Home Green Homes

Izumi Tanaka
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Design
  • Updated Bimonthly

This channel explores affordable, resilient, and sustainable homes through conversations with green building professionals, architects, designers, homeowners, developers, and real estate professionals. Topics include green building, energy-efficient homes, electrification, climate-resilient housing, and future-ready real estate. The podcast is for homeowners, buyers, and realtors interested in sustainable real estate, as well as builders and designers working at the intersection of affordability, resilience, and climate-conscious living. Episodes highlight real-world projects, practical strategies, and lived experiences that make sustainable and eco-friendly homes more accessible and achievable. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, a green real estate professional, or simply curious about sustainable housing and regenerative design, this channel offers grounded conversations about how we build, buy, and live in homes that are better for people and the planet.

  1. Sep 28

    107. Mushrooms in Net-Zero Home with Bill Spohn

    Most home tours happen on move-in day, when everything's shiny and nobody's tested anything yet. This one is different — Bill Spohn and his wife built a net-zero, airtight, modular "Pretty Good House" outside Pittsburgh, and they've lived in it for six years. So what actually happened? A factory installation mistake led to a rotted subfloor and — yes — mushrooms growing under the shower. Two windows still won't seal in winter (there's blue painter's tape involved). The AC failed once from a bad install, not a bad heat pump. And yet Bill says he's more pleased with the house now than the day they moved in — quiet, comfortable, and still net-zero on an annual basis. We talk about what six years of real living reveals that a spec sheet never will: the honest tradeoffs of going airtight, why he skipped a battery backup, the well and septic saga that almost derailed the build, and what he'd actually tell someone considering this path today. Bill also runs BetterHVAC.org, a free nonprofit directory connecting homeowners with contractors who understand building science — not just HVAC in isolation. Resources mentioned: spohnhome.com — Bill's build story and blogbetterhvac.org — free contractor directorytrutechtools.com — Bill's business, home performance testing toolsBuilding Performance Institute — credentialing body for home performance contractorsSolar United Neighbors — nonprofit that runs local solar co-ops to help homeowners get better group pricingTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Bill's background and motivation 02:06 The concept of passive house 03:04 Designing for energy efficiency 04:51 Achieving airtightness 06:17 Ventilation solutions 10:29 Challenges in construction 12:53 Achieving net-zero energy 17:07 Living in the home 20:16 Tips for building energy-efficient homes

    107. Mushrooms in Net-Zero Home with Bill Spohn

  2. Sep 1

    106. Wealth=Health On Planet Earth - David Gottfried on Building Homes That Matter

    David Gottfried — often called the godfather of the green building movement — co-founded the U.S. Green Building Council in 1993 and the World Green Building Council in 1998. He's the author of four books, including his newest, Regen360, and he joins the show to talk about something more personal than LEED scorecards: what it actually took to green his own homes, and what he wishes more buyers, sellers, and flippers understood. We talk about the 1930s Craftsman kit home in Berkeley he renovated into one of the highest-scoring LEED Platinum homes in the world — the rainwater-fed toilet that ran dry mid-dinner-party, the graywater pump he had to relocate out from under the master bedroom, and the acoustics mistake that eventually pushed him to sell. We get into why that house didn't sell for the premium he expected, what he did differently in the homes that came after, and his direct response to investors who tell him going green adds "50% more" to a renovation budget. David also unpacks the equation at the center of his new book: HOPE — Health On Planet Earth — and why he believes a home that doesn't "accelerate hope" simply isn't worth as much, no matter what the flipper is asking. In this episode: The pivot from real estate developer to founder of the green building movementInside the Berkeley Craftsman renovation — the wins, the mishaps, and the acoustics regretWhy the house didn't get the resale premium he expected, and what that taught himDebunking the "50% more expensive" myth flippers use to avoid going greenWhat role certifications like LEED actually play in home valueThe HOPE equation — Health On Planet Earth — and what it means for the home you're buying or sellingHis message to the next generation inheriting what we've builtWhat's your biggest challenge with sustainable living? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for more insights on green building and sustainability! #GreenBuilding #Sustainability #ClimateAction

    106. Wealth=Health On Planet Earth - David Gottfried on Building Homes That Matter

  3. Jul 16

    105. Beyond the FEMA Map with Albert Slap

    Sustainability alone won't protect your home from Mother Nature. In this episode, Izumi Tanaka talks with Albert Slap — environmental attorney turned founder of RiskFootprint.com — about why resilience and sustainability are two sides of the same coin. Albert breaks down why FEMA flood maps miss huge amounts of real flood risk (120,000 homes flooded outside the FEMA zone during Hurricane Harvey), why he pays $5,000/year just for hurricane wind coverage on his own home, and how a $5,000 roof-to-wall tie-down saved him from a $30,000 re-roof — and actually lowered his risk. We also get into wildfire vegetation management, the 34+ natural hazards RiskFootprint evaluates property-by-property, and why "caveat emptor" due diligence should start well before you sign an agreement of sale. Whether you're buying, selling, or staying put, this episode is a reminder that a green home and a resilient home are the same goal. 🔗 Learn more: https://riskfootprint.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro: sustainability + resilience, two sides of one coin 01:20 Albert's pivot from environmental law to RiskFootprint 02:59 What "caveat emptor" really means for buyers 05:32 Why FEMA flood maps don't capture rainfall flooding 07:19 Albert's own $5,000/year hurricane wind insurance bill 12:10 The roof-to-wall tie-down that saved $25K 16:54 How RiskFootprint evaluates 34+ natural hazards by address 23:39 Who actually uses RiskFootprint: buyers, realtors, lenders 28:16 Disclosure laws: Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and beyond 29:04 Climate trends vs. day-to-day natural hazard risk 34:25 Where to find RiskFootprint.com Home Green Homes is a podcast about the people building — and buying — greener, more resilient homes. #HomeGreenHomes #GreenBuilding #ClimateResilience #RealEstate #SustainableLiving

    105. Beyond the FEMA Map with Albert Slap

  4. Apr 30

    104. Eco-Flip Playbook: Real Talk with Mary Love

    What does it actually look like to flip a house the green way — and make the numbers work? In this episode, Izumi sits down with Mary Love, a North Carolina-based green realtor, building scientist, and project manager who has been doing eco-conscious real estate investment long before "green homes" was a mainstream term. Mary shares hard-won lessons from decades of rehabbing and renting energy-efficient properties — from wrangling reluctant HVAC contractors to educating appraisers on the value of sustainable upgrades. In this episode, you'll learn: Why insulation and air sealing are always the first priority — and how to do it without gutting the wallsHow to use blower door and duct blaster tests to document before and after performance (and use it as a marketing tool)What appraisers actually need to see to give green upgrades their proper valueHow rebates and incentives can make eco-flipping cost-competitive with standard rehabsWhy the conversation has shifted from energy savings to safety and resilience — and what that means for investorsThe "Fortified Standards" framework for disaster-resilient constructionMary's motto: "A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing"Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to think about greener rehabs, Mary's practical, no-nonsense approach will show you that eco-flipping isn't just good for the planet — it's a smart business model. 📬 Connect with Mary Love: mary@lovethegreen.org | lovethegreen.org

    104. Eco-Flip Playbook: Real Talk with Mary Love

  5. Apr 1

    103. Built to Last. Or Fail? with George Siegel

    Are homes really built to last… or just built to sell? In this eye-opening episode, Izumi sits down with documentary filmmaker George Siegal, creator of Built to Last: Buyer Beware, to uncover the uncomfortable truth about how most homes are actually built—and why so many fail when disaster strikes. From hurricanes in Florida to wildfires in California, George shares heartbreaking stories of homeowners who lost everything—and the common patterns behind those losses. The biggest takeaway? Most homes are built to the minimum code, not for long-term resilience. If you’re a homeowner, buyer, investor, or real estate professional, this conversation may completely change how you look at homes. In this episode, we cover:Why “built to code” often means built to the bare minimumThe biggest mistakes homebuyers make when evaluating a propertyHow disasters reveal hidden weaknesses in our homesWhy rebuilding after a disaster can take years—not monthsThe surprising connection between resilience and sustainabilityWhat questions you must ask before buying or building a homeHow insurance, building practices, and human behavior all play a roleGeorge also shares practical tips—including how one simple correction saved him $1,000/year on insurance—and why homeowners need to take responsibility for understanding the true quality of their homes. 🎬 Watch the film: Built to Last: Buyer Beware 📄 Free resource: Essential questions to ask before buying a home Bottom line: Don’t just fall in love with the finishes—the countertops, the floors, the “wow” factor. Understand the bones of the house… because that’s what determines whether it survives.

    103. Built to Last. Or Fail? with George Siegel

  6. Mar 18

    102. A Father's Journey for Green Home with Nick Grimm

    In this episode of Home Green Homes, Izumi Tanaka talks with Nick Grimm — a father, homeowner, and sustainability professional who is gradually transforming his 1953 Los Angeles home into a healthier and more energy-efficient space. Nick didn’t begin with a master sustainability plan. Like many homeowners, his journey started with basic maintenance: replacing appliances when they broke and making upgrades when necessary. But as he learned more about sustainability, each decision became an opportunity to choose better options. So far, Nick and his family have: Replaced a gas cooktop with an induction stoveInstalled a heat pump washer/dryerUpgraded their electric panelInstalled solar panelsPurchased an EV and chargerBegun planning for heat pump HVAC and water heatingStarted thinking about drought-resilient landscaping One turning point came when Nick used an indoor air quality monitor while cooking on a gas stove — and saw pollution levels spike inside his home. With a young child experiencing asthma, it accelerated their switch to induction cooking. Nick also discusses the real barriers to electrification, including the complexity of rebates and the financial realities many homeowners face. Despite those challenges, he believes individual choices still matter. For Nick, the ability to take action — even one appliance at a time — is empowering.

    102. A Father's Journey for Green Home with Nick Grimm

  7. Feb 25

    101. Electrifying Made Easy with Elephant Energy: Akanksha Mathur

    If you're a homeowner wondering whether it’s time to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives — this episode is for you. In Episode 102 of Home Green Homes, Izumi chats with Akanksha Mathur, General Manager for Southern California at Elephant Energy, to discuss what it really takes to electrify your home. From heat pumps and induction cooking to rebates, incentives, and indoor air quality — we break down the electrification process step-by-step. Elephant Energy is a Certified B-Corp focused on making the switch from gas to electric simple, seamless, and climate-friendly. Akanksha shares her journey from mechanical engineer to climate advocate, and why education is the missing link in helping homeowners make confident decisions. If you live in Southern California — or anywhere thinking about clean energy upgrades — this conversation will help you understand: • What “home electrification” actually means • How heat pumps work • What incentives are available • Why indoor air quality matters • The biggest challenges homeowners face • How to make sustainable choices easier The future is electric. The question is — are you ready? 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your home cleaner, healthier, and more energy-efficient. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elephant Energy 05:19 Akanksha's Journey to Elephant Energy 10:15 The Process of Electrification 15:44 Challenges in the Electrification Process 20:59 Educating Homeowners on Electrification 26:16 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations More Resources: Switch-is OnTECH Clean California

    101. Electrifying Made Easy with Elephant Energy: Akanksha Mathur

  8. Feb 11

    100. Prefab for a Changing Climate: A Conversation with Plant Prefab Founder Steve Glenn

    What does it really take to build homes that are beautiful, efficient, resilient, and responsible? In this special 100th episode of Home Green Homes, Izumi Tanaka welcomes Steve Glenn, founder and CEO of Plant Prefab, for an in-depth conversation that weaves together architecture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and climate action. Steve traces his path from an early love of architecture to founding LivingHomes and later Plant Prefab—companies created to challenge the waste, inefficiency, and environmental impact of conventional construction. He explains what truly sets Plant Prefab apart: customized architectural design, a purpose-built factory capable of both panelized and modular construction, and a mission-driven commitment as a certified B Corp and public benefit corporation. The conversation also dives into Plant Prefab’s work supporting communities rebuilding after devastating Southern California wildfires, and why prefab construction can offer faster, more predictable, and often more cost-effective rebuilding solutions. Along the way, Steve addresses common misconceptions about prefab homes, shares what homeowners should prioritize when designing for climate resilience, and reflects on leadership, scaling a values-driven company, and what he hopes the future of housing can become. This episode is especially relevant for homeowners, home dwellers, architects, builders, developers, and anyone curious about how housing can be part of the climate solution. Key Takeaways / Listener HighlightsPrefab ≠ mobile homes: Plant Prefab homes are legally and structurally equivalent to site-built homes and cannot be excluded from zoning, financing, or insurance.Energy matters most: Over a home’s lifetime, operational energy use has a bigger climate impact than materials—efficiency and solar should be top priorities.Time is money: Faster, parallel construction can significantly reduce carrying costs, rent, and uncertainty—especially important in rebuild scenarios.Design and sustainability go together: High-quality architecture and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive.Rebuilding after disaster is an opportunity: Prefab can help communities recover faster while building more resilient, future-ready homes.Mission-driven businesses face real challenges: Scaling sustainably takes persistence, patience, and long-term vision—but the impact compounds over time. Chapters 00:00 Personal Impact and Vision for the Future

    100. Prefab for a Changing Climate: A Conversation with Plant Prefab Founder Steve Glenn
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

This channel explores affordable, resilient, and sustainable homes through conversations with green building professionals, architects, designers, homeowners, developers, and real estate professionals. Topics include green building, energy-efficient homes, electrification, climate-resilient housing, and future-ready real estate. The podcast is for homeowners, buyers, and realtors interested in sustainable real estate, as well as builders and designers working at the intersection of affordability, resilience, and climate-conscious living. Episodes highlight real-world projects, practical strategies, and lived experiences that make sustainable and eco-friendly homes more accessible and achievable. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, a green real estate professional, or simply curious about sustainable housing and regenerative design, this channel offers grounded conversations about how we build, buy, and live in homes that are better for people and the planet.

Information

  • Creator
    Izumi Tanaka
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Izumi Tanaka
  • Show Website
    Home Green Homes

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