The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

Charlie Cichetti
The Green Building Matters Podcast with 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.

  1. Rebecca Riss, Performance Director at OPN Architects

    2일 전

    Rebecca Riss, Performance Director at OPN Architects

    Rebecca Riss is originally from White Plains, New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Studio Art from Carleton College in Minnesota and Master of Architecture from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.    Her passion for sustainability has led her to be active in AIA New York COTE, a steering committee member for the Carbon Leadership Forum New York Chapter, and the Carbon Leadership Hub Policy Lead, just to name a few.   A true environmentalist, Rebecca is excited by the change in architecture, as the approach to sustainability continues to respond to new research, technology, and priorities.  Her involvement and initiative have helped develop and implement updated standards, advocate for meaningful policy changes, and explore more holistic methods for evaluating a project’s health and environmental impacts across the industry.  Rebecca’s motivation comes from the colleagues and the communities she serves. She states, “It is inspiring to work with smart, caring, and inquisitive people to positively impact our neighbors and our future generations.”   AIA Framework for Design Excellence design principles that integrate sustainability into all aspects of architecture. Exploring tools for embodied carbon analysis and outreach to suppliers for detailed reporting. Excited about AIA Materials Pledge and increased manufacturer disclosure. Material vetting strategies for lower embodied carbon products ensuring products with lower environmental impact are prioritized. Implementing life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the overall sustainability of materials throughout their entire lifecycle. Integrating both operational and embodied carbon strategies to minimize overall carbon footprint in building design. Encouraging client education and advocacy for sustainable practices. Sustainable design practices tailored to meet the unique needs of educational, public facilities, and municipalities to enhance community infrastructure. “...If you're getting into this green building movement now - just be proactive about going outside of your comfort zone. Take initiative to do what interests you and explore the questions that you're invested in. And you don't need to ask permission of people to take those next steps and dive into the sustainability issues that you're particularly interested in exploring.”  -Rebecca Riss      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

    31분
  2. Healthy Home Concierge Andrew Pace

    10월 16일

    Healthy Home Concierge Andrew Pace

    Andrew Pace, Healthy Building Expert, Creator of the Non Toxic Environments podcast.    Andrew Pace is a Healthy Home Concierge and Founder of The Green Design Center, a leading resource for homeowners and contractors looking to source products that are healthy and green and receive expert consulting advice on designing and building healthy green homes.    Andrew is the host of the Non Toxic Environments Podcast. He is a worldwide expert on green and healthy building products and services customers and contractors from around the globe.    As founder of the oldest healthy building supply company in the United States, Andrew has become one of the single most helpful and educational experts dealing with the day-to-day concerns of those individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities.     Andrew serves as a board member of the Change the Air Foundation and has been featured in numerous national media outlets. Please follow along at @nontoxicenviornments and https://www.thegreendesigncenter.com.          His projects and expertise have been featured in numerous media outlets and industry podcasts including Real Simple,  Men's Health , Architectural Digest and Wellnessmama just to name a few.     He has recently presented alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Deepak Chopra as part of the 2023 Change The Air Summit with host Michael Rubino and discussed The Science of Healthy Buildings at the Healthier Tech Summit. Andrew serves as a board member of the Change the Air Foundation.   Eye opening health risks associated with traditional construction methods. Growing concern over mold due to energy-efficient building practices.  Focuses on human health concerns in construction to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants in indoor building design. Industry trends and a renewed excitement in healthy building post-pandemic. Wisconsin climate challenges create challenges for building design and materials. Whole-home projects to create healthier living environments. A proactive approach to adapting to industry changes in the rapidly evolving green building industry. Engaging with clients and peers provides valuable insights that contribute to personal and professional growth. Traveling to learn about sustainable practices in different cultures can provide unique insights into local environmental stewardship. Diverse approaches to sustainability can inspire innovative solutions for modern challenges.   “A lot of the problems that people are going through health-wise can be attributed to how we live in our built environment. Understanding what's happening from a health standpoint really helps me decide on how we're going to approach our new podcast season, who we're going to talk to, maybe the things that we need to look for.” -Andrew Pace  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

    43분
  3. Special Episode: Top 10 Ways to Green Your Construction Site 2024

    10월 9일

    Special Episode: Top 10 Ways to Green Your Construction Site 2024

    Jennifer Taranto brings more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate and construction industry. She joined Structure Tone in 2001, where she served as a superintendent and project manager before becoming STO Building Group’s Vice President of Sustainability. She ensures that environmental, social and governance (ESG) principals are incorporated into client projects and STOBG organizational strategy.   As a passionate advocate for reducing the environmental impact of the built environment, Jennifer gets involved in the early stages of design and construction to define the client’s ESG goals and help the project team create an internal roadmap to achieve them. With her guidance and expertise, organizations around the world have been able to improve people’s health and wellbeing while reducing the construction and operating impacts of facilities.   As a founder of the non-profit, Built Environment Plus, and the current Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, Jennifer is a recognized sustainable construction leader and frequent speaker. She has been recognized by the International WELL Building Institute with their WELL AP award in 2018 and the WELL Faculty award in 2019, 2020 and 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University.   Show Highlights   Overview of the integration of green building programs such as LEED, WELL, Fitwel, and BREEAM into construction practices. Key strategies of the benefits of forming a green team, promoting ride-sharing, enforcing no-idling policies, and using electric vehicles on construction sites.  The importance of green materials, prefabrication, temporary systems like LED lighting and solar power, and technologies such as drones  Attention was given to reducing embodied carbon and future green construction trends, followed by a Q&A session.  Discussion on the importance of LEED credentials and the growth of the green building movement. Discussion on the importance of certifications for corporate sustainability and green financing. Introduction to the top ten ways to green a construction site. The role of technology in construction, including drones and virtual meetings. the evolution of green materials and the importance of EPDs and HPDs Examples of innovative materials and construction methods being used in the industry to reduce waste.   “You're going to start to see a lot of designs that are going to shift toward lower embodied carbon materials. A lot of our clients are getting savvier and asking those questions. I think the other, the pie chart that maybe you don't have, Charlie, in the deck is the fact that 49% of the embodied carbon is in the building the day that the contractor hands over the keys to the client. So half of the lifetime amount of carbon is in the building before anybody even occupies it. There's a big opportunity there in order to really ratchet those numbers.” -J   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

    58분
  4. TITLE:  Reviving Cities, Reducing Carbon: Olga Itsiou’s Vision for Green Building

    10월 3일

    TITLE:  Reviving Cities, Reducing Carbon: Olga Itsiou’s Vision for Green Building

    Olga Itsiou, Chief Operating Officer at DIMAND S.A. | Architect | RIBA Joined DIMAND in 2005 as Technical Director and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, distinguished for adeptness in finding solutions in challenging scenarios, orchestrating efficient team dynamics, and pioneering the implementation of new, innovative, and sustainable policies and technologies into the operations of DIMAND. Prior professional roles include positions at HOK International Ltd in London as a Project Architect, REDS S.A. of the ELLAKTOR Group as a Consultant and Design Manager, and INTRA DEVELOPMENT S.A. as a Design Manager. Graduated as an Architect Engineer from the University of Greenwich with a BA (Hons) in Architecture. Completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture at Kingston University and obtained a Post-experience Certificate in the Professional Practice of Architecture (RIBA Part 3) from the same institution. Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the United Kingdom. Show Highlights  The role of transportation in addressing indirect emissions.  The value of travel for broadening perspectives in green building. DIMAND focuses on large redevelopments and major renovations revitalizing underutilized urban areas. Responsible for 45% of LEED certified projects in Greece Piraeus Tower Project: a landmark development and a key part of Greece's transition into a new era of urban renewal. Aim to repurpose existing structures, reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction. Community engagement is a key focus to meet local needs and enhance neighborhood vitality. Involve facility management from pre-design phase for optimal operation. Comprehensive carbon footprint assessments allow for the identification of both direct and indirect emissions, enabling targeted strategies to reduce overall environmental impact. Incorporating facility management expertise early in the design phase can optimize building performance and ensure that sustainability features are effectively utilized throughout the building's lifecycle. Emphasizing a lifecycle approach helps in understanding the environmental impact of a building from design through demolition, ensuring sustainable practices are integrated at every stage. Involve facility management from pre-design phase for optimal operation. “It's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't done. The planet is suffering. We seriously need to do something about it. So all of you that are jumping in the green building movement just keep focused, try your best to reverse the harm that has been done over the past years, and always be positive. Also, travel. I think by traveling, you get so many ideas and you get to see what other countries are doing. And it helps a lot in focusing and seeing things from a different perspective.” -Olga Itsiou    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

    32분
  5. Sustainable Urban Planner and LEED Fellow Enzo Tessitore from Brazil

    9월 25일

    Sustainable Urban Planner and LEED Fellow Enzo Tessitore from Brazil

    Enzo Tessitore, Licensed Architect & Urban Planner, LEED Fellow, sustainability advocate, local community supporter, amateur baker and classic car lover is a sustainability-driven executive with international experience in bringing people, organizations, and money together to help drive the global property industry toward green practices. In 2023, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the global green building movement and LEED, the USGBC recognized him as the youngest LEED Fellow in the world. As an Architect and Urban planner, Enzo is responsible for the Green Building Council Brazil operations, where he has worked for over seven years. He also served on the global business development team for Latin America at the US Green Building Council, focusing on developing the Brazilian market for Arc buildings’ operational performance benchmark platform. He participates on several steering and technical committees, such as in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards), in the global project Better Places for People, of the World Green Building Council, where strategies are discussed to increase the demand and the adoption of sustainable buildings that support the health, well-being, and productivity of the people within them, as well as in the Advancing Net Zero, also from the WorldGBC, which aims to increase adoption of Net Zero buildings throughout the world. For the past five years, he has maintained his professional practice in architecture and urban planning, working with projects focused on sustainability at different scales. Born in Brazil and educated in California and Sao Paulo, Enzo holds a double major in Architecture and Urban Planning from Escola da Cidade in Sao Paulo. Show Highlights   Enzo became the youngest LEED Fellow at age 30. Brazil's status as the fifth-largest market for LEED certifications. Explains structure of World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and local chapters. Focus on decarbonization strategies and biodiversity. The absence of supportive legislation contributes to green buildings remaining a niche market despite a growing interest. The push for new construction and existing building retrofits is essential for achieving sustainability goals. AI's potential impact on green building design leading to more sustainable choices. Clear communication fosters understanding and alignment among diverse stakeholders in green building projects. “Green buildings are not going away… Green buildings are an umbrella. There's a whole bunch of things underneath it, whether you're an energy efficiency geek or you really love to study how the built environment affects our forests or maybe you're really into passive design. There's a whole bunch of things that are underneath that sort of green building umbrella. There's going to be more and more legislation that requires your building to be efficient. There's going to be more and more incentives for your building to be efficient. I hope at some point we're not allowed to build inefficient buildings...” -Enzo Tessitore     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

    35분
  6. Interior Designer and greenList Founder Megan Thompson

    9월 18일

    Interior Designer and greenList Founder Megan Thompson

    [smart_track_player url="https://traffic.libsyn.com/gbespodcast/GBES_With_Lee_Newton_1.mp3" ]  is an entrepreneur who works tirelessly to educate the industry on more sustainable practices, from sourcing to implementation. After facing frustration with sustainable sourcing she began a project that allows designers to easily find vendors that meet rigorous sustainability criteria. Through the process of building the greenList platform. She was surprised to learn that over 80% of the residential designers do not have a formal education. And even those that do did not have sustainability as part of their curriculum. By creating a new platform that’s accessible to residential designers closes a longstanding educational gap and creates new stands in conscious design. Drawing inspiration from unfamiliar spaces and traditional, time-honored elements, Megan lives not just for design, but for design that helps others love what they do, where they live, and how they feel when they step into a space that feels like them. For Megan, no two days are the same and this unparalleled edge that every day and every project brings just ensures an unmatched, custom design for all clients. You’ll notice Megan’s relaxed personality and tasteful wit as she collaborates on projects with you, the vendors, contractors, and installers. Show Highlight Her Projects include both residential and commercial renovations. Targeted messaging to attract sustainability-focused clients. Interior Design Greenlist is a platform for designers that aims to simplify the sourcing process by pre-vetting companies based on sustainability criteria. Sustainability is becoming more prominent in the interior design community. The rise of eco-friendly materials and practices has led to demand for sustainable design solutions among homeowners and commercial clients. Understanding product lifecycles and identifying genuine sustainable practice. Regulatory pressures and market trends are driving innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. Challenges in identifying greenwashing. Focus on net-zero construction and enhancing indoor air quality. Show Resource and Information Don’t forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the website. 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 insurances 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

    23분
  7. Eye Doctor and Sustainable Developer Dr. Lee Newton

    9월 11일

    Eye Doctor and Sustainable Developer Dr. Lee Newton

    Dr. Lee Newton is an optometrist who has learned to build, develop, and invest in real estate profitably. He loves to help others learn to do the same.    Beginning his health care career as his own tenant and landlord, he quickly learned the benefits of real estate as a preferred asset class and began investing in both residential and commercial properties.   Having been able to assist many medical clients with design/build projects, Dr. Lee’s primary area of interest is new construction. He is particularly adept in the area of value engineering, the art of shaping the cost of the project to meet both functional and budgetary needs without sacrificing quality. His assistance is frequently sought in this realm. Other areas of expertise include building science, thermal design, and building performance.   With a proven track record of quality and transparency in both cost and timeline, Dr. Lee has been known to save clients as much as $1M on a single build. Given the effects of inflation in the post-pandemic era, his current area of passion is the design and construction of affordable residential housing.   Show Highlights   Focus on net-zero construction and enhancing indoor air quality. Promoting all-electric designs and the use of advanced air purification systems. Value-engineered home designs focus on optimizing cost while maintaining quality and functionality. All construction activities have some negative impact on the environment, emphasizing that there is no absolute green building. Adaptation of sustainable practices to improve building performance and reduce harm to the planet. Integrating heat pump technology and solar readiness in building designs supports sustainability goals and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to lower carbon emissions. Recommends investing in well-positioned raw land for future development. Increasing MERV ratings on furnace filters and adding individual room air purifiers significantly enhance air cleanliness.   “I've come to the conclusion that there is no green building that occurs at an absolute level. Everything we do to the earth results in the earth being less green than when we started. There's only green buildings in a relative sense. And it just makes the most sense to try to leave the least impact on earth as we go about constructing and rehabbing.”     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

    29분
  8. Southern Hospitality, Humidity, and Sustainability with Jane Frederick

    9월 4일

    Southern Hospitality, Humidity, and Sustainability with Jane Frederick

    Jane Frederick, FAIA. LEED AP, Architect, Author, AGLN Fellow & 96th President of the American Institute of Architects. Designing sustainable houses that connect clients to the place they call home never gets old for Jane Frederick. She loves working with people who are ready to create the house of their dreams and enjoys thinking through everything, from the ideal room that captures the views to finding the perfect tile for the bathroom.    For over 35 years, Jane has been working alongside her husband, Michael Frederick, creating award-winning houses in the hot, humid Lowcountry of South Carolina. They are both passionate about sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of their houses. As participants in the AIA’s 2030 Commitment, they meet the goal most years. In 2023, Jane Frederick, was awarded the AIA South Carolina Medal of Distinction, the highest honor given by the chapter, and was the first woman to receive this prestigious award. Jane Frederick, also believes in giving back, and everyone on her team actively supports a variety of organizations, both personal and professional. Locally, they support the Open Land Trust, Coastal Conservation League, The Spanish Moss Trail, and the Historic Beaufort Foundation. This commitment to service also inspired Jane to become the 2020 President of the American Institute of Architects. Show Highlights   The importance of sustainable practices in the evolving landscape of architecture. In-house HVAC design allows for tailored solutions that enhance system efficiency, better indoor air quality, and comfort. Promoting solar panels and backup batteries over generators ensures energy availability. Raising houses out of floodplains for sustainability enhances the resilience of homes against climate change impacts. Hoping for net-zero code to pass for broader sustainability goals in the built environment. Focus on custom residential design within a 200-mile radius. Sustainable materials and construction practices that enhance durability and reduce environmental impact. Effective communication of the benefits of sustainability can lead to better decision-making and increased client satisfaction.selling sustainable solutions to clients Right-sized HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and indoor air quality in modern homes.   “What's changing a lot about residential design is that the sophistication of the building systems is just growing exponentially, and that you really have to stay on top of that. Quite often, you might work with a contractor that might say, ‘We've done it this way for 40 years, and it's worked fine’, and it's like, ‘Well, no, we are building super tight houses now, and we have to bring in fresh air, and you have to make sure that everything is working, because it's not just how we've always done it.’” -Jane Frederick   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

    37분
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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.

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