The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

Episode Title: Vardhan Mehta on Transforming Material Selection Through AI-Powered Design The Green Impact Report Quick take: A deep dive into how AI and smart data management are revolutionizing sustainable material selection in architecture, featuring insights from Acelab's founder on bridging the gap between sustainable ambition and implementation. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion: Vardhan Mehta is the Co-Founder & CEO of Acelab, where he leads an 85-person global team transforming how architects discover and specify sustainable building materials.  A Harvard GSD graduate and former architect at Weiss Manfredi, Vardhan has turned his firsthand experience with specification challenges into a groundbreaking platform serving over 8,000 manufacturers and 125,000 products. 🌱Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Vardhan shares revolutionary approaches to sustainable design: Key Insight #1: Data-Driven Sustainability The Challenge: Architects struggle to efficiently evaluate sustainability metrics across thousands of products The Solution: AI-powered platform aggregating and analyzing comprehensive product data ROI: Instant comparison of environmental impact, making sustainable choices more accessible and informed Key Insight #2: Unified Platform Revolution The Challenge: Too many disconnected tools and platforms in architectural workflow The Solution: Single source of truth for material selection and specification ROI: Streamlined process leading to better sustainable outcomes and improved project efficiency Key Insight #3: AI-Enhanced Decision Making The Challenge: Difficulty processing vast amounts of sustainability documentation and certifications The Solution: Machine learning algorithms that digest and interpret complex environmental data ROI: More informed sustainable material choices with reduced research time Sustainable Soundbite "We need to automate the documentation that an architecture firm needs to take on like the specs, the schedules, and integration of materials into their BIM files. The barrier of entry is really how much you need to know - not just one individual in the firm, but across the firm." - Vardhan Mehta Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Start building your digital material library with sustainability metrics This Quarter: Implement systematic sustainability evaluation criteria for material selection This Year: Develop comprehensive sustainability documentation processes Connect & Learn More 🌿 Connect with Vardhan: 🗒️ Read the transcript: 📚 Recommended Book: "Selling the Wheel" - A guide to innovation and market adoption Want More Green Building Insights? Newsletter coming soon! Green Building Matters, Inc © 2025 | Good Green Fun.

The Green Impact Report Quick take: An enlightening conversation with BREEAM USA's Director of Operations on how science-based building standards are reshaping real estate value and transforming sustainable performance measurement. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Breana Wheeler is the Director of Operations for BREEAM USA, where she leads the deployment of BREEAM's sustainability standards in the United States. With over 20 years of experience in environmental and sustainability risk management, she has been instrumental in adapting BREEAM's science-based methodologies for the U.S. market since 2016. 🌱Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Breana shares transformative insights into building certification: Key Insight #1: Beyond Traditional Certification The Challenge: Sustainability certification has historically been used mainly for marketing. The Solution: Integration of certification into asset value assessment and risk management. ROI: Access to better financing terms and enhanced asset value through verified performance. Key Insight #2: Industrial Evolution The Challenge: Traditional rating systems struggled with triple-net lease properties. The Solution: BREEAM's unique approach to measuring owner-controlled aspects. ROI: Enabling certification for previously underserved building sectors. Key Insight #3: Performance-Based Innovation The Challenge: Need for reliable, science-based performance metrics. The Solution: Dual metrics for energy and carbon intensity with minimum standards. ROI: Clear pathways to achieving net-zero goals while maintaining building value. Sustainable Soundbite "Once you see climate risk, you can't unsee it. No bank in the world is backing off. They may be backing off of their public commitments some, but there is no way they're backing off the biggest business risk they have to asset value in real estate." - Breana Wheeler Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Learn to speak the language of finance when discussing sustainability. This Quarter: Build cross-departmental relationships to enhance project success. This Year: Develop comprehensive metrics that align with Version 7's new standards. Connect & Learn More 🌿 Connect with Breana: 🗒️ Read the transcript: 🔗 Learn more about BREEAM USA's standards and certification process Want More Green Building Insights? Newsletter coming soon! Green Building Matters, Inc © 2025 | Good Green Fun™

The Green Impact Report Quick take: A masterclass in transforming sustainable building practices into regenerative design, featuring insights from HDR's Director of Sustainable Development on pushing beyond net-zero to create net-positive impact buildings. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Colin Rohlfing serves as the Director of Sustainable Development for HDR's Global Architecture practice, where he leads a team of 20+ sustainability experts. With over 20 years of experience, Colin has been recognized on BD+C's "40 Under 40" list and is a frequent speaker at major events including TEDx and SXSW. 🌱Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Colin shares revolutionary approaches to sustainable design: Key Insight #1: The Evolution Beyond Sustainability The Challenge: Traditional sustainability metrics have become watered down over the past 20-30 years. The Solution: Implementing regenerative design frameworks that target pre-industrial revolution performance metrics. ROI: Achieving net-positive impacts in energy, carbon, water, and human health. Key Insight #2: Mass Timber Revolution The Challenge: High-carbon traditional building materials and construction methods. The Solution: 75+ mass timber projects, including first-of-their-kind healthcare facilities. ROI: Reduced embodied carbon while maintaining structural performance and expanding into new building types. Key Insight #3: Electrification & Resilience The Challenge: Fossil fuel dependency in building operations. The Solution: Full building electrification with integrated resilience strategies. ROI: 99% of California projects now all-electric, with growing adoption nationwide. Sustainable Soundbite "We can't just improve slightly from what it was 30 years ago when we had ecological disasters and poor air quality. We do need to go back to pre-industrial and agricultural revolution metrics if we're truly going to figure our way out of this mess that we're in." - Colin Rohlfing Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Start tracking both operational and embodied carbon in your projects. This Quarter: Implement energy modeling with payback analysis on all projects. This Year: Develop regenerative design metrics for your practice that go beyond traditional sustainability targets. Connect & Learn More 🌿 Connect with Colin: 🗒️ Read the transcript: 🔗 Watch Colin's TEDx Talk on regenerative design at Ted.com Want More Green Building Insights? Newsletter coming soon! Green Building Matters, Inc © 2025 | Good Green Fun™

Mark Chen, National Carbon Manager at Skanska, a global construction and development firm. Mark has over nine years of industry experience and has worked on a range of projects with high sustainability goals, including LEED, ILFI Living Building Challenge, and Zero Carbon certifications.    Mark also brings expertise in corporate emissions reporting, corporate emissions reduction strategy, embodied carbon accounting and reduction strategy utilizing the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) tool, and construction activity embodied carbon accounting and reduction strategy.   His most recent project experience includes managing the sustainability strategy for a multi-billion-dollar campus redevelopment project, a multitude of data center projects, and many other project types across the country.   Show Highlights   Air quality issues in Southern California fostered a lifelong interest in sustainability and the desire to improve the built environment. Mark’s knowledge of sustainability and carbon reduction strategies in construction projects as the Leading initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive sustainability efforts as the National Carbon Manager at Skanska. Skanska's climate commitments:  70% emissions reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2045. Use of alternative clean fuels, research on electric and hydrogen-powered equipment. Focus on embodied carbon in construction Tracking emissions across projects, with varying levels based on client requirements. Providing embodied carbon assessments for structural materials on all projects using EC3 tools. Decarbonization in construction material manufacturing, innovation in electric and hydrogen equipment, digital footprint concerns Use of alternative clean fuels, research on electric and hydrogen-powered equipment. "Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable and realizing that putting yourself in those uncomfortable positions and situations - while in the moment doesn't feel great - is where the most growth comes from." -Mark Chen   Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2025 GBES

With an extensive background in sustainable architecture, Allison Bernett worked to reverse climate change and improve quality of life through innovative design. Allison Bernett pursued a diverse career spanning architecture, sustainable design, and biology, reflecting her belief that the most effective solutions to the climate crisis emerge from integrating the natural and built environments.   Her expertise includes regenerative design, design for manufacturing and assembly, whole life carbon analysis, building performance simulation, and health and wellness strategies. As the founder of Vireo Design & Strategy, she leveraged this expertise to develop climate-positive solutions for her clients.    Previously, Allison worked as the Sustainability Manager at the modular housing company Assembly OSM, where she guided designs through Passive House and WELL compliance. She also contributed to pioneering sustainability projects and research at Terrapin Bright Green, such as Factory as a Forest. Allison is a published author on early design building simulation and a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and biology from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.Arch degree from Cornell University.   Through design and technology informed by the natural world, She believes that we can and must transform the built environment to support ecosystems, reverse climate change, and foster thriving communities.   Show Highlights   Advocated for Passive House design at Assembly OSM Developed ecological performance metrics for factories to integrate biological principles into factory design, enhancing sustainability and ecological impact. Allison started Vireo Design & Strategy to focus on diverse projects aimed at achieving a climate-positive future.  Focuses on driving towards a climate positive future by going beyond net-zero to regenerative design, Emphasizes the importance of Passive House principles Highlights the significance of WELL certification for creating healthful spaces Stresses the need to consider both energy/carbon and human factors in design "Be open to new opportunities that may not seem like a perfect fit with your plan... especially in the sustainable design field. It's evolving so fast, so rapidly. There are new jobs and new roles and new specialties and needs coming out every year."   Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2025 GBES

Mike Bahr is the Regional Sustainability Manager at Turner Construction Company. Mike is responsible for helping clients achieve their sustainability goals by implementing efforts in embodied carbon, material selection, hybrid & electric equipment, and other sustainability initiatives.    Mike is a leader in embodied carbon and understands the challenges that need to be overcome in sustainability, piloting efforts to track across all A-stages of a building’s lifecycle including best practices for A4 emissions. Mike has led sustainability implementation on over 4,000,000 sf of certified green building space, covered LEED, WELL and Living Building Challenge programs. Mike is also a member of the Market Leadership Advisory Board for USGBC Iowa.   Prior to his full-time sustainability role, Mike worked as a project manager and engineer across diverse projects including health care, high-rise, multi-family, historical renovation, adaptive reuse & tenant improvement. These past experiences provide Mike with valuable knowledge of the challenges and opportunities the construction industry has ahead as it continues to push towards a more sustainable, just future. “Buildings are ubiquitous, supporting virtually every business, supply chain, economic need, and positive social outcome globally. However, buildings are responsible for nearly 50% of global GHG emissions, a significant amount of landfill waste, and can lead to negative health outcomes for individuals when poorly designed and operated.”   Mike works to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions through delivering more sustainable buildings and real estate, at every stage of the lifecycle. He has contributed to positive outcomes on nearly 5 million square feet of 3rd party certified buildings spanning the LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge programs.    Additional efforts have included construction equipment electrified, low-carbon materials, and circularity initiatives. He has achieved this through supply chain partnership, internal consensus building, and industry collaboration.   Show Highlights   Future trends in biodiversity and the circular economy. Recycling and embodied carbon while emphasizing client-driven initiatives.  Turner's Approach to Sustainability Focuses on adapting national sustainability programs to local markets. Challenges in sustainability practices can differ significantly based on regional infrastructure and policies. Emphasis on client-driven sustainability approaches. On-site energy and fuel use for ESG program. Pushing for electric construction equipment to reduce emissions and air pollution. Implementing biodiversity assessments can lead to more sustainable design practices. Promoting the use of native species and habitats in project planning. Explore circular economy principles in building materials and processes.   "Go out and find your people...USGBC chapters, Carbon Leadership Forum, the networks...Just kind of find those people, get to know each other, work together. This is fulfilling work, but it is challenging and there are a lot of obstacles."- Mike Bahr      Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2025 GBES

Francesco Iorio, CEO of Augmenta, steers his team toward innovative AI solutions in construction. He shares a fascinating journey from gaming to pioneering generative design, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. The discussion dives into the crucial role of data and AI in modern building practices while highlighting the need for strategic data collection. Iorio also reflects on embracing failure as a lesson in innovation, offering personal insights that balance work and leisure, ultimately inspiring listeners to pursue their ambitions with technology.

Matthew Warren, Director of Business Development at Insight Partners, a leading commercial HVAC solutions provider headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. In his role, he leverages his extensive expertise in business development, sales, account management, and marketing strategy to help building owners and facility managers optimize their HVAC systems' performance. At Insight Partners, Matthew leads initiatives to provide streamlined solutions for large energy users, focusing on factory-direct HVAC equipment and comprehensive system optimization. His team specializes in delivering high-quality HVAC equipment and parts directly from manufacturers, while offering expert diagnosis, upgrade recommendations, and performance optimization services. Matthew's approach emphasizes personalized service, understanding that each building presents unique challenges and opportunities. Under his leadership, Insight Partners works closely with clients to develop customized solutions that enhance indoor comfort, reduce energy consumption, and extend equipment lifespan. His commitment to delivering projects on time and on budget has helped establish Insight Partners as a trusted name in the commercial HVAC industry. Active across multiple professional platforms, Matthew maintains a strong digital presence where he shares industry insights and connects with clients and partners. He can be found on various social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where he continues to build relationships and share his expertise in commercial HVAC solutions and business development.   Show Highlights   The critical need to prioritize building performance and energy efficiency over merely adding solar solutions. Challenges in industrial energy efficiency and the significant growth potential in the HVAC market. Matthew’s entrepreneurial spirit and transition from agriculture and landscaping. Focus on building performance and energy efficiency before adding solar panels to buildings. Insight Partners, focusing on solving building performance issues for large energy users. Industry trends and the evolving nature of energy efficiency solutions. Changes in refrigerants and the potential issues with spray foam insulation. New professionals should focus on building performance and to be adaptable in their approach. "Not everyone embraces sustainability, and that’s okay. Focus on the clients who at least see value in energy efficiency/cost reduction and that will lead to more sustainability conversations." - Matthew Warren Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2025 GBES

Nostromo Energy’s Yaron Ben-Nun and the Need for Thermal Storage in Decarbonization   Yaron Ben-Nun, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Nostromo Energy (TASE:NOST) where his vision for reducing carbon emissions led to the development of the company’s IceBrick™ energy storage technology to help decarbonize buildings. A passionate environmental advocate, he has a background in big data analytics for industrial energy conservation and has held leadership positions at several clean-tech software companie   Yaron’s team designed an ice thermal energy storage system that is challenging the current energy storage landscape. With proven technology, their system is perfectly safe with zero degradation over 10 years of operation. Their first commercial deployment has been running since June 2019 and they have 3 systems under construction in total capacity of 3.8 mWh.   Show Highlights   Nostromo focuses on using water as an energy storage medium. Technology allows for retrofitting existing buildings to become sustainable energy storage systems. Ideal project specifications and electric bill structure for determining project viability. The growing importance of buildings in energy management as the green economy evolves particularly in large buildings with high cooling demands. Nostromo's technology is best suited for buildings with significant cooling loads. Inefficiencies of traditional energy storage methods like lithium-ion batteries. Enabling retrofitting of existing buildings into sustainable energy systems. The green economy is growing, and clean energy transformation is inevitable. Buildings must become proactive participants in energy management. Local regulations like New York's Local Law 97 are crucial for driving sustainability in the building sector.   “You should wish to fail fast. That's what I'm saying. After a few failures, if you actually learn something from it, you will have success. So you need not only to get up on your feet, you need to know that it's all about how you get up from failure.”- Yaron Ben-Nun     Show Resource and Information   Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2025 GBES