

The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti
Charlie Cichetti
Do green buildings matter to you? This podcast fuels your fire with inspiring interviews from industry and nonprofit leaders across the built environment.
Not sure if green building matters? Listen to the personal stories of our guests and let Charlie's passion help convince you why green buildings are essential to our shared future.
Each episode illustrates a unique journey through sustainability and towards resilience. Charlie explores the challenges and celebrations of the movers and shakers in the green building industry.
Hear behind the scene stories from the inner world of green and healthy building design, construction, and management.
Not sure if green building matters? Listen to the personal stories of our guests and let Charlie's passion help convince you why green buildings are essential to our shared future.
Each episode illustrates a unique journey through sustainability and towards resilience. Charlie explores the challenges and celebrations of the movers and shakers in the green building industry.
Hear behind the scene stories from the inner world of green and healthy building design, construction, and management.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2019 • 14min
Tips for Greenbuild (Conference & Expo) with Charlie Cichetti
About this Episode Today's episode is about the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Charlie tells some stories from some of his past conferences as well as "pro tips" on how to get the most out of this event each year whether you are a first time attendee or have been to several! About 20,000 green building professionals from all over the world get together each year with rotating host cities/venues. This year's Greenbuild will be at the Georgia World Congress Center, November 19-22 in Atlanta, GA. Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. It provides the opportunity to visit with top suppliers to see the latest green building technology, and features three groundbreaking days of inspiring speakers, invaluable networking opportunities, industry showcases, LEED workshops, Continuing Education Sessions, and tours of the host city's green buildings. Green Building Tours are one of Greenbuild's most popular and exciting features, providing the opportunity to explore green buildings ranging from higher education facilities to sports venues. Tours help attendees learn outside the convention center walls and present the best of the area's sustainable buildings and neighborhoods. Key Talking Points Why should you go to Greenbuild? Create Memories Green Building Super Bowl Best Practices Key Milestones of the Episode [00:58] Greenbuild International Conference and Expo - Introduction [01:10] What a seasoned veteran gets out of the conference [03:41] If this is your first conference... [05:14] Technical vs Master Speaker Sessions [07:08] Greenbuild Celebrations [09:50] 50 Tours to sign up for [12:05] Networking and Follow-Up Key Quotes "You leave the conference feeling that you are making a difference." "You go to get that energy, that validation that you are in the right movement." "If this is your first conference, really make sure you are getting a good mix of sessions." "We want to make sure you feel that southern hospitality when you come to Atlanta, so we'll have a Podcast Listener meetup." "Hope to see you at Greenbuild Atlanta!" From Charlie's Colleague, Kelsey A.: "My tips for Greenbuild would be to look at the seminar listings beforehand. Pick classes/seminars that interest you the most or seem most relevant to your daily work or your property/team's goals. Take notes, and get out of your comfort zone when it comes to the networking events. Remember to bring plenty of business cards!" From Charlie's Colleague, Asa P.: Network as much as possible. No other place will have such a collection of green building experts. Choose sessions that interest you – not just once that you think fit your expertise. Branch out of your comfort zone to learn new things. Attend the plenaries & keynotes, if possible. Great energy and passion for the movement. Key Resources Greenbuild International Conference and Expo Website Green Building Tours Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Sep 18, 2019 • 31min
Understanding Corporate Sustainability with William Paddock
About this Episode How much do you know about sustainability in regards to green buildings? Maybe you have no idea what that is or you have some scanty information. On this episode, we are honored to have William Paddock on the show. William is the director at WAP Sustainability. Before starting WAP Sustainability, William served as the Sustainability Manager for Mars, Inc. This experience exposed him to the broad nature of sustainability and the challenges of managing sustainability at an enterprise level. As a sustainability manager, he learned first-hand how to prioritize sustainability issues, manage competing stakeholders, and to generate budgets for sustainability projects. Key Talking Points William's journey to being the director of WAP Sustainability Understanding sustainability Understanding life cycle assessment Understanding EPDs Key Milestones of the Episode [00:58] William's introduction [07:40] William's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship [12:05] Understanding the value of what life cycle assessment brings [13:49] Evaluating carbon costs [15:25] William's proud moments [18:02] Data transparency when it comes to products [23:38] What helps William stay on point? [28:08] William's advice Key Quotes "Where there's carbon, there's costs." "We get out of bed every morning getting to do, and getting to work on something, really unique, fun, and different." "There's plenty of room for reason to change the rules." Key Resources Cradle to Cradle by Michael Braungart and William McDonought Learn More About William Paddock William Paddock is a managing director at WAP Sustainability. William is responsible for day to day management, business development, strategic partnerships and client delivery. His straightforward approach to sustainability offers business leaders a pragmatic, unbiased, third-party opinion that is designed to broaden and accelerate sustainability initiatives. LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Sep 11, 2019 • 32min
Sustainability in British Columbia with Teresa Coady
Sustainability in British Columbia with Teresa Coady About this Episode In this informative episode, we talk with Teresa Coady, an architect working on globe-transforming projects. Teresa shares her unlikely path to architecture, the work the United Nations' Environmental Programme, her "12 Principles of Conscious Construction," and why she believes we need to support the building industry as it moves into the digital age. Key Talking Points Teresa's unlikely path to architecture- - and how that made her a better architect Terea's unlikely firm-that helped lead the industry The 12 Principles of Conscious Construction Why everyone in the building industry has an important role to play for the planet Key Milestones of the Episode [1:30] Teresa's origin story [3:32] How Teresa got into sustainability before it even was a thing [5:34] Finding mentors when you are an outlier [7:36] Projects at the innovative Bunting Coady Architects [10:42] Teresa's work with the United Nations [15:05] More current projects [16:35] Where is the future of sustainability going? [18:28] 12 Principles of Conscious Construction [29:48] Rituals to keep you grounded Key Quotes "My career start was an actual refusal to be an architect because my father felt architects are underappreciated." "I realized that our industrial cities...were making us unwell." "While all the other sciences has moved onto to the digital age, architecture was still in the Dark Ages…" "Architecture is all about shaping our world so we can live better." "LEED, at its heart ...is an education program." Key Resources Rebuilding Earth: Designing Eco-conscious Habitats for Humans Other Resources BC Architect Teresa Coady Wins Canada's Top Business Award For Female Entrepreneur COP21 COP25 Montreal Protocol United Nations Environmental Programme Universal Water: The Ancient Wisdom and Scientific Theory of Water by West Marrin The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohlleben The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv Comprehensive Wealth Learn More About Teresa Coady Teresa Coady is the Board Chair of Capital Regional District. An architect by training, she co-founded her own agency, B + H Architects, winning several awards for her sustainability work. She is also a member of the United Nations Environmental Programme Advisory Board. LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Sep 6, 2019 • 34min
From Envelope Cx to Sustainability Training with Stevan Vinci
From Envelope Cx to Sustainability Training with Stevan Vinci About this Episode Energy efficiency and regulation is the focus of this Green Building Matters episode. We talk with Stevan Vinci, a LEED Fellow with various sustainability-focused credentials and many certified projects. Stevan shares how he got into sustainability, regulations, envelope commissioning, and the future of the movement. Key Talking Points Entering sustainability: How Stevan moved from mechanical engineering into sustainability and green building certifications Looking at the bigger picture in this sustainability movement Envelope Commissioning (Cx) & LEED The future of sustainability Key Milestones of the Episode [1:50] Stevan's original story [4:24] How did you get into sustainability? [5:26] Mentors [7:08] Greatest accomplishments [8:58] What is your stance on ratings? [11:26] Current projects [12:17] Understanding envelope commissioning [16:42] What does a good envelope commissioning project look like? [19:14] Are we properly training people with envelope commissioning? Key Quotes "I was more 'buildings" minded... "You can design for a rating like LEED...or you can design for true sustainability." "Our philosophy is making sure the design is right, that the building is going to perform the way the owner wants it to perform…" Key Resources Morrison Hershfield LEED Accreditations Green Globe certification LCA certification Connect with Steva Vinci Stevan Vinci is the Sustainability Specialist and Building Envelope Commissioning Practice Lead for Morrison Hershfield;. LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Aug 28, 2019 • 34min
Focusing on Improving Sustainability for the Homeowner with Matt Daigle
About this Episode In this episode, we focus on making the green building more resident-friendly. We talk with Matt Daigle, CEO and co-founder of Rise. Matt shares why he got into the sustainable movement, why homeowners need to focus more on the basics, and where the future of sustainable homes are going towards the future. Key Talking Points The one change that sparked Matt's journey into the sustainability Practical tips for getting started with green building Future of sustainability Improving the green building industry for homeowners Key Milestones of the Episode [1:26] The start of Matt's journey [5:08] The spark that moved Matt into sustainability [8:19] Mentors [11:05] Achievements [12:30] Current projects [15:50] Practical tips for reducing building costs and going green [19:30] Future of sustainability [21:35] How can we improve green buildings for homeowners Key Quotes "Things that are bigger-ticket items..just make sure that you're doing them in the right order." "What having a kid did for me ...it unlocked that desire to look into the future a little bit more in terms of what were leaving behind." Getting to work with folks who are just like crazy smart people who are really good at work they do and getting to work with them and learn from them everyday is something I can feel really proud of…" "Sustainability is the path forward. It's not a trend." Key Resource Rise Home Design Other Resources Melissa Schiffman on Green Building Matters podcast Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World Tools of Titans About Our Guest Matt Daigle is an MBA graduate who worked with tech companies until he committed to making a more positive impact on the Earth for the next generation. He is the CEO of Rise Home Design. LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Aug 21, 2019 • 28min
Google's Mary Davidge Talks Sustainability Changes in Silicon Valley Over the Years
About this Episode In this episode, we talk about the intersection of technology and "going green" with Mary Davidge who is Google's Director of Real Estate and Workplace Services. Mary shares her journey from growing up on a California ranch, and then to leading foundation-building work with Google. She also shares why she got into the sustainability movement and why she is extremely optimistic about the next generation of green professionals that are entering the industry. Key Talking Points Mary's journey from a fifth-generation Californian Art major to working with the largest tech companies in the world Early influences and mentors that led Mary to her career in sustainability How to balance internal sustainability demands with external certification What's the future of sustainability? Three perspective-shifting books you have to read Key Milestones of the Episode [1:42] The start of Mary's journey [2:39] The "Aha moment" that moved Mary into sustainability [5:01] Having Google as your first client [8:30] A look at some of Google's sustainability projects [12:40 Creating your own certification vs following the industry [16:49] Future of Sustainability [19:10] What do you think is your impact on the green building industry? [20:50] Tips for staying focused [23:00] Favorite books Key Quotes "I started as an Art major...but I quickly shifted to industrial and interior design." "I am proud to be a LEED fellow." "I'm hopeful that we're smart enough...that we begin to look at this as a system." "My greatest talent is hiring people smarter than me, helping them to work well together, and then getting out of their way/" Key Resources Portico, the Healthy Materials Tool Biophilic Design Initiative Indoor Environmental Quality (Google's Green, Clean & Mean site) Living Building Challenge and "Petals" Healthy Building Network Other Resources William McDonough Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness Connect with Mary Davidge Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Aug 14, 2019 • 37min
Leadership with Persistence in Sustainability with Caroline Verut from Mexico City
About this Episode In this episode, we speak with the multi-talented green building professional in Mexico City, Caroline Verut. Caroline is undertaking several sustainability projects in Mexico City. Caroline shares how a meditation course and email invitation to a sustainable design course (when she couldn't draw) led her to world-changing career. She also shares why it's important for all sustainability professionals, especially female leaders, to persist. Key Talking Points Caroline's international background & how she learned 3 languages by age 4 How Caroline got into the sustainability movement & why nature drives her passion to do more Understanding the principles, not just the prescription of sustainable buildings Sustainable certification in other countries Why we should be optimistic about where the sustainable industry is heading and how to do better Recognizing the importance of female leaders in the sustainable industry Key Milestones of the Episode [1:34] Caroline's unique background & education in Mexico City [3:05] Caroline's career change into sustainability from economics [7:14] Caroline's mentors & motivations [10:14] Learning to look at nature from a different perspective & Caroline's most important accomplishments [16:18] Caroline's current projects [20:00] EDGE Green Building certification [22:20] Where is the future of sustainability going? [25:00] Favorite books & why women have the power to save the planet Key Quotes "By the time I was 4, I already spoke three languages." "I don't know if it was my 'Aha moment' or the universe conspiring to take me where I needed to go." "..."and I said, ' They must have really lost it ...I don't even know how to draw." "What I see now is that kids are terrified of insects." "I think people forget how important buildings are." Key Resources Itaca Proyectos Sustentables The Influence Effect: A New Path to Power for Women Leaders Why Women Will Save the Planet Other Resources Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed: Revised Edition Jason McLennan Green Building Council of Mexico HQE certification LEED certification EDGE certification Women in Green Breakfast at the U.S. Green Building Council Silent Spring About Caroline Verut Caroline Verut left a governmental position as an economist to pursue a career in sustainability. Using her skills as a researcher and administrator, she coordinated and assisted with several projects that are transforming how Mexican society (and other green professionals) are supporting the environment. She is the assistant director of Itaca Proyectos Sustentables and the president of Conciencia y Acción Ambiental AC. Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/jump/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Aug 7, 2019 • 44min
Why a Mindshift is Vital for Growth in the Sustainability Industry with Shan Arora
About this Episode On the Podcast today, Charlie Cichetti visits with Shan Arora, Director of The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech. They discuss Shan's journey in sustainability, career highlights, mindset strategies, and regular habits that have helped him get to this next chapter. Key Talking Points Shan has over a decade of sustainability sector experience under his belt. He has served at various organizations such as Deloitte Tax and Southface Institute. At Southface, Arora honed his experience in the sustainability industry, developing content and working on urban sustainability issues, sustainability planning, stakeholder engagement, and clean energy policy. Listen in and hear: Arora's backstory before dipping his feet in the sustainability industry. Why it is important to keep updating yourself in the sustainability industry. How being versatile can help one grow in their career and sustainability world. The future of the green building movement. Key Milestones of the Episode [02:37] Shan Arora's, backstory. [06:10] How Shan fully transitioned into the sustainability industry. [07:27] Shan's team of friends who fueled his energy on his new job as mentors. [10:18] What Arora takes pride in at a personal and at a career level. [13;53] How being versatile helps him in the sustainability industry. [17:02] Examples of sustainability projects that helped him sharpen his skills in the industry. [19:47] Shan's talks about his role at the Kendeda Building for Innovative and Sustainable Design. [25:45] Shan's elaborates on his work with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light and how the organization advances Georgia's green building movement. [28:42] The future of the green building movement and sustainability. [32:39] Arora reveals what is his special gift. [38:43] Book recommendations. [41:17] What Shan wishes he knew before jumping into green building movement. Key Quotes "If you can construct to the rigorous living building challenge standards in Atlanta, then what's your excuse for anywhere else?" "We're fast approaching the end of the luxury of saying that we can have one thing to do one function. We need to figure out ways for our built environment to have multiple functions." "Sometimes people don't know what's out there until someone says, go do it, just forge your own path." "If you're really interested in a topic, you got to read about it. You got to be on top of what's happening in that world." Key Resources The Kendeda Building for Innovative and Sustainable Design. Southface Institute. Georgia Tech. The History of the Living Building Challenge. Connect with Shan Arora Shan Arora- LinkedIn Shan Arora- Twitter Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Jul 31, 2019 • 37min
From Living Buildings to SF Environment with Eden Brukman
About this episode In the Green Belt Movement Podcast today, Charlie engages Eden Brukman, who leads the Living Building Challenge. Eden Brukman is formally trained as an architect, and also a creative writer, with a strong bias in creating children's books. Eden shares her journey as an architect until she took a significant shift in her career to education advocacy in sustainability development by leaving the architectural practice. Key Talking Points Eden's backstory in architectural practice. Eden Bruk's transition in career to sustainability development. Eden's opinion on the architectural industry. The future in the sustainability industry. Key Milestones of the Episode [01:26] Eden's backstory on her background. [03:07] Why Eden was interested in venturing into architecture. [03:51] The people who inspired Eden to focus on architecture. [08:14] Eden's opinion on the architecture industry. [14:58] How Eden delved into the sustainability industry. [20:03] Eden's current goals and projects in the sustainability industry. [26:14] Eden's take on her career world. [27:18] The habits that help Eden remain successful in her career. [30:29] Eden Brukman's favorite book. [32:08] Eden's advice to people getting into the green building industry. [33:21] What made Eden transition from architectural practice into advocacy education. Key Quotes "Architecture is a social science; we have to learn everything about design for our clients who haven't seen them to design something that will be successful to them." "Everyone has their own path and we need to embrace the path and give people the ability and help along the way to bring them along; and for them to bring others along." Key Resource The Living Building Challenge Connect with Eden Brukman Eden Brukman is on Twitter Eden Brukman is on LinkedIn Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES

Jul 24, 2019 • 41min
Passive Houses and Zero Net Energy with James Geppner
Passive Houses and Zero Net Energy with James Geppner About this Episode In this episode, Charlie talks with James Geppner about zero net energy and how we adjust our behaviors and adjust as a society. James is the Executive Director for Erase 40 in New York and has lived there for the last 30 years. Key Talking Points James's journey in the film industry to sustainability and zero net energy. Working with behaviorists to develop programs to launch Zero Building Industry Contrast of consumer behavior How our point of view can be incredibly inaccurate of what our needs will be Why wasn't the choice of passive homes commonplace What costs come with certain risks Key Milestones of the Episodes [0:41] James's background [1:48] James's unusual career [4:41] James's entry into sustainability [5:51] An enormous amount of authority at a young age [8:14] Jame's achievements [10:56] Next trend [15:50] Started studying why passive homes weren't commonplace [20:34] The Lucky Game Project [31:27] Having conversations with people who have small firms Key Quotes "Early on in my film career I ran one of the offices in New York and was connected to a studio…." "I was basically asking basic sort of very fundamental behavioral question, which is what motivates people. "It's having conviction around something so others will join you in your effort." "We tend to be very bad at predicting what our needs will be even a very short time out." Key Resources Erase 40 Website Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely, Simon Jones, et al. Death and the Afterlife: Biblical Perspectives on Ultimate Questions (New Studies in Biblical Theology) Paperback – March 6, 2018 by Paul R. Williamson Get in Contact with James James Geppner on LinkedIn Don't forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the Green Building Matters website Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram 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 www.gbes.com/join 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 iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2019 GBES


