The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti Charlie Cichetti

    Jeffrey Johnson, PhD, PE operates at the intersection of expertise, innovation and  technology to advance sustainability efforts that will revolutionize the water  industry while protecting the future of generations to come.    Tapping in-depth knowledge of domestic and global water issues honed through business and academic experience, Jeffrey leads groundbreaking work related to stormwater, wastewater, potable water, agricultural water, and coastal environments. His work harnesses artificial intelligence to provide data and practical insights to a world watching its most precious resource — water — slip through the cracks.    With two trillion gallons of drinking water lost in the U.S. annually — leading  to a $7.5 billion revenue loss — Jeffrey is committed to transformative  change to create a future where water resources are managed with the  utmost efficiency and sustainability.   Articles by Jeffrey Johnson  Show Highlights   Oldcastle Infrastructure’s focus on water and sustainability  Role in water management and sustainability. Work in stormwater management and green infrastructure. Addressing water scarcity. Innovative solutions they are developing. Alarming statistics about water loss in the U.S., including 2 trillion gallons lost annually due to leaks. The challenges of aging water infrastructure and the need for innovative solutions. Jeffrey highlights the use of AI and real-time sensing to improve water management. The importance of listening and public service learned from his mentors and other avenues in the industry.  Goals to improving water infrastructure report cards  Tips for the future of sustainability and the green building movement.   “Here's what I'm most excited about these days. It's our work around aging infrastructure and this crossroads that we found ourselves at in the United States with our water infrastructure. And you look at the American Society of Civil Engineers, as a proud member there, and they put out an infrastructure report card every so often where they look at bridges, roads, communications, water, and they give it a grade for the country. And you look at water across the spectrum of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater report cards, not good.” -Jeffrey Johnson      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  

TITLE:  Green Building and Sustainability Leader John Harrison (Returning Guest) John Harrison, FAIA, RDI, LEED Fellow.  John is a sustainability innovator and licensed architect with extensive and diverse experience in both project and enterprise level certifications and design standards. He is one of the world’s foremost experts on the global application of sustainable strategies at scale and utilizes his expertise in sustainable architecture, engineering and construction to enable organizations to reach unprecedented goals.   John is a pioneer in the evolution and implementation of multiple LEED rating systems; as an early adopter for the original 1998 LEED pilot, the first commercial interiors rating system, and the LEED retail and volume build pilots. While at Starbucks, he co-authored the company’s LEED for Retail Volume Build Program and led the execution team responsible for sustainable strategies and LEED certifications. With over 1,600 certified stores in 22 different countries/territories and all 50 US states, the program is recognized as the most successful green building program of its kind in the world. In private architectural practice, John spent 13 years at Mithun in Seattle working with a variety of sustainably driven retail, commercial and institutional clients including: Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI), Precor, Miraval Resort and Spa and the IslandWood Environmental Learning Center. IslandWood was one of the first five LEED Gold certifications in the world and an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Award winner. For the outdoor retailer REI, John executed more than five dozen sustainable core stores, in addition to flagship projects in Bloomington, MN and Tokyo, Japan. With John’s leadership, the REI building portfolio was elevated with scalable core standards based on sustainable strategies explored in flagship projects resulting in some of the first LEED ID+C Retail Projects ever certified. John is a dedicated environmental advocate who has donated thousands of hours, through multiple channels at local, regional, national and international levels. Through outreach, service and education, he has elevated the sustainability knowledge of building industry professionals, provided board leadership for ecologically focused nonprofits and helped develop environmental education for the next generation of leaders. He currently serves on the AIA COTE Advocacy Task Force, the Greenbuild Advisory Board and is board vice president for Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG), which is a regional non-profit focused on responsible forest practices and FSC certifications. Prior to his service with NNRG, John was board president for the environmental restoration and youth leadership development organization EarthCorps. John is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on sustainability at scale and has led presentations to building professionals on subjects related to LEED volume certification and sustainability at the national AIA convention, multiple Greenbuild conferences and a variety of other industry events. Show Highlights   Navigating global sustainability standards and challenges of working with different sustainability standards across countries. Importance of adapting to local codes and practices while maintaining global sustainability goals. Examples of projects in various countries, luxury retailers, and their unique challenges. The future of green building with a focus on carbon reduction and human health in building design. The need for generative design and inclusive leadership in the green building movement. Importance of addressing existing building stock and portfolio-driven solutions. John's collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to projects in his career. Exposure to sustainable materials and practices  Early adoption of sustainable practices and materials. REI flagship store in Seattle. Chal

    Andrea Valentini, Architect, LEED AP BD+C,ID+C, WELL AP, ENV SP,Fitwel Amb.,USGBC Pro. Architectural Firm with broad experience gained in green building design,construction management and real estate development of high- end residential buildings   He graduated from the Venice Architecture Institute in March 1986 with a score of 110/110 with a degree on the work of Luigi Moretti architect.   He started to practice the profession of architect also continuing the family business in real estate. He focused its experience in the residential sector in both new construction and renovation projects combining all the phases from to preliminary design to the construction following all the whole project management. He gained extensive experience and nearly three decades of  professional activity with special attention to all the issues of building sustainability.   In 1998 he took a specialty Enea  course on energy savings while in 2009 he got Casaclima Junior Expert Diploma; in 2013 he got the professional accreditation from the Green Building Certification Institute, USA, as LEED ® Green Associate and in Spril 2014 he got, from GBCI, the accreditation as LEED® AP (Accredited Professional) BD + C (Building Design + Construction).    He pursues actively many  activities as a member of the Italy Green Building Council following both courses of education that events, actively involved in the foundation of the Chapter Marche of Italy GBC. Since January 2018 is secretary of the Chapter Marche of Italy GBC. - LEED,WELL,FITWEL project management and certification project administration - LEED design charrette and integrative design process - Training for environmental sustainable design - Development design ideas and presentations for new buildings or historic buildings - Preparation of architectural designs, presentation drawings, technical specifications - Estimate costs and schedules and other elements associated with construction projects. - Management of all facets of project management (budget, schedule, procurement, quality, risk) - Project costs management through the ongoing valuation of labor,material and equipment. - Coordinating,advising and directing project leaders,contractors, and construction workers.   A senior Italian architect with broad experience gained in green building design,construction management and real estate development over a 35+years career. Results oriented and skilled professional with an extensive record of consistently exceeding project goals, specialized in building design of high-end residential projects.Ability to manage,coach,and build cohesive teams and surpassing business objectives.   Show Highlights   Transition to green building with the support of the Green Building Council of Italy (GBC Italia). Historical knowledge in sustainable practices and the need for resilient buildings. GBC supported building rating system for ancient and historic buildings. The challenges of finding new team members and the importance of education. Ancient building verification and sustainable building practices. Emphases for resilience in buildings due to changing weather patterns. The future of the green building and the importance of passion in the field. To experience sustainability you need to study the story and architecture of ancient buildings.   “Be humble and to be available to listen, to learn in every stage of life. The key word to approach the green building movement, is foundations, not only in the way of thinking, a way of doing, but to go to foundation. You have to make a habit, to learn and to compare all the phases and to deepen every question, every issue. I prefer to have received my career with this way of thinking, a way of making the disposition to learn from people and from every kind of people, because everyone has something to teach us.”  -Andrea Valentini      Show Resource and Information Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES

  Discover the secrets to successful Adaptive Reuse in Urban Development in this enlightening webinar. Experts will guide you through the essential aspects of this innovative approach, highlighting embodied carbon, financial strategies, community enhancement, strategic planning, and navigating project limitations. Dive into the world of adaptive reuse, where we balance heritage preservation with modern urban needs. What You Will Learn: Learn about reducing environmental footprints and enhancing sustainability through adaptive reuse of existing structures. Explore the strategic planning and flexibility of adaptive reuse for sustainable urban development. Discover the financial and community revitalization benefits of adaptive reuse in urban areas. Understand the challenges and limitations in adaptive reuse, including legal, structural, and financial factors. Bryce Gerritsen is a member of the Sustainability Consulting Team at Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) as a full-time Sustainability Consultant. In this role, Bryce oversees and manages multiple projects related to sustainable and healthy buildings for commercial real estate clients.   Education Bryce holds a MS in Agricultural and Resource Economics from University of California – Davis and a BS in Environmental Economics and Policy from Oregon State University. His academic studies focused on measuring resource and environmental impact, economic analysis of resource and environmental policies, and ecosystem services valuation. While at OSU, Bryce worked with a multidisciplinary team as part of the EPA’s P3 Sustainability Grant Competition to develop a web application for enhancing residential green infrastructure and community-based environmental management.   Experience Bryce has worked with more than 50 organizations from a wide range of industries, both private and civil, to integrate sustainability into their processes and develop 5-year sustainability action plans. These plans have saved the organizations more than 56M kWh and $7.8M annually.   Interests Bryce is most at home in the outdoors where he loves to spend time with the family hiking, camping, and spotting wildlife. When not in the mountains you will usually find him wrenching on a car.   Monte Hilleman, comes to us as an expert in the green building industry with over 25 years of experience and a strong reputation for credible and authentic urban development that maintains the vitality and sustainability of urban spaces. Monte has built his legacy at the forefront of developing and advancing ESG goals to create social, ecological and economic transformation.    Monte's leadership and experience in equitable economic and community development, including real estate transactions and finance, renewable energy infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainable urban design and development, is leading the industry towards a regenerative and equitable future. Trish Matthews, Principal at Matthews Design Group: MBA-HR LEED/ WELL AP/ FitWel/ RESET. Matthews Design Group Inc. is a niche firm focused on Human-Centered Sustainable Design. MDG advises developers/ building projects on healthy building certifications and rating systems, sourcing and securing green initiatives and grants.   We believe that buildings are the first line of defense against illness, both mental and physical. Our approach is focused exclusively on the ways that buildings, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices, and enhance, rather than compromise, occupant health, and wellness.   We support our clients by implementing standards or certifications that put health first in the built environment.   MDG is proud to be part of the global movement to transform our buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive. We believe in People above all.   Show Highlights   Green financing tools to promote sustainable practices and funding opportunities in the industry.  Community

      Simon Buckmasteris the Technical & Sales Services Manager for James Hardie UK, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibregypsum building solutions. Simon has worked for James Hardie for over 10 years in a number of technical and operational roles, and is currently responsible for the UK Technical, Customer Support and office team. He’s looking forward to being part of the Hardie® Plank Challenge to raise awareness around the Hardie® VL Plank range, in collaboration with a number of builders’ merchants across the UK. The challenge runs until November this year when the ‘fastest fixer’ will be announced. In his spare time Simon is a Governor for St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School and enjoys taking part in triathlons across the country. Show Highlights   Focus on reducing waste and improving efficiency in construction processes. Reducing waste in production and installation processes. Discussion on the impact of programs like LEED and BREEAM on the materials industry. Shift from cost-focused to sustainability-focused construction practices. Reach of James Hardie in Europe, covering multiple countries. Development of sustainable and long-lasting products  Focusing on fiber gypsum  Fiber cement cladding products. Development of new products and ensuring they meet regulations. Embrace new technologies and be bold and progressive. Importance of mentorship and continuous learning within the industry. Innovations in sustainable products “The main thing is just to embrace anything new. Don't get too wrapped up in the traditional side of it. We're really big in developing, redesigning and pushing the boundaries. We have a saying here which is to be bold and progressive. And I think that fits really well into the construction industry. The only way for somebody that's new in the industry to develop and grow would be to embrace the new things coming through the systems or new developments within the construction industry.” -Simon Buckmaster      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

  Allison Hudock has over 23 years of professional experience while working for 3 highly respected, fast-paced, environmental consulting firms. Allison holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior from Rutgers University, in addition to her LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Living Future Accreditation, Fitwel Ambassador credentials. Allison has been a freelance contributor for GBES for several years, and puts her passion for sustainability and wellness to use in creating best-in-class continuing education content for GBES customers holding LEED, WELL and SITES credentials.  Allison entered the sustainability space as a mid-career pivot. Her experience includes reviewing project documents and drawings, updating LEED and WELL project scorecards and credit trackers, attending internal and external meetings and project charrettes, and preparing project exhibits. She enjoys providing support on LEED and WELL projects that encourage healthy behavior and include healthy and/or lower carbon materials.  Allison aspires to provide project support on projects that support communities and Living Building Challenge projects. Allison is a member of Mindful Materials and the International Living Future Institute.  Show Highlights   The challenges of finding mentors in sustainability and tips on how to find your own path.  Trends for LEED v.5 and its new focus on recognizing resilience (resilience is not the same as sustainability) and equity. WELL projects and the importance of biophilic design and adaptive reuse. Mentions the influence of the TV show 'Greensburg' and Leonardo DiCaprio on her career path. Discusses the importance of continuous learning, webinars and online courses to prepare for the WELL AP and LEED exams. Allison’s passion for pets and the wellness movement. Why stack credentials such as LEED AP, Fitwel Ambassador, and WELL AP. GBES on continuing education content and her involvement with Mindful Materials. “LEED v5: I'm super excited about it. I am so happy they've incorporated resilience. It is not the same as sustainability, and very important, also the equity, inclusion, and also, for someone like me, who's very heavily interested in materials, the fact that they have reorganized the materials category on the scorecard. I think is going to be very helpful going forward.” -Allison Hudock    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