The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

Tate Walker is the Director of Sustainability at OPN Architects and leads projects and initiatives across the firm’s four offices. His experience is rooted in the architectural design process but also includes program and project management as well as the development of technical guidelines for high performing buildings. He has served on the AIA’s Committee on the Environment and USGBC’s Energy & Atmosphere Technical Advisory Group. Tate firmly believes that the connection between architecture and energy provides leadership opportunities for architects as creative problem solvers. This is especially true for those willing to stretch their practice beyond its traditional boundaries. Show Highlights  The blue ocean of green building The COTE Toolkit operational guide to achieve the COTE top 10 A framework for design excellence beyond sustainability for the entire Institute.  Fundamental measures about design and equitable communities, energy, water, wellbeing Projects that weave concepts to tailor unique circumstances through a lens of what health hazards people are currently facing AIA, commitment 2030 challenge and other mechanisms, and tools to achieve green building goals Tate shares the essential questions he asks when walking a client through options  How to embrace strong divergent thinking to cast a wide net to determine what's out there, how things fit together, and that is what is missing.  “We're tripping over ourselves, no one person can span the breadth of all these subject areas for sustainability.  We need to pick a subject and go deep on that. Figure out what you're passionate about. If it's energy, if it's materials, if it's resilience, these are all super important and the crossover is huge. I've been deep into energy for my entire career and we still are not building net zero buildings.” -Tate Walker     Tate Walker’s 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 © 2020 GBES

Walt Kanzler is a recognized leader in the green building industry, currently holding the position of Senior Director of Design at UCSD. Walt has over 20 years of experience as a licensed architect with a focus throughout his career on Sustainability. Working for several large public and private organizations Walt has delivered over $2 Billion in capital projects and currently is managing a capital program that exceeds that more than doubling his experience in diverse project types. Walt has served in a leadership role on several boards and committees that promote Sustainable Design and has been a proponent of LEED since gaining his LEED AP in 2001. Walt was awarded the high honor of LEED Fellow in 2022.  Currently an active change agent at UCSD Walt is directly involved in Sustainability initiatives on campus and supports cross campus coordination in the UC system along with his colleagues at nine other campuses. One of his passions is sharing Green Building concepts with students and finding ways to integrate Sustainability into Higher Education. Show Highlights The intersection between the capital projects and facilities management.  University of California’s (UCSD) direct path to making holitics improvements to best practices that break down barriers facing the green building movement. Structural Design Programs Campus Decarbonization  Climate Action Plans Minimum Certification Targets Sustainable Practices Policy  Green Building Working Groups The evolution ESG needs to make for system integrity of the data.  Building controls to newer buildings that allow occupants to really appreciate their space. Process improvements to streamline work challenging the status quo to make projects more efficient. Practices and opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment.     “When LEED first came around, it gave me a kind of framework to really understand all the different aspects of sustainability. And I think that's been one of the great advantages of LEED over the years - it created some structure for everybody to understand and then to move above and beyond those baselines.” - Walt Kanzler 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 © 2022 GBES

Pia Ohrling is an experienced sustainability Consultant. She has worked in the building and property industry for more than 30 years and with Sustainability for 20 years.   Pia is one of Sweden's leading environmental and expert consultants with more than twenty years of experience in environmental certification and sustainable buildings. She is a trained structural engineer at KTH, Stockholm and has worked for the major environmental consulting companies in Sweden. In 2010, she started Piacon to be able to influence the construction and real estate industry to a greater extent based on her genuine environmental commitment.     Pia has completed a number of successful environmental certifications, e.g. the world's first certified building according to BREEAM In Use International and Sweden's first pre-certified LEED building. She is a popular lecturer and holds courses in LEED, BREEAM, Environmental Construction and Work Environment and leads training courses at the Sweden Green Building Council (LEED and BREEAM).    Pia is a member of the Sweden Green Building Council (SGBC) and is part of the LEED committee. Between the years 2014-2021, she was active in the Technical Council for BREEAM SE. In the autumn of 2022, Pia was appointed a LEED Fellow – a prestigious title which means that you represent the top tier in the design, technology and development of green buildings. She is currently the only representative of LEED Fellow in the Nordics.    Pia is a committed and competent manager who is passionate about sustainability issues. She likes to farm, create habitats for bumblebees and wild bees, and cook and renovate things.   Show Highlights Pia shares how to navigate all the certifications systems available in Sweden (LEED, BREEAM, Miljöbyggnad, etc…)  to each client project.  The challenges with credits and systems like LEED in different  areas and parts of the world to consider. Adapting to the taxonomy, the European Green Deal, and the World Green Building Council when creating and managing projects.  Pia’s shift towards engineering and becoming an environmental engineering specialist and entrepreneur will motivate “who better than you to do it.”  The evolution ALL certification systems need to raise the bar to look at the bigger picture for sustainability and biodiversity. Pia’s company specializes in sustainability and pushes clients towards really wanting to make positive change, not just certify their projects.  She shares how to say "no" when clients  just want to certify on the lowest level. “Sometimes we think solutions are too easy. We think that 'Oh we can do that. We'll just change to this way.' But sustainability isn't that simple. There are so many things you need to think about, like biodiversity. There’s no quick fix.” -Pia Ohrling   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 © 2022 GBES

Jim Hambright, is a professional registered architect that has worked in more than 30 states and 16 foreign countries over the past 48 years. He has a Masters in Architecture and is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects. He is also a member of the US Green Building Council where he is a LEED Accredited Professional. He was recognized and selected as a LEED Fellow as one of twenty professionals globally for this honor in 2022 by the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification, Inc. Mr. Hambright was recognized as a Fluor Fellow in 2010 in the field of sustainability and has extensive experience and expertise in site master planning, facility planning, programming, project management, production, design and detailing of projects throughout the world.    He has specific experience in the field of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, specialized industrial facilities, sports facilities, office and retail facilities, food industries, military, power and chemicals facilities, educational facilities, as well as smaller residential and land planning development work. He has also performed work for governmental agencies and provided expertise and consulting for a variety of specialty, security, and confidential projects.   Underlying efforts in all of Mr. Hambrights' projects has been the fundamental incorporation of elements of sustainability, creativity, innovation, functionality, and appropriateness that fit into the community and environment specific to a given project and location. Mr. Hambright strives to make the best use of resources, innovative design, and time constraints and is constantly seeking optimization on each project.   Specialties: Sustainability, Carbon Neutral and NetZero project aspects, large and small-scale masterplanning, programming, international, national, and regional projects, governmental solutions, electronics facilities, industrial, camps and campuses, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, residential developments, single and multi-housing units, community projects. Also specializing is historic renovations and rehabilitation projects, as well and photography, modeling, and Computer Aided Drafting capabilities.   Show Highlights Jim shares the myriad of disciplines within the Fluor Corporation. The struggles you face when implementing sustainable changes in a very large organization.  Logistics, labs, and data centers are the growing sectors of the movement. How green hydrogen facilities and different gasses can best be produced, stored, and distributed. The strategies and laws for the variety and emerging energy sources.  Manufacturers and producers are getting on board with the science and microbes of how they can get better production, better yield rates and better customer satisfaction. The secret and advice for sustainable entrepreneurship. The balance in finding the right amount of flexibility within an organization to implement your goals and share your expertise. “When we're all out in the midst of the battles, if you will, it's hard to even think about recognition or anything else. You're just trying to get the work done, trying to solve the problems when they come,  and provide options, opportunities, and research to help the clients to do the best thing they can do. Of course there's always a struggle with scheduling, the budget, supply chain, and a lot of other issues that we have to deal with on a daily basis.” -Jim Hambright    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 © 2022 GBES

Francine Vaz, architect and urban planner, graduated from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, MBA in Sustainable Business Management at Fluminense. She also earned a Master of Science in Architecture, Energy and Sustainability at London Metropolitan University. Francine has worked on more than 80 projects for the construction and operation of sustainable developments, being responsible for coordinating a team of consultants. She holds the LEED AP BD+C and ID+C credentials by the U.S. Green Building Council since 2010. Founder of Seed Solution. MBA professor at AVM Educacional and CEBPJUR. LEED Fellow since 2022.   Show Highlights Seed Solution brings a little bit of sustainability to the companies that don't have it yet.  Brazil's responsible approach to new construction, retrofit, and ESG to support the green building movement. A closer look at life cycle analysis and GHG emissions reports that have been neglected. Challenging factors of Fitwel and WELL that make it difficult for companies to implement in this region. Internal divisions with LEED certification and Brazilian energy efficiency certifications. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the impact on buildings (to change) in Brazil and in the world.  Balancing the challenges of being an entrepreneur and family.  “I am always very excited about working with sustainability. I bring this energy to the projects I work with and to the design team. I think this is very important, in terms of, when you put your energy in, when people start to feel that you are really passionate about this, it just helps things go smoother.” -Francine Vaz      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 © 2022 GBES

Dan Matisoff is a senior researcher who studies energy and environmental policy, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. He has a background in statistical analysis on the adoption and diffusion of energy and environmental policies and technologies. Right now he is working on a project related to the diffusion of eco-labels and advanced technologies in the built environment and how these drive market transformation in the built environment. He is the lead for Working Group 3 for Georgia Drawdown - Built Environment and Materials. He is well versed in statistical methods, quantitative modeling, and other approaches to assessing impacts of energy and environmental technologies. Show Highlights LEED Eco Label’s continuous score with a discontinuous “signal.” The impact of the LEED Eco Label on investment in energy and environmental technology.  Important research to confer economic value to customers and to society. Distribution of buildings in LEED to understand how the silver, gold, and platinum tiers caused additionality into a space.  Dan’s book tells a more dynamic process with the early movers into the LEED Eco Label and the produce positive information spillovers that help change the market. Understanding the eco label itself is the certification of these traits and making them easy to observe to individuals.  The “LEED factor” benefits with pilot projects in geographic locations. A sneak peek of some advanced degree programs for the rising demand for sustainability professionals. “The goal was to take all this research that we had really reduced for economists and for a real academic audience. Then, to translate this into more of a story that somebody in the green building world might appreciate. To translate some of these kind of challenging economic concepts and challenging statistical findings into a more digestible form that will help people in the green building movement understand what it is they're doing, what it is they've accomplished, how the economics of the label works to confer value to customers, to confer value to society.” -Dan Matisoff  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 © 2022 GBES

Bahruz Mammadov is a serial entrepreneur with a main focus on chemical & material sciences. He has hands-on experience in fundraising, business development, and building teams. As a co-founder at BERKM, he raised over 3.5 million euros of venture capital. He has amassed more than 10 years experience in different branches of the chemical industry, combined with a vast network in the industry. He is passionate about new materials and bringing them to market on a large scale.   Show Highlights Bahruz shares products, startup advice, and how chemical engineering is transforming green building. Chemistry is a science filled with green building magicians using nanometer technologies to change existing materials.  The first chain of tasks to do when starting a new project or company.  Entrepreneur DNA, what inspired Bahruz to launch his own business.  BERKM technology creates solutions for less plastic, longer product shelf life and supporting recycling.  Shifts and trends towards clean chemistry with significant impact on sustainability.   “I am really proud about the sustainability impact we are making in our company in terms of reducing plastic pollution. Part of the results we’ve achieved will influence the packaging industry.” -Bahruz Mammadov     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 © 2022 GBES

Dean Stanberry,CFM, LEED AP is 1st Vice-Chair, IFMA Global Board of Directors - A strategic facilities management volunteer leader who delivers forward-thinking solutions resolving operational problems. Dean has more than 20 years of broad-based experience in facility management, real estate portfolio management, process and quality improvement, procurement, workplace services, program and project management, space and occupancy planning, sustainability, information systems implementation, and critical environment operations. Prior to his ​recent role as Director – FM Services with Abraxas Energy Consulting, Stanberry worked at JLL, first on the Charles Schwab account and later on the Xerox account. Before that he worked at the Trizetto Group.   An accomplished communicator, he has presented at international FM conferences, published articles and is a contributing author of the book “Technology for Facility Managers.” Stanberry is an active industry advocate; serving in several volunteer leadership roles as a member of IFMA, the IFMA Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council. He has been an active leader in the IFMA Denver Chapter serving as Treasurer, Vice President and President, earning him a Distinguished Member Award (2005) and Outstanding Contribution by a Professional Member (2006). He served on the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees (2009-2014) and is currently the chair of the Environmental Stewardship, Utilities and Sustainability Community. Stanberry studied at the University of Washington, U.S. West Advanced Technical Education Program. He earned an Executive Programs Finance Certificate from Kellogg Graduate School at Northwestern University, a Project Management Certificate from Regis University and both a Process Management Certification and Quality Improvement Process Certification from QualTec. He earned his CFM in 2010.   Show Highlights Dean shares the core competencies of and clears up the difference between a facility manager, a property manager, and a building engineer on multi-tenant for rent versus an owner-occupied property.  IFMA’s education, organization, competency-based credentials. 5 emerging and interesting sustainability topics IFMA is including. Green Building Trends you want to make hands on for your audience.  Environmental is going to be a big component for facility managers. GSA, the General Services Administration is changing the culture of the organization with respect to Carbon. Overcoming the uniqueness and components of historic buildings and Federal facilities. Sustainability and green buildings are pivoting to a primary objective.    “We're becoming a data driven industry and so we really need to raise the bar for many people in the profession. Doesn't matter which role you have, you need to understand more about sustainability. And that's gonna play heavily into ESG reporting…You need to not just train people on the tool because that's the simple part. You need to train them on why we're doing this. What's the imperative?” -Dean Stanberry   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 © 2022 GBES

Heidi Creighton is Vice President (VP) of Sustainability. In this role, Heidi will lead Skanska USA Commercial Development’s strategic sustainable initiatives across the US portfolio in Los Angeles, CA. Furthering the company’s ESG strategy, she will be responsible for identifying solutions that improve asset performance, energy management, community engagement and user experience to create the most sustainable and impactful projects in each market. Creighton will serve as a key member of the company’s leadership team reporting to Christopher Westley, Senior Vice President (SVP) for Strategic Services to support market leaders and their operational teams while integrating and expanding Skanska’s sustainability offerings with focus on Skanska’s ESG strategy. “Skanska has a holistic approach to designing and building sustainable places, keeping the project’s full life cycle in mind. It is ingrained in what we do every day and elevated when an expert like Heidi Creighton is brought to the table,” said Robert Ward, President and CEO, Skanska USA Commercial Development. “I have no doubt Heidi will ignite thoughtful conversations through project work and advocacy that will further Skanska and its leadership team’s ambitions to drive the industry forward. Creighton served as a Principal since 2011. In that role, she led the West Coast consulting group’s focus on sustainability, resiliency, health and wellbeing and social equity strategies in the academic, cultural, commercial, aviation and healthcare sectors. Creighton is also FAIA, a LEED Fellow, Fitwel Ambassador and is a member of the WELL Faculty program.   Show Highlights The importance of volunteering to align with your own values, establish a network; it draws you to great people who wanna do impactful work, and discover inspiring projects.  Skanska’s  sustainability umbrella with initiatives and policies to really drive sustainability across their entire portfolio. Supplier code of conduct for all contractors and subcontractors. How they co-develop, increase transparency, and push the envelope and test innovations.  EC3 - an embodied carbon construction calculator tool.  Advantages to connecting the main components to integrate how the developer and the construction team deliver a project. Build understanding on climate resiliency and circularity on all green building projects. Frame sustainability around what resonates with what customers are trying to accomplish.  Tips to have collective conversations about data collection and transparency to improve the entire industry.   “Leading with empathy, being a good listener, really trying to connect people together - are critical. In our role as sustainability experts, we are constantly asking people to change. We're constantly pushing the envelope and changing their business as usual. Generally people are averse to change, so you've got to really figure it out for each organization, individual, department, whoever you're working with, and really understand what their priorities and goals are.  Then, ask yourself how can I frame sustainability around that and align it with what they're trying to accomplish.” -Heidi Creighton   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 © 2022 GBES

Sheila M. Sheridan - IFMA Fellow, CFM, LEED AP O+M. Sheila retired from Harvard University where she was Director of Facilities and Services at the Kennedy School of Government. As an International Facility Management Association (IFMA )volunteer member, she has held numerous roles including the Chair.   Currently, she is a USGBC Technical Committee member. Previously she was past vice chair of the LEED Operations and Maintenance Committee. She also participated as faculty for IFMA and USGBC courses. She is a recognized global speaker concerning facilities and sustainability. She has been a visiting lecturer at universities around the world. Show Highlights How volunteer work allows you to test the limits of your abilities and learn what you are really interested in. Invite champions, naysayers, and gossipers to your team to match your project to your mission.  Tips to pave your own way  to promote the change you want to see in your profession and an environmental steward.  Sheila is a “tenacious pioneer” who shares her stories of inspiration and tips to help push sustainability forward and open new doors.  Sustainability has no borders because the world’s needs are connected for a positive future.   Emerging trends and looking at how they manage buildings so we don't lose the voice of the people that work and live there. Growth in the industry only occurs when you invite people in, share information as an environmental steward.     “It's not the green building movement anymore. It’s, save the planet. Everything you do, both at home, at work and in your profession can make a difference right down to picking up a piece of trash. The green building movement is exciting. It's a vehicle to get you where we need to be and there's opportunities for you to be a specialist.”  -Sheila Sheridan     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 © 2022 GBES

Emilie O'Leary, along with a business partner, launched a mechanical solar business in 2016. They built the business up to be one of the leading commercial installers in the US. They sold the business in 2020 and Emilie stayed on as CEO till January 2022.   There are very few women that do what she does in the solar industry. In February of 2022, she started Green Clean Solar based in Marietta, Georgia. She has a strong passion and expertise in the solar industry focusing on waste management and landfill diversion services while building a diverse workforce. She continues to develop and foster relationships with EPC/Owners and solar manufacturers throughout the United States while making Green Clean Solar a leader in the industry.   Show Highlights   Creating energy efficiency companies that hit a pain point in our industry. A mechanical solar installation company who understands the process of what it takes to build massive projects. Green Clean Solar is providing solutions for a huge problem with materials in the industry.  Be a revolutionary by providing solutions to managing waste on any project by working with local resources centers. How to have thoughtful conversations with manufacturers and designers to build awareness in rethinking their packaging material to make needed changes in our industry. Innovation is changing the lifecycle of solar panels. The trickle effect of green building to revitalize communities.  Connect with Emilie to learn the trends and what's happening in the solar industry and beyond.    “We were putting everything in the dumpsters and hauling it to the landfill. And it really struck me to say ‘this is counterintuitive.’ We're building these amazing energy efficiency systems, but then we're filling the earth with all this waste. It didn't make any sense because most of this material could be recycled.”   -Emilie O'leary     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 © 2022 GBES

According to the International Energy Agency, the construction industry is responsible for 39% of global energy and process-related emissions and 36% of worldwide energy demand. This sector also accounts for 40% of drinking water consumption and 23% of air pollution. Our industry is also facing environmental issues such as air pollution, water shortages/contamination, and a shrinking supply of fossil fuels. With each passing year, the construction industry is reimagining the future of the built environment and is steadfast in curbing global carbon emissions. One framework the industry uses to benchmark its performance, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), include 17 interconnected global goals to promote development that balances social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This webinar will help you understand the UNSDG, how they relate to green building, and how you can integrate the UNSDG directly into your business processes. What You Will Learn: What are the UNSDGs? How do the UNSDGs relate to green buildings? How can the UNSDGs integrate into your business processes? Amritpal Virdee is a member of the ESG Team at as a Senior ESG Consultant. His main responsibilities include identifying ESG material issues and engaging with clients to create compelling ESG Frameworks. Furthermore, he also works with clients to adopt the GRESB, GRI and other ESG initiatives such as the UN SDG Benchmarking. Amritpal has worked as an Economist in London where he advised clients on the impact of macroeconomic trends on their financial portfolios and educated companies on how to integrate ESG into their corporate decision-making processes. Additionally, Amritpal has experience working in the United Nations conducting sustainable finance policy research and working with former UN Chief Economist Elliott Harris on how to increase sustainable development funding in the world’s Least Developed Countries. Amritpal’s favorite hobby is sailing and he regularly spends summer weekends up and down the North East coast. Amy D’Angelo is the Director of ESG for . In this role, Amy provides leadership to the ESG and Energy Star departments and works with some of the country’s largest REITs to identify and manage risks that pertain to environmental, social and governance issues. She also is leading our Corporate Sustainability Program with a particular focus on the “S” – empowering women within our organization and ensuring that we can have the greatest impact in the communities where we live. Amy spends her free time outside and enjoying the natural resources in the community where she lives, kayaking, biking or just walking on the beach. When she isn’t outside, you can find her cooking for her family, playing with her dogs or tending to her vast collection of indoor plants. Show Highlight The SDGs push global policy sustainability goals for cities/countries/companies and more. Amrit shares how exactly green buildings relate to certain SDGs. Gain awareness on the learning objectives and very diverse and wide range 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories. * What are the UN SDGs? * How do the UN's SDGs actually relate to green building? * The direct importance on how the UN SDGs can be integrated into your business processes. * Economic growth, housing solutions, water safety and lower construction costs * Why integrate the UN SDGs into your business? Learn about a great resource called the C40 Cities Initiative, which highlights how local entities are taking very bold steps for sustainable growth. How are SDG goals applicable towards residential and commercial building or is it? SDG data partnership and metrics to map out your connection to LEED, WELL and other rating system scores. Additional benefits to SDGs * Subset of social impact bonds called SDG bonds, * WELL building standard has embraced UN SDGs Show Resource and Information Don’t forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the website. Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES: GBES is excited our membership community is growing.  Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more insurances that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on . We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the ! Copyright © 2022 GBES

John Ambert, RA, NCARB, LEED Fellow, GPRO, LFA | Architect & Green Building Specialist.    John Ambert is a licensed architect, LEED Fellow, and sustainability subject matter expert with DPR Construction. Since 2006, John has worked to integrate sustainability solutions for more than 100 of the highest performance residential, commercial, mixed-use, office, higher education, health care, and corporate projects in the US. With a deep background in high-performance materials, healthy indoor environments, and low carbon design, John works to implement sustainable construction approaches to minimize the environmental impact of the construction process. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, John holds a Bachelors of Architect with a focus in Sustainable Environments.   Speaker & Presentation Experience   2014: NAVFAC “Wounded Warrior Campus – The first LEED Platinum buildings for the US Military” 2016: SDGE: High Performance Water Solutions for Buildings in So Cal 2017: Designing for High Performance & Zero Energy 2019: Net Zero 2019: “Murph Zero” 2019: SDGBC Conference: “Murph Zero” 2021: SD Living Future Collaborative: Webinar Series – 8 total 2022: San Diego Green Building Conference + Expo: DPR + JUST label   Show Highlights   John shares the evolution of his unique sustainability career and the fellowship that comes with being a LEED Fellow. DPR’s influence in quality sustainability to make zero harm to people and the planet.  Pathways for people to explore natural building materials not typically found to create different building types that minimize harm from the traditional ways of building. Tips to overlap green values as a team, as a state, a nation, as a world. Flow state at work - explained.  Avoid getting pigeonholed by a narrow perspective in your education and/or career.  Understanding the various routes and opportunities to a prosperous career.   Policy support of sustainability will be the environmental catalysts for the industry. COVID forced health to the forefront of design criteria to rethink  how we live and work in buildings.    “I'm personally very excited about this revival around health centered design, this focus on making buildings for people, not just buildings for buildings sake. We've been designing buildings in the same way for too long and we aren't focused on making them spaces for people to connect with the world around them, to be productive, and to be happy.” -John Ambert     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 © 2022 GBES

Fulya Kocak Gin is Senior Vice President of ESG issues for Nareit, which is a national association representing real estate investment trusts and publicly traded real estate companies. As an award-winning sustainability thought leader, instructor, and author, Fulya provides guidance, oversight, and innovation for Nareit’s sustainability initiatives, publications, and programming within the REIT industry, which is one of the 11 GIC sectors.   In her previous role with Clark Construction, Fulya developed the company’s corporate sustainability strategy, coordinated environmental responsibility efforts, and assisted building owners and developers meet their sustainability goals cost effectively.   Her specialties include: ESG Issues, Sustainable Investments, Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG Reporting, Sustainable Construction, Sustainability Strategy, Green Building Certifications, Project Management, Life Cycle, Community Outreach, Sustainability/LEED Education, Subcontractor and Shareholder Buy-in, Best Practices, Material Sourcing, Business Development. Fulya has authored sustainability books and instructed sustainability and LEED workshops.    Fulya is a regular speaker at multiple conferences, including Greenbuild, REITworld, REITworks, Montgomery County Energy Summit and academic conferences. She also has served on multiple boards, councils and committees, including the District of Columbia’s Green TAG, working on the first DC Green Building Codes, Chairwoman of USGBC National Capital Chapter Board, and Chair of Maryland Governor’s Green Building Council.   Show Highlights   Pressures facing real estate portfolio, real estate and ESG.  Understanding the benefits and the differences in getting an Architectural Engineering degree.  Volunteering is an integrated part of the work you will do in the industry to take your performance and success to the next level.  Fulya breaks down what ESG means for environmental stewardship, social responsibility and good governance practices.  Useful ESG Bible for readers with documents and tools on ESG reporting frameworks and top ESG key performance indicators.  Scope three emissions tips you need to hear to prepare for the future.  Why specialization is key to standing out among the competition.     “Creativity is huge. I encourage my children to do creative things that will help them in the future. Most people may say, ‘Hey, just work on your academics.’ But I tell my kids,”Create, keep creating. It doesn't matter what it looks like because that's going to help you in the future as a professional or even in life when you're dealing with problems that you solve’.”   -Fulya Kocak Gin 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 © 2022 GBES

On this week's episode of the Green Building Matters podcast, we've actually taken some of our Sustainability Challenge education and pulled out some hot topics.    First, we're going to zoom out and talk about "State of the Sustainability Union" and even some really big mandates from certain countries from all around the world, all the way down to local laws in certain cities. And where we're at with our buildings and their impacts on our overall Greenhouse gas emissions.   Next, we are going to give you some of the latest cliff notes on LEED, WELL, Fitwel, GRESB, and BREEAM updates.   Lastly, we have to continue to revisit the difference between "Operational Carbon vs. Embodied Carbon". We've pulled in a couple of subject matter experts from our team to make sure they can really help clear that up on a high level.    Show Highlights State of the Sustainability Union Greenhouse gas emissions problems and opportunities. Energy efficient commercial  buildings increase value for developers, tenants and investors more.  Meet climate standard targets for builders, designers and operators by 2030-2050 timeline.  Global big picture legislation and mandates.  “Design Build Sustainability” will help to achieve green building goals.  Streamlining information and requirements into content that you and/or your firm can prepare for design,construction and operation.   LEED/WELL/Fitwel/GRESB Updates LEED for existing buildings can be achieved by two pathways. WELLness Real Estate  Operating and building a healthy space certification testing in the field Pandemic Response programs for WELL and LEED for your real estate portfolio Attract investors for GRESB with tips to increase your green portfolio.  How to prepare for the Net Zero Readiness Plan BREEM is more than an alternative to LEED.  Learn the benefits, resources and popularity of this system    Defining Operational vs Embodied Carbon: Talking points for operational and embodied carbon.  Understand the evolution of the carbon story and the challenge with the linear fashion for buildings. Carbonizational strategies and tips to understand buildings are living things. Building decarbonizing trends and global government's response to crises. Pathway to net zero for building with architectural design, mechanical design, leveraging building envelope and occupancy scheduling.  Leveraging energy models and best practices using the latest technology.  Carbon impacts and footprint throughout each phase of the entire building cycle.   Show Resource and Information   Experts   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 © 2022 GBES

Ron Kamen, represents commercial organizations in clean energy projects that reduce energy costs and lower carbon footprints. He started the AWESome EarthKind podcast to generate hope & empower families with the tools to have a positive impact. For 3 decades, he’s worked with large and small businesses, governments & non-profits to identify achievable clean energy goals, create strategies, and deliver next-generation cost-saving climate solutions.   His career began with fixed-income seniors who had to choose to "heat or eat" due to astronomical utility cost increases. He came to realize that energy was also the major source of air, water & land pollution. (In my home state, energy is responsible for ~ 90% of greenhouse gases).   Climate disruption became personal in 1998 when an upstate NY tornado severely damaged his home and his family narrowly avoided catastrophe. Since then, climate-induced weather disasters have become commonplace, with Superstorms, massive flooding, droughts, wildfires, and polar vortices shutting down electric grids and threatening lives (even in "climate-change-denying" southern states),   EarthKind Energy Consulting brings this commitment, experience, and expertise to every project. Our successes include reductions in electricity, heating, & transportation costs; improved carbon footprints; outstanding financial returns; and zero cash down projects that provide immediate and long-term savings. There is nothing better than working with good people and organizations who aim to have a positive environmental impact - and realize that they can save money doing it.   As a public speaker, he also makes public presentations that educate, inspire, and empower both young and old to "Go Clean & Save Green". The AWESome EarthKind podcast promotes that women and mankind - all EarthKind - are Forces of Nature. We are the 5th Element, and we are literally changing the work. We CAN make a real difference (and save ourselves money) when we focus on clean energy for our homes, businesses, communities, and nation.   Show Highlights Ron shares his work with clean energy, clean tech, renewables and more in the greater New York area and beyond.  Energy is the answer to a lot of our economic environmental issues.  Figuring out how property owners, commercial buildings, nonprofits, government, can make transitions to clean energy to have environmental cost efficient  benefits.  EarthKind is a small boutique consulting company targeting clients who want to tap into the opportunity to save a really dramatic amount of money for the environment. Build awareness for geothermal exchange, where it becomes most cost effective, and what’s holding the technology back.  Grid evolution with distributing storage, being a generation source, electric vehicle supplying battery storage and use as a revenue source.   The technology that supports environmental policy and pockets to drive economic decisions.   Benefits of building an  infrastructure with renewable vs fossil fuels when promoting new construction.         “The problem with fossil fuels and with things like nuclear is that they're very cost excessive and cost always increases. Whereas when you take a look at renewables, the great thing about renewables is that once you build the infrastructure, all you have to do is maintain it. The water flows, you get free electricity. The wind blows, you get free electricity. The sun shines, you get free electricity.” -Ron Kamen               Ron Kamen’s 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 © 2022 GBES

Eric Robinson, AIA, LEED AP,  began studying design at North Carolina State University’s College of Design in Raleigh, North Carolina where he graduated with a Bachelor degree in Environmental Design in 1994. Eric then participated in a two-year internship with BCW+H Architects in Richmond, VA. Following this internship Eric attended the University of Virginia, successfully finishing his Master of Architecture in 1999.   Upon completion of his Masters, Eric was offered a position at Charles Rose Architects (formerly Thompson and Rose) where he worked as a Senior Designer/Architect for 9 years. His diverse body of work includes projects at the University of South Dakota, the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, the Florida Gulf Coast Museum of Art, the Federal Port of Entry in Del Rio, TX, residences on Martha’s Vineyard, and a summer camp in Wyoming. Eric’s projects at Charles Rose Architects have received multiple professional awards.   Eric and Kevin Deabler founded RODE Architects in 2005. Since 2006, Eric also has served as a visiting lecturer at Northeastern University. Eric is a LEED Accredited Professional and brings to the firm an integrated, design-oriented approach to the profession.   Show Highlights Eric shares his experience creating a business and selecting the right partner and team.  Understanding the changes and impact to community building in Boston’s established neighborhoods.  Highlights of  RODE  Architects' projects and approaches to keeping sustainability and benefits to the community at the forefront of design. Tips to stay up to date and include diverse skill sets on different projects.  Holistically design projects with different disciplines in mind. Pillars to make sustainability more approachable for your firm and the consumer to avoid outsourcing.  Trends to personalize construction to be more modular and efficient in a controlled environment. Understanding your role to create connections with your clients.   “Clients appreciate us for who we are and what we do. We are not a cookie cutter architecture firm. We're a firm that thinks about sustainable design as a sort of transformational tool. We want to do work that is engaging and sort of thoughtful.” -Eric Robinson              Eric Robinson’s 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 © 2022 GBES

Kjell Anderson, FAIA, LEED Fellow, practices architecture and serves as a Principal and the Director of Sustainable Design at LMN Architects, working with all of LMN’s clients to set and exceed sustainable design goals. He wrote the first architect-centered book on energy modeling, co-authored AIA’s first policy statement on climate change, and has spoken extensively on energy, water, materials, and embodied carbon. He founded the Seattle Hub of the Carbon Leadership Forum and serves on the AIA National Committee on the Environment and the Washington State Building Code Council where he chairs the Energy Code Technical Advisory Group (TAG).   Kjell is a conceptual thinker who understands that details are often the only difference between success and failure. To ensure he continues to understand and apply sustainability at all phases, his time is split between Project Architect and Sustainability roles. A lifelong Washingtonian, he lives in Seattle with his wife and two daughters and enjoys playing music and soccer. Show Highlights Understanding what the scope is for sustainability to achieve certification goals.  ​​Different programs for retail spaces.  Why the conversation around electrification is easier to have than solar resources in Washington.  Kjell shares the path for Zero Carbon, his team is working on. University of Washington Founders Hall project analysis on carbon.  Transitioning from energy use to carbon is not a direct translation and demands a different conversation.  Sustainable action plans need to be updated for the future to include all the forms of carbon emissions associated with the environment.  We need great interactivity in our buildings to reduce the cost significantly by having grid friendly buildings. The Inflation Reduction Act addresses climate action and climate justice to expand conversation surrounding inclusivity and practices.   “I would say working directly with clients who have expressed interest in sustainability, and all of a sudden they realize they can do it. And then they're like, ‘Of course I want that. I thought it was beyond my reach to get there.’ Getting a client to go from LEED Silver to LEED platinum, that's a big deal…” -Kjell Anderson     Kjell Anderson’s 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 © 2022 GBES

Wes Sullens, LEED Fellow has direct experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He specializes in green building projects, policy, materials, and codes & standards development.   He’s been a LEED AP since 2002 and has worked directly on over 100 green projects seeking LEED and other environmental labels, including the coordination of the first LEED Version 4 Platinum EB project in the world (StopWaste Headquarters, 2014). Show Highlights Wes talks about technical committees, guidelines,  and tracking materials. All things LEED, upcoming version, and the big plans for the future. Criticism about what LEED needs to do in the future.  Solid climate focused solution. Committees, volunteering, and technical advisory groups for LEED. Carbon storing materials and the science of how you sequester carbon in products and materials. Requirements about reducing embodied carbon. The ripple effect for creating buildings to be part of the solution for better environments and better communities. Avoid being blindsided by climate change. The importance of circularity and the challenges of executing a circular economy. Doubling down all kinds of products with packaging. Wes shares what it was like to be at the table early in the movement and how he is continuing to help scale up the green (building) code to make it mandatory in more places.    “Don't worry so much about where you get on this bus on this journey towards sustainability, towards regenerative environmental issues. Just get on. Pick your place, see that you're good at something, and enter.” -Wes Sullens     Wes Sullens’ Show Resource and Information The Queen of Greenwich Village 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 © 2022 GBES

Mohammad H Abbasi has been honing his expertise on health and wellness in the built-ecology environment. His background in architecture, sustainable design, and building sciences makes him an integral member of WSP’s built ecology group for which he specializes in design assistance, LEED and, WELL coordination, energy, daylight modeling, and material consultancy. Mohammad’s goals are to help clients achieve exceptional performance and to drive innovative ways of applying future technologies to enhance outcomes provided from a building’s architectural and engineering systems.    He’s a Building Performance Analyst at WSP, a leading global sustainability and engineering services company with offices worldwide. Mohammad has a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Art, Tehran, and a Masters in Architecture from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. He is skilled in energy modeling software like eQuest and IES as well as enclosure simulation software - WUFI and THERM. In addition to being a RESET AP, Mohammad is also a LEED AP, CPHC and a WELL AP. With knowledge in different aspects of sustainable architecture from healthy materials, air quality to energy analysis, his goal is to help architects establish an integrative design process to achieve their sustainability goals.   Show Highlights The substance behind acquiring credentials to enhance technical ability, to learn the process, career placement, and client connection. WSP’s impact as one of the biggest engineering companies in the world. The value of teaching the services of a healthy building and not just designing a healthy space for occupants.   Understanding the importance of transferring the “how” and the “why” sustainable choices are inclusive for everyone. Mohammad shares managing multidisciplinary services to show the concept of office and home are changing and related. Policies, projects and requirements changing the industry in every project getting built. Managing career advice with your personal goals.  Mohammad shares his expertise of all things healthy building.   “What I like to do the best includes having authentic engagement and communication with my clients and the people I work with. I believe sustainability is day to day problem solving and unique cases. I like to be that person problem solving in an authentic, unique way on a specific case.” -Mohammad H Abbasi      Mohammad H Abbasi’s 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 © 2022 GBES