37 episodes
Better Buildings For Humans BBFH is hosted by Joe Menchefski and brought to you by Advanced Glazings, Ltd.
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5.0 • 6 Ratings
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Welcome to the BBFH podcast. More often than not, when we think about health and wellness, our thoughts turn to diet and exercise. However, most of us spend two-thirds or more of our day inside buildings. The quality of the environment in those buildings has been proven to have a dramatic impact on our well being and our productivity, both at work and at home. There is little discussion about this in the mainstream media. It’s time to start a public dialogue about how we are affected by the buildings where we live, work and play. Thanks for listening! https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/
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Unlocking the Secrets to Beautiful, Energy-Efficient Buildings - with Ken Levenson - Ep. 37
The Passive House Network is the training and educational branch of Passive House in America. In this episode, Joe sits down with Ken Levenson, the Executive Director of the Passive House Network. Joe and Ken explore the differences between the role of Passive House Network and PHIUS. Listeners will hear how the Passive House standards are driven by science and outcomes rather than prescriptive requirements. Discover how prioritizing excellence in building enclosure design not only enhances comfort but also boosts energy efficiency. Tune in to learn why superior design leads to stunning, energy-efficient, and health-promoting structures that are truly a pleasure to occupy!
Where to find Ken:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenlevenson
passivehousenetwork.org
https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/
www.advancedglazings.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcast
www.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625
https://twitter.com/bbfhpod
https://twitter.com/Solera_Daylight
https://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/
https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltd/
https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd -
Daylight As A Fundamental Human Right - With Seth Warren Rose - Ep 36
In this episode of BBFH, host Joe Menchefski engages in a compelling conversation with Seth Warren Rose, founding director of Eneref Institute, on the profound impact of the built environment on human well-being.
Seth, who transitioned from a background in physics to a passion for sustainable development, discusses the essential role of natural light in buildings, emphasizing it as a fundamental right that enhances well-being and productivity.
The episode covers how wellness-friendly schools focus on proper ventilation and daylight to support healthy learning environments and explores how market forces are instrumental in driving the adoption of sustainable practices and products. Also addressed is the critical need to tackle climate change to prevent future climate refugees and conclude with insights on what makes a building truly great by considering occupant well-being, integrating sustainable design principles, and withstanding the test of time. This episode is a must listen!
Where To Find Seth:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/swrose/
https://eneref.org/
seth.warren.rose@eneref.org -
The Power of Climate Responsive Design with Erik Olsen - Ep. 35
This week, host Joe Menchefski explores the art of integrated and climate responsive design with Erik Olsen, Managing Partner at Transsolar KlimaEngineering. In this episode, Erik explains that "our world deserves better than building as usual," emphasizing the role of local climates in crafting dynamic, comfortable environments. Discover the impact of projects like the Karl Miller Center in Portland and the School of Design and Environment in Singapore, where low-tech solutions and strategic renewable energy procurement redefine sustainability. Listen in for a deep dive into building designs that truly prioritize human comfort and environmental responsibility.
More about Erik:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-olsen-transsolar/
https://transsolar.com/ -
Rethinking Residential: Sam Rashkin’s Journey to Housing 2.0
In this episode, we sit down with Sam Rashkin, self-proclaimed recovering architect, founder of Tru Home Facts, and the visionary behind the Housing 2.0 framework. Sam shares his invaluable insights on the pivotal role of programs like ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Home in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability in homes. Explore Housing 2.0, a groundbreaking framework developed by Sam that focuses on optimizing community, design, performance, quality, and value in residential buildings. Discover the critical elements that define indoor environmental quality, including thermal comfort, the infusion of natural light, superior air quality, and thoughtful views, all of which contribute to a healthier, more connected living space. Sam also explains the benefits of Tru Home Facts, a platform providing essential data on expected maintenance costs, helping homeowners manage financial wellness in property management. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in creating spaces that not only save energy but also foster well-being and social connection.
More About Sam: https://srashkin.com/https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/housing-2.0
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-rashkin-1684582/
sam@truhomefacts.com -
Sustainable Facades and Daylight Dynamics – Sahar Abdelwahab - Ep. 33
Explore the intricacies of sustainable building design through the lens of daylight utilization and facade system control with esteemed researcher, Sahar Abdelwahab.
Sahar unravels the delicate balance between enhancing daylight intake and optimizing thermal performance using the groundbreaking Kaleidocycle Typology. Discover how cultural factors and visual privacy play pivotal roles in facade design and learn about the trade-offs between speed and accuracy in daylight modeling.
Sahar also sheds light on the non-visual impacts of lighting on the elderly and the evolving UK building codes' influence on glazed areas.
Concluding with a forward-looking announcement, Sahar invites listeners to a series of talks focusing on human-centric design in indoor environments. Whether you’re an architect, planner, or enthusiast, this episode offers profound insights into creating buildings that truly cater to human needs while pushing the boundaries of modern design.
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sahar-abdelwahab-982250a9 -
Luxury Meets Legacy: Volvo’s Commitment to Sustainability
In this episode, Julian Pastore from Volvo Car Canada and Bryce Jarman from RH Carter Architects Inc. discuss the Volvo Retail Sustainability Experience (VRSE) program, which focuses on creating sustainable and customer-centric dealerships.
They highlight the goals of VRSE, including providing a premium Scandinavian experience for customers and creating a comfortable and productive environment for employees. The design of the showrooms incorporates elements such as Solera® glass, renewable energy, permeable paving, and sustainable furniture. The feedback from both employees and customers has been positive, with the new facilities being praised for their welcoming atmosphere and sustainable features.
The showrooms are designed to celebrate their sustainability and communicate Volvo's commitment to environmental responsibility. The conversation discusses sustainable elements in the customer lounge, the importance of natural light in a showroom, the premium and payback in showroom design, advice for bricks and mortar retailers, and what makes a great building!
https://www.dilawri.ca/en/news/view/volvo-car-canada-and-dilawri-open-north-americas-first-vrse-facility/116987
https://www.volvocars.com/en-ca/
https://www.rhcarter.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/r.h.-carter-architects/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianpastore/