

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

Mar 13, 2024 • 52min
Smart Cities and The Metaverse with Paul Doherty
Paul Doherty, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow, has been published by Forbes as “Changing the World.” Seen on Bloomberg TV and reported by CNBC as one of America's Business Titans, Paul is a Registered Architect and one of the global Industry's most sought after thought leaders, strategists and integrators of process, technology & business. Paul is the Founder & CEO of The Digit Group, Inc. (TDG), a leading Smart Cities design, build, operate and solutions company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. He is an author, educator, analyst and consultant to Fortune 500 organizations, government agencies, prominent institutions and the most prestigious AEC firms in the world. Paul has spent the past 30+ years in the industry after graduating cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology and graduating from the Career Discovery program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. His past successful ventures include Revit (Sold to Autodesk 2002), Buzzsaw (Sold to Autodesk 2001) and TRIRIGA (Sold to IBM 2011). He is a prominent and top rated speaker at industry events each year and has been appointed as a guest lecturer at leading Universities around the world. Paul has been on the Board of Directors/Advisors of numerous organizations, including the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) where he is an IFMA Fellow and he is a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council. Paul holds both European Union and US Citizenship, and is the co-founder of the AEC Hackathon, Widely quoted in the mass media, Paul is also a contributing author to multiple sections of the AIA Handbook of Professional Practice, the Interior Design Handbook of Practice, the McGraw Hill Graphic Standards of Residential Construction, 3 whitepaper contributions to the McGraw-Hill Financial Global Institute and author/co-author of 7 books and over 250 published articles. Show Highlights Transition to a Web-based Organization for better communication and efficiency in your work. The importance of networking and leveraging connections to expand working on an international scale. Transit, buildings, and housing are so irreparably tied together. Create environments that celebrate culture and empower people to take control of their own environment. Blend new ways of working in the built environment industry. The most important factors in the building industry and why we need to attract others. Explore new technologies and the evolution of the web with these three tools. Tips to take a holistic, or a systems approach to projects. 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

Mar 6, 2024 • 31min
Global Green: Shaping the Future of LEED and Wellness with Mercedes Oviedo
Mercedes Oviedo has a MSc in Bioclimatic Architecture and Environment fromTechnical University of Madrid School of Architecture, a MSc in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Madrid School of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Her sustainability project management experience includes a range of LEED-certified projects and other certifications. She has also been part of the LEED International Roundtable Committee since 2011, where she has contributed to the globalization and regionalization of LEED across Europe. She has also been an educational speaker at Greenbuild Brazil. At e4, inc. Mercedes Oviedo is an Associate and LEED project manager. She has expertise in green building sustainability practices, as well extensive technical knowledge in passive architecture, energy-efficiency and water-efficiency strategies for buildings and their applications in different regions. Her previous professional experience has been in international projects, most of them consisting of large-scale office buildings and mixed-use developments. She has experience in leading multidisciplinary project teams, helping them achieve sustainable goals by applying an integrated approach. Additionally, Ms. Oviedo has been committed to and involved in promoting sustainability education, working for three years with Green Building Council Spain (GBCe) on their LEED educational program. Show Highlights Better understanding the LEED certification system and other certifications like Fitwel and Envision. Mercedes encourages individuals to seize opportunities in an evolving industry with great potential for growth. How LEED has evolved into a global certification system. Examination of international standards and perspectives on LEED certification with the LEED International Roundtable Committee. Integration of LEED certification with other certifications like Fitwel and Envision green infrastructure certification. Importance of credentials in sustainability careers. Mercedes shares the importance of gaining a global perspective on LEED certification. “This new generation has brought [Wellness] to our attention. Emotional stability is very important. We have to pay attention to how everyone's feeling within the work environment. Are we designing these spaces in a way that people are excited to come? Do they feel healthy? They're not only healthy, but they feel healthy.” -Mercedes Oviedo 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

Feb 29, 2024 • 37min
Green Finance: The Tip of the Spear for the Real Estate Revolution
Monte Hilleman, comes to us as an expert in the green building industry with over 25 years of experience and a strong reputation for credible and authentic urban development that maintains the vitality and sustainability of urban spaces. Monte has built his legacy at the forefront of developing and advancing ESG goals to create social, ecological and economic transformation. Monte's leadership and experience in equitable economic and community development, including real estate transactions and finance, renewable energy infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainable urban design and development, is leading the industry towards a regenerative and equitable future. Show Highlights The importance of environmental justice, successful redevelopment projects and the development of net zero energy buildings. Monty talks about his role in Climate Investment Solutions and offers advice for those interested in a career in sustainability. The need to understand the broader ecosystem of sustainability encourages individuals to find ways to make a big impact. Both the ease and difficulty of implementing green and sustainable practices in his region and Minnesota’s long track record of being a pioneer in a lot of environmental policy. Understanding the different versions of the LEED program, such as LEED for Neighborhood Development and LEED for Cities and Communities. ‘Green pro formas’ and utilizing tools for reviewing projects and associated incentives. Broad-based exposure and finding the biggest lever to create impact in a mission-driven field. Strategies for achieving sustainability goals within a limited timeframe. “We're at the beginning of ten years of a revolution in how we build and finance buildings in this country. And I don't think most of the market quite understands that there is so much money being infused in such a very particular way, so carefully guided to carbon emissions reductions, energy efficiency, assisting these projects to get financed and get out of the ground, or get retrofitted. It really is going to be a game changer for the foreseeable future.” -Monte Hilleman 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

Feb 21, 2024 • 52min
Construction Tech Enables Sustainability with Jason Perez
TITLE: Construction Tech Enables Sustainability with Jason Perez Jason Perez, is the CEO and co-founder of YARDZ, a construction technology company. Entrepreneur, Advisor, Forever Student and Mentor. Founder of a Construction Technology start-up and ATDC Accelerate company. “I love life, I love business and love solving industry problems through simple business solutions. Most importantly, I am thankful for the personal and professional leaders who have taught me and I am honored by those who allow me to pass that wisdom on.” Show Highlights Healthy innovation, “mixed solutions” and balancing the application of technology in all aspects of the industry. Discuss construction, construction technology, and innovation in the industry. Emphasize the importance of ‘Reducing’ as a key component of sustainability. Talks about entrepreneurship and green building. Importance of continuous learning and personal growth in the industry. Exploring the potential of emerging technologies in construction. Importance of prioritizing efficiency in construction projects. Application of Agile methodologies and iteration in construction. Integration of AI and technology for better construction solutions. Embracing research and finding one's own path in the industry. “We have major issues. We've got to fix efficiency first, because all we're going to do is get battery-driven excavators[,] have them drain a battery and then charge them on electrical grids which could be produced by anything. Could be fossil, could be hydro, could be any number of things. But it all starts with reduce, reduce. And we have got to get better at that. And if you don't have the tools to do it, then you're not going to do it.” -Jason Perez Show Resource and Information on 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

Feb 14, 2024 • 36min
Director of Sustainability and Dog Whisperer Erica Weeks
Erica Weeks, is a licensed architect who has dedicated her career to sustainability. Erica manages the Sustainability Services Sector at Hastings Architecture, where she works with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors across the country to facilitate sustainability rating systems. Erica has a keen ability to create synergies between disciplines and execute cross discipline calculations. Erica earned her first LEED AP credential in 2006 and has facilitated the sustainability process on over 200 projects, under the array of available rating systems. She frequently presents at local, regional and national conferences for organizations such as the AIA and USGBC (US Green Building Council). She sits on the USGBC’s Water Efficiency Technical Advisory Group (WE TAG), a global cohort of water experts that share knowledge to enhance requirements for water in the future versions of LEED. (2022-2023) Erica is in her second term nationally with the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence cohort, addressing sustainability for the “every-day” architect in the AIA’s toolkits and has been a Committee on the Environment technical reviewer for the AIA’s annual COTE Top 10 Awards program. (2021-2023). In June 2021, during USGBC Live, Erica was recognized as one of two individual Regional Leaders in the USGBC’s “Big South” (15 states, from Maryland to Texas) for her on-going leadership to create sustainable buildings and communities. In 2017, Erica was named one of Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence, in the category of Inspiration/Mentoring, for her on-going support of professional education within Hastings and beyond. Erica provides project-based mentorship to design professionals, with the overall goals of making sustainability inherent to the design/construction process and fostering the education of the next generation of design professionals. In October 2020, Erica was named a “Shero” in Courage by the US Green Building Council, for continuing to challenge the ‘business-as-usual’ thinking of the design and construction industry to make sustainability an embedded priority. Show Highlights Insights on upcoming trends and developments in green building, such as LEED version 5 and the AIA's framework for design excellence. The involvement in various organizations promotes continuous learning and improvement in green building practices. Advice on emphasizing the importance of knowledge and avoiding greenwashing. Tips on pushing the boundaries and raising the bar in sustainability. Erica emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest research in the field and making sure you agree with the credit language. Familiarize yourself with AIA”s ten different principles around energy, resources, water, integrated design and discovery. The value of obtaining credentials and expertise in rating systems. Avoid being a “regular engineer” to find what you are meant to do in the built environment. “How do we implement all these other actual design features to make people feel connected with culture, feel connected with ecology? I think that question is increasingly important as we focus on more equitable social responsibility issues.” -Erica Weeks Show Resource and Information In 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

Feb 7, 2024 • 52min
Unlocking the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for Real Estate: Boosting Profits & Sustainability
"Unlocking the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for Real Estate: Boosting Profits & Sustainability" where you will delve into the history and significance of the IRA. Discover how sustainable design principles are deeply embedded in this legislation and supported by guidance from key government agencies, including the IRS, Treasury Department, and Department of Energy. Explore real-world financial modeling examples showcasing the synergy of various IRA tools, Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing, and other incentives, culminating in a 'Net Zero Proforma.' This session will take you beyond the 'what' of the IRA, providing insights into 'how' it can be effectively utilized in conventional commercial real estate financing. What You Will Learn: - Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Inflation Reduction Act's historical background and core elements. - See how sustainable design principles are integrated into the IRA and endorsed by influential government entities. - Witness practical applications through real-world financial modeling examples, demonstrating the stacking, modeling, and monetization of IRA tools and incentives in a 'Net Zero Proforma.' - Acquire the knowledge and strategies needed to leverage the IRA in commercial real estate financing, moving from theory to practical implementation. Monte Hilleman, Vice President of Environmental Compliance and Investment With over 25 years of experience and a strong reputation as a credible and authentic urban development professional who strives to maintain the vitality and sustainability of urban areas, Monte has been at the forefront of developing and advancing ESG goals to create social, ecological and economic transformation. Monte's leadership and experience in equitable economic and community development (including real estate transactions and finance, renewable energy infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainable urban design and development) is guiding the industry towards a more regenerative and equitable future. Show Highlights Understand components of the Inflation Reduction Act and how it can benefit the real estate development industry Introduces the concept of Climate Investment Solutions and the tools developed by Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) to understand and utilize green financing options. Highlight the various programs and tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act, such as clean energy loans, federal Department of Energy programs, and tax credits. Explain the benefits of direct pay and transferability of tax credits. Present the Green Financing Applicability Matrix, Feasibility Snapshot, and Net Zero Pro Formas as tools to help appraisers, lenders, and investment committees understand and evaluate the financial impacts of green financing options. Emphasize the importance of engaging experts early in the project development process to maximize the financial benefits of green financing. Address questions related to MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System) and the eligibility of projects for specific programs. 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

Jan 31, 2024 • 52min
Green Building Strategy and Communications with Brian Bollinger
Green Building Strategy and Communications with Brian Bollinger Brian Bollinger, MBA, iate With over 15 years of visionary leadership, Brian Bollinger is an operational executive known for strategic management and fostering innovative partnerships. As the Head of Communications for Green Building Holdings (GBH), Brian serves as the Executive Spokesperson for four GBH business units: Blue Ocean, SIG, GBES, and Aetos. Brian's commitment to advancing GBH's mission aligns with his dedication to creating a healthier and greener world, providing cutting-edge education and tools for success in the building industry. Notably, Brian oversaw staff extensions for Bridge CRE, expanding their Energy, Sustainability, and Engineering services. His leadership played a pivotal role in achieving LEED Gold certification for the Walter E Washington Convention Center, including waste stream consulting. He loves driving customer experience innovation, equity and sustainability projects, as well as communications and strategy improvements. But most of all, bringing wildly creative solutions to solve difficult problems. Brian's multifaceted expertise extends beyond vision to practical implementation, solving complex problems and energizing stakeholders toward shared goals. Show Highlights Brian shares tips on how to communicate sustainability effectively. Brian talks about his work with Sustainable Investment Group, GBES, Aetos Imaging, and Blue Ocean (which has launched Skema.AI). Explore the importance of waste management and recycling in commercial buildings. Exciting industry advancements in generative AI and its potential impact on both design and sustainability. Understanding the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in green building Find unexpected applications for expertise in green buildings and sustainability to drive progress towards a more circular economy. The evolving landscape of green building, influences, and the need to share best practices. The power of gratitude and finding creative ways to thank clients. “I'm really enjoying…seeing a complete Step function changes in [how tech enables]…operating buildings. I always joke that there's not a building engineer or facility operator out there who went into their line of work because they just love spreadsheets. At the end of the day, it's because they love this breathing machine that they get to live inside of and work in.” -Brian Bollinger “One of the biggest plays in the world's sustainability over the next ten years is going to be what happens to waste. We don't get to circularity without solving waste. It's just at the end of the day, as we used to say in community development, ‘God has required and the poor deserve better than amateurs with their hearts in the right place.’ And I think it's the same with waste. The planet we all share deserves better than a complete absence of circularity, when it's completely possible, and it's becoming more possible every day.” -Brian Bollinger “The biggest [recycling] tip I would [give] to commercial buildings in general: really clear signage. At the end of the day, when we find something that's way off [in waste audits], you can usually trace it back to a floor that isn't clearly communicating what belongs where. And how to dispose of it.” -Brian Bollinger “Like with the internet in 1992…[with Artificial Intelligence] the reality is that, when it comes to sustainability…I think every single week we’re discovering a new reality of what it's going to do, what this technological shift is going to enable. What's exciting about it is that we don't even know what we don’t know, and with every passing week some of it's terrifying, yes, but most of it's absolutely electrifying. And just seeing the potential that is going to continue to bring and [telling clients], “Hey, we're going to be here.’ We're going to be digging through what's good, what's bad, and we're going to keep leveraging it to drive forward the success of everybody who we get a chance to serve.” -Brian Bollinger 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

Jan 24, 2024 • 14min
Special Birthday Episode - 2024 Look-Ahead
This is a special episode of the Green Building Matters podcast. We started a tradition around the end of January each year, in part because that's my (Charlie’s) birthday, January 27th, it’s a great time to look back and then predict ahead. My team asked me to reflect on 2023 and then to walk through some things that I'm excited about for 2024 in this Green Building Movement. And, in general, share some encouragement with all of you, our loyal listeners. First, thank you for listening to the Green Building Matters podcast. Some of you have been listening for years. It's just amazing! The GBM Podcast has over 300 episodes! I have a fun job, as a green building specialist, a trainer, an educator, a consultant, and as a green building entrepreneur, to set aside a little time each week to interview someone that's really made a difference in this movement. Some guests are early in their career, some are “O.G.” and really helped write the book on LEED. Some have been the first to do green building work in their entire country and I've just made a lot of friends literally all over the world through this podcast. I'm grateful that this podcast continues to have momentum. Thank you to our podcast production team. A special shout out to Carla, Danny, Dragan, and Christina for keeping the Green Building Podcast humming. We're gonna really grow the Green Building Matters brand in 2024 - stay tuned for more content in new formats, as well. Show Highlights Charlie reflects on 2023 Charlie's predictions for 2024 Mandates moving the industry towards net zero energy buildings. Biophilia to circular design is getting a push Smart buildings, IOT and AI Adaptive reuse and conversions Office buildings Repurpose Multifamily conversion the office to life science conversion What to expect from LEED v5 Updates from SIG, Sustainable Investment Group, Green Building Consulting Engineering, Blue Ocean Sustainability, and ESG. AI tools to support your designs (Skema AI tool for architects and developers). 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

Jan 17, 2024 • 27min
Entrepreneur, Architect, and LEED Fellow Hafsa Burt
Hafsa Burt, LEED Fellow, previously worked at Frank Gehry & Associates and SOM before starting hb+a Architects. With an undergraduate, Masters Degree in Architecture & a minor in Electronic Design from SCAD she brings to her work an avant garde streak & a strong commitment to the triple bottom line. An environmentalist, she adopted and actively advocates for the 2030 challenge and is a huge proponent of high performance buildings. Her focus includes “Eliminating Toxins”, with Indoor Air Quality as a specialty. She has actively spoken on the topic of Indoor air quality as it relates to the practice of Architecture since 2009 all over the west coast and is an industry expert on “Healthy Building Practices”. She has served on the Council of Experts at USGBC’s California Chapter on Indoor Air Quality and has served as a liaison for the Green Schools’ Committee for USGBC State, primarily focusing on legislative decisions affecting Environmental Sustainability in the past. At the moment she is involved in Federal Advocacy at USGBC. She is also actively involved with the American Institute of Architects and is a member of the AIA California Climate Action Committee which looks at legislative decisions as they relate to the building environment, and has been involved in advocating for decarbonizing the built environment and is working with a group on policies that address Embodied Carbon and Life Cycle Analysis of projects. In 2019 founded a development arm for the firm called Box Lab which is focused on the development of zero energy/zero carbon buildings. She is involved in all projects, with a commitment to the practice of architecture as a collaborative and innovative enterprise and brings with her years of experience in Commercial, Institutional, Industrial and mixed-use realms in project size ranging from 2000 square feet to over 2 million square feet and project types ranging from tenant improvements to San Francisco airport. She has been awarded the title of ENR’s 20 under 40 construction professionals in California and American Institute of Architects' coveted Young Architects' Honor Award and Fast Company's Innovation in Design for Box Factory. Show Highlights Educating clients on electrification and lifecycle analysis before it becomes a policy decision. Make your projects efficient as possible with minimizing materials and functions. Box Lab develops projects and prototypes with the highest sustainability goals, a minimum footprint and zero energy. What we need to know about the built environment post pandemic for healthy buildings. The new umbrella of ESG for healthy buildings and air quality. Hafsa’s firm creates a universal design from the angle of sustainability and social justice. Early phase lifecycle analysis comparison, cost and what can be done. Trends happening at the policy level decarbonization to reduce operational emissions. California has started a good precedent to codify embodied carbon and help craft policies toward embodied carbon. “Challenge your thinking and also be as purpose-driven and as early as possible. You just cannot live in a vacuum. It's a global community and we have to be aware of what's happening and we need to make sure that every choice that we make, everything that we do is purpose-driven and you have a very strong reason why you're doing anything.” -Hafsa Burt 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

Jan 10, 2024 • 37min
K12 Studio Leader and LEED Fellow Rob Winstead
Rob Winstead, LEED Fellow, is a nationally-recognized expert in learning space design and sustainability. Rob is an advocate for exceptional learning spaces that blend thoughtful design with high performance goals to deliver added value for clients and users. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and is the former chair of the Large-Firm Roundtable Sustainability Committee. Rob’s broad portfolio of regional, national, and international work over 25 years of practice supports VMDO’s commitment to serving clients as a regional firm with national expertise. He is well known in the Mid-Atlantic for innovative and award-winning projects and for experience with zero-energy schools. His work has been recognized with numerous awards for planning, design, architecture, urbanism, and sustainability. Show Highlights Architecture is the social infrastructure that supports a dialogue in a community. Three practice areas to focus on when building K 12 buildings. Rob shares how to be an expert at zero energy schools and how to get communities to pursue that. Tried and true off the shelf strategies that demystify and provide a recipe for net zero design. Environmental courses on sustainable design to help atone for the materials, resources and energy. A tremendous opportunity to advance sustainable systems without adding additional cost. Existing buildings need green financing to meet the time and communities we serve. We need to address the ability to adjust existing building stock through high performance renovations to achieve these same goals. “If you see a problem that needs to be solved, proceed and be bold. Don't wait to be asked. Go out and do what needs to be done. Oftentimes, people need to be shown that something is possible before they can commit to it on their own…Share what you learn. The stuff that we do around sustainability is just too important to be held onto as a competitive advantage or intellectual property. The true innovators keep on innovating. And so when you try something and you fail, share…when you try something and you succeed, share. This will raise others up around you.” -Rob Winstead 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