The Building Energy Pod

The Building Energy Hub

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The Building Energy Pod is the go-to podcast for professionals navigating the evolving world of building retrofits, green construction, and energy efficiency. Hosted by Matt Watson of Illinois Green Alliance, each episode features in-depth conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of high performance buildings.

17 APR

Tom Bassett-Dilley: Advancing High-Performance Design Through Practice and Policy

Summary: In this episode, we dive into the world of sustainable architecture and passive house design, focusing on net zero adoption, the importance of retrofitting existing buildings, and the role of policy in advancing high-performance standards across Illinois. Join us as Tom Bassett-Dilley, owner at architecture firm TBDA, shares insights from his extensive experience in this areas, emphasizing the importance of climate-specific standards for net zero certifications such as Phius, practical retrofit strategies, and the future of materials and policy. Key Topics & Takeaways: Evolution and adoption of Phius standards in passive house design The importance and process of deep energy retrofits for decarbonization Strategies for retrofit projects that balance historic preservation and energy performance Key low-cost, high-impact steps for energy efficiency in buildings Role of policy, local government initiatives, and community engagement in sustainable development The significance of material choices and embodied carbon reduction Future outlook on natural building materials and holistic design approaches Links for Listeners: Carroll Community Center Case Study: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/net-zero-building-case-study-carroll-community-center Illinois Clean Building Commitment: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/Commitment Evanston Retrofit Tour Recap: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7447991748028575744/

45 min
27 FEB

Manny Flores: Unlocking the Power of Green Financing

Summary: In this conversation, Manny Flores, president and CEO of SomerCor, discusses how SBA 504 loans can serve as a critical tool in financing energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades in small business facilities. He also highlights the role of grants and economic development funds in supporting building upgrades and neighborhood sustainability. Manny addresses the barriers small and medium-sized building owners face in accessing capital for energy efficiency upgrades and emphasizes the need for collaboration among lenders, policymakers, and nonprofits. He also shares insights from his experience as a Chicago alderman and the importance of storytelling in promoting successful sustainability projects. Key Takeaways: SBA 504 loans provide favorable financing for small businesses. Energy efficiency upgrades can lead to significant cost savings. Grants like the City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund support local businesses. Access to reliable information is crucial for small business owners in starting green building projects. Collaboration among public, private, and non-profit sectors is essential for sustainability efforts. Local leaders should focus on promoting successful sustainability stories. Illinois has a strong foundation for clean energy innovation. Small businesses drive economic growth and innovation. Consumer protection is important in the sustainability space. Investing in energy efficiency is a smart business decision. Links for Listeners: Learn about SomerCor: https://somercor.com/ Short video: Learn about City of Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund and the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ijzhBRxs0 Short video: Learn about the SomerCor SBA 504 Green Loan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZoD0Xwco1w

47 min
13 FEB

Beth Holaday: The Intersection of Sustainability and Business

Summary: In this conversation, Beth Holaday, Senior Sales Manager at Verde Energy Efficiency Experts, joined the Pod to explore the intersection of sustainability and business. She shares the journey that she takes building owners and facility managers on when starting their energy efficiency journey, starting with the lowest-hanging fruit—LED lighting and controls—that often have the quickest payback period, before moving on to larger investments. Beth also dives into how advanced rooftop controls can enhance HVAC efficiency and extend the life of your equipment. This episode demystifies energy efficiency strategies and explains how to leverage incentives and advanced controls for smarter building management. Key Takeaways: Beth's background in environmental science shapes her approach to energy efficiency. Measuring energy usage is crucial for identifying improvement areas. LED lighting offers immediate financial and environmental benefits. Payback periods for energy efficiency projects should ideally be under three years. Quality of LED products can significantly impact long-term savings. Advanced rooftop controls can enhance HVAC efficiency and extend equipment life. Secondary windows provide a cost-effective solution for older buildings. Heat pumps represent a significant advancement in energy efficiency technology. Building owners need to be open to change for effective energy management. Understanding the financial incentives available can drive energy efficiency upgrades. Learn more about Verde Energy Efficiency Experts here. Check out the ComEd Business Energy Analyzer here. Reach out to Beth Holaday via email: beth@verde.expert

43 min
30 JAN

Wayne Beals: The Power of Realtors in Accelerating Green Building Adoption

Summary: In this conversation, Wayne Beals, a seasoned realtor and sustainability advocate, shares his insights on the intersection of real estate and green building. He discusses his journey into the world of sustainable buildings, the critical role realtors play in educating clients about high-performance homes, and the importance of policy advocacy in advancing green building practices. Wayne emphasizes the need for trust in realtor-client relationships and the emotional aspects of transitioning to all-electric homes. He also addresses the social justice dimensions of green building and offers advice for professionals looking to engage in sustainability efforts. Key Takeaways: Wayne Beals is a dedicated advocate for sustainability in real estate. Realtors can significantly influence the market by educating clients on green building. Trust is essential in realtor-client relationships, especially for significant purchases. All electric homes offer numerous benefits, including better air quality and lower utility bills. Induction cooking is a superior alternative to gas stoves, despite consumer misconceptions. Housing abundance is crucial for addressing affordability and quality in neighborhoods. Policy advocacy is necessary to drive change in the building industry. Realtors should align their business strategies with sustainability values. Investing in local communities can lead to better housing outcomes. Networking and volunteering are key for professionals looking to engage in sustainability.

45 min
19/12/2025

Bob Hattier: Navigating the Future of Solar and Energy Storage

Summary: In this conversation, Bob Hattier, the Director of Renewable Energy for IBEW Local 134, discusses the evolving landscape of renewable energy and workforce development. He highlights the importance of attracting young talent to the industry, the impact of legislation on training programs, and the challenges and opportunities presented by energy storage and electrification. Bob emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a transitioning energy sector and the collaborative efforts required to engage stakeholders in this process. He also shares insights on upcoming developments in training curriculum and local policies that support the growth of renewable energy in Illinois. Key Takeaways: IBEW Local 134 has thousands of applicants annually for renewable energy programs. Recruitment efforts target diverse populations through community organizations and schools. Solar energy training has shifted from elective to core curriculum due to policy changes. The Future Energy Jobs Act has significantly impacted workforce training in Illinois. CEJA has provided lessons for future energy legislation and workforce development. Energy storage is crucial for grid reliability and presents new training opportunities. Local policies create readiness for electrification and renewable energy. Stakeholder engagement is essential for successful energy transition. The Aurora Stretch Code aims to enhance energy efficiency and electrification. IBEW is committed to expanding opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

32 min
05/12/2025

Delmar Gillus: Empowering Communities Through Clean Energy

Summary In this conversation, Delmar Gillus, COO of Elevate, discusses the importance of equity in clean energy initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. He emphasizes the role of workforce development in creating job opportunities and the importance of community engagement in building partnerships. Delmar also highlights the impact of recent legislation, such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA), on advancing clean energy goals in Illinois. Looking ahead, he shares Elevate's focus on energy affordability and community resources to address energy burdens. Clean and Reliable Grid Act Explainer: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/illinois-just-passed-the-clean-and-reliable-grid-act-heres-what-the-building-industry-needs-to-know Key Takeaways Elevate focuses on ensuring access to clean energy for all communities. Community engagement is crucial for identifying local needs. Workforce development is key to creating job opportunities in clean energy. Legislation like CEJA aims to ensure diverse communities benefit from clean energy investments. Partnerships with local organizations enhance project effectiveness. Equity must be at the forefront of clean energy initiatives. Training programs should provide holistic support for participants. Community voices should lead discussions on energy projects. Sustainable practices are essential in developing new energy infrastructure. Future Elevate initiatives will focus on energy affordability and accessibility.

37 min
14/11/2025

Benny Skelton: The Business Case for Energy Efficiency

Summary In this episode of the Building Energy Pod, host Matt welcomes Benny Skelton, founder of Cyclone Energy Group, to discuss the business case and ROI for energy efficiency improvements and sustainable retrofits across various sectors. They explore the challenges and opportunities in commercial, educational, and other types of buildings, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and innovative technologies like heat pumps and retro commissioning. Benny shares insights on funding mechanisms, the role of incentives, and the impact of long-term planning on building sustainability. Key Takeaways: ROI for energy efficiency varies by sector and is influenced by market factors. Commercial office retrofits often have a 3-5 year payback period. Healthcare buildings benefit from energy efficiency due to constant operation. Educational institutions can plan for longer payback periods due to property retention. Retro commissioning and monitoring-based commissioning are key for operational efficiency. Heat pump technology is advancing, offering more sustainable heating solutions. Funding for retrofits can come from incentives, rebates, and creative financing. Long-term planning is crucial for decarbonization and building resilience. Cyclone Energy Group's projects demonstrate significant energy savings and sustainability. The Innovation Rodeo showcases new ideas and technologies in building performance. Keywords heating technology, air source heat pump, ground source heat, electric water heating, fossil fuels, development, retrofits, permitting process

34 min
24/10/2025

A.J. Patton: Transforming Communities Through Sustainable Development

Summary In this episode, AJ Patton, founder and CEO of 548 Enterprise, discusses his journey in creating sustainable housing solutions and the importance of integrating clean energy into real estate. He shares insights on workforce development, the challenges of achieving high-performance energy efficiency, and the need for collaboration between developers and local governments. AJ emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the role of education in fostering a sustainable future. You can learn more about A.J. and his work, as well as the 2025 Emerald Award honorees here: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/20th-annual-illinois-emerald-awards-for-green-building-announced Key Takeaways: AJ Patton's journey began with a personal experience of high utility costs. 548 Enterprise aims to lower utility bills for working families. Sustainability in development starts with the developer's commitment. High-performance energy efficiency is achievable with the right mindset. The Humboldt Park project aims to include diverse engineering teams. Workforce development is crucial for community-scale decarbonization. Transparency and data sharing can enhance collaboration in projects. Streamlining administrative processes can accelerate development. There are significant opportunities in converting office spaces to residential. Intentionality in sustainability can lead to broader community engagement.

28 min

The Building Energy Pod is the go-to podcast for professionals navigating the evolving world of building retrofits, green construction, and energy efficiency. Hosted by Matt Watson of Illinois Green Alliance, each episode features in-depth conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of high performance buildings.

Creator

The Building Energy Hub
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Clean
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