Building Sustainably

Tim O'Brien
  • 5.0 (6)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • SERIES

Join host Tim O’Brien to discuss Green Building Practices, Innovative Designs, & Renewable Technologies. Plus learn more about sustainability in the building industry and communities through the eyes of a homebuilder. We look at Sustainability from four different perspectives and will provide insights you can take back to your life and business: The Homebuilding Industry, Our Community, Our Homes, Our Employees.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Building Science Advocates: The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA)

    In this episode, we're joined by Gene Myers who is the owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado and current president of The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) board of directors to discuss EEBA and its commitment to provide the most trusted resources for building science information and education in the construction industry. About Gene Myers Gene is owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders (formerly New Town Builders), Denver's leader in building green, energy efficient production homes and recent winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Housing Innovation Award. Gene has served on numerous state and local housing groups and currently serves as a member the board of directors of Denver Civic Ventures and the Challenge Foundation.  He has served on the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel for Housing, the Boards of Housing Colorado and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver and co-chaired Denver's Housing Task Force. His company is Denver's largest builder of for-sale affordable housing. Thrive Home Builders https://www.thrivehomebuilders.com/ EEBA https://www.eeba.org/ DOE Housing Innovation Awards https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/housing-innovation-awards Tim O'Brien Homes https://www.timobrienhomes.com/

    31 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Building The Future of Trades Through Hands-On Education Programs

    In this episode, we're joined by Steve Olson who is the teacher of the Oconomowoc High School Building Trades class to discuss the partnership between Tim O'Brien Homes and local high schools in order to develop the future of the trade industry by giving students real, hands-on experience in homebuilding. About Steve Olson Steve has been a certified staff member at OHS since the fall of 1995.   After graduating from UW-Stout in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Education, he earned a Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction from National-Louis University in the spring of 1999.  Through the years, Steve has taught many different classes in the technology education department of OHS, including: Materials and Processes, Innovations, Inventions and Problem Solving, and Welding. Oconomowoc High School https://www.oasd.k12.wi.us/page.cfm?p=6767 Oconomowoc School District https://www.oasd.org/ Tim O'Brien Homes Social Responsibility https://www.timobrienhomes.com/social-responsibility Tim O'Brien Homes https://www.timobrienhomes.com/

    49 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Home Design for a Climate-Changing World with Sam Rashkin

    In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Chief Architect of the Building Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Sam Rashkin, to discuss new home design as our environment continues to change around us. Sam highlights the importance of resilient, future-ready homes as well as how and why homebuilders should implement sustainable building practices going forward. About Sam Rashkin Sam is the author of the book titled “Retooling the U.S. Housing Industry: How It Got Here, Why It’s Broken, and How to Fix It” that presents a comprehensive strategy for transforming the new homebuyer consumer experience. Sam brings the lessons from this book to housing executives across the country with workshops and collaborative meetings that help them accelerate innovation. Apart from this work, Sam has earned a national reputation for his work leading housing programs that have partnered with thousands of home builders and resulted in over one million certified high-performance homes. Mr. Rashkin was recently recognized for his contributions to sustainable housing with the 2012 Hanley Award. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University; and is a registered architect in California and New York. During his 20-plus years as a licensed architect, he specialized in energy efficient design and completed over 100 residential projects. He has served on the national Steering Committees for USGBC’s LEED for Homes, NAHB’s Green Builder Guidelines, and EPA’s Water Sense label, and on the development team for EPA’s Indoor airPLUS label. Sam has also prepared hundreds of articles, technical papers, reports, and seminars; and contributed to other books on energy efficient and green construction Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-technologies-office U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home Program https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-homes Tim O'Brien Homes https://www.timobrienhomes.com/

    57 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Creating a Sustainable Workplace Culture with Chad Sanschagrin

    In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by international speaker, leadership and sales coaching expert, and founder of Cannonball Moments, Chad Sanschagrin, to discuss the importance of creating a sustainable workplace culture. Chad offers his unique experience and insight on developing a growth mindset and long-term success within an organization. About Chad Sanschagrin Chad began Cannonball to use the skills he gained as a top-rated sales professional for a national homebuilder to empower, motivate, and encourage others to reach their full potential. He is a well-known executive leadership and sales coach who has delivered keynote presentations at over 400 events, in more than 40 states, and in seven countries. Cannonball Moments https://cannonballmoments.com/ Tim O'Brien Homes https://www.timobrienhomes.com/

    1h 8m

  5. EPISODE 5

    The Power of the Sun: Where We Are and Where We Are Going with Solar

    In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Vice President of Project Development at SunVest Solar, John Daugherty, to discuss the benefits of solar energy production in new home construction for both builders and consumers alike. John also highlights factors such as reduced cost, surging consumer demand, and increased government subsidies as key drivers for the rapid growth in the solar industry. SunVest Solar https://www.sunvest.com/ State Programs for Solar https://www.sunvest.com/state-programs/ Tim O'Brien Homes https://www.timobrienhomes.com/

    44 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    A Breath of Fresh Air: The EPA's Commitment to Indoor Air Quality

    In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Environmental Protection Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Aaron Johnson, to discuss the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program, and the increasing importance of Indoor Air Quality in our homes as it relates to our health. EPA Indoor airPLUS www.epa.gov/indoorairplus Indoor Air Quality www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

    35 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Broan-Nutone - A Leader in Healtheir Home Systems

    In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Edwin Bender and Patrick Nielsen from Broan-Nutone, the global leader in residential indoor air quality, to discuss areas of growth in the industry as well as opportunities for residential construction to continue to innovate and develop technologies to further improve fresh air ventilation systems. About Edwin Bender Edwin Bender has over 25 years of experience in the sale and marketing of commercial and DIY products. His teams have increased the development of award-winning products that exceed customer expectations and is passionate about making sure that Broan is a leading contributor to make every home a healthy home. About Patrick Nielsen Patrick Nielsen has 18 years of expertise in the field of product development and marketing management. As the Global Technical Product Manager at Broan-Nutone, Patrick has dedicated his tenure as a leading expert in ventilation as it relates to building codes and green building trends. Nielsen currently serves as an officer on the board of the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI), where he is Chair of the Codes and Standards Committee, along with being a member of EEBA and ASHRAE. He also speaks regularly at tradeshows and conferences such as RESNET and the International Builders Show. Broan-NuTone www.broan-nutone.com/en-us/home/learn Tim O'Brien Homes https://www.timobrienhomes.com/

    38 min

  8. EPISODE 7

    Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Empowers Builders and Consumers

    In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Focus on Energy's New Home Residential Program Manager, Andy Kuc, to discuss ways in which Focus on Energy empowers the people and businesses of Wisconsin to make smart energy decisions with enduring economic benefits. Focus on Energy focusonenergy.com/ Tim O'Brien Homes www.timobrienhomes.com/

    48 min
See All Season 1 (28)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join host Tim O’Brien to discuss Green Building Practices, Innovative Designs, & Renewable Technologies. Plus learn more about sustainability in the building industry and communities through the eyes of a homebuilder. We look at Sustainability from four different perspectives and will provide insights you can take back to your life and business: The Homebuilding Industry, Our Community, Our Homes, Our Employees.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim O'Brien
  • Episodes
    48
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Building Sustainably
  • Show Website
    Building Sustainably