3 types” of building owners and how to make sure these discussions are productive rather than ‘prickly’. And it’s not just about building a rapport with building owners, you’ll learn what role public utilities play along with local municipalities and the Dept of Commerce and discover where Perry sees the most buy-in and support for clean energy reform. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn Follow Perry on LinkedInLearn how MacDonald-Miller makes buildings work better Learn more about Washington State’s Clean Building Performance StandardLearn more about Energy Star Portfolio ManagerListen and ConnectQuestions or feedback for the Reframe team can be directed to reframe@pilotlight.ai. Stay updated on future episodes by following the podcast through your preferred app.Reframe is presented by Pilotlight
Building ownership has a new playbook. Brad Werner breaks it down. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols discusses the shifting landscape and new growth strategies for commercial building owners with Brad Werner, a partner at Wipfli LLP who leads their construction and real estate practice. Hear how Brad advises his clients on strategies to adapt and grow in a fast-changing market. Should they care about sustainability? How are energy incentives related to their growth? And where does technology deliver value? Tune in for Brad’s perspective on the 3 things that building owners need to focus on today to prepare for the future.Experiences MatterLike any business, building owners must meet their customers' needs– their tenants. Brad offers his perspective on the demands of present and future tenants seeking a different experience and how these demands are influencing building owners in their plans to invest in cleaner and more efficient spaces. Adapting to the needs of their building’s occupants will require a change in mindset and investment strategy requiring owners to find new ways to pay for sustainable growth. What's more, these challenges are growing exponentially for building owners. To stay ahead, many are looking for experts to help them navigate the complexity surrounding when and how to invest in more efficient and sustainable spaces. This is where experts like Brad add value by helping his clients make more informed decisions across three areas that he says can impact growth the most. Speed Matters Brad outlines his vision for how building owners need to plan and execute their growth strategy by anticipating construction trends and adopting a mindset focused on value and sustainability. Technology proficiency must also keep pace as efficiency upgrades need to be operated and maintained within a broader connected ecosystem– enabled through technology expertise that requires top talent. Brad explains the reason why technology expertise for building owners in the future will be crucial to meet the current and evolving standards for energy efficiency.Experts like Brad, who are tuned in to the trends driving the construction and real estate industry, are writing the modern playbook for commercial building owners. Brad and his firm are committed to providing their clients with a deeper understanding of their growth and sustainability goals, the nuances of capital availability, and the needs of more demanding building occupants. And as if that’s not enough, Brad reminds us that speed matters in the race toward relevance, profitability, and sustainability. Listen and ConnectQuestions or feedback for the Reframe team can be directed to reframe@pilotlight.ai. Stay updated on future episodes by following the podcast through your preferred app.Reframe is presented by Pilotlight
Steve Barnes reveals the real value of energy incentives and credits.In this episode, show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Steven Barnes, a Partner at Wipfli LLP, a top accounting firm that supports construction and real estate clients. Steve provides a straightforward primer on how energy incentives and credits can be materially significant and how they apply uniquely to commercial and not-for-profit buildings, and he explains how benefits can be allocated or used creatively to offset project costs and fund future initiatives. Find out what Steve means when he says building owners and operators must build green to get green. Going deeper into this episode: It’s Not Always About Shielding Income Savvy commercial building owners are drawn to these deductions and credits as they would be to capital asset depreciation and other familiar strategies that lower their taxable income. This tends to drive a higher level of awareness of these incentive programs in the private sector. However, many developers and designers who work on public or not-for-profit buildings are not as up-to-speed on what kinds of benefits are available or how to qualify. Public buildings like schools, for example, may be looking to replace a dated and inefficient boiler with a renewable system like solar, geothermal, or biomass. These types of upgrades typically qualify for federal incentives under the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and can range from 6% to 60% credit or cashback on a project. So why aren’t more builders and building owners taking advantage of these incentives? Much of the reason has to do with the perceived barriers to energy tax incentive availability and qualification. Here are a few of the top misperceptions: Building owners and developers often assume the work they’re doing to upgrade their properties likely won’t qualify or, that the scope of the upgrade wasn’t big enough. The fact is that most work does qualify for significant deductions or credits. The bar for qualification is too high so why bother? Actually, the standards for qualification are very achievable, especially for upgrades done within the prior 2-4 years. The main reason for this is that upgrades are compared with previously established ASHRE 2007 standards for energy use and efficiency. Many experts feel that the qualification benchmark is intentionally low to accelerate energy efficiency adoption. It’s just too expensive to have my CPA firm look into this and advise me. The reality is that many firms price these consultations at a fraction of the value of the qualified deductions or credits. The Evolving Energy Tax AdvisorFull-service advisory firms are becoming more capable of navigating their clients through these perceived barriers and challenges. Having these conversations with your tax advisor upfront before the work starts allows for a more comprehensive vetting of upgrade options, CapEx planning, and comparison with current local, state, or federal incentive programs and energy standards. Energy consultations are also important where a client may be looking to apply for a 179D deduction for example, but instead may find that by the time the work was completed, a more favorable asset depreciation opportunity was available. Another example is with buildings that have commercial space on the ground floor and residential units on higher floors, a properly advised building owner can apply 179D (deduction) and 45L (qualifying credit) thus taking advantage of several programs at the same time. In other scenarios that apply more to public buildings, energy credits can be donated to a scholarship fund or another charitable program and then written off as a donation– some may say ‘double-dipping’. These are just a few examples of why energy advisory firms are interested in sitting down with their clients to have a more strategic conversion leading to a potentially more beneficial and profitable outcome.Stay tuned for the next episode of Reframe and join show host Jeff Nichols on a journey of discovery to learn first-hand how the stakeholders and innovators across the building and construction industry are turning energy challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn Follow Steve on LinkedInLearn more about Wipfli LLP Get the latest Reframe episodes
Jeff sets the stage with his guest Abby Massey. In this inaugural episode, show host Jeff Nichols sets the stage with Abby Massey who leads the energy tax incentives team at TaxTaker. As a civil engineer, Abby knows the systems and design methods for how to make buildings operate more efficiently. As an expert in energy tax incentives, Abby has helped countless building owners and operators discover new possibilities and opportunities in energy upgrades. Abby and Jeff discuss the tricky nature of energy efficiency conversations with building owners and a roadmap for capitalizing on lucrative energy tax incentives.
Reframe is the podcast about building sustainability. Commercial and public buildings are among the biggest producers of carbon emissions. It’s a problem of massive scale. But, for building owners, engineers and contractors, solving it may actually be more of an opportunity than a challenge. That’s what the “Reframe” podcast is all about. Join host Jeff Nichols on an exploration of the forces driving sustainability in our built environment. And meet the people who are leading the charge.