The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

TITLE: Smart, Sustainable Buildings with TÜV SÜD’s Dr. Hannes Raoul Endriß Dr Hannes Raoul Endriß has been leading the global and newly established Smart Sustainable Buildings Business Line at TÜV SÜD from October 2021. The business line covers topics such as green buildings, ESG, digital twins and drone operations.    Hannes has worked in construction and project management on various national and international projects, as well as product owner for BIM and AR software. Most recently, he worked in a start-up company as CTO, operating BIM-capable software on all continents.   Hannes started with an apprenticeship as a draftsman and now holds a Master of Engineering as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration from Liverpool John Moores University.   Show Highlights   Necessity for existing structures to adapt to increasing sustainability mandates. Emphasizing on transparency and benchmarking in energy efficiency. The critical impact of technology in sustainable construction. TÜV SÜD’s focus on advancing sustainability initiatives over the next five years.  The importance of integrating sustainable practices and technologies in building design and operation to reduce carbon footprints. Hannes discusses his role at TUF Suit and the company's international footprint. The growing trend of green building certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Green Mark. The importance of these certifications in the global market. The need for existing buildings to adapt. Insights on the importance of these certifications in the global market.   “...buildings still can stay competitive if they get [LEED or equal] Certified and if they make measures to improve their performance in a stepwise approach. I definitely see this landscape growing also in Singapore where we have green building certification even being mandatory. Overall, in countries that are more on the wide side of green building certification, there is an emerging trend of getting certifications done and making real estate assets future proof.” - Dr. Hannes Raoul Endriß      Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Rohan Rawte based in Singapore, is the Managing Director at IESVE Singapore Pte Ltd. He brings experience from previous roles at IES Ltd., Integrated Environmental Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., SimCosm India Pvt. Ltd. and In-Finite Solutions. Director Asia and Middle East, Rohan has been involved in the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) industry for almost 20 years.    Initially specialising in the use of digital twins for avoiding failure, extending life/warranty, and optimizing cost in the mechanical and automotive industries, Rohan transitioned from the mechanical industry to the built environment when he joined IES in 2010.   Rohan now manages multiple divisions for IES across the Middle East, India and Asia. Based in Singapore, he is currently focused on developing the company’s regional HQ in Asia, drawing on his experience in facing new markets, supporting the development and sale of new products, developing global and local partnerships and fostering multi-disciplinary global teams to drive results.   Show Highlights   An essential tool for optimizing building performance to ensure buildings operate as designed. The integration of AI with digital twins is expected to enhance predictive modeling and data optimization. The need for AI in real estate and the importance of decarbonization efforts. Addressing decarbonization in buildings to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Immediate action is needed from the building sector to address their contribution to global carbon emissions. Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) focus on building design  Technology that aids in designing and operating high-performance buildings.  Sustainability and decarbonization. The company's flagship product, the Virtual Environment. The integration of digital twins with IoT systems and AI technologies  enabling predictive modeling and optimization of building operations.   “One of the areas where there is a lot of action that's taking place is on the embodied carbon side where it's not just about efficient operations, but it's also about what's in the material. I think this is a very green area for exploration, for growth, and for really getting into depth of understanding how we produce, how we use, and how we recycle.” - Rohan Rawte     Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Michael is a seasoned business strategist in the AEC tech sector with a focus on structural engineering and fabrication. He practiced as a structural engineer at Ellerbe Becket, holds an MS in Civil Engineering, an MBA from Michael J. Coles College of Business and is a Professional Engineer from California. He is also certified in AI for Business Managers from MIT. Michael Gustafson is an Innovative business strategist with a demonstrated history of impactful change in the architecture, engineering and construction sector.  Customer-centric professional skilled in Strategic Planning, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Go-to-Market Strategy and Strategic Partnerships. Michael has deep industry and technology expertise in Structural Engineering, Building Information Modeling and AI/Generative Design.  Proven leader that inspires others to create success. Passionate about reducing the carbon footprint of our built environment to address climate change. Show Highlights   Reducing embodied carbon in construction for mitigating climate change and achieving sustainability goals. The potential of AI in concrete and steel optimization to analyze vast datasets. Commercializing cost-carbon analysis for steel connections. Interactive design optimization to minimize waste in steel connections while maintaining necessary standardization for ease of construction. Sublime Systems and Carbon Cure innovations in concrete space. Highlights Nucor's efforts in using nuclear energy for steel production. Expresses concern about embodied carbon in global construction. The industries need international cooperation in reducing embodied carbon.   “Over the last two years, we've been making a slight shift with the technology to be more focused upstream because we've seen the impact on reducing waste inefficiency as well as better carbon planning, focusing more on owners, general contractors, and structural engineers. Recently we've released new technologies integrated on Autodesk Revit.”   Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Corey Squire, AIA, is a dedicated leader in sustainable design and advocacy within the architectural industry. With a career focused on advancing high-performance design, Corey has played a pivotal role in enabling award-winning firms to integrate sustainability into their work. His expertise has positioned him as a recognized thought leader, with frequent lectures on sustainability topics nationwide.  Notably, Corey was a lead author of the AIA Framework and Toolkit, which are transforming standards of excellence in the built environment. Corey’s academic foundation includes a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. As an Associate Principal, he continues to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture, guiding leadership and practice toward a carbon-free future. Show Highlights   Insights into the challenges and strategies for advancing sustainable architecture. A Framework for Design Excellence for AIA that has influenced industry standards and practices. Sustainable design strategies that prioritize environmental impact, occupant well-being, and social justice. Encourages collaboration among project teams to ensure consistent application of sustainability strategies. Research on passive survivability key considerations.  Reducing peak cooling load can enhance building resilience against extreme weather events. Simplifies complex sustainability topics for non-professionals. Discusses non-traditional building systems like trees and occupant behavior.   “...what the Framework For Design Excellence did, was formally integrate these ideas so now sustainable design, resilient design, healthy design, and equitable design is just…good design…this was a major step forward for the profession and we're still moving that direction.” - Corey Squire     Show Resource and Information (Corey’s Book) Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Don is the founder of Just Capital Quotient, where his team is focused on driving sustainable transformations for businesses. While sustainability in residential and smaller-scale projects is important, Don's mission is to show how businesses can integrate green building principles to create healthier, more sustainable environments in larger-scale commercial developments.  His work goes beyond traditional green buildings, offering a holistic approach that blends sustainability with ethical and spiritual considerations, making it relevant for the business community. Don's unique background as a consultant and theologian allows him to address sustainability from practical and values-driven perspectives. Don shares new insights into how commercial spaces—often overlooked in sustainability conversations—can be transformed to benefit not only the environment but also the people who work and operate in them. A dedicated online professional who began his career in the Internet space right out of college, never looking back. He loves everything about working online, from non-standard hours and unconventional workplaces to challenging projects and engaging people.  Over the years, his career has spanned various industries, but he found his true calling in research around 14 years ago. The dynamic, project-based nature of online research, with its short timelines and constant transitions to new challenges, perfectly matches his drive for variety. Curiosity is a significant part of what fuels his passion. He’s constantly intrigued by unusual client requests—such as surveying one-armed yak farmers in Memphis—and loves figuring out how to meet client needs while winning their business. Despite the humor in these unconventional requests, he thrives on the challenge. He is the co-author of Jesus Wants to Save Christians with Rob Bell. You may have seen him in Huffington Post, The New York Times, CNN, or NPR. In addition to his work with JCQ, he is the Chief Impact Officer at Threefold Private Equity.  Specialties: Online marketing, business development, online research, product development, MR panel management, sales, and sales team management. Show Highlights The concept of 'intrinsic impact' in business. A multi-capitals framework that incorporates profit, people, place, and planet. The need for personal growth and engagement to drive sustainable change in their organizations. Innovative projects aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency in traditional industries. Emphasizes the importance of the inner life of business leaders in driving change. Highlights challenges of introducing disruptive technology in static industries. 'Necessity of You' framework: wake up, grow up, and show up. Uncover the resistances people have to the disruptive technology. “What I love to do is work with companies to help them find that category of one leadership where they become the most impactful and sustainable solution in their industry. That's what I love doing.”  Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

T.R. is a seasoned leader in the clean energy sector, bringing more than a decade of expertise in management and executive roles within the solar industry. He has guided both large and small solar companies, with a strong emphasis on sales, marketing, and finance, and played a key role in advancing solar lending in the Northeast. T.R. earned his MBA from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands and was one of the first in the U.S. to achieve NABCEP Technical Sales certification, solidifying his standing as a pioneer in the solar industry.   ABCEP PV Technical Sales, Solar Power Financing, Solar Leasing, Residential Marketing and Sales, Database Marketing, Business Development. Major Account Relationship Management, selling IT Strategy and Management services, IT Consulting Sales   Specialties: Vendor selection, negotiation, benchmarking, industry analysis, opportunity planning, go-to-market strategy, and channel strategy   Show Highlights   The future of solar and storage, highlighting the concept of virtual power plants and the hurdles of battery deployment. The founding of Brooklyn Solarworks and the innovative solar canopy product for flat roofs in NYC. Solar and storage systems and exploring the Amicus Solar Cooperative for mission-driven initiatives. New York City solar incentives: Federal, state, and unique local incentives available. The need for innovative solutions, such as solar canopies, to address challenges with solar installations to comply with fire department regulations. The integration of solar and storage systems is expected to enhance energy resilience and reliability for homeowners and businesses. Virtual power plant concept for distributed energy resources. Challenges with battery deployments in NYC due to fire department restrictions.   “It’s never too late! If you've got special skills and you can bring something to the table, there's definitely a place in solar renewables for you. Because this industry and this sort of general set of technologies is going to grow so fast in the next ten years because of things like the Inflation Reduction Act, climate change, energy prices, etc. There's going to be so much opportunity…so go for it, get your foot in the door, do whatever you have to do to just get some experience.”     Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Leading two groundbreaking ventures, Wild Orchard and RePure, my journey in the wellness industry is marked by innovation and a commitment to health and regeneration which goes beyond sustainability. At Wild Orchard, we've successfully introduced the world's first Regenerative Organic Certified teas, a testament to our dedication to exceptional quality, beyond sustainable farming practices, and farmworker fairness.    Wild Orchard teas have earned 24 medals at the most prestigious global tea competitions, and can be found in top organic retailers like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and many others. Our award-winning teas are also featured in Michelin-rated restaurants, where they are celebrated for their purity and exceptional quality.   With RePure, we've turned our focus to the home environment, providing families with top-tier wellness technology that prioritizes indoor air and water quality. Our healthy home operating system has earned accolades such as the 2023 CTA Wellness Product of the Year, and Health & Wellness Project of the Year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, reflecting our impact on creating smarter, healthier living spaces.    By merging my expertise in regenerative organic products and wellness technology, I'm steering both companies toward a future where we regenerate our soil, bring more nature into our lives and use a bit of technology to fill in the gaps for a longer healthspan for all.   Show Highlights   Michael's Dual Roles: Michael shares insights from his work optimizing indoor environments through his company, RePure, and his regenerative organic tea brand. Cross-Industry Innovation: Both businesses are interconnected, allowing for the innovative application of health and wellness principles across different industries. Healthier Living Spaces: Focus on optimizing indoor air and water quality for improved health in residential and commercial environments. Regenerative Organic Tea: The tea company emphasizes regenerative practices, is regenerative organic certified, and promotes health benefits while supporting environmental sustainability. Career Advice: Michael reflects on overcoming growing up as an introvert and how traveling when young broadens perspectives and fosters personal growth. Consumer Demand: Growing interest in healthier living spaces is driving innovation and investment in wellness real estate. Wellness Real Estate Growth: As the fastest-growing sector in the wellness industry, it presents lucrative opportunities for architects, builders, designers, and developers. Design Impact on Health: Michael highlights that architecture and design are never neutral—they either contribute to or degrade health. Community Engagement: Emphasizing the importance of volunteering and mentoring, Michael discusses the value of engaging with communities and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. "The demand for wellness solutions in real estate is rapidly growing. Whether you are a builder, architect, designer, integrator or developer, I encourage you to explore offering wellness-focused products and services. Doing so will not only elevate your business but also bring significant value to the clients you serve."   —Michael Don Ham     Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Levar Jackson, Founder and CEO of Yogh Group, is a sustainable hotel development visionary. He discusses innovative solutions like infinitely reusable canvases for hotel art and algae systems for textiles and food. Levar emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the financial returns of sustainability, especially post-COVID. He shares insights on mentorship, personal growth, and the challenges of urban sustainability. The conversation inspires listeners to adopt innovative, accountable practices in the green movement and highlights the interconnected nature of travel and sustainability.

Rebecca Riss is originally from White Plains, New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Studio Art from Carleton College in Minnesota and Master of Architecture from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.    Her passion for sustainability has led her to be active in AIA New York COTE, a steering committee member for the Carbon Leadership Forum New York Chapter, and the Carbon Leadership Hub Policy Lead, just to name a few.   A true environmentalist, Rebecca is excited by the change in architecture, as the approach to sustainability continues to respond to new research, technology, and priorities.  Her involvement and initiative have helped develop and implement updated standards, advocate for meaningful policy changes, and explore more holistic methods for evaluating a project’s health and environmental impacts across the industry.  Rebecca’s motivation comes from the colleagues and the communities she serves. She states, “It is inspiring to work with smart, caring, and inquisitive people to positively impact our neighbors and our future generations.”   AIA Framework for Design Excellence design principles that integrate sustainability into all aspects of architecture. Exploring tools for embodied carbon analysis and outreach to suppliers for detailed reporting. Excited about AIA Materials Pledge and increased manufacturer disclosure. Material vetting strategies for lower embodied carbon products ensuring products with lower environmental impact are prioritized. Implementing life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the overall sustainability of materials throughout their entire lifecycle. Integrating both operational and embodied carbon strategies to minimize overall carbon footprint in building design. Encouraging client education and advocacy for sustainable practices. Sustainable design practices tailored to meet the unique needs of educational, public facilities, and municipalities to enhance community infrastructure. “...If you're getting into this green building movement now - just be proactive about going outside of your comfort zone. Take initiative to do what interests you and explore the questions that you're invested in. And you don't need to ask permission of people to take those next steps and dive into the sustainability issues that you're particularly interested in exploring.”  -Rebecca Riss      Show Resource and Information LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES

Andrew Pace, Healthy Building Expert, Creator of the Non Toxic Environments podcast.    Andrew Pace is a Healthy Home Concierge and Founder of The Green Design Center, a leading resource for homeowners and contractors looking to source products that are healthy and green and receive expert consulting advice on designing and building healthy green homes.    Andrew is the host of the Non Toxic Environments Podcast. He is a worldwide expert on green and healthy building products and services customers and contractors from around the globe.    As founder of the oldest healthy building supply company in the United States, Andrew has become one of the single most helpful and educational experts dealing with the day-to-day concerns of those individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities.     Andrew serves as a board member of the Change the Air Foundation and has been featured in numerous national media outlets. Please follow along at @nontoxicenviornments and https://www.thegreendesigncenter.com.          His projects and expertise have been featured in numerous media outlets and industry podcasts including Real Simple,  Men's Health , Architectural Digest and Wellnessmama just to name a few.     He has recently presented alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Deepak Chopra as part of the 2023 Change The Air Summit with host Michael Rubino and discussed The Science of Healthy Buildings at the Healthier Tech Summit. Andrew serves as a board member of the Change the Air Foundation.   Eye opening health risks associated with traditional construction methods. Growing concern over mold due to energy-efficient building practices.  Focuses on human health concerns in construction to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants in indoor building design. Industry trends and a renewed excitement in healthy building post-pandemic. Wisconsin climate challenges create challenges for building design and materials. Whole-home projects to create healthier living environments. A proactive approach to adapting to industry changes in the rapidly evolving green building industry. Engaging with clients and peers provides valuable insights that contribute to personal and professional growth. Traveling to learn about sustainable practices in different cultures can provide unique insights into local environmental stewardship. Diverse approaches to sustainability can inspire innovative solutions for modern challenges.   “A lot of the problems that people are going through health-wise can be attributed to how we live in our built environment. Understanding what's happening from a health standpoint really helps me decide on how we're going to approach our new podcast season, who we're going to talk to, maybe the things that we need to look for.” -Andrew Pace  Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES   GBES is excited our membership community is growing. Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more assurance that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community!   If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on .  We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the !   Copyright © 2024 GBES