The Utility Room

Mary Nitschke
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Utilities touch everything: budgets, compliance, resident satisfaction — yet most operators still don’t have clear visibility. The Utility Room is a podcast for multifamily leaders who want practical conversations about energy, sustainability, and operations — from people who actually run buildings, shape policy, and invest in the future of multifamily. No theory. No guilt. Just real insight into saving time, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes for owners, operators, and residents. It’s a safe space where you’ll walk away with insights you can put into action.

  1. 5d ago

    39 - Midstream Incentives: Change What’s on the Truck

    Mary Nitschke talks with Harry Bergmann https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-bergmann-a338ba37/ about his path from local government energy work to the Department of Energy and now Code Green, where he focuses on data standardization, building performance standards, and helping owners turn compliance into action. They push past the usual policy talking points and dig into the questions owners care about most: what changes when the pressure shifts from paperwork to action, and how do buildings stay future-ready when the grid, the weather, and occupancy patterns keep changing?Timestamps00:00 - Introductions and Harry’s origin story00:34 - From local government energy work to DOE01:46 - Standardizing building energy and equipment data02:44 - How data standards helped seed building performance standards03:14 - Moving into state and community energy programs03:44 - Joining Code Green to focus on building owner compliance04:31 - Why working at scale changes the impact05:40 - BPS is not a silver bullet06:09 - Why jurisdictions and owners are still learning the basics06:39 - The shift from compliance to agency07:09 - Acting now as the biggest opportunity under BPS cycles08:07 - BPS as a business decision, not just a mandate09:43 - How BPS can improve resilience and asset value10:34 - Support for disadvantaged communities and critical buildings11:46 - The split incentive problem in multifamily14:43 - Midstream incentives as a possible fix15:32 - Why contractor stock matters for technology adoption16:43 - Rapid-response repairs as a moment to deploy efficient equipment18:12 - What happens after compliance targets are met19:15 - How hybrid work is changing office demand and energy use20:13 - Planning for advanced controls, electrification, and EV charging21:22 - Building for flexibility and future reuse22:54 - Most 2050 buildings are already standing todayThis episode is brought to you by PlugOp.When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  2. Sep 29

    38 - Your Building Is Part of the Energy System

    Building Performance Standards (BPS) are expanding across the country, but what do they actually mean for building owners, operators, and residents?Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ sits down with Alex Dews https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-dews/ to explore how Building Performance Standards are evolving, what policymakers have learned from early adopters, and why multifamily properties require a different approach than traditional commercial buildings.Alex brings experience across real estate, construction, local government, nonprofit work, and building performance policy. Together, Mary and Alex break down BPS without the fear factor and look at what successful implementation can actually look like.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction to Alex Dews and why building policy matters(01:23) Why building performance standards keep evolving(03:55) Denver and Colorado as a case study in overlapping policy(07:18) Why IMT says “building performance” instead of “energy efficiency”(09:41) Buildings as part of the grid and energy system(10:47) Peak demand, flexibility, and the financial case for load shifting(12:08) Multifamily demand response and the post-pandemic shift(13:45) Why multifamily needs different policy treatment(15:32) Alternative compliance pathways for older buildings(17:09) The split incentive problem in multifamily housing(18:50) Owner tenant collaboration as a compliance tool(22:00) The limits and value of submetering(26:02) What early implementation is teaching DC and New York(26:58) How property owners can keep up with changing BPS rules(29:03) Paying for upgrades and thinking in terms of capital planning delta(30:09) Why better performance can reduce work orders and operating painNotable quotesThis episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  3. Sep 22

    37 - Waste Is the Last Space in the Building

    Waste is one of the biggest blind spots in multifamily, and it may be costing owners far more than they realize. Shamir Hyman https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamirhyman/, CEO and founder of WasteXAI, explains why the industry has been stuck in a black box for decades and how verified, container-level data could change everything.Host, Mary Nitschke, and Shamir unpack the hidden operations behind trash service, recycling contamination, missed pickups, compliance headaches, and the labor drain created when teams have to hunt for answers with no hard evidence. Shamir shares why waste should be treated as a resident experience asset, not just a pass-through expense, and why the future of property operations depends on turning this overlooked function into something measurable.In this episode:The evolution of waste managementThe role of verified operational dataHow WasteXAI's technology works on-siteThe impact of data transparency on costs and operationsFuture trends in waste management and industry transformationChapters00:00 Introduction to WasteXAI and Industry Challenges03:20 Shamir Hyman's Origin Story and Industry Motivation09:30 Why Most Waste Operations Are in the Dark14:08 The One Thing Most Owners Don't Know About Waste18:56 The Black Box of the Waste Industry23:23 How WasteXAI Measures and Verifies Waste Events27:07 The Operational History and Data of Waste Management28:56 The Future of Waste Management in Five YearsThis episode is brought to you by PlugOp.When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  4. Sep 15

    36 - Real Estate Sustainability Is Like Playing Three-Dimensional Chess

    Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ sits down with Jessica Long https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-long-3666692a/, who brings nearly 20 years of experience across commercial real estate, public REITs, and asset management, to unpack how sustainability evolved from tenant-driven energy conversations into a portfolio-level strategy tied to value, governance, and investor expectations. From the early days of LEED adoption to leading sustainability at NAREIT, Jessica traces the industry’s transformation and explains why the real story is not whether REITs care about sustainability, but how they turn it into measurable business performance.In this episode:The evolution of sustainability in real estate over 20 yearsThe role of NAREIT in industry advocacy and educationJessica Long's career path from private to public REITsThe impact of sustainability on operational expenses and capital marketsSector-specific sustainability practices and reporting trendsThe shift from voluntary to mandatory sustainability disclosuresThe integration of financial metrics with sustainability dataFuture trends in AI and data analysis for ESG performanceThe importance of holistic CapEx planning for sustainabilityThe influence of tenant and investor demands on sustainability strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Jessica Long and the importance of sustainability in real estate02:29 Jessica Long's career journey in real estate and sustainability07:53 Overview of NAREIT and its role in the industry11:34 2026 Industry Sustainability Report highlights and sector insights15:03 The economic value of sustainability in real estate21:26 Future trends in sustainability reporting and data analysisThis episode is brought to you by Energy CX. Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  5. Sep 8

    35 - Waste Is the Commodity Nobody Wants to Date

    Waste is the last thing most property teams want to tackle, but it may be the fastest path to better resident experience, lower operating costs, and real sustainability impact.Cass McFadden, Vice President of Sustainability at Cortland https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassmcfadden/ , shares how Cortland turned a messy, overlooked utility into an award-winning program that industry peers can’t ignore.Mary Nitschke congratulates Cortland on their UMA Sustainability and Innovation Award win, and Cass breaks down what it took to build a credible waste strategy from the ground up. The conversation reveals how smart partnerships, better data, and a willingness to test can turn trash into measurable operational wins.In this episode:Waste diversion programs and their impactIndustry recognition and awards in sustainabilityPartnerships with local vendors for recyclingData and metrics in waste managementCommunity engagement and signage in recyclingGlass recycling and closed-loop systemsOperational cost savings through waste reductionProactive waste stream management strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Cass McFadden and Cortland's sustainability efforts01:50 Cass shares the significance of industry awards in sustainability04:04 Overview of Cortland as a multifamily real estate firm06:57 How waste management programs were developed and implemented09:04 The importance of data and real-time metrics in waste diversion11:57 Focus on glass recycling and its benefits14:57 Closed-loop recycling with Coca-Cola containers17:00 Resident engagement and signage strategies for waste sorting19:54 Next steps and future plans for waste and diversion at CortlandThis episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  6. Sep 1

    34 - Utility Billing is about as Sexy as Doing your own Taxes

    Tiffany Mittal https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanymittal/ and Mary Nitschke dive into water usage in multifamily. They discuss the RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) program, and the challenges of utility management and billing in multifamily.Tiffany shares her experience from a small owner-operator to creating Utility Ranger, a software that empowers small multifamily owners to manage utility billing efficiently, and what led her to creating the software.In this episode:Tiffany Mittal's journey from owner-operator to software innovatorThe market gap for small multifamily utility managementBenefits of utility billback programs for property owners and residentsStrategies for communicating utility programs to residentsCompliance considerations in utility billingThe role of transparency and education in conservationTimestamps00:00 Introduction and welcome to Tiffany Mittal00:28 How Utility Ranger started and the problem it solved01:43 The value of utility billing for property owners02:43 Helping smaller owners get the same advantages03:25 Why utility billing matters05:06 The difference between submetering and RUBS07:31 Transparency drives conservation08:04 The hotel example and water usage09:33 Changing resident behavior10:38 How to communicate a billback program11:38 Why it helps to explain the program upfront12:31 Real example: residents reduced costs by 50%13:16 Empathy improves resident buy-in14:13 Resident education and conservation15:13 The story of the neighbor leaving the shower on16:52 The biggest mistake when rolling out billback17:54 Risks of handling resident notice incorrectly18:41 Why lease terms matter19:11 Closing and goodbyeThis episode is brought to you by PlugOp.When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  7. Aug 26

    33 - If You’ve Done One Solar Project, You’ve Done One

    In this episode, Thomas Stanchak https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-stanchak/ from Stoneweg shares insights on integrating sustainability into real estate, focusing on solar projects, data reporting, and strategic investment in renewable energy. Discover how practical experience and disciplined approaches can drive long-term value and environmental impact.Thomas Stanchak is Head of Sustainability and Innovation in the U.S. for Stoneweg, a global alternative investment group focused on real assets, where he works to improve how buildings perform and operate. His work combines practical sustainability strategies with new approaches to drive efficiency, long-term value, and better resident experiences. He connects big-picture strategy with real-world execution.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Thomas Stanchak and Stoneweg02:40 Thomas's journey into real estate sustainability08:12 Stoneweg's first solar projects in 202412:19 Evaluating renewable energy project viability15:23 Performance and technical issues in solar projects17:25 GRESB sustainability benchmark and scores22:18 Authenticity and value creation in ESG reporting23:09 Closing thoughts and future discussionsThis episode is brought to you by Energy CX. Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  8. Aug 18

    32 - The Grid Is Stressed, AI Is Hungry, and Real Estate Needs a Room

    Mary Nitschke brings Michael Beckerman https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-beckerman/, CEO of CREtech, in to discuss the evolving landscape of sustainability in real estate, the impact of AI, and the upcoming CREtech conference. They explore how external market forces are driving energy efficiency, decarbonization, and innovation in the built environment.Michael Beckerman is a leader in the commercial real estate technology and sustainability sectors. He entered the sectors in 2012 after a 25-year career in commercial real estate media relations, in which he started and built Beckerman Public Relations into one of the largest firms in the country before eventually selling the agency.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest02:23 Industry shift towards sustainability and decarbonization04:36 The economic opportunity in decarbonization06:23 Revisiting sustainability as ROI and asset improvement09:00 The role of AI in real estate and climate action12:57 AI as a tool for efficiency and decarbonization14:23 The importance of operational action on climate16:39 Power, energy, and sustainability in real estate20:56 Industry trends and the future of energy in CRE21:19 What to expect at CREtech Conference 2026This episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

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About

Utilities touch everything: budgets, compliance, resident satisfaction — yet most operators still don’t have clear visibility. The Utility Room is a podcast for multifamily leaders who want practical conversations about energy, sustainability, and operations — from people who actually run buildings, shape policy, and invest in the future of multifamily. No theory. No guilt. Just real insight into saving time, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes for owners, operators, and residents. It’s a safe space where you’ll walk away with insights you can put into action.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Nitschke
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mary Nitschke
  • Show Website
    The Utility Room

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